Getting bank account in London?

[Herron]

I am an American planning on moving to London for work - I'm wondering if I will need to get a British bank account - if so, how easy/difficult is it and what are the pros/cons? thanks!

[stevie21]

With my bank you need to be a UK resident (possibly for 12 months although I could check this out to be more certain) with a permanent address and 2 forms of ID. Some employers could pay you by cheque but having a bank account would circumvent lots of silly problems so any cons would (in my mind) be far outweighed by the pros.

[khana]

Because of the problems you may experience, why not see if your US Bank has a branch in the UK. Failing that, I would recommed an offshore Bank account, say in Jersey as you could then open it up while still in America (while proof of ID and verification of your US address would suffice) and also arrange it all be mail. Working for an Offshore Bank as I do, this would be my recommended course of action.

[Pinotage]

First action should be to check with your employer to see what they can do to help. You don't say if your keeping the same job - i.e. with a US firm or moving to be employed by a UK firm. If its a UK firm they will pay your salary into a UK bank, so you need to have an account. If its a US firm, then, depending how long you are in UK and what you want to do affects whether you need an account.

You can get cash from ATM, pay for most things with credit card and if you need to pay utility bills pay at post office with cash, or buy a postal order (like pre-paid cheque).

Because of anti money-laundering laws its now onerous to open a bank account here; but as I say, you employer may be able to help.

[David Black]

You should try Citibank they are likely to be helpful. There are plenty of branches in central London. You will need two IDs: one a utility bill which proves where you live and the second a passport that proves who you are. It should not be too difficult. Citibank have an account that allows you to switch between � and $ really easily and cheaply. Good luck