If you're working, retiring, or frequenting Thailand then it makes sense to have a bank account.
Why?
Because using foreign credit and debit cards involves high fees, on top of local ATM charges. And then there's the frustration of cards being rejected by ATMs.
Opening a Thai bank account isn't the same process at every bank. There are different requirements for each. I tried at least five different branches of different bank brands before I had success in opening an account.
What struck me was that quite often the bank staff cited different requirements to that on the bank's website.
When I did cite the requirements stated on the website, I was told that “things had changed”, or “the manager said…”
So I figured others must be struggling too and decided to write this article to help other foreign nationals, like you.
My Current Banking Arrangements
My Thai Bank Account
Since writing the first version of this post, hundreds of people have reported their experiences of opening bank accounts in Thailand, making this post a solid resource for others wanting to do the same.
I still bank with Bangkok Bank, with a debit card, with access to Bualang online banking.
The online banking was set up for me at the ATM of the branch where I opened the account.
The ATM card was issued on the spot, for a 300 Baht fee, and I've had to replace it once due to wear and tear.
Transferring Money
I now regularly transfer money to my Thai bank account via Wise. This is an international money transfer service, and usually the cheapest option.
Using this means I can avoid the sending and receiving bank charges and inflated currency conversion fees involved in money transfer.
It feels so good to beat the banks!
Multi-Currency Account
I also have a Wise account, which, by the way, is a great option if you don't want to open a Thai bank account, or need a pre-move banking solution until you are able to set one up.
This account lets me hold money in different currencies (GBP, USD, Euros, whatever) and then convert the money to THB whenever I like. I can do this at a time when the exchange rate is favorable.
Or, I can allow the currency conversion to take place in real time as I spend money in Thailand on the debit card (MasterCard), which is issued with the account.
If you are someone who has a regular income paid in a one or more currencies, this is a good solution for getting paid into an account that you can readily access in Thailand.
+ More on this type of account here
So I have my Bangkok Bank card, my TW Borderless card, and my home bank cards – which I never really use.
How to Open a Thai Bank Account
Things are a hell of a lot easier in Thailand when you have a Thai ATM card and an account to transfer money into.
But despite the permission to stay you have, be it a retirement visa, work permit, or Non Immigrant O Visa based on marriage, opening a bank account can be frustrating.
Indeed, I've heard from people on tourist visas who've had less hassle opening an account than someone on a long-stay visa who is married to a Thai national.
So before you trudge around town and get frustrated as hell, read this post and see which bank is most likely to work best for your situation.
What you'll find below is the requirements for each bank, and a summary of reader experiences reported in the comments section.
Since starting this post many moons ago, it seems that the overwhelming consensus is that Bangkok Bank is the most friendly bank when it comes to opening accounts for foreigners.
The easiest, however, may very well be K-Bank, depending on the branch.
There's a bit of a gap in 2019/20, where, because of COVID-19 not many foreign nationals were opening bank accounts, but you'll see some recent experiences starting in late 2021 and some new ones for 2022.
1. Bangkok Bank
Requirements:
- Passport and one other official identification document: for example, a reference letter from your embassy, your home bank or a person acceptable to the bank.
- You will also need to provide evidence of your address in Thailand as well as your regular address in your home country.
- UPDATE: In some cases Bangkok Bank is now asking for a certified letter from your Embassy. This letter must state that you have presented your passport to the Embassy, and that it is indeed your passport. Depending on the Embassy cost will be between 1150-1750 Baht)
If you have a work permit, are a permanent resident, or hold a long-stay visa, you can apply for a wider range of services such as a cheque account, internet banking and online international funds transfer services.
I opened my account with my passport, Non Immigrant O visa and my driver's license. This got me internet banking too. This was done at the Exchange Tower branch in Asoke, Bangkok. The rule regarding a letter from the embassy was not in place when I opened my account.
