HSBC Passport Account

I just looked online and see that HSBC does have this "Passport" bank account plan that is for people moving or recently moved to the UK.  To qualify, you must have the intention to move to the UK within 3 months or have been in the UK for no more than 4 months.  So it seems you can get account there ahead of time.

The Passport thing has some other benefits some that I don't care about and some that are useful (e.g., reduced international transfer fees) and there is a subsription fee of 50 pounds as a one-off or 5 pounds per month.

Personally, I think it would be worth 50 pounds to have a UK bank account all set up before the move.

Do any other banks have something like this?

Oh, here's a link to the HSBC Passport site.

I learned that the account does not include a chequebook, though.  Isn't that a bit inconvenient?  Is it possible to pay for everything electronically there?  I can imagine phone, internet, gas, etc. wouldn't be a problem.  But what about Council Tax?  Rent?

you can pay your council tax by direct debit, just like your other bills.
rent... that will depend on the landlord's preference, but shouldnt be a problem to set up a standing order to the landlord.

the only monthly check I write is to the veggie box scheme.  everything else, mortgage, council tax, etc is by direct debit or standing order. 

It looks like the lack of a chequebook is not a problem then.

I found out that the Passport account is for one year; at the end of that period, the account will become one of their normal accounts.   You can choose which kind of account you want to transition to.

I saw something in their terms and conditions that made it sound as if even if you start the account online you will have to go into a branch in person to take care of some stuff once you are in the UK.  I sent an e-mail to clarify whether or not the account will be active if you start it online from the US or whether it won't be completely active until you visit a branch and do whatever it is they want you to do.  But the response I got was that they can't answer questions about Passport through e-mail and I would have to call their International Customer Service number.  I can't do that as I have only a cell phone without international dialing.

If anyone ends up getting this account or learns anything about it, it would be great if they could post further information.

It would make sense that the account you open online is only "provisional" until you provide them with some docs once you get to the UK...it's to prevent money laundering and stuff, no doubt.  HSBC's international student account works the same way.

I have the HSBC Plus Account and was able to open it on the spot when I arrived in the UK. It costs 12.95 a month but it includes travel insurance and other benefits.

We opened a free account with HSBC from the US, not premier and not passport.  Just a plain old current account.  Let me find the thread...here it is.  http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=22255.0