HSBC

DH has an account with HSBC in the UK and he thinks the easiest way for me to get a bank account in the UK would be to open an account here before I leave and then once I arrive in the UK, he believes it would be easy to open a UK based HSBC account.

Anyone had any experience with HSBC in the States and then opening an account in the UK?

TIA!

I had an HSBC account in the US and then came here and opened a UK one. But they didn't really care that I had one open in the US and I still had to apply like anyone else would. If you use their relocation service then I think it's easier but I'm pretty sure you have to pay for that service. If your husband doesn't mind you being on his account, all he has to do is go in the branch with you and let them know that you can be added on. Otherwise you can open a basic account when you first arrive with proof of your passport and tenancy agreement. That only gives you an atm card though and not a debit with a chip and pin that you can use in shops.

I came on a work permit in 2006. Since I had no spouse to piggyback on, I opened an account with HSBC in the US several months before I arrived. I don't remember what it was called, but it was some sort of international account that gave me a leg up in the UK. When I arrived here, I went to the local branch and everything went smoothly, including me being offered a UK credit card with essentially no UK credit history.

Things change in banking pretty quickly though so no guarantees that this would happen now. Do you have an HSBC branch close to you? If so I would pop in and talk to someone and see what they can offer you. Good luck. 

My DH banks with HSBC as well, so after I'd been here and needed an account for my wages when I started working, we went in and he was going to make one of his accounts a joint account for us, but they told us it was easier to just open a new account. It was no problem at all, and all I needed to bring was my ID (passport and marriage certificate, since I was now going by my married name) and proof of address (copy of our lease) quite easy, and I've been happy with them so far.

HSBC has what's called a "passport account". It's a UK bank account that you can open while you're still in the US. That's what we did in 2007.

They're not fancy accounts with a lot of features, but they did the trick.

I have a passport account that I opened with HSBC when I came over here the first time......that was 3 years ago.  I still have the account for my survivors benefits to go to over here from the US Government...I now have a joint account at the Co-Operative bank with my DH.  As soon as I can find the form to change banks I will as I think £8.00 a month for the passport is adding up and really not worth having 2 bank accounts.....I have never had a problem with HSBC.  Hope you fine what you a looking for!!!!!

I'll definitely pop into a branch near me and talk to a banker. I think the nearest one is about 35 minutes away. Not too shabby! Thanks for all your experiences. HSBC sounds like it might be the way to go.