Banks

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Member since 22 June 2011

KristofBEMember27 June 2011 19:33:42

Hi,

I will be moving from Belgium to the UK in August. I've read that it's not so straightforward to open a bank account and it could take up to a month.

Can anyone advice me good banks where the process is fast?

Thank you very much

Longonot62 Kenya Expat Advisor

Member since 05 March 2010

Longonot62Kenya Expat Advisor23 July 2011 08:22:51

1494

Hi,

As far as I know, they all use a similar process, which involved credit checks. This is the tricky part if you have no UK credit history. UK banks are cautious in their approach to new customers. You may not get full facilities, such as a debit card for a few months, until you have built up a credit history. The bank would usually like to see a UK utility bill (gas, electricity, Council Tax), to prove that you are resident. A letter from an employer is useful.

The best option is to look for a bank in Belgium, with UK branches, or vice versa and open an account with them, in Belgium. The account should be transferrable to the UK, when you move.

Good luck.

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