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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. Nishan says

    I'm here on a tourist visa. Went to UoB in Phuket (patong) and they turned us away. Went to Bangkok Bank and they said they need the passport and a letter from immigration. Went to immigration and they said they need a letter from the hotel and a photo.

    Got the hotel letter, went to immigration, paid 500 bhat, got the letter 1 hour later, and went back to the bank.

    Account was opened, ATM card issued, and mobile banking was configured too. Only pinch was that they sold me a mandatory life insurance. Spent 7900 including a 500 deposit
    Reply

  2. Phil says

    I opened a bank account yesterday November 22 2021) and had to go back home to get my UK DRIVING LICENSE!!!
    Passport with visa and Thai driving license not good enough….
    They set me up with phone banking, downloading the app etc. all good so far
    However I want (need) computer-based internet banking (KCyber) so checked the website, returned to the branch with the required documents and guess what? REGISTRATION CLOSED UNTIL 8 JANUARY 2022. FFS!!!
    Allegedly they are upgrading their system and cannot seem to run the old one in parallel.
    Sometimes this country astounds me with its ineptitude and attitude to customers.
    Reply

  3. Sebastian says

    I was able to open an account at Bangkok Bank (Central Embassy Branch) with the following documents:

    -Passport
    -ED Visa
    -Acceptance letter from Thammasat University (not sure if a language school would cut it)
    -Condo Rental Contract - I brought it but it wasn't needed
    -500 THB opening deposit

    I also opened an account with UOB Thailand to have an alternative. They were satisfied with the same documents but required a 50,000 THB opening deposit for foreigners though I would have been able to immediately withdraw that money after opening the account.

    Hope it helps!
    Reply

  5. Justin Decker says

    I was able to open an account with
    Kasikorn at the Thanon Sri Nakharin branch, across the street from Paradise Park in Bangkok, using our education visas (technically an education guardian visa). I also showed them our townhome lease but all in all it was an easy process. They spent a few minutes discussing together, looking through some packets on their side, and in less than 10 minutes they started making photocopies and having me fill out an application.

    Kasikorn Bank
    https://maps.app.goo.gl/jzaJiXB24PSQ3NCn8

    We had tried Bangkok Bank and they said the same about needing the notarized letter from the Embassy.
    Reply

    • Max says

      Bangkok Bank is also ok with a Resident Certificate from the local immigration office. It will include some waiting in line,but it might be worth it if you want an account with them. The notarized letter from an embassy or consulate is ok,but some embassies won't issue them for some strange reason, and some embassies will charge you alot for a piece of paper with a stamp and signature while others will charge you about 400 Baht.
      Reply

  6. Chris says

    I am having major issues trying to open a Thai bank account.I already have an account but I need another account to deposit money to apply for a marriage visa or possible house purchase.I have rented the same house for 10 years and have a contract.I am married to a Thai national but I am currently in Phuket under the sandbox scheme.I don’t have a work visa or retirement visa or student visa.I have had an account at Kasikorn for 10 years but have been declined.I also have tried SCB and Krungsri but same results.
    I can’t get the marriage visa without deposit 400,000 but can’t open an account without marriage visa to deposit the money.I’m going round in circles and have been trying to open an account for 10 days now.
    Reply

    • Max says

      After the Sandbox,where will you stay, in Phuket? If not, where? Do you need an account in Phuket? Like TTL said, Bangkok Bank is normally quite easy when it comes to opening a savings account. Check out their website for official requirements. It's in English. You might need a Resident Certificate from the local immigration office, but you must use the current address.
      Reply

    • Sebastian says

      In your case the best bet is to get a residence certificate from Immigration, it's easy and cheap to obtain.

      Keep in mind that banks in Thailand are branch specific and certain transactions related to the core data of the account can only be handled at the branch where you opened the account. It's not surprising that a branch in Phuket wouldn't open an account for you if they know you live on the mainland, try to find a bank near your home once you get out of the Sandbox system. What happened to that KBank account?

