Paying American Debts from the UK

Has anyone tried online banks?

I use an online bank and it hasn't actually helped. 

I finally opened a Wells Fargo account. So now I'm paying them £5 a month (I know it's next to nothing, but it's the PRINCIPLE of the whole thing) for an account I don't want and shouldn't need.

I was on the phone with AES on Friday and they didn't even WANT to help me. And they don't have a complaints system or an ombudsman and the woman wouldn't transfer me to someone higher up - just put me on hold and "checked with a colleague" only to come back with "that's just our policy" ad nauseum. Oh, but they did offer up that they have a place on their website to send in "suggestions".   

I had smoke coming out of my ears when I finally gave up and hung up.

I feel your pain!

the only way i could make it work was to keep an account in the US (Wachovia) and either pay on line with that account, send check (takes forever...add late fees) or pay over the phone.

then, occasionally send a UK check to the US bank and pay the fee for the transfer,,,,aghh

but, half the people in the US aren't sure what langauge we speak here, and half the people here think we still carry guns around on our hips in the States...(i'm from Texas

tom

Paying debt and transferring money to a US account is a total pain.  HSBC claims to have some type of international account but they make it impossible to open an account in the UK.     Barclays has been brilliant and they have even allowed a Yank to establish credit with them. 
It helps to have family in the US and UK that will allow you to have mail sent to them.

 I don't understand why a company like Capital One will not let you transfer your debt from a US card to a UK card.  I guess this type of thing would be much to 21st century for them.  On the other hand its nice to know that your debt can't follow you across international borders.

  On the other hand its nice to know that your debt can't follow you across international borders.

maybe it can't but you can bet your ass it'll be there waiting for you if you ever do move back. never say never.

Am I the only one that's heard that leaving a certain amount of debt, with no intention of paying is a felony?

ETA: I used paypal to transfer money from my UK bank account to my US bank account.  We just got a loan in the UK to pay off my US debt, because the exchange rate was so good.

ETA: I used paypal to transfer money from my UK bank account to my US bank account.  We just got a loan in the UK to pay off my US debt, because the exchange rate was so good.

We're planning on doing that as well since my husband qualifies for an extremely low interest staff loan at the bank he works for. One lump sum, done and dusted, and it takes advantage of the exchange rate. Since most of my credit card debt is LDR travel debt, I don't mind my husband pitching in at all. 

maybe it can't but you can bet your ass it'll be there waiting for you if you ever do move back. never say never.

I totally agree.  I have always believed you leave exceptional credit behind you.  I would never recommend leaving debt that you don't plan on paying.  Elizabeth mentioned taking a loan on foreign debt.  Great idea.  I would personally ask my accountant about doing this first considering the US might consider the money going in taxable.  It just depends on how much money has been transfered.  You don't want to end up like Lord Conrad Black! 

I would also recommend being a little more careful about what you disclose about finances anywhere online.  Just a suggestion.