Savings Help

How to apply for an Offshore or Expat Savings Account

Skipton International provides attractive offshore savings accounts mainly to residents of the Channel Islands, but also to over 100 countries.

You do not need to be a British citizen to apply for these Expat Savings products,  we offer offshore savings accounts in pounds sterling as well as US Dollars. Please check you are not a resident in one of the countries we do not support before applying.

  • Decide upon the Offshore Savings Account that is right for you

    Skipton offers a range of variable rate, easy access and notice offshore savings products providing varying levels of commitment and interest rates. Sterling fixed rate savings accounts are often offered, where the rates of offshore interest are fixed until maturity. All Skipton interest is paid gross, without any deduction of tax. It is your responsibility to declare any offshore interest earned to the tax authorities applying to your individual circumstances. Particularly if you have recently moved overseas it is recommended that you obtain independent advice on the tax treatment of your expatriate savings.

    Details of maturity dates and notice periods can be found on the Offshore Savings  and USD Offshore Savings Pages.

  • Complete your application

    If you are considering saving with Skipton for the first time please complete our Online Savings Application Form. Existing Skipton customers may complete the shorter Additional Account Opening Form.

    Skipton offers online banking, Skipton International Online allows you to access your accounts, open new accounts, make external payments and make transfers between existing accounts with an online portal. Details to register are on the Online Savings Application Form. Existing customers can complete this application form to register for online banking.  

    For more information on Skipton International Online, please see our guidance.

    Skipton also offers telephone banking, many customers find that providing Passwords for telephone instructions enables them to operate their offshore accounts more flexibly, putting amounts on notice or making withdrawals to nominated accounts without any postal delays. However, please ensure that you read and understand the Indemnity within the password section of the Online Savings Application Form. Also, please note that joint applicants require separate passwords should you select this option.

    If you are an existing Skipton customer who would like to set up a password please complete the Password Indemnity Agreement Form.

    Please remember to carefully read the Declaration section of the Online Savings Application Form and to sign the form where requested (we will need signatures of both parties for joint accounts).

  • Gather supporting documentation

    Unfortunately, banks are targeted by criminals to launder the proceeds of crime and understandably internationally there is a strong desire to prevent the global banking system being used for such purposes. Skipton is therefore obligated to verify the identity of each and every one of our customers, an obligation which we fully support and fulfil. Therefore, before any new customer account is opened Skipton must verify identity documents such as passports and proof of address such as utility bills. The Verification of Identity section of the Online Savings Application Form outlines documents which are acceptable, and further support can be found on the help sheet.

    We understand that many may struggle to send original or certified proof of identification/proof of address documentation using the postal service. In order to assist with this issue, Skipton have developed an alternative process for submitting an application and obtaining the required documentation from customers using email and video calling software. Video Verification is a quick and convenient method that allows our team to verify your identity online. 

    If you are an existing Skipton customer we can open another account for you without the need to re-validate your identity or proof of address documentation unless these have changed, for example if you have moved address or changed name.

    Having each of your identity documents properly certified by a competent individual is essential to enable your offshore account to be opened.

  • Decide how you would like to deposit funds

    Skipton accepts deposits by electronic transfers (e.g. BACS, CHAPS or SWIFT).

    If you wish to transfer funds please wait until advised to do so by Skipton, i.e. when we have successfully opened your savings account and have provided you with your Skipton account number. If you transfer funds before advised your funds will be automatically returned to the originating bank.

  • Send your completed Customer Application Form and supporting documentation to Skipton

    Please email the completed application to info@skiptoninternational.com, together with the required documentation: proof of ID, address verification (where applicable), proof of source of funds.

    Alternatively, please post to: Skipton International Limited, P.O.Box 509, Tudor House, The Bordage, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 6DS, GREAT BRITAIN.

    Please do not post your original passport or driving licence to us.
    Charges may apply for returning documents to you.

What happens once I have applied?

Depending upon where you live it could take a few days for your Customer Application Form to reach us in Guernsey. However, we endeavour to process most applications on the day of receipt. In the event that Skipton cannot open an account we will advise you accordingly.

Skipton will confirm your account is opened, include your new offshore account number and advise you how to transfer money to us. At that stage you will be able to transfer funds into your account by electronic transfer.