HSBC asked for US address

I just opened up a current account with HSBC (I already have one with  Abbey), and in checking my ID, as I haven't lived in the UK for 3 years yet, they asked for my last address in the US and were able to input it in their system.

Wonder if this means they try to check credit/criminal record info in the US.

Hi Sweetpeach

Certainly is possible I guess. I'm also thinking that as HSBC are represented in the US they're checking their records there to see if you were a part of them or any associated banks etc etc.

It could also be as 'simple' as them just making a record of your previous address on the application form and that's it. If something comes up which means they have to 'check your last US address' then they at least have details from which to make enquiries with people like Experian and equifax as I 'think' those two have USA offices/representation.

Maybe if you could ask them how they could use your US address - maybe it'll shed more light on any new developments on credit history, validity checking etc etc.

Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!

They asked me for it too. They need it to keep in contact with you in case you disappear from the UK or move back to the US. I was a student at the time, so they wanted an address for when I left the UK (except I never left and married my british guy). I think they keep it for records, nothing to investigate unless maybe they think you're doing some money laundering or something 

I'm not worried, as I've got much better credit in the US than I do in the UK. I just thought it was interesting, considering the concerns people have about credit not following them.

It would be interesting if they tried to contact me at my last address, as I lived alone so whoever is living there  now would be a complete stranger who would have no idea who I am.

they asked me for it as well...but they wanted a letter with the address on it, not just my word.
I told them that I havent lived at that address in years so it would be impossible to have letters still. They still wanted one
I mentioned that when I did live in the US, I worked for HSBC and they confirmed it on their system that I was an employee but still wouldnt gimme a bank account

Interesting...my DH recently opened an account with HSBC - he didn't have much in the way of ID (according to their list of acceptable forms) but took every piece of paper he had with our address on it.  He got his acount details that day, his card and pin came around 5/6 days later.

They've now written to him again asking him for ID that he simply doesn't have??? But at no point have they asked him for any US address details...is that the next hurdle for him I wonder?

My letting agency and bank asked me for my previous address in the US when I hadn't been here long enough.  I think the credit card company did as well when I applied for a card.

Personally, I think it's just an address history thing.  I really doubt they are going to be checking your US credit.  While it is possible & they could conceivably do it using an address, US credit reports are usually pulled using your (US) social security number & the UK system just isn't set up for that.

I just found it slightly odd as I have 2 bank accounts with Abbey and they have never requested any addresses outside the UK.

wow that is strange, all I needed to open my HSBC account was a job offer letter from my employer.  I didn't have any bills in my name or an NIN number yet. 

When we went for our mortgage with HSBC (DH works for them) they needed my US address to verify previous address & I don't know if they looked into my credit history, but I think they tried on my medical history...     I know we were going through hoops to prove I lived at our address until they did a home visit to prove our address.  Who knows?   

When Mr. Moggs and I went to Halifax the other day, they asked for my addresses for the past 5 years (not specifically US).  I really hope I don't ever get into a situation, especially years down the road, where I have to provide a piece of mail from the US.  I don't know if I saved any.

Weird thing happened. After opening my HSBC account 1 1/2 weeks ago, I just received a letter saying that because of money laundering rules, the proof of address I had given at the branch (electric bill and water bill) were unacceptable because they weren't recent enough. A list of acceptable documentation (with acceptable time periods) was attached, and the bills I provided when I opened the account were within the acceptable range.

I don't understand how they can tell you your account wasn't approved after you've already opened it?

I'll have to go to the branch and sort it out this weekend. (I was wondering if this has to do with my not being on the electoral role, so I've brought the letter from Experian noting that the reason I'm not on the electoral role is that I can't vote.)

That's really weird.     I know we had a heck of a time trying to get me added onto DH's accounts (and he works for the bank & they knew me...), but for legalities they had to have certain proofs of identity & everything I had didn't qualify...     Silly banks over here.

When opening an HSBC passport account, I was asked to show documentation that proved my address in the US.  I had to go through hoops to get my uni to give me a new letter stating my US address -- due to the fact that right after I moved to the UK, my mom moved house in the US, and I had no proof that she had moved.  So silly.