Paying off UK debt while in the US

[MargotDarko 0]

Hello. We're currently in the middle of DCF processing for a CR1 visa. We won't be moving to the US until early next year, and when we do we'll be calling our banks about this, but was just wondering if anyone wanted to share what they've done. My husband has a bit of credit card debt here plus his student loans. Any advice on how best to set up payments once we're living in the US? He's planning to pay off his only overdraft before we move as we've heard banks tend to be weirder about overdrafts than credit card if you're leaving the country.

Edited July 8, 2007 by MargotDarko

[Converse34 1]

When I moved back to the US from the UK, I had various bills to continue paying. I kept my UK bank account open and made payments through direct debit, standing orders or one off payments and then I usually transfered the funds directly from my US account online (I have Citibank) and sent it directly to my UK account. It only takes 3 business days (including the day of the transfer) but there is a wire fee of $30. You might want to shop around to make sure your new US bank has easy facilities to transfer money as you dont want to have to go into a branch every time you want to move some money.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I paid mine off by keeping my UK bank account and transferring over money using this website:

https://www.xe.com/fx/login/

[Boiler 45,525]

I paid mine off by keeping my UK bank account and transferring over money using this website:

https://www.xe.com/fx/login/

Second the above.

[Widge 0]

I too have debts in UK. I bank with Halifax in UK doing everything online from US I also use XE.com. Paypal is another option but you need to set up the English end before you leave as they need to verify the UK address. XE is easy but a pain to set up in the first instance but once done is a breeze.

[MargotDarko 0]

Thanks for the replies. I've taken a look at xe.com - it does look a pain to set up but with these recommendations seems totally worth it.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Thanks for the replies. I've taken a look at xe.com - it does look a pain to set up but with these recommendations seems totally worth it.

THe set up is the only real negative about XE - once you do that, they are fast and easy and I believe the rates are very competitive. Really good customer service too.

[britbird 4]

The Student Loans Company will accept checks made out in US Dollars drawn on your US bank account. Make sure to ask them to send a receipt though, with a balance.

[MargotDarko 0]

The Student Loans Company will accept checks made out in US Dollars drawn on your US bank account. Make sure to ask them to send a receipt though, with a balance.

That's great to know. Thanks!

[Rubycon 0]

Kinda related to this topic - has anyone had any experience of how the Student Loans Company deal with overseas payments? I'm on the cusp of calling them to say that I'm going to be leaving England (if the interview goes well this will be late August/early September).

I'm a little concerned that they're going to make unreasonable repayment demands, especially given that I'm pretty much forced into 3 months employment while AOS/work authorisation is pending. I'm guessing other people were in this situation - did the SLC really believe that you were unemployed?

[fozzie 41]

Kinda related to this topic - has anyone had any experience of how the Student Loans Company deal with overseas payments? I'm on the cusp of calling them to say that I'm going to be leaving England (if the interview goes well this will be late August/early September).

I'm a little concerned that they're going to make unreasonable repayment demands, especially given that I'm pretty much forced into 3 months employment while AOS/work authorisation is pending. I'm guessing other people were in this situation - did the SLC really believe that you were unemployed?

I was up front with them and told them that I was leaving the uk and would not be able to work straight away. They said thats ok but to let them know when i start working so that thewy can set up a repayment schedule. I believe its the same as in the uk. Ie you have to be earning a certain amount before they ask for anything.

[stzas 0]

Hi, I'm wondering in your experience does it make more sense to go with xe.com or to pay checks to SLC in US $?

Do you know if SLC charges a fee and is their exchange rate reasonable?

Thank you!

Stuart

The Student Loans Company will accept checks made out in US Dollars drawn on your US bank account. Make sure to ask them to send a receipt though, with a balance.