top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

Which banks meets foreign account rule?

Out of the main four high street British banking groups only RBS and Barclays were able to confirm to Connexion that they will apply new rules allowing people resident in the rest of the EU to open a basic account with them.

Until now many UK banks have followed a policy of allowing expats to retain accounts they held before moving abroad, but have typically not allowed them, or other non-UK residents, to open new ones. That was meant to change by September 18 under the Payment Account Regulations 2015 which transpose into British law an EU regulation on payment accounts. This right applies to UK banks as the UK continues to be in the EU until a potential Brexit happens.

A spokeswoman for RBS, which includes Royal Bank of Scotland, NatWest and Ulster Bank, confirmed that someone, such as a British expat in France who does not have a UK address can now open an account. “For most applicants our basic Foundation account would be most suitable. They could apply in branch, over the phone or online and ID / proof of address could be provided by post or in branch.”

Barclays said that from September 18 expats can complete an online application and then post documents to confirm identity and address. HSBC and Lloyds did not respond to our request for information. 

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France