      You might not even need a residence certificate but it all depends under what kind of visa you're currently in Thailand. Shop around different branches a little and make sure you take your wife with you including a copy of your marriage certificate.
      Reply

  7. Sean says

    I found something is very interesting. I found some people comments at Facebook group said, they able to open at certain Bank with just visa or passport + address in Thai and Thai relatives where able to prove your personality. Other than that, they need to buy insurance for around 3000 to 6000 THB +- per year. The insurance amount is difference, according to Bank Branch policy.
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      That's what I did but did not get hit with the insurance scam. That's just an "I'll help you, if you help me" tactic to get the branch's revenue numbers up. My partner had to sign a form letter attesting to my fine, upstanding character and that was it.
      Reply

      • Max says

        The insurance proposal is actually not a scam. Almost every large bank have insurances for Thai people, but they also have an personal accident insurance which also covers foreigners. I recall Bangkok Banks accident insurance covers 100,000 THB at hospitals associated with Siriraj Hospital in BKK. The only thing I saw as a bit strange was the debit-card connected to Siriraj Hospital. The annual cost was about 600 THB a year when a standard debit card vas 200 THB. This card still exist. But if someone really needs an account at Bangkok Bank and to get it you need to sign up for the insurance, you can reject it after one year when it expires and change to a standard debit card. The thing with a local reference as some sort of guarantee is also one of Bangkok Banks standard requirements. It usually works mostly out in the sticks where a customer is well known at a bank.
        Reply

        • Max says

          Where are you staying? If your relative isn't a Thai national, my guess is it won't work unless he/she is well known at that branch. If you have an official address in Thailand, why don't you just apply for a Resident Certificate at the local immigration office? With that certificate its no problem opening an account with Bangkok Bank. Some branches also accepts a reference from an embassy or consulate.
          Reply

          • Sean says

            Actually my whole relatives family is Thai citizen and all born at Bangkok. Currently they at Nonthaburi. For Resident Certificate, this I need to ask Malaysia Thai Embassy first. Because I think every country has their own government policy.
            Reply

            • Max says

              The Resident Certificate comes from your local immigration office in Thailand. But to get it you need an official address. Your embassy in Thailand can give you a reference which includes personal data and your address in Thailand. This is the link to Bangkok Banks website: https://www.bangkokbank.com/
              Go to Personal Banking - Save and Invest - Accounts - Savings. You can see the official requirements for a foreigner to open a savings account. There are several combinations of documents.
              Reply

  8. John says

    Not totally related but a banking question. Can I have some advise on making a payment by Wise to a Thai friend. I haven't used it before, previously I have sent by Western Union, this was a few years ago. I have set the Wise app on my phone ready for when I move to Thailand but in the meantime would I like to transfer money to a Thai resident. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
    Reply

  9. Jon says

    Hi,

    I requested to open an account at Bangkok Bank in Phuket today and they said I can do it on a TR visa. I just need my passport and a letter from Phuket immigration with my photograph.

    Any experience with this? I have heard of a letter from home embassy but not this letter from immigration? Not sure what to ask them for to be honest!

    Thanks :)
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      It's probably because some embassies are offering a limited service at the moment due to restrictions, so getting one from immigration is the next best thing. That said, different banks and often branches have different requirements at different times. It's just the way it goes I'm afraid :)
      Reply

      • Jon says

        So just an update on this. I managed to open a Bangkok Bank account at Lotus's Branch Thalang (Phuket) with Tourist Visa, UK Passport and a letter from immigration (300 thb) that confirmed my identity and that I was staying in Thailand for 60 days. I was in the sandbox program so they just used my hotel address). No problems at all, very straightforward and the lady there was very helpful.
        Reply

        • Max says

          What you got from immigration was a Resident Certificate. It's a proof of address nothing else. Bangkok Bank doesn't care about your visa status. You can be a condo-owner visiting Thailand on a 60 days tourist visa and wants to open a new savings account. Nothing strange with that. But it won't work at other banks. They don't have the Resident Certificate as a requirement. As far as I know Bangkok Bank is the only one.
          Reply

    • Max says

      The branch you went to wants a so called "Resident Certificate" from immigration. It's one of Bangkok Banks official requirements to open a savings account. It means you need an official address in Phuket with a contract/lease. Sometimes a short time lease is not enough,they might want a 6 months or a 12 months lease. On top of the contract/lease,you need the usual copies from your passport + 2 photos 4×6 cm. The cost is 0-~300 baht.
      Reply

  10. David says

    Hi
    I heard that in Thailand need make something like "passbook bank".
    How it works, do you use this?
    Do you have one or need make new one every some of period?
    Can it expire or need often update?

    Transfers in account are possible if your "passbook" expire or you have any other problems with this?

    For example, if you make account in Phuket in Kasikorn bank, need you make new one or update yours "passbook" in exactly same bank or in Phuket or can be in every Kasikorn bank in Thailand?

