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Best Expat Bank Accounts

Last updated: 13 July 2020

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Which are the best expat bank accounts?

Expat bank accounts are special accounts designed for people living an international lifestyle away from their home country. Most high street banks will offer a specific international expat bank accounts, but will often have strict requirements for opening an account as a new customers and may also be restricted depending on the country of residence.

We regularly research the market and have created a list of what we believe to be the best expat bank accounts available, which is available below. Unlike other websites, we receive no income from the products listed here helping us ensure we remain independent and unbiased.

For more information about expat bank accounts, please read our guide to expat bank accounts.

Best expat bank accounts

We have highlighted what we consider to be the best expat bank accounts below as a guide for the banks you may wish to consider if you need to open a bank account as an expat. The accounts are listed in alphabetical order to ensure neutrality.

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HSBC Expat Premier Account

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 access via 24/7 phone access, mobile banking app, online or a dedicated Relationship Manager.

Perfect for people who

People who already bank with HSBC
Need 24/7 telephone banking support
Regularly move country
Have a family
Regularly make international payments
Need to save in multiple currencies

Important Facts

Minimum Balance
£50,000 deposit or £100,000 sole salary or are HSBC Premier 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

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Lloyds International Account

Lloyds International Bank Account is designed for moderate earners who need easy access to their money when living abroad. The accounts are domiciled in either the Isle of Mann or Gibraltar and can be held in either £GBP, €EUR or $USD. Each account comes with a monthly fee and it is possible to hold multiple currencies in the account. If you earn less than £50,000 per year, you can also open an account if you have £25,000 to invest or save with Lloyds.

Perfect for people who

Earn over £50,000 per year
No significant savings or investments
Need to manage multiple currencies
Want internet and phone banking

Important Facts

Minimum Requirements
£50,000 per year salary (or £25,000 as an initial deposit)
Country restrictions
Depends on local laws and regulations regarding offshore accounts
Fees and Charges
£7.50 per month (or €8/$10USD)
Application options
Online, Phone

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NatWest Select Account

The NatWest Select account is designed for expats and foreign nationals living in the UK who are internationally mobile. Accounts can be opened in Sterling with multi-currency options available if required once a sterling account is held. NatWest also offers Telephone, Online and Mobile banking support.

Perfect for people who

Earn £40,000 per year or above
Require 24/7 online, mobile and telephone banking
Offshore account with no fees
Regularly make international payments
No significant savings or investments
Have no initial deposit

Important Facts

Minimum Balance
No minimum balance. £40,000 annual income mandated to the account (and must be in the UK for a minimum of 12 months)
Country restrictions
Depends on applicant
Fees and Charges
No monthly or annual fee, but charges may apply with some transactions and transfers
Application options
Post (phone & email support available)

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Standard Bank Optimum Account

Opening an international bank account with Standard Bank is easy and within the reach of anyone wanting to expand their horizons. With a low entry point, the Standard Bank Optimum Account is your door to a world of international banking. Expats need look no further if they want the assurance provided by an established bank able to offer holistic banking solutions.

Perfect for people who

Need either a sterling, dollar (US and AU) or euro transactional banking account
Require flexibility across borders and access to FX, savings and lending services
Seek a safe repository for their finances
Frequent traveller
Studying, working or retiring abroad
Requiring an account to receive a salary
Favour digital solutions such as internet and mobile banking
Need a VISA card to make payments or to withdraw cash

Important Facts

Minimum Balance
£4,000 (currency equivalent applies)
Eligibility
Eligibility applies
Application Options
Online, phone, post
Fees and Charges
Quarterly maintenance fee applies should the average balance fall below the minimum balance per quarter

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Disclaimer

Please note that we are not recommending any bank accounts nor are we affiliated to any of the banks listed below. We do not receive any payments for sponsorship or advertising for the information provided and all details are maintained on a "best endeavour" basis. We cannot be held responsible for out-of-date information contained on these pages or external websites we link to.

We try to keep this page up to date, however from time to time our information may be out of date. If you spot an error, or have some feedback about the products on this page please email us at advice@expertsforexpats.com.

We've also been instructed to remove one or two major international banks from this list due to overprotective brand police. For this we apologise.

Before making any decisions about your finances, you should always seek independent advice.