Reader Experiences:
- (2020) Alex opened an account in Khon Kaen with a Dutch marriage statement, his identity papers, Thai wife's ID card, and a written guarantee from his wife.
- (2020) At the second branch he tried in Isaan, John opened an account with passport, original marriage certificate, Thai wife's Tabien Baan, and drivers license (Thai and Australian).
- (2021) Sebastian was able to open an account at Bangkok Bank (Central Embassy Branch) with the following documents:- Passport
– ED Visa
– Acceptance letter from Thammasat University
– 500 THB opening deposit - (2021) John managed to open a Bangkok Bank account at Lotus’s Branch Thalang (Phuket) with a Tourist Visa, UK Passport and a letter from immigration (300 Baht.)
- (2022) Nishan opened an account on a Tourist Visa in Phuket (Patong) with a passport and letter from immigration. He got an ATM card, mobile banking, but had to take out a life insurance policy for 7,900 Baht.
2. Kasikorn Bank (K-Bank)
Requirements:
Individuals who have base in foreign countries:
- Passport
- Work permit or education-based visa (seems these are not required at every branch)
Reader Experiences:
- (2019) Anthonin opened an account at Pantip Plaza Pratunam with his passport, an address in Thailand, and a confirmation letter of internship.
- (2021) Phil opened a bank account with his passport and UK driving license. He was set up with telephone banking, mobile banking.
- (2021) Reetus opened an account at Kasikorn Bank Central Festival Pattaya with his passport (ED visa) and a letter from his language school. The ATM card was issued on the spot.
- (2021) Justin was able to open an account with Kasikorn at the Thanon Sri Nakharin branch, across the street from Paradise Park in Bangkok, using his education visa (technically an education guardian visa). He also showed them his townhome lease.
3. UOB Bank
Requirements:
Individual Non-Resident Account:
- A copy of passport
- A copy of work permit (seems this is not always required, depends on the branch)
- 50,000 Baht deposit
- Phone number
Reader Experiences:
- Danny opened a UOB account with a passport, phone number, proof of address and 50 000 baht. He got a bank card on the spot.
- (2021) Sebastian also opened an account with UOB Thailand to have an alternative. They required the following:
- Passport
– ED Visa
– Acceptance letter from Thammasat University
– A 50,000 THB opening deposit, which can be immediately withdraw after opening the account.
4. SCB
Requirements:
- A work permit and passport are required to open an account.
Non-Resident accounts are for:
- Branches or representative offices of Thai corporations established in countries outside Thailand.
- Tourists and other overseas visitors.
- Foreigners temporarily working in Thailand.
- Foreign government agencies, including embassies, consulates, or specialized UN agencies such as ESCAP, FAO, UNICEF, etc.
- International organizations or institutions located in Thailand, but established by the government of the country to which such organizations belong.
Note: The implication is that any non-resident can open an account.
Reader Experiences:
- Scott opened a SCB savings account at the Tesco Lotus Fortune Town branch, with nothing but a passport and money to open the account. He had previously tried at the Central Rama 9 branch and failed.
5. Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri)
Requirements:
At least one or more of the following:
- Work permit
- Condominium Lease Agreement (at least 1 year)
- Thai Driver’s License
- House Registration Documents (proving you live in a particular house)
- A Thai wife’s ID card and Marriage Certificate
Reader Experiences:
- Joe opened a bank account (with a debit card) with just his passport on Sukhumvit Road (near Robinsons, between Nana and Asoke BTS stations). He showed his Non-Immigrant O-A visa (retirement visa). He used his girlfriend's address, but they did not require evidence of this. The visa card cost him 350 Baht.
- (2019) Tim opened a savings account with Krungsri (Onnut branch) with a 1-year lease contract for his condo and his passport.
- (2019) ASDF opened an account at Central Festival in Phuket. only a work permit was required.
6. CIMB
Requirements:
- Citizen ID card or passport (for foreigner)
- Savings account book or Current account number
Applicant Qualification:
- The applicant must be aged 15 or over.
