Moving Abroad2 min check

Expat Banking Checklist

Set up the right combination of UK, local and multi-currency accounts before you go.

Short answer

Once you become non-UK resident, most UK high-street banks will close your accounts (Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, Halifax all do this). Survivors: HSBC Expat (Jersey), Lloyds International, Santander International, Barclays International (£100k min), plus app-based options like Wise, Revolut, Starling (UK address required). Open the new account before leaving the UK.

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How it works

The checker takes your destination, residency status and balance level and matches you against banks that accept non-residents from your country. Some banks restrict by destination (US persons face FATCA); others by minimum balance (£25k–£100k).

Worked example

Moving to Spain with £40k savings: HSBC Expat opens easily online, holds GBP/EUR/USD, costs nothing if balance £50k+. Pair with Wise multi-currency for daily spending. Keep one UK fintech (Revolut Standard) for UK direct debits.

Who should use this

•Anyone leaving the UK for 12+ months
•UK pensioners retiring abroad
•Digital nomads needing GBP banking
•Returning expats needing UK accounts

Common mistakes

×Lying to your UK bank about address — closure + asset freeze risk
×Closing UK accounts too early — keep one for pension/tax purposes
×Choosing banks that don't serve US persons if you have any US ties
×Forgetting to update HMRC and the DWP with the new address

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my UK ISA?▾

Yes, but you can't pay into it once non-resident. Stocks & shares ISAs are kept; cash ISAs may be closed by some providers.

What about Premium Bonds?▾

NS&I lets non-residents hold (but not buy more) Premium Bonds. Prizes paid into a UK bank.

Best for digital nomads?▾

Wise + Revolut + a UK address-friendly bank like Starling (uses correspondence address).

Related calculators

Currency Transfer Calculator →Tax Residency Checker →Moving Abroad Cost Calculator →Cost of Living Comparison →