Bank account opening

Try selecting this Google search, it shows all the banks in the area.

High street banks are fast becoming a dying breed in the UK, with internet banking becoming more and more common.  Personally, I bank with the Nationwide Building society and also HSBC.  I've never had a bad issue with either bank.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team

@FrenchBen87 All the major banks are legally required to offer a "basic bank account", which would probably do what you need. Such an account does not allow you to borrow money, and is free.

Some banks will offer a full bank account to someone in your position, but it comes with rather hefty fees. HSBC will even open an account for you before you arrive, but you have to pay in advance for this and it is not cheap. Santander also offer a full bank account, but the monthly fee is really too much.

Once you have been living and working in the UK for six months, opening a full bank account without paying any fees should be easy for you. I am reasonably happy with Nationwide.