British bank accounts and banking services
UK banking services, bank and savings accounts, with Barclays Wealth International
British banking dates back to the end of the 17th century, with the formation of the Bank of England in 1694. Before then, people would leave cash deposits with goldsmiths because of their reputation for security.
When you bank with Barclays Wealth International you are banking with a part of the Barclays Group - one of a group of long-established British banks with histories dating back to the late 1690s in London.
Over the past two decades, Barclays Wealth International has also been providing both UK-based and overseas accounts that offer specialised services for people with more complex needs.
For example, you can open an account that is based overseas, which could help you to make your tax planning more effective. We also offer a Relationship Manager service and in-depth wealth management facilities for people who qualify.
Whichever service you choose, you will have the reassurance of banking with one of Britain's most established financial institutions that offers internationally based accounts.
Apply now to open a bank account with Barclays Wealth International.
You can also call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986†, or use our call back service.
British banking security
Barclays Bank plc is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. For deposits made in branches in the UK, payments under the scheme cover 100% of the first £50,000 of a depositor's total deposits with the bank. Most depositors, including individuals and small firms, are covered.
The UK is considered to be one of the world's most stable political and economic territories, and the UK government has consistently protected customers' interests.
When you bank with Barclays Wealth International, you have the reassurance of dealing with of one of the world's largest banking organisations in one of the world's safest banking environments.
Bank of England rates
The Bank of England's purpose is to promote monetary stability, so as to maintain confidence in sterling. It also has to guard financial stability, by detecting and preventing threats to the financial system as a whole, and becoming the 'lender of last resort' in times of financial crisis.
Following its independence in 1997, it is tasked with setting the base rate, the UK's official interest rate. The bank adjusts the rate to ensure inflation meets the Government's stated target range.
The base rate is set at a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England held on the first Thursday of each month.
How British banks operate
While the base rate of the Bank of England sets the general interest rate level, other factors come into play when you are looking for a loan or mortgage.
The most direct influence on the rates a bank can offer for loans and mortgages is the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor). This is the rate banks can borrow funds from each other on the London wholesale money market. The BBA Libor rate, set by the British Bank Association, is the most widely used benchmark for short-term interest rates.
British online banking
Banking was one of the first activities to go online, which is unusual for a sector that is often thought of as staid and conservative. But banking has been among the leaders of the online revolution and Barclays has been at the head of the pack.
Now you can use an online bank that is designed to serve your needs wherever you are in the world. Barclays Wealth International offers a wide range of online services both for your everyday banking needs and for vital transactions such as money transfers. Whether your needs are local or international, an account with Barclays Wealth International offers you unprecedented online banking facilities.
Apply now for a bank account with Barclays Wealth International before you start living and working in the UK.
You can also call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986†, or use our call back service.
You have sole responsibility for the management of your tax and legal affairs, including making any applicable filings and payments and complying with any applicable laws and regulations. We have not provided and will not provide you with tax or legal advice and recommend that you obtain your own independent tax and legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
† Lines are open 7am to 8pm weekdays and 8am to 5pm weekends and UK bank holidays, local time. Call charges may vary. Please check with your local telecoms provider. Calls may be recorded for training and security purposes.
The products and services described on this page are provided by the following companies, which are part of Barclays Wealth: Barclays Bank PLC in England and Wales, Barclays Private Clients International (Gibraltar) Limited in Gibraltar and Barclays Private Clients International Limited in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. For further information on these companies and Barclays Wealth please read the Important Information.
Products and services on this site may not be available in certain jurisdictions. In particular, these products and services are not being offered in Japan or the United States or to US residents. For full details of exclusions and disclaimers please see the Important Information before proceeding. Each Barclays Wealth company reserves the right to make a final determination on whether or not you are eligible for any particular product or service.
