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A non-resident bank account is an account you can open in a central location based in a country or territory you don't currently live in. These accounts are also referred to as Offshore Bank Accounts or Offshore Accounts. Some of the more well-known locations which offer this service include the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Singapore.
You can use this type of account to hold money and send and receive payments. You may also be able to set up savings and investment accounts in different currencies. Most non-resident bank accounts come with standard features such as mobile and online banking, and a debit card. Some have charges and fees, and you may need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Always check the terms and conditions.
A non-resident bank account can make it simpler to manage your finances whilst you are living and working outside your home country.
For example, if you were to move from your home in the UK to another country to live and work and you wanted to rent out your UK property whilst you were overseas you could consider opening a UK non-resident bank account to receive the rental income and to pay any commitments you may still have in the UK. This could make it easier to manage foreign exchange and you may be able to link the non-resident account to your local account.
Other reasons to open a non-resident bank account include:
living or planning to move to a new country or territory
regularly travelling between countries for business
owning assets (such as investments or property) overseas
supporting family members living or studying abroad financially
retiring abroad and receiving a pension in a different currency
In addition to providing you with a bank account in safe central location, a non-resident bank account offers a number of other benefits, these include:
convenient and secure payment services
no need to close and re-open your account if you move to another country
ability to manage foreign exchange in a convenient, simple way
getting access to international expertise and investment advice
potentially tax-efficient savings and investments (you'll need to declare any income or interest to the relevant tax authorities)
An HSBC Expat Account gives you control of your finances and flexibility when you're living or working abroad. Based in Jersey, Channel Islands – just a short flight from London, an expat account is available in pounds sterling, as well as euros and US dollars, with savings accounts available in many other currencies. You'll get a UK compatible sort code and account number, so it can integrate with the UK bank network, meaning you can set up Direct Debits and Standing orders for any regular commitments you may have in the UK.
Once you've opened a HSBC Expat bank account you can also open additional savings accounts in pound sterling and up to 18 other currencies, or apply for a sterling credit card. We even provide buy-to-let mortgages on UK property purchases.
You don't have to pay a monthly fee, or fees for making international transfers between eligible HSBC accounts.
Eligibility criteria applies.
If a non-resident bank account isn't right for you, you may want to look at alternatives.
If you do not qualify for an HSBC Expat account, but still need an account in another country you may be interested in HSBC International Services.
HSBC Expat is a participant in the Jersey Bank Depositors Compensation Scheme. The Scheme offers protection for eligible deposits of up to £50,000. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any 5 year period. Full details of the Scheme and banking groups covered are available on the States of Jersey website, or on request.
Mortgages subject to status. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
You should always think carefully before purchasing a buy-to-let property. The value of a property is a matter of opinion and not a matter of fact, not all properties will grow in value or provide sufficient income to cover all your associated costs. You will be responsible for your costs even if you do not have a tenant. Property can also be difficult to sell and you may not be able to sell quickly if you need to do so.
Credit cards are provided by HSBC Bank plc, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulatory Authority and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulatory Authority. HSBC Bank plc, Card Services, PO Box 6001, Coventry, CV3 9FP, United Kingdom. Credit is subject to status. All customers must be aged 18 or over.