US Banks - suggestions

So what banks do you use when you live in the UK.

It seems Chase is now going to charge me $5 non-atm fee as well as the 3% rate adjustment - grrrrrrrr
They JUST changed this so paying almost 10 bucks to take out money isn't going to work.
(Yes I can use paypal and normally do but want something simple)

So what bank do you use?
No monthly fees?
Use of debit card internationally
Fees?

Not the one I'm currently using!
I'm curious in the answer to this question myself. 

I don't entirely know about using my debit card here for purchases because I never have, but I have Bank of America and it's free to take out money from an ATM as long as it's a Barclays ATM.

When I had my BoA debit card as my Skype payment, there was a small percentage that they would take as a fee (since Skype is not a US company), so I would imagine it applies to when you actually physically use the card in a shop for a purchase.

Sorry that's so vague and not totally helpful. I am not as informed on my own bank account as I probably should be!   

I love my local (NC) credit union. They charge 1% for me to withdraw money via ATM abroad, aren't fazed by my having an international address and needing to do things remotely, and no fees for the account. That said, I do 99% of my money moving via XE, so I don't need to use them for much internationally (in the US my rental income and mortgage go through the account, but that all stays in the US).

Have a look into a bank account at USAA. They aren't just for military members anymore and they're used to dealing with international members.

I have BoA. I can't really say they're NOT evil, because I'm sure they are, but I have a free checking account and they ave free withdrawals at Barclay's. I also have an account at ING, which I've been fairly happy with. They're online-only, which is fine for you since you wouldn't use a branch, anyway. They do charge a small percentage (1 or 2%) on ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases overseas but they don't charge a fee for using any other bank's ATM. So it's not terrible.

(Oh, and if you do decide to go with ING, let me know and I'll refer you, which means you get $25 for opening the account and I get $10 for referring you).

I had (and still have) a Credit Union account in the US. I was never charged any exchange fees or ATM fees until the last year I was in the UK and even then it was only $1/mo for using my card in an ATM abroad. Something to consider if you still have any ties to the US.

Slight wrench... I need work to be able to deposit to my account. So thats a factor for me. I use my US debit card all the time since I am paid in US dollars. Blah

Just a suggestion and you mentioned it before - using Paypal to transfer your salary to your UK account monthly.  This would probably be cheaper for you AND it will help you build UK credit with your UK bank. If they see money coming in on a regular basis, they will be much more likely to lend to you in the future if you ever think you may need a loan or credit card.

I'm part of the BofA crew, and haven't had problems withdrawing money from Barclays cashpoints.  I've not used my debit card for anything else though... To avoid foreign transaction fees, I've just used a US-based CapitalOne credit card, and then used my BofA account to pay it off.

But mostly I've transitioned to earning money in £'s, and will soon enough start transferring it in the reverse (to $'s) to pay off loans

Slight wrench... I need work to be able to deposit to my account. So thats a factor for me. I use my US debit card all the time since I am paid in US dollars. Blah

They should be able to deposit money into any US checking account, so the specific bank shouldn't matter. Unless they physically deposit into your account, not direct deposit?

I'm part of the BofA crew, and haven't had problems withdrawing money from Barclays cashpoints.  I've not used my debit card for anything else though... To avoid foreign transaction fees, I've just used a US-based CapitalOne credit card, and then used my BofA account to pay it off.

The Capital One credit card to avoid fees is a good idea as well. There are actually a number of credit cards besides Cap One that have recently introduced no international transaction fees. There's at least a couple from Chase, for example. Most of them are targeted towards frequent travelers.

Just a suggestion and you mentioned it before - using Paypal to transfer your salary to your UK account monthly.  This would probably be cheaper for you AND it will help you build UK credit with your UK bank. If they see money coming in on a regular basis, they will be much more likely to lend to you in the future if you ever think you may need a loan or credit card.

I've been wanting to set this up, but I'm a little unsure how to do it. Do I need a separate UK paypal account (and email) associated with my UK bank account? And then basically, I just act as if we are two separate people? Does that make sense? Or can I connect my UK account to my US paypal and transfer between them? I'd like to start putting more money (I have 20£ in there now) into my UK account in anticipation for the summer/move.

I've been wanting to set this up, but I'm a little unsure how to do it. Do I need a separate UK paypal account (and email) associated with my UK bank account? And then basically, I just act as if we are two separate people?

That's what I have. Two bank accounts, two e-mail addresses, and two PayPal accounts. Other than the bank accounts, it was pretty easy to setup.

Thanks for the suggestions - USAA is top of my list.

My renter deposits cash into my bank account and my employer has Chase so its auto bill pay into my account.  I fear if I change banks and she e pays me I will get mailed some check - BLAH.

I have 2 UK credit cards so credit isnt a problem for me ATM.
I have started to bring more over via paypal b/c its easier

gotta - here is the directions I gave someone years ago for UK paypal to US
SPP to UKPP.  Yes I have 2 email addresses - 1 is my maiden email in the states and 2 is my married email here ;-)

USPP (US paypal) So you have money in the states you want to the UK.
1. log in
2. sends funds and put your UK email address for your UK log in
done on that side
UKPP (UK paypal)
1. log in
2. see your funds and Withdrawl to you associated bank account

It works both ways ;-)
sending is FAST withdrawling to your account can take up to 7 days but very CHEAP

Have a look into a bank account at USAA. They aren't just for military members anymore and they're used to dealing with international members.

Another vote for USAA.  I've been with them for years, and they're outstanding.