- The applicant must own an individual savings and/or current account or a joint account that authorizes either owner to withdraw cash or a merchant account with single account owner.
- Other terms and conditions are as specified by the Bank.
Reader Experiences:
- Theo opened a CIMB Thai bank account using his friend as guarantor. Only his passport was needed and his friend's contact details, address, etc.
7. KrungThai
Requirements:
- For foreigners: Passport, alien certificate, work permit issued or endorsed by any credible organization or visa which is valid for at least 3 months.
- For international students: Passport and student certificate issued by school/college.
Reader Experiences:
- John was able to open a KrungThai savings passbook account in Chumphon. He used his passport and Non-Immigrant O visa.
- JP opened a savings account at Krung Thai on his Non O marriage visa, and also one at the SCB branch in Kalasin, which only required his passport and a deposit.
- (2018) Robert opened an account at Kuung Thai in Sattahip, with passport and address information.
How to Transfer Money to Your Thai Bank Account & Avoid Fees
Once you have opened your Thai bank account, you'll want to start transferring money into it from your bank in your home country.
Unfortunately, this can be a costly process, especially if you are transferring money every few months, or even more frequently.
Your home bank (the sending bank) will change you a fee of between $10-20, and the receiving bank will charge you around $10.
In addition, you will be charged a currency conversion fee – because the banks don't give you the mid-market rate, but instead a rate they decide on.
So, on $1,000 or £1,000, you could be looking at saving $50 or more in fees.
The good news is that you can avoid these fees using a great service that I've used for many years now.
Transferring Money Out of Thailand
So that's the best way to transfer money in, but what about transferring out?
if you want to know the best way to send money from your Thai bank account to an account overseas, check out this post for a run-down of all the options.
——
Share Your Experience & Help Others
It would be great if you can let me know what bank account you have and on what terms you acquired it.
This will save other readers time and hassle, and help them find the most “farang-friendly” branches, so to speak. I will then add the information to the list below.
——
More Tips for a Better Life in Thailand
Improve Your Thai Skills:
Learning Thai makes life here easier and more fun. I use Thaipod101. It is free to get started & easy to use.
Get Good Health Insurance:
Start with a quick quote from Cigna. Then compare my other recommendations here.
Protect Your Online Privacy:
A VPN protects you against hackers and government snooping. I always use one. You should too. Read why here.
Last Updated on
Robert says
Dec 17, 2017 at 3:39 pm
Pete Hage says
As a US expat I have my Social Security retirement checks directly/automatically deposited in to Bangkok Bank's New York branch. The money is then transferred without fee in to my Bangkok Bank Savings Account. At first it would take a few days for the deposit to show here in Thailand, but now it arrives the same day the SSA makes the deposit in the States.
I don't like the fact that Bangkok Bank charges fees for almost any transaction outside your "home bank" area. I travel the country quite a bit, so the fees (mostly to withdraw money at an ATM) irk me.
Dec 15, 2017 at 11:39 am
James E says
I looked into the direct deposit route as well but found the buy-sell spread on conversion to be worse than that available through Transferwise. What has your experience been for what BKK Bank is using as an exchange rate and what is the published rate?
Dec 15, 2017 at 11:20 pm
Andrew Ely says
Dec 09, 2017 at 7:46 am
James E says
Dec 10, 2017 at 6:44 am
James E says
Dec 10, 2017 at 6:45 am
moobot says
Dec 11, 2017 at 10:09 pm
Mike says
Next stop was KrungSri Bank. No problem with my tourist visa but I’m not able to transfer money to other Thai bank accounts?? Doesn’t make sense to me...
