Barclays

International Banking

Who might need international banking services?

International banking services might be of interest if you want to:

• Live, work, retire or study outside your normal country of residence
• Protect your wealth or assets
• Plan your finances for maximum growth
• Make use of tax planning opportunities
• Buy a property overseas, or in a country in which you are temporarily resident
• Manage your finances within an international lifestyle.

Basic services

Online and telephone banking
Your unique membership number and pass code give you a secure way of managing your money in different currencies and times zones¹.

See our online banking demonstration.

Choice of currencies
An international account with us will enable you to transact, borrow, save or invest in multiple currencies. You can get credit² and debit cards in sterling, US dollars and euros, depending on the currency of your account.

Savings

Barclays Bonus Saver
An uncomplicated savings account that has the benefit of an introductory bonus paid into your account during the first six months of the account opening.

Barclays Saver
A simple and straightforward savings account which offers great rates and savings in a range of currencies, with access to your money at any time.

Structured deposits
If you want potentially higher returns on your savings, then structured deposits could be preferred. Structured deposits are long-term savings, typically linked to the performance of an underlying index or commodity.

You will have no access to your deposit during the term of the account, typically three to six years - but your original capital will be repaid in full at the end of the term. If you withdraw your money before maturity you may get back less than you invested.

Treasury deposits
These are also a form of fixed term savings, but can offer higher returns linked to the balance deposited and the length of time for which the money is invested.

Liquidity management service
This is a tailored investment programme in which your funds are placed in high-grade products and institutions. It is designed for investors with a minimum of £1,000,000 to deposit. There is a risk that some institutions may fail to repay what is due so you may get back less than you invested or nothing at all.

See our interest rates.

Investments

Our expert financial management services for international investors include:

• Dedicated overseas investment professionals
• Active management of your global investment portfolio
• A range of international investment funds
• International commodity investments
• Currency trading
• International investment advice.

Barclays MultiManager
This brings together a broad selection of funds from different managers in one simple portfolio. It gives you:

• Access to some of the world's finest investment managers in a single fund
• A choice of five diversified strategies designed to maximise potential return for your chosen level of risk
• Economies of scale. As one of the largest multi-manager providers in Europe, we are able to use our considerable resources to negotiate competitive terms with investment managers to the benefit of our clients
• A blend of managers combining different styles and approaches designed to generate more consistent returns
• A service in which we take the time to truly understand and act on your investment objectives and risk profile
• Tax-efficiency, for example this might encompass buying and selling investments within your portfolio without attracting capital gains tax⁴
• A service that is available in US dollars, euros and sterling.

Please note that Multi-Manager funds should be seen as a long-term investment and the value of funds can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invest.

Barclays GlobalBeta
Global Beta provides a range of globally diversified portfolios that invest in exchange traded funds (ETFs). They provide a transparent and relatively cheap form of investment.

Other features include:

• Dynamic asset allocation. Our global research team selects a mix of assets designed to create additional return potential
• A choice of five diversified strategies created to maximise potential return for different levels of risk
• Exchange traded funds (ETFs) that are intended to replicate an index rather than to beat the market. This can help to allay concerns of potential underperformance
• Portfolios available in US dollars, euros and sterling
• Minimum investment of £25,000 (or currency equivalent)
• Please note that Global Beta funds should be seen as a medium- to long-term investment and the value of funds can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invest.

Financial planning

As part of our international banking services, we can help with your financial planning arrangements. This can include:

• Savings for retirement
• Pensions management and consolidation
• Retirement income planning
• Family and business protection.

For more information see our guide to financial planning.

Wealth management and asset protection

Our wealth management services can enable you to:

• Manage your assets and investments with either an execution-only or a fully managed investment service
• Help to protect your assets against dissipation, divorce, litigation and third-party claims
• Structure the ownership of assets for generations to come
• Organise your assets and investments according to your tax planning provisions
• Consolidate and manage your pensions and other retirement provisions
• Operate with privacy and discretion.

To find out more see our wealth management guide.

Loans and mortgages

If you hold a Barclays International account then you will have access to our range of international, offshore, residential and investment mortgages³.

These are available in a variety of structures, including standard variable rate, fixed rate, tracker and a combination of fixed and tracker through our Mix & Match mortgage.

You could match the currency of your mortgage to that in which you receive income. You might also be able to place the mortgage offshore for security and financial planning purposes, but you will need to get independent professional tax advice first.

For more information see our guides to international mortgages and foreign currency mortgages.

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Money transfers and foreign exchange

An international bank account enables you to transfer money and exchange currencies economically and quickly.

Moving euros across the eurozone
The single euro payments area (SEPA) was created to help make transferring euros across the European Union (EU) quick⁵ and simple. The SEPA enables you to move euros across the 27 EU member states as well as Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Monaco.

Foreign currency exchange choices
Our range of currency exchange services includes:

• Spot exchange. Agreeing a price on which to exchange currencies and completing the transaction within 48 hours.
• Forward exchange contract. Agreeing an exchange price months in advance of the trade.
• Option dated forward exchange contract. Like a forward exchange contract but with the option of bringing the trade forward if you want.
• Currency options. These agree an exchange price in advance but without the obligation to complete the transaction.

Different types of international bank account

To get the services described above you will need a Barclays International bank account. There are four types available.

Relationship Manager Service
This is our most personalised service designed to help affluent clients maximise their wealth. The services include:

• A dedicated Relationship Manager
• Specialist cash management services
• Wealth structuring services
• Specialist lending
• A wide range of investment services.

To qualify you must deposit and maintain a balance of £50,000 or more (or currency equivalent) in cash or investments with us; or, if you have come to live in or are moving to the UK, deposit an annual individual gross income of £150,000 or more (or currency equivalent) into Barclays international bank accounts.

iBank Plus
This account is designed for people who make frequent international or multi-currency transactions. You can choose from the following services:

• International cheque accounts in euros, sterling or US dollars
• Sterling debit card and a deferred debit card (also available in US dollars and euros)
• Barclaycard Premier credit card²
• Discounted international online payments
• Quick, easy and secure international payments, with discounts if you make them online
• Access to a wide range of saving and investment products
• Access to personal loans and mortgages to help you buy a property in the UK or elsewhere
• Benefits such as worldwide travel insurance (for UK residents) and discounted medical insurance.

To qualify you must deposit and maintain a balance of £10,000 or more (or currency equivalent) in cash or investments across your Barclays international banking accounts.

iBank Saver
If you don't need a current account or cards but want to make use of savings, investments or mortgage opportunities, then this account could be for you.

It includes online and telephone banking, as well as access to our Personal Bankers.

iBank
iBank provides an international banking and savings service with minimal entry requirements and a low monthly fee of £5.

For more information or to apply

Call us on +44 (0)1624 684 316†