Ask

Answered4 years ago

Can I open a Thai bank account with only a tourist visa if I have a lease agreement?

Thai bank account tourist visa lease agreement residence certificate banking options for expats visa requirements in Thailand

Craig *******

OP

asked Dec 5, 2022

2.4k

views

17

replies

2

likes

Hi, with regard to opening a Thai bank account with only a tourist visa, would it help if I had a lease agreement (with my girlfriend who owns her condo)? Thanks

Answer summary

Opening a Thai bank account with only a tourist visa can be challenging. While having a lease agreement might not significantly help, it is recommended to obtain a residence certificate from the local immigration office. It's suggested to visit various bank branches, take your girlfriend (who owns the condo) with you, and persist in providing documentation to increase your chances of success. Some banks, like Krungsri, may allow account opening if you can demonstrate a one-year rental contract. Recent changes have made it more difficult to open accounts without a Thai resident's intervention or help from an agent.

17 repliesnewest first

9

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Chris *******

Chris *******

There have been some changes lately and it is increasingly difficult to obtain without some Thai intervention.

They want a visa but you need the bank account for the visa, catch 22.

They will say get a letter from your embassy but no embassy will issue a letter for residency.

The Thai residency certificate is not enough right now.

Persistent attempts, a Thai friend and lastly an agent and eventually you will get one.

0

Charles ********

Charles ********

no embassy? I can't say all but most do in various forms. In the case of US its a signed affidavit with your information.. It's been good for opening bank accounts, getting drivers license, and for buying a car... All I have used in the last year no problem.

0

Chris *******

Chris *******

@Charles *******

yes including the US embassy this is a change as of about a month and a half ago.

0

Charles ********

Charles ********

highly doubt that. It's just a notarized affidavit.. I am not even sure it would be legal for them deny notary service based on stating your address and notary service are still offered based the embassy website.

0

Dimitri ********

Dimitri ********

Krungsri will give you a bank account with a tourist visa if you can show a 1 year rental contract.

0

Charles ********

Charles ********

Take your girlfriend with you.. And her blue book. Probably the easiest way. Usually banks tell you no at first, persist, keep handing them documents and usually they say yes... But with your gf, will probably be easier. If you get a firm no, go to a different branch.

1

Phil ******

Phil ******

@Charles *******

definitely thats how I received my Bangkok bank account and it was the 3rd attempt at different branches

0

Michael ********

Michael ********

Would be more help her going with you to her bank to open account.

3

Stuart *********

Stuart *********

Probably not going to make a difference for a lease agreement. You may need a residence certificate from your local immigration office or buy their insurance for a year. Go from branch to branch and find one that will do it. Otherwise ask an agent. Probably cost around 5k but it’ll be done.

1

Craig *******

Craig *******

OP

@Stuart ********

thanks Stuart, for me a bank account would be nice to have but not essential and so not worth any extra cost to get it.

2

Paul ********

Paul ********

I dunno- once you have one, being able to pay bills with their online ap and make and receive payments with PromptPay’s QR codes is pretty usefull.

And if you use ATMs, fee-free withdrawals with a Thai debit card are nice.

1

Stuart *********

Stuart *********

@Paulo ********

SCB have the same feature. Cardless ATM. The nice thing about that option is that if you are withdrawing from outside your home province then there is no charge for a withdrawal. Unlike using a card.

1

Phil ********

Phil ********

@Paulo ********

Been with Kasikorn about 15 years.

0

Paul ********

Paul ********

Yeah you can use your phone instead of card at the ATM for Bangkok Bank too, but I’ve never used that feature.

Lots of my friends have Kasikorn and really like it.

1

Craig *******

Craig *******

OP

yes thanks Phil, I also like the cardless cash option!

1

Phil ********

Phil ********

And with Kasikorn you don't need your ATM card to withdraw at an ATM. Just use the card less option on the app. Top up mobile phone, there's lots of advantages of having a Thai account. Sending money from home country and no ATM charges etc.

0

Craig *******

Craig *******

OP

@Paulo ********

well I don't have any bills to pay, but prompt pay does interest me.

1

Activity

9 joined

Craig *******

Craig *******

Craig *******

Craig *******

Craig *******

Craig *******

9

people

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

...members60% approval

Member 1

Member 2

Member 3

Member 4

Member 5

Member 6

Member 7

Member 8

Conversation Join group

Related

25

What visa options should I consider for retiring in Thailand and how can I manage my husband as a dependent?

What are the best immigration offices in Bangkok for obtaining a residence certificate to open a bank account?

What is the correct order of steps to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand?

Can my Thai wife visit the USA on a tourist visa despite owning a business and property in Thailand?

Is it harder for a Thai woman to get a visa for Canada compared to the USA?

Can I open a Thai bank account with a tourist visa?

What is the best foreigner-friendly bank in Koh Samui for opening an account with a Non-Immigrant Guardian visa?

Can you open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV visa?

Can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa without a certified passport copy?

Can I open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV visa?

How can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa?

What documentation do I need to open a bank account in Thailand with a Non O visa if I have a Nakhon Pathom address?

What documents do I need to open a Thai bank account as an expat?

Can expats open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa while buying property?

Can someone open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa while planning to switch to a retirement visa later?

How can I open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa to obtain a marriage visa?

Can I obtain a Thai driver's license in Chiang Mai with a visa exemption or do I need a tourist visa?

What are the requirements for a foreigner with a tourist visa to open a bank account in Thailand?

How can I successfully open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa?

How can tourists open a bank account in Thailand, and do they need a guarantor?

Can a foreigner open a Thai bank account with just a tourist visa?

Can I open a bank account in Chiang Mai with just a tourist visa?

Should I apply for a 60-day tourist visa or use the 30-day visa exemption to obtain a Non-immigrant O visa in Thailand?

Can you open a Thai bank account without a work permit?

Can I open a Thai bank account on a tourist visa before applying for a spousal visa?

Resources

Cannabis shops near me Retirement visa extension eSIM for Thailand LTR visa qualification

Need help with your Thai visa?