Dec 07, 2017 at 1:17 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 07, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Pia Conradsen says
Dec 06, 2017 at 8:45 am
Khun Greg says
Dec 04, 2017 at 7:31 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 04, 2017 at 5:28 pm
nat says
Dec 26, 2017 at 4:21 am
Joe says
I had been to Bangkok Bank at the Exchange Bldg (recommended somewhere), but they wanted a certified letter from my embassy (which was going to cost 1750 baht). The only cost at Krungsri is 350 baht for the visa card.
Oct 31, 2017 at 1:30 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 31, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Pat says
So if you're planning to use it online outside the country its important to keep this in mind.
Nov 24, 2017 at 9:40 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 24, 2017 at 10:37 pm
Paolor Faidangbriayao says
Nov 08, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Pat says
I'm opening with Krungsri (Bank of Ayudaya) and just want to set this up smoothly.
Oct 19, 2017 at 9:09 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 20, 2017 at 9:32 pm
Pat says
Then a middle aged female manager comes over and scrutinises everything she's done and demands (makes up) that I need a work permit.
I show the website that states that I only need rental contract and she reluctantly says ok. I almost made her lose face by proving I was right, and this could have cost me the bank account opening. Pathetic eh.
Middle aged manager then thinks I am American and makes me fill out two more forms atating I won't do this and this blah blah.
So I only just managed to open the account thanks to her. Even though I am legally able to with just a rent contract.
Careful of moody bank employees. You are in their hands.
Oct 21, 2017 at 1:37 pm
Hugh says
My g.f last week gave birth to our son in a Government hospital in BKK.
Having been instructed by my G.F's Professor Gynecologist the day before to report to the hospital for admission for a caesarean section the following day, we were denied admission from our arrival time at 8.15 am until almost 4 pm.
They said they had lost her papers / medical records. This happened twice, for over 6 hours.
The second time we couldn't get an ultra sound because they had "lost the papers" again.
After several attempts by my g.f we got nowhere. As a farang male/ father I was literally ignored. Even when I was face to face with the f@@@'k@@' sh***t head of a nurse.
After 2 &1/2 hours of further waiting in the same department, my g.f agreed we should find a private hospital.
She had a quick conversation with the ignorant nurse who was able to then look on the shelf below, and was surprised that the g.f's notes were there all along.
They never were lost.
They all just lied rather than try to find the notes. Or be professional.
Once admitted, I had to leave in the evening.
As this is procedure in U.K (visiting hours etc) that's not a problem.
On my return to the hospital in the morning of my son had been born, I was told that I could not see my son. He was on a baby ward while his mother rested. I visited the baby ward and was told in the same conversation by the same nurse that it wasn't possible for me "to see him", "come back in 3 hours", "come back in 10 minutes", & "I'll talk to the doctor".
In a few minutes I was able to stand at a door way and see my son for the first time. I was not allowed to touch or hold him. As He was asleep I was O.K about that, and I satisfied myself that he appeared healthy.
However, I was denied being able to take photo's of him. "Because it is a Government Building".
When I asked what Thai secrets would I be revealing to the world they just wheeled my son away.
Having booked a private room for my g.f and son, they were mainly kept apart.
Wife and her sister in the private room, son in a baby monitoring ward opposite.
My son and g.f were woken up at regulated times throughout the day and night time for feeds and checks. No one knocked, just walked in, all through the night, way past midnight.
When my son was finally discharged, he slept for 2 days solid at home, only to wake for feeds and nappy change. I could never slag the NHS again.
It's not just the banking staff who are inept in the roles they play at. That's being unfair.
Nurses, Police, almost all professions here are probably guilty.
But hat's what they're told or brought up to do.
And the lie's should never questioned. That would be unheard of.
That's the Thai culture.
Only by the rude Farang. Who are encouraged to challenge such slack practice from their rude farang cultures.
It's the Thai culture.
Where lieing is easier than trying. And rudeness, and ignorance etc etc
If I never taste another chillie it will be a day too soon.
