I'm an OzBargainer with a son living in Spain. He has money in a bank in France that he's not used in a long time so it's become "inactive" & they say he needs to close it "in person". He's unable to do this. He also has the same problem with an account in Australia. It's only a small amount in each. Any ideas how to obtain these funds would be appreciated.
How to Access Money in an Overseas Account?
TPbMe on 06/01/2015 - 09:12
Comments
It's a genuine problem requiring a solution Not a smart a… comment. 600euro in France & A$700.
Ideas appreciated.
well, that's a reasonable amount (I didn't neg you).
Aus bank - get your son to ring the bank and get a new card delivered to you (or himself and posted to you) so that you can withdraw the money here. that way he won't get hit with overseas transaction fees.
France bank - if he has a bank card then it is probably cirrus or similar which he can use anywhere. if he doesn't have a card then your son should ring the bank and get a new card so that he can withdraw the money.
just withdraw the money. don't worry about closing the account. I have inactive accounts in england and Japan. what does it matter?
So does he have internet banking access to the Aussie/French accounts?
Presumably he has a bank account elsewhere that he is actively using?
Make enquiries with one of those foreign exchange companies like AFEX or OZFOREX. They should be able to help transfer the money from Australia.
The French money should surely be able to be sent to an account in Spain without having to go to France in person. In Europe they use an IBAN system. France and Spain have the same currency anyway.
Or just do what Altomic says and withdraw it using a card.
Thankyou for your help
I have a similar problem. my estranged great uncle died and left me $10,000,000 in a bank account in Kenya…
how much is "a small amount"?