Opening a UK HSBC account from the US~Could it be true?

YOU ROCK!  But I dont have $100,000!!!  So, Ill drive over to the branch here in SF on Tuesday and open an account.  Thank you SOOOOOO much for all the info here.  Much appreciated.  I dont have a job in the UK, but do have an address.  Ill report back here after I get the account. 

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!  Sunny here in the city today!  Back to packing!

I don't have 100K to put in one bank either, and I doubt that most people do. But I am selling a house so I will be able to deposit a hefty chunk of change into that account temporarily and if I have to shell out $50 for a couple of months to get my credit started in the UK, I think it's worth it. I'm pretty good at reading between the lines, and I told Norman I didn't have that much and he sort of talked around that fact and told me about the $50 fee and 6 month thing. I could be wrong, but it certainly can't hurt to try. 


Hope your experience goes well too!

This is the first UK account Norman has set up

This would worry me.
Hopefully it will all go smoothly, though... let us know when it's DEFINITELY set up and you've got cards, chequebook and are ready for action!
(sorry for being such a doubting thomasina... i really do hope it works!!)

LOL! I am less skeptical today than I was before I went in, but I hear you about being a doubter. I will keep everyone posted on the progess and hopefully it will smooth the way for someone else!

hi all, I made it down to the branch here in SF.  The teller I spoke with called the international banking department and they told her you cannot open a UK acct until you have had your US acct for SIX months.  They didnt mention any premium account, but I didnt ask.  I figure Ill just deal with getting a current account in the UK when I get there.  Hubs is adding me to some utility bills now. 

Thanks again Courtney, for all the info and would love to hear how things go for you!!

Oh that's not cool.    

I spoke with Norman today, and he said my UK account is opened. They are requesting additional information though, and I won't feel like I have accomplished anything till I have an account # in my hands! They seem to be bothered by the fact that I have a PO box # and that my physical address does not exist in their database. (understandable) I live in the mountains and we don't have mail delievered to our homes, so we don't technically exist. <sigh> Not sure what I will have to do to assure them I am not a sham.


Could you try another branch? The Pasadena branch seems to really be trying to get this done for me.

Great thread!

I also opened an HSBC account a couple of months ago.  I asked about getting a UK account as well, and was told to wait until I have an address in the UK and then take my US statement into a local branch & I should have no problem opening an account.   I was sceptical at first, but hearing from you all has set my mind at ease.  Well, *somewhat* at ease--I still haven't sold my darn house!  Rrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Hopefully it will all go smoothly! I am using ex-hubbys address in the UK for now, and will change it as soon as I get established over there. Do you have a friend or relative that you trust to use their address? Good luck on your house sale!

I sent them a copy of my gas bill that shows my physical as well as mailing address. I am hoping that will be enough evidence that I exist. I also needed to submit a written statement explaining why I needed to open the account, what I would be using it for, how much I was going to be depositing, and where the funds from the initial deposit came from. I did not hear anything today, so perhaps it satisfied what they were after.

Hopefully it will all go smoothly! I am using ex-hubbys address in the UK for now, and will change it as soon as I get established over there. Do you have a friend or relative that you trust to use their address? Good luck on your house sale!

I sent them a copy of my gas bill that shows my physical as well as mailing address. I am hoping that will be enough evidence that I exist. I also needed to submit a written statement explaining why I needed to open the account, what I would be using it for, how much I was going to be depositing, and where the funds from the initial deposit came from. I did not hear anything today, so perhaps it satisfied what they were after.

Wow!  Do they want a urine specimen as well?   Proof that the funds are not coming from your highly lucrative basement crystal-meth lab business?    Pretty tough criteria! 
You know, I'm not worried *at all* about whatever I need to do to settle in once I'm in London.  Maybe the fact that I've still got unfinished business in New York is keeping me from worrying...
Hope it all works out!

Received an email from the guy I was working with at the Pasadena branch today and he confirmed that my UK account is now OPEN and even gave me the account #.   

They are sending the information packet to my address here, so if there is anything hinky when it arrives, I'll update.

One more step!!

Now back to my regularly scheduled moving hassles. I'm halfway between 2 places and it seems like everything I need is at the OTHER house! 

happy it worked out for you Courtney...one thing down, two hundred to go!!

Yea! One less worry!

Great news - BUT the bank accounts most Americans living in the UK should have should NOT be in the UK at all but in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.  You will then be in a position to save heaps of UK taxes so long as you are in the UK.  Promise!

Hi Guya~

Thanks for that info. Could you give us more information? Thanks!

As individuals domiciled outside of the UK income is only taxable if it arises in the UK and Republic of Ireland.  Therefore if, for example, interest income does not arise in the UK (but arises and is kept offshore) then the 40% tax that the UK wants to take from you can remain in your purse instead of the UK tax authorities...