Oct 21, 2017 at 6:38 pm
Pat says
Oct 21, 2017 at 11:19 pm
Hugh says
I've seen the big board at BKK airport arrivals saying "Welcome to the Land of Smiles".
Is there another board in Departures saying "Ha Ha 5 5 . We were only joking"?
Oct 22, 2017 at 10:38 am
Pat says
Oct 24, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Chris Charles says
That being said you are too harsh as this is Thailand and some respect needs to be given to them as that is their way, when my wife comes to UK she too will be shocked at the way some things are done here.
How you handle these things in a foreign country defines you, keep calm and see it through, its how its done there.
If we have a second child in a NHS hospital in UK then the wife can compare and tell me what she thinks, try not to
Anyway... back to the Bank opening subject as why i came to this thread.
Nov 06, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Hugh says
If you are genuinely from the U.K then you will be aware of the expression "you need to earn the respect of.....etc...etc...."
These "nurses" are clearly not trained in matters medical.
They readily lie rather than answer any question. Its well beyond them.
If they were trained in origami then they could answer better perhaps.
They showed NO respect to the child's father. Sexist bigots.
The doctors seem ok, but definitely NOT NHS quality.
Thai culture you say?
Hmmmm????
Tha'ts a bit insulting to the good Thai's I know.
It's just rudeness. Nothing more complicated than that.
And well done you, guaranteeing your next child will be born in a U.K hospital at British tax payers expense.
My Thai G.F can't get a visa to U.K
My son is denied (as things stand) his right to be a U.K citizen by 1st decent, due to "your" U.K Home Office policy, despite International law saying it's his right, and despite the U.K government stating it's his right on it's own website.
So well done you Chris.
Where did you learn your English grammar?
Nov 08, 2017 at 11:50 pm
Dr. C says
Although the money has been in his bank I have yet to pay the fee due to the fact that he hasn't presented a copy of my account and he refuses to meet me face to face. The downside of this is my money has been sitting in his bank and I have not been able to access and use the funds for another project I have contracted with.
I am disappointed with this situation as it impedes my progress with the new contract......the amount is significant enough to warrant a personal visit with this banker.
I have no question just letting off some air.
Oct 23, 2017 at 6:40 pm
Hugh says
The Land of Smiles.
Surprise f******************g surprise.
It's not your money now.
Oct 23, 2017 at 11:03 pm
Scarlett says
I'm following as I may encounter this case.
Mar 27, 2018 at 9:51 pm
James E says
Oct 20, 2017 at 10:40 pm
Rio says
However, I am just a tourist, no residency, no Thai wife, no retirement, no work permit or Thai drivers license.
Will I really be allowed to open an account anywhere?
I see Robert in comments on Bangkok Bank write that he only had a tourist visa but went to Immigration to get a residency document. How do you do that if you're staying at a hotel?
Oct 09, 2017 at 10:29 am
TheThailandLife says
Oct 09, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Matthew DP says
Oct 02, 2017 at 12:41 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 02, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Dr,C says
Oct 23, 2017 at 6:46 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 24, 2017 at 5:38 pm
Hugh says
Do you mind?
As an Englishman that's the 3rd English word I've had to Google this month.
Dotards, Conjones and now Sagacious.
Life is soooo much easier in U.K.
Oct 23, 2017 at 10:55 pm
Dr. C says
Oct 24, 2017 at 10:46 am
Hugh says
Cojones (or having a lack of) was used by a lesser known Premiership footballer to describe the Arsenal footballers on U.K T.V last weekend.
He's not allowed to say bollocks which is the U.K equivalent.
So it's nice to see a quality sounding insult with some breeding becoming an addition overnight to the English Language, with a defined & specific meaning.
The best part is because the word comes from an established accepted foreign culture, those in the U.K who would choose to be "offended" by the term, can finally be seen as egotistical meddling racist bigots, who's views no-one wants to hear.
A true double whammy really all round.
Long Live the COJONES.
Oct 24, 2017 at 3:31 pm