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Why is Halifax closing credit card accounts for UK expats living abroad?

UK Expat Banking Halifax Bank Credit Card Issues Non-Resident Banking Thailand Expat Life Bank Account Restrictions Visa and Residency Requirements

Aug 16, 2025

4 days ago

Dave *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

For UK Expats. Today I received a message from Halifax bank informing me my credit card account will be closed within 65 days. This comes right out of the blue. Just a heads up for Halifax/Lloyds TSB/Royal Bank of Scotland customers that you might be getting a message in the near future...

***Update. Just called Halifax and have been told a review has flagged you are not a UK resident so do not qualify for a credit card. Shame they told me 4 years ago it was fine and have happily updated my address to a Thai one 3 times, used my Thai number for their app and sent new credit cards to my Thai address 🤣

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A UK expat living in Thailand reported that Halifax Bank notified them that their credit card account would be closed due to changes in residency status. The expat had previously been informed that having a Thai address was acceptable. This issue has resonated with others in the community, with many comments discussing the increasing difficulty for non-residents to maintain bank accounts, as well as personal experiences with other banks regarding similar closures.

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Andrew ********

Santander will allow too. Good luck.

3 days ago

Andy **********

I've been told Halifax "may" put restrictions on account use, if living abroad, they must have decided to apply restrictions, are they allowing you to keep your accounts?? Get a revolut account, i use that for online booking etc, I like the digital disposable card feature, I don't even use credit cards anymore, just don't need them.

3 days ago

Terry **********

My credit card with Virgin money was cancelled in February for reason.

3 days ago

John *********

But OK to have a debit card?

I will still keep my property in the UK when i emigrate in December.

3 days ago

Gordon *********

Santander did to

3 days ago

Christopher ***********

Thanks for your update Dave. Things have definitely changed. I was previously told a Thai address was OK but they wouldn’t send renewed/replacement cards to Thailand. However, although they intercepted and destroyed my renewed debit cards, my renewed credit cards ‘slipped the net’ (their words) at least twice, arriving in Thailand via ordinary mail.

3 days ago

Nick ************

I haven't read all the comments so might be repeating something already said.

Sounds like they are only closing your credit card down. Presumably you will continue to have a current account with the bank. My Halifax credit card is used for buying flights etc and it is useful to use it in order to pay with uk funds while in Thailand. I have just made plan B and git a Currensea card that you can use abroad. It is connected directly to my uk account and debits all payments from it. I have not had the opportunity to use it yet but it might be a solution to your issue.

I got the card in the UK so I am uncertain whether you can apply from Thailand and get it sent to you there.

3 days ago

Alek *********

For what a credit card????

3 days ago

Roberto ***********

Common reasons: Banks may unilaterally close an account or credit card in the presence of:

• Repeated missed payments or late payments

• Security issues, suspected fraud, or suspicious activity

• Changes in the customer’s financial situation

• Sometimes simply following their internal review of banking relationships, even if no details are given to the customer