    Did you have any problems with "passbook" in your bank?


    Best regards
    David
    Reply

    • JamesE says

      Passbook Savings accounts are the norm for entry-level accounts in Thailand. (As they used to be everywhere.) They’re basically just an account that you don’t get statements for, all transactions are registered in the passbook when you present it at the counter or run it through an ATM-like machine. They don’t expire, but they do fill up so you have to get a new one from time to time. You can get a debit card, online, and mobile banking features tied to your account.
      Reply

    • Max says

      You can update your passbook at any branch in Thailand. But if you run out of pages and need a new book you're supposed to do it at the branch where you opened the account. If using the money in the bank method for annual extensions at immigration, you must update your passbook on a regular basis . (I update mine once a month.) Otherwise you won't see every transaction,and that's something immigration don't like. A passbook is somewhat old-fashioned and banks in the western world don't use them anymore. I had one 40 years ago back home connected to my bank account. Now they're gone.
      Reply

      • Andrew says

        > If using the money in the bank method for annual extensions at immigration, you must update your passbook on a regular basis . (I update mine once a month.) Otherwise you won't see every transaction,and that's something immigration don't like.

        My limited experience has been that even when I updated a passbook once per year, all activity was printed. Alternatively, how would immigration know that the passbook was missing transactions? Or if you just mean that you specifically need to go into any branch once per year in the morning before visiting immigration in order to have the day's balance printed (which the machines don't do), I agree.
        Reply

        • Max says

          I don't know which bank you use. I'm banking with Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn. If I have several (let's say 15) transactions during let's say 1,5-2 months and don't update the passbook, instead of showing those 15 transactions, there will be only 2 or 3 lines written in the passbook. There will be a specific code in the passbook showing that, at Bangkok Bank CMB. Deposits and withdrawals will be combined, and there is no way to see the actual balance and how many transactions there were. You can see the balance before and after the CMB but you might have been below the required amount at immigration. In this case you need a bank statement from your branch. Copies of the pages in the passbook 12 months back won't work. Immigration officers knows what to look for. When using my Kasikorn Bank ATM-card, paying bills or buy stuff online I get loads of transactions,but I don't care about updating the passbook because I will need a new passbook every few months. It's better to have the transactions combined and I don't need to see them. I can see every transaction on my phone using mobile banking and I don't use the K-Bank account at immigration anyway. When doing the annual extension you need a transaction the same day or the day before. You can update the passbook using an update machine or in the bank when you get the bank letter you need for immigration.
          Reply

          • Andrew says

            Wow I wish some site had a wiki or similar for all this kind of info.


            I just checked my passbooks.


            SCB: Page "1" says passbook updates >1 month apart will have deposits & withdrawals separately *summarized* on a monthly basis. Such line items show "CONDS" in the last column.


            Bangkok Bank: Although CMB is listed as a *possible* code, as you said, I do *not* see it used in my case. Based on the different print alignments, print blackness levels, and my memory, it appears the longest section updated for me were 21 lines over a period of 329 days. (However, I do see other codes used that aren't in the legend, such as BCF (a 1,015 THB apparent credit card opening fee), RCG (online banking calls it 'Payment Received'), and TPP (?).)


            Krungsri: Updating the passbook in ATMs fails & I've never updated the passbook in the branch in the 15 months since opening. :-)


            (I'm the Andrew who commented a number of times last year about visiting ~20 banks/branches trying to open a fixed deposit account and depositing 10 million THB. After subsequently getting my non-immigrant B visa (non work permit) I was able to open an account at the 3rd SCB branch I tried - but still no luck at multiple other bank companies, including KBank - no surprise.)


            Beyond what Max and I already described, if anyone has other guidance on when transactions are summarized & how to ID it in passbooks, please let me know. :-)


            I agree that keeping a separate account for immigration makes sense - if you want, can avoid getting an ATM card to have it be free.
            If there are no transactions other than interest 1x per year, I wonder if it's then 'safe' to only update the passbook 1x per year?


            As you said, the machines will only print updates showing transactions. At least at Bangkok Bank, a teller can have it print today's balance (code 'B/F' (balance forward?)).


            Last year immigration wanted another bank document, so I had to go to immigration again the next day. Although my passbook had an update from the day before, immigration wouldn't accept it and required me to go to the bank downstairs to get a current-day update (and of course then a copy as well). I guess it depends on the officer.


            Thanks!


            Ha I wish this commenting system didn't remove all line breaks. :-/

            Reply

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