International banking

[metagirl]

I'm an American living in London and need to open a checking account that pays in dollars - to keep the bill collectors from the States happy! Anyone know what is the best bank out there? Good rates, customer service, etc..etc..

Thanks in advance... 

[Fitzer]

Citibank do a sterling account that can have a dollar account alongside it, the dollar account pays no interest though. The cheques (checks) on the dollar account are cleared through New York and as such are handy for paying to people in the States. I've never had any problems with Citibank and their online services are very good, very few branches though.

[mongos bird]

Hi Metagirl,  First Direct are a telephone bank and part of the HSBC Group, one of the largest banks in the world.  They operate sterling cheque a/c's and also foreign currency a/c's.   Their customer service is second to none, they are accessible over the phone 24/7.  Poor soles even work Christmas Day!!!    You will always speak to a person, never an automated answering facility, you know the sort, 'press 1 for a balance, press 2 for mental meltdown...'.

I've banked with them since 1997 and have had not a single reason for complaint.

Give them a buzz on 0800 24 24 24 to make some enquiries or visit their website  www.firstdirect.com

Hope you find them as fab as I do!