Best expat bank accounts for people living overseas

We believe the following companies offer the best expat bank accounts around, however this list is not exclusive.

This list does not constitute advice or recommendations and you must always do your own due diligence before making a decision.

The banks listed below do not pay to be included in this list, but we may receive payment from the firms listed if you open an account. This is known as an affiliate link and is indicated with a * next to the company name.

Open account
Opening an international bank account with Standard Bank is easy. With a low entry point, the Standard Bank Optimum Account is your door to a world of international banking. Ideal for expats who want the assurance provided by an established bank able to offer holistic banking solutions.
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO
- Need either a Sterling, Dollar (USD and AUD) or Euro transactional banking account
- Require flexibility across borders and access to FX, savings and lending services
- Want a safe repository for their finances
- Travel frequently between countries
- Are studying, working or retiring abroad
- Require an account to receive a salary
- Want digital solutions such as internet and mobile banking
- Need a VISA card to make payments or to withdraw cash
Additional information
- Minimum balance
  £5,000 (currency equivalent applies)
- Eligibility
  Eligibility criteria applies
- Fees and charges
  Quarterly maintenance fee (£60) applies if average balance falls below the minimum balance per quarter
- Application options
  Online, mobile app, post
Visit Website
Moneycorp provides a sleek and professional money transfer service, which is all about reliability and value. A solid choice for anyone looking for confidence when sending money overseas. Get simple, safe and secure international money transfers from a Feefo Platinum Trusted award-winning service.
Key facts
- Competitive exchange rates and zero transfer fees
- Feefo Platinum Trusted award-winning service
- Dedicated account manager
- Transfer funds online, by phone & in app 24/7
- Dealing in foreign exchange since 1979
- 120+ Currencies supported for both private individuals and corporate institutions
- Fully licensed across the UK, EU and USA
- Trustpilot rating: 4.6
Additional information
- Minimum balance
  No minimum balance
- Country restrictions
  Access to over 120 currencies
- Fees and charges
  No fees for foreign exchange rate and no monthly account fee
- Application options
  Online
Open Account
Suits Me has provided a digital-only alternative banking solutions since 2015. Suits Me does not require proof of address or credit history as their goal is to make a safe and secure banking service available to everyone. The Suits Me current account allows expats to receive money, top up your account and spend using a debit card. Moreover, it allows you to earn up to 15% cashback.
Key information
- Open a UK Bank account if you cannot provide a UK address
- Open account in minutes
- No credit checks or proof of address needed
- Contactless Mastercard debit card
- Customer service team via email and phone
- Cashback offers
Important facts
- Minimum balance
  No minimum
- Country restrictions
  Information not available
- Fees and charges
  £0 / £4.97 / £9.97 per month options available
- Application options
  Online only
Visit Website
The HSBC Expat Premier Account is an award-winning bank account available in Sterling, Dollars or Euros. Included with the account is a debit card, a Foreign Exchange app as well as a complimentary travel security service. The account is accessible 24/7 via phone, mobile banking app or online.
Perfect for people who
- Already bank with HSBC
- Want 24/7 telephone banking support
- Regularly move country
- Have a family
- Make regular international payments
- Want to save in multiple currencies
Additional information
- Minimum balance
  £50k deposit or £100k sole salary, or HSBC Premier account in another country
- Country restrictions
  You must reside or be situated in an eligible country
- Fees and charges
  No monthly or annual fee, but charges may apply with some transactions and transfers
- Application options
  Online, phone, mobile app
Open Account
Lloyds International Classic account is designed for customers who live internationally and has everything you need to carry out your day-to-day banking. It comes with a £5/€5/$5 monthly fee which is waived when you maintain a balance of £5,000, €5,000 or US$5,000.
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO
- Want additional benefits, such as discounts
- Have no significant savings or investments
- Need to manage multiple currencies
- Want internet and phone banking
Important facts
- Minimum requirements
  Unknown minimum salary
- Country restrictions
  None, providing no regulations in your country of residence
- Fees and charges
  £5/$5/€5 per month
- Application options
  Online, phone
Open Account
Lloyds International Plus account is an international current account with everyday benefits including Worldwide Travel Insurance, Priority Pass® and more. The £20 monthly fee is waived when you maintain a balance of £10,000. This account is only available in GBP.
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO
- Want additional benefits, such Worldwide Travel Insurance
- Only want a GBP account
- Want internet and phone banking
Important facts
- Minimum requirements
  Unknown minimum salary
- Country restrictions
  None, providing no regulations in your country of residence
- Fees and charges
  £20 per month
- Application options
  Online, phone
Visit Website
The NatWest International Premier Account allows account holders to manage their finances in multiple currencies, whether they're living in the UK and moving abroad or already living abroad.
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO
- Either earn £75k+ per year or deposit £100k upon account opening
- Require 24/7 online, mobile and telephone banking
- Want an offshore account with multiple currencies
- Regularly make international payments
Additional information
- Minimum balance
  Either initial £100k deposit on account opening or minimum £75k annual income mandated to the account
- Country restrictions
  Must be resident in either: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China (expats only), Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK (non-domiciled only) or the USA
- Fees and charges
  No monthly or annual fee, but charges may apply with some transactions and transfers
- Application options
  Online, phone
Visit Website
Santander's International Gold Account is a current account offering Sterling, Euro or USD currencies. It also provides account holders with a VISA debit card. The Gold Account is great for people who are internationally mobile, specifically people who live abroad and are likely to move around the world.
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO
- Have a minimum £75,000 to deposit
- Want an offshore bank account
- Want commission free currency exchange rates
- Need both internet and telephone banking
- Need a VISA debit card
Important Information
- Minimum balance
  £75,000
- Country restrictions
  See website for more information
- Fees and charges
  No charges
- Application options
  Online, phone, post
Visit Website
Wise Multicurrency Account enables people to send and receive money in 23 different currencies, whether you need to receive your salary, pension payments or use a card for everyday spending. While there may be some fees for receiving money in some currencies, it doesn't matter how much you are transferring, the fees are fixed and deducted from the total amount before you receive the funds.
KEY INFORMATION
- Set up a bank account in minutes
- No commissions or % fees when sending or receiving money
- Account details for over 30 different countries (including UK, Australia, US and NZ)
- Physical debit card
- Set up a digital card on Apple or Google
Important facts
- Minimum balance
  No minimum
- Country restrictions
  No restrictions
- Fees and charges
  Small fixed fee for some currency transactions
- Application options
  Online, mobile app

Best expat bank accounts for people living overseas

Standard Bank Optimum Account*

Moneycorp Personal Account *

SuitsMe *

HSBC Expat Premier Account

Lloyds International Classic

Lloyds International Plus

NatWest International Premier Banking

Santander International Gold Account

Wise Multicurrency Account *

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