France in Focus

A friend in Spain has been told by Barclays that they are closing her account. Has anyone been successful in opening a new account with a U.K. bank with a French address ?
I seem to recall that the Channel Islands might be the answer. Anybody tried this or alternatives?

I have used Nat West in Jersey since 1972. Touch wood, no complaints though I wish they hadnt been taken over by the rogue Scottish Bank years ago.

I've got this one bookmarked should I need a savings account - does your friend need a current account or a savings account.
https://www.skiptoninternational.com

Current account would suffice and thanks

I wish these damned blanks would get their act together - I have a Barclays current account (since 1968) and a Nationwide account (80s) and have a sheaaf of letters with my statements, saying successively: we're closing your account/no we're not/we're closing your account/no we're not....
OH has Barclays internet banking, I don't (not possible, you live foreign!)

rabbit wrote: ↑Wed Jun 01, 2022 11:01 am A friend in Spain has been told by Barclays that they are closing her account. Has anyone been successful in opening a new account with a U.K. bank with a French address ?
I seem to recall that the Channel Islands might be the answer. Anybody tried this or alternatives?

Do we know why the account is being closed?

Most likely reason is Brexit.

Pre-Brexit, banks could have offices anywhere in the EU . Post Brexit the banks have to have a registered office in each country in which they operate. In some cases the cost of this versus the number of customers make it not worthwhile. Lloyds for example have closed all Dutch accounts.

My OH has had an account for years with Santander in the uk she has never had any problem.
Last year all of her inheritance after her fathers death was handled by them, some to her children the main sent here to her French bank account. She always pays for grandchildens presents from them.

exile wrote: ↑Wed Jun 01, 2022 2:57 pm Most likely reason is Brexit.

Pre-Brexit, banks could have offices anywhere in the EU . Post Brexit the banks have to have a registered office in each country in which they operate. In some cases the cost of this versus the number of customers make it not worthwhile. Lloyds for example have closed all Dutch accounts.

I know that! Reason could be bad credit/overdrawn /non payment etc.

I apologise for not being able to read your mind and know what you already know.