Should I keep my US account open? What about my student loan?

I currently have an account with a US only bank...though I just found out I could use my check card at Barclays to get cash from my account if necessary when I move to the UK.

Do you think I should bother keeping my US account open? I'm not too familiar with transfering money between the US and UK via bank accounts, my H did it for me once and there was a crazy transfer fee involved...is there a way to avoid international transfer fees?

My family is giving me a substancial sum to take with me when I move (to cover me a bit until I get a job). Its too much to carry in cash, what would be the best way for me to carry it over with me?

Also forgot to add that I have to start paying off my student loan in October...does anyone know the best way to do this from the UK?

Personally, I kept my account as I have no monthly fees and I knew that I'd need it for some reason or another. I am VERY glad I decided to do this as it has been a godsend more than once. Check to see how your fees would work. I am sure you'll need it at some point or another.

As for student loans, I have Sallie Mae and I can pay mine online using my US bank account (see? told you it was handy) SM has a good online site that lets you do everything that way. I recommend transferring money using either paypal or some other method (bankers draft to the US, etc) and then pay that way. Some UK banks do transfers to US accounts but fees are high. You would need to ask in advance on that one

Thanks for the reply. I agree about the student loan thing, that's why I want to keep my US account open as well. I'm going to the bank this coming week to change my name on my account so I'll ask about the specifics then.

Be sure to check the policies with your US bank. We still had our account in Virginia and did not use for a while and they closed the account due to no activity and mailed us a check with the small balance we left in there.