Foreign bank accounts
International banking and foreign currency transactions with Barclays Wealth
Your local banking needs may be served adequately by a current provider, but just how well are they able to handle your growing wealth and international requirements?
The answer for you may be to look at foreign banking providers such as Barclays Wealth International, who provide services that work locally and internationally.
Providing the security of being part of one of the largest banking organisations in the world, we offer services that can cater for your needs wherever you are. For instance, having an overseas bank account with us may make such things as property purchase in another country easier.
We also offer a range of account services designed to fit around your requirements. So, as well as branch and face-to-face banking, we provide online and telephone banking to ensure all your day-to-day banking needs can be taken care of at times that suit you.
With our online international banking, it's easy to make transfers of different currencies, up to a maximum of £50,000 (or currency equivalent). And by choosing to make your international payments online, rather than by letter, fax or face-to-face, you will get to enjoy discounted tariffs.
Accounts can be located in London or one of our offshore centres, providing the choice that your individual circumstances demand. Accounts can be in sterling, euros or US dollars, and we provide a full range of foreign currency transaction services.
Barclays Wealth International also offers investment management options to grow your wealth, while our trust and wills services can be used to protect it for both you and your family in your lifetime and beyond.
You can also call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986†, or use our call back service.
Advantages of foreign banking
Our banking services provide a secure haven for your money wherever you decide to locate your account.
Aside from security we also offer flexibility, so your account can be held in a range of currencies, And we provide secure electronic international payment services that ensure prompt delivery and receipt of transactions.
As well as using the latest security technology to handle your electronic transactions, we provide you with a unique membership number and pass code so you can access your account balance at any time.
We also offer a reduction on our standard international payments tariff for money transferred online for transactions of up to £50,000 or local currency equivalent.
Foreign bank branches
Our UK branch is based in Knightsbridge at the heart of London's West End, but within easy reach of London's main airports.
We have 12 offices based around the world including offshore locations such as the Isle of Man, Jersey and Gibraltar.
Face-to-face meetings can be arranged at any of our offices, but our accounts are also designed to operate over the telephone or internet, so we are within reach wherever you are in the world.
Opening a foreign bank account
We try to make opening a foreign bank account as simple as possible.
It can be done in person at one of our branches. Just bring along two documents to prove identity and residence - for example, your passport and a recent utility bill.
However, if you are not able to provide such items in person, they can be copied and sent to us.
These copies need to be certified by an authorised person before posting. Details about the certification process are available on our page on Supporting Documentation.
Or call us and we will be pleased to assist you with details of the procedure. Call us on
+44 (0)141 352 3986†, or use our call back service.
Foreign bank account services
We provide a number of levels of account services, starting with low entry requirements, to cater for every need.
For instance, we provide an account designed to meet the needs of students studying at UK universities.
Those of you with more complex needs may require the more pro-active services provided by our Relationship Managers. This fee-free service is intended for those with either a balance of £50,000 or more (or currency equivalent) to place with Barclays Wealth International, or if you have come to live in or are moving to the UK, an income of £100,000 or more1.
To take advantage of our account services, apply now, call us on +44 (0)141 352 3986†, or use our call back service.
1 Income criteria only applies to individuals moving to or living in the UK.
You have the 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.
