What do I do with all of my $$$ ?

It's also nice to have that US account so you can keep US iTunes accounts, buy goods on US web sites, etc.

If you have that much money in your account, why don't you just pay off the credit card?

That's a great tip! I know I intend on keeping my account for a period of time once I make the BIG move to the UK! 

I think I'll keep mine for LIFE..even if there's only $10 in it. Don't want to burn any bridges!

Careful about "ditching" your debts, though temping. Your student loans can't be written off under the new bankruptcy rules.

We wanted to keep our US bank account open when we move to Newcastle, however both Wells Fargo and Bank of America told us we can't have an overseas address as the primary address for the account (they quoted me a list of federal banking regulations having to do with anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering).

I could change the address to one of my relatives who still live here, but there are family issues that don't make that a good option. So we're going to have to close down our account fully before we move (and wire the balance over beforehand).

That's funny -- my credit union had no problems at all with sending stuff to me in the UK. It's a CU associated with a corporation I worked for and an account is for life. I was told many retirees lived abroad.

My US bank had no problems with that either.

However, after holding the account for eight years after moving to the UK "just in case" and not using it once, I finally closed it last month.

We wanted to keep our US bank account open when we move to Newcastle, however both Wells Fargo and Bank of America told us we can't have an overseas address as the primary address for the account (they quoted me a list of federal banking regulations having to do with anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering).

I could change the address to one of my relatives who still live here, but there are family issues that don't make that a good option. So we're going to have to close down our account fully before we move (and wire the balance over beforehand).

Weird I have Bank of America and have had since it was Bay Bank back in Massachusetts. I have kept it open even tho i have been here for over 12 years now. I have my UK address as my primarty one and they have never had a problem with it.  I'd go in and speak to someone personally inside your branch before you close it out.

I have Chase and Wellsfargo and both send statements here until I went to paperless. I did have to call to give the new address and you cant do it online.
I wold try again.

I keep my US accounts because 1. I am paid in $ 2. I buy gifts/cards ect for people there and its cheaper then buying and shipping form here 3. We will always visit the states.