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How to Open a Thai Bank Account: Choices, Requirements, Reader Experiences

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.

thai bank account for foreigners

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!

+ Read more about that here

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:

  1. Citizen ID card or passport (for foreigner)
  2. Savings account book or Current account number

Applicant Qualification:

  1. The applicant must be aged 15 or over.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

+ Find out more here

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.



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Comments Sort by : newest | oldest

  1. Jon says

    I've now visited 16+ branches of different banks, so providing a consolidated update as it may help others:
    * My situation: No Thai job. Trying to keep 10 million THB at the bank for a Thai investment visa that I can keep for years. Have a 1-year condo lease. I told each bank of my plan and showed them the investment visa page.
    * Bangkok Bank: Yes, but I need to get an embassy letter (no surprise). On the plus side, they claim I'll get the standard interest rate available to Thais - I thought I'd get the rate from the second-to-last- column (foreigner?) of their rate PDF http://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Other-Services/View-Rates/Deposit-Interest-Rates
    * Thanachart said no but said maybe if I came back tomorrow they could call their head office (it was a holiday)
    * Every other Thai-owned bank said no. (I opened an account at Krungsri but it appears they're <50% Thai owned, an issue for the visa requirements.) I didn't try other banks that aren't Thai owned.

    http://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xUTT2oE3ZuHpLXXWPHeU3FPpN1t109CUMYFnqvwboG4
    Reply

  2. Jon says

    I'm working to obtain a Thai investment visa by depositing 10 million THB. Because I'll be keeping noticeable funds at the bank, the interest rate, and therefore the bank, matter.
    Although the government explicitly permits those without a work permit, etc. to apply for the visa, banks might not let you open the account. In BKK I've visited 6 GSB (Government Savings Bank) and 2 LH Bank branches. All started with "work permit?" and even after showing them the investment visa page, no luck.
    I'm currently trying to find an agent to see if they can assist.

    (In case it helps others I created a sheet with all the data but it looks like this site blocks Google Sheets links.)
    Reply

  3. Alex says

    I managed to open a bankaccount in Khon Kaen. While the manager of the Bangkok bank in Bangkok required a statement from the embassee was the manager in Khon Kaen happy enough with a Dutch marriage statement (in Dutch language from my local government), identity papers from me and my Thai wife and a written gaurantee statement from my wife. Also a copy was made from the page in my passport where the Thai embassee put the visa for a 60 day stay.
    The procedure and acceptance was in fact the same as when my wife received a bankaccount in the Netherlands. The only difference is that I am officially a tourist in Thailand and my wife a citizen with marriage visa in the Netherlands.
    Reply

    • Max says

      It's always easier to open an account in less touristy locations in Thailand. It's much harder in Pattaya,Phuket and Bangkok, especially since last year with changed requirements. Using a wifes guarantee and an untranslated marriage certificate wont work.
      Reply

  4. Steven Clarke says

    Just opened account today with Bangkok Bank. Sindhorn Building 130-132 Wireless Rd , Lumpini. Wanted current Passport and a certified declaration from my embassy. In this case lucky as many embassies on and around wireless rd. 500 Baht to open account and 400 to issue Debit/ATM card.
    Do have to fill out application form that stipulates an address in Thailand but did not need lease agreement or residence cert.
    Reply

    • Max says

      The 400 baht for the ATM/Debit card is a combination of card fee and the annual fee. If you lose the card you only have to pay the card fee for the replacement card. I hope you asked for internet and mobile banking at the same time. It's free of charge.
      Reply

    • Max says

      The official requirements at Bangkok Bank are either passport + work permit or passport + one out of several documents, like a Certificate of Residence, a reference from an embassy/consulate or at some branches the yellow house book. I wouldn't call that many documents. SCB (and a few other banks) officially requires passport + work permit.
      Reply

  6. Arthur Ma says

    Thank you for all the details.
    My wife and I just purchased an apartment in Bangkok and will go there on November 26, 2019, to open a bank account. Will Bangkok Bank require us to have a Thai mobile phone number when we open a bank account?
    Reply

    • Max says

      Yes,and that's also because you can send and receive money using the phone number. You can buy a thai sim-card at for example 7/11. They offer sim-cards from dtac,True and AIS. You also need a thai phone number at Thai Immigration,so there's no way around it.
      Reply

