Bank accounts in the UK

When phoning my bank in the UK about a different matter, the advisor mentioned that if you are resident in another country you cannot have a savings account in the UK. I said, that's funny, I've been here 12 years with the full knowledge of the bank, with current and savings accounts;I have also been allowed to open a different account with the bank as advised by them.How could I have  done this if the bank does not allow it. I know you can keep an ISA but not put any more money in when no longer a UK resident.

Thousands of Ex pats must have savings in UK, Indeed they were enterd on the 720 assets form(if law abiding ex pats!)

Some apparently do not inform the bank of their move to Spain, have statements delivered to relatives and sent on out here.

What have others experienced with their banks in regard to savings in the UK?

This message was last edited by camposol on 20/08/2013.

I had 3 flex accounts plus a saving account with Nationwide when I came to Spain 25 years ago.  

About 10 years ago I needed a credit card.   I was told as I lived o/s UK, although I could keep my existing accounts, I could not open any new ones.  A couple of emails to CEO and I got my credit card account

About two years ago NW withdrew one of my 3 debit cards and gave me a Cash card. Useless as I live in Spain. A couple of weeks ago they spontaneously cancelled the cash card and I now have a new Debit Card, so back to 3 debits and one Credit card.

All my accounts, except one, have my Spanish address.  However, I had one card with an UK address,  as it was convenient if I wanted something delivered in the UK (some suppliers will only do that if the account address is also in UK).     I was told that was not possible, but after a chat on the phone, I now have one card with the UK address as the registered address.

I have been here for 17 years fulltime, and have held  LTSB current and savings accounts in both my own and my wife's names throughout. There has never been any question as to validity. I have always held the view, however, that on leaving UK one should maintain at least one pre-existing UK bank account to avoid any potential difficulty with opening new ones from a non UK address

I have had difficulties with Nationwide. A bit bloodyminded in my view.

Opening a new account (for sure if you do not already have one with them) with Nationwide would seem to not possible unless you live (not just an address) in UK.   This is the relevant page form the online application.

There is no provision for an overseas address  unless it is BFPO. 

The residential Status mean owner/sharing/rent etc.

We had no problems of informing Nationwide and Norwich & Peterborough BS of our change of address to Spain. I suspect there would be problems opening new accounts though as suggested previously i.e you have to be a UK resident.

It's been really useful keeping the N&P Gold a/c as we get commission free withdrawals from cah machines in Spain at the proper interbank rate of exchange.