Bank account

Hello! I am planning on moving to the U.K. very soon (as soon as I receive my spouse visa) and am wondering where I should open a bank account when I get there. We've had a lot of trouble with NatWest and paper statements this year so with FLR in mind, what would be a good bank to go with? My only real requirement is a place that offers paper statements, other than that and decent customer service, I don't really mind.

Also, have most of you closed your US bank accounts or left them open?

Thanks very much! Looking forward to joining you all in the UK shortly! x

Any bank should be able to provide paper statements.  I think online accounts are the only ones who get tricky.

Honestly, open a bank account where it's convenient and whoever lets you.  It's not an easy task for an immigrant!  Though as you have a partner, it may be a bit easier than when moving to the UK by yourself.

I still have a US account.  Try to make sure it's free (most are only free if you receive a direct deposit).  It comes in handy frequently.

Also, have most of you closed your US bank accounts or left them open?

We consolidated everything into a single credit union account. I've never had a credit union charge me for an account, even without direct deposits. YMMV.

Before you leave take a fist full of deposit slips, so if you ever get a US$ check you can mail it to your credit union.

As mentioned above all banks will provide paper statements if required.

I have kept my US bank account, but I do have my monthly pension payments going in.

For several years now I've deposited paper checks in the US using mobile deposit with the online banking app which just includes taking photos front and back of the check.

I bank with NatWest here in the UK and have had no trouble getting paper statements from them.  I just explained the situation and they were more than happy to have them sent to my address quarterly (and print them out at the bank if needed before they arrived in the post).  Just find a bank with whom you are comfortable.

I also still maintain my bank account in the US which is handy both for paying off my US credit card and student loan, as well holding our vacation cash when we visit the US.

For several years now I've deposited paper checks in the US using mobile deposit with the online banking app which just includes taking photos front and back of the check.

I just checked and my credit union has this. Cool! Not sure how that passed me by. 

I just checked and my credit union has this. Cool! Not sure how that passed me by. 

Excellent, it really is a nice feature.  There have been several occasions where my son has been picking up my mail and seen paper checks. He just takes a photo front and back and emails the photos to me where I print them out, sign the back and use the mobile checking app to deposit it.  Works great.

Hey!
We have NatWest, and the husband has had the account since before I met him.

He didn't have his statements posted to him and he had to go to his branch to have them printed... And they did it then and there for him.

I also kept my US account, for paying US bills and for visits.