      • Arthur King Ma says

        Max:
        The process was very smooth when I opened my Thai Baht account at the Exchange Center. The young man and the Branch manager were very helpful there. My two real estate agents were there to help me translating for me, so everything went so well. All I need to do was I need to wait for a week for Bangkok Bank to send me a text to my Thai's number for the user name and passcode for my Internet banking. However, when we went to Nana's branch to open our US dollar's account, the ugly, long hair Thai girl gave us a hard time. Not until I explained to the supervisor I got the required purchased contract from the developer (since I have read the blog from here, she told that ugly young long hair ugly-face bi*ch to open the account for us. I have been traveling to Thai for years and I always have great impressions with Thais except for this ugly-face bit*h. It likes we made her work too much since we dropped by to the branch. If we did not visit that day, she can just relax and sit there paying her phone for the whole day! During the entire process, she did not look at my wife and I did not explain to us the bank fees or how the account works. Until we deposit US$2000 then we found out there was 2% or a minimum 500 Bhat charge for every deposit. Anyway. The worst thing was, two days later, the supervisor called me back and asked me to go back since that ugly-face bit*h had forgotten to have us sign some disclosures. I told her no, I am not going back to sign, she has to send someone to my hotel for me to sign. So, after a long talk, they arranged to have someone waited for me and my wife at the hotel's lobby to sign the ONE piece of BANK's FEES. That's my experience with the Bangkok Bank at Nana's Branch the ugly-face long hair young bit*h.
        Reply

        • Max says

          Normally when opening an account at Bangkok Bank, you get the username and password for internet banking straight away,no waiting period. What kind of account did you open? I don't understand the 2% fee for each deposit. Was it a cash deposit or a transfer? Cash deposits are free. If you transfer money into a savings account using swift,the fee is 0.25% or a minimum of 200 baht and maximum of 500 baht.
          Reply

    • James E says

      It *may* not be required but you want one anyway. You can get a SIM and add some money as soon as you get to the airport. All the main carriers are present and it's very reasonable. Don't get a tourist SIM as the numbers have a built-in expiration date. All other SIMs are (roughly) equivalent and can be had for the equivalent of $US1.50. Check out TTL's post on mobile providers.
      Reply

  7. Leon kotze says

    I have been in Thailand on numerous occasions, I was there in early October, leaving again on the 15th of November, already booked to leave again on the 10th February, 2020 and planning to go there at least another 5 times next year, I urgently need to open a Bank account and would appreciate it if someone could give me the latest data on how ti open a bank account, I also need guidance on which TEFL course to do on-line as I am planning to retire in Thailand in 2021, I am a South african citizen.
    Reply

    • Max says

      Requirements are getting tougher regarding opening a savings accounts. 6 months ago Kasikorn Bank changed their "official" requirements. Now an individual foreigner isn't allowed to open an account at all. Several branches still allows it if you have a work permit or a retirement visa.
      At Bangkok Bank the "official" requirements are either a wp or passport + one out of several documents,like a Reference from your embassy,or a Certificate of Residence from a local immigration office in Thailand. Some branches requires a long term rental contract. Check the BB website. Some people walks from branch to branch and are sometimes lucky. If you will deposit a large sum it might make it easier.
      Reply

  8. Frank says

    Hi there,

    As a Canadian, I've purchased a condo unit in Pattaya and will rent it out soon. I may need to open a bank account and let my tenant deposit the rents in and I may need to move the money back to my account in Canada a couple of times each year. Here are some questions:
    1. Documents required for opening an account as the foreigner owner of a property?
    2. Can I have online banking and App features which allow me to move the money back to Canada, exchange to different currency as needed and pay necessary bills in Pattaya?
    3. Can I apply for a credit card as I can use my property guaranty?

    Thanks for your attention and looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Best regards,
    Frank
    Reply

    • James E says

      1) The documents will vary by bank, branch, manager on duty and possibly how close to lunch time you visit the branch. Read through the comments for more details and complaints. At the very least (what I had to do) you will need your passport and proof of address in Thailand. It can get worse from there. 2) Yes to online, maybe to app. The BKK Bank app offers some transfer options but "international" is not among them (but Western Union is). International transfer is, however, a choice in the web interface. 3) Yes, but they might require something more liquid as surety, like a deposit account balance. Or, they may see your condo as proof of your creditworthiness. Again, banking is not as cut and dried in terms of "if you do this than you will get that" as elsewhere.
      Reply

    • Max says

      1)
      The best bank in my opinion is Bangkok Bank and there's no problem opening a savings account or/and a Fixed Deposit Account when you are the owner of a condo.
      "Document showing ownership of a fixed asset such as a condominium sale/purchase agreement (a condominium which is acceptable to Bangkok Bank." Plus passport of course.
      Internet and mobile banking is free. Which kind of bills you can pay online depends on who you are paying to. Electrical bills depends on company. MEA is ok but not PEA at the moment. You will get an ATM with MasterCard Debit Card for about 350 baht incl.the annual fee.
      2)
      International transfers out of Thailand is possible but the money has to come from a foreign source to start with. Plus,you might need to sign something at the bank to make it possible. Talk to the branch.
      3)
      Credit Cards are more of a problem for a foreigner but sometimes possible if having a deposited security. It might be possible if opening a Fixed Deposit Account as security.
      Bangkok Bank has a great website in english. Check it out.
      Are you staying inside Pattaya or in Jomtien? The branch in Jomtien is on Jomtien 2nd Road and is in my opinion quite relaxed and close to Immigration on Soi 5. In Pattaya there are several branches. Pick one close to where you staying.
      Reply

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