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Do UK expats in Thailand face issues using their UK bank accounts?

Oct 31, 2025
2 days ago
Gary ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Question for UK expats re bank accounts. Anyone have any issues using their UK accounts while living in Thailand?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Many UK expats living in Thailand report generally having no issues using their UK bank accounts. Some expats noted that account management can depend on factors like residency status; certain banks may close accounts if they determine customers are not UK residents. Options for verification vary by bank, with Nationwide being a favorable choice due to its flexible verification methods. Some expats use services like Swytch VOIP for receiving verification codes. Overall, experiences with UK banks while living in Thailand tend to be positive.
Gary ********
Wise! Cheap no hassle.
Julian *******
HSBC. No issues
Stuart ***********
Really? Over what period and which account?
Julian *******
@Stuart **********
regular account. Over ten years
Sally ********
The only bank that will let us have an account in Thailand is Nationwide. Barclays closed our account and Santander as our address is in Thailand.
Pete **********
Several uk banks will automatically close your account if you are not classed as a uk resident,
Jonnie *******
I’ve just recently started getting requests from my uk bank for the first time in the 17 years I’ve been here, although I ensure I’m less than 180 days in thailand each year, the rest of the time in mid east or Taiwan, haven’t been back to UK in over 5 years.

Bank continually asking via my online application to confirm my tax residence
Lynnette *******
I use Nationwide, they have options for verification other than text message. I don't use my Lloyds account cause they only use texts. So I log in as usual and do banking with Nationwide.
John *********
I have the Lloyds App hope thats OK for use in thailand.
Lynnette *******
@John ********
no idea. I don't use banking on mobile phone. It probably works ok on an app. Not sure if it still requires text confirmation.
John *********
I spoke to Lloyds last week and they said do it all on the app
Ant ******
@Lynnette ******
is a card reader the only option for logging into nationwide
Lynnette *******
@Ant *****
No. There's a special Pass number. But I take my card reader with me. It's your usual way of logging in on line same as you do at home. But if you make payments that need a text confirmation you click "didn't receive it" and it gives option of email instead.
Ant ******
@Lynnette ******
can you give me more details about that.

I'm looking for another way to log into my internet bank without my card reader while I'm abroad
Simon ********
Never had an issue
Phil ********
Nope. Only issue is some UK banks wont allow a Thai number for OTP etc so I use Swytch VOIP for £6 a month for a UK number.
Steve ********
None whatsoever
Terry *******
if you keep paying their fees they love you
Andi ***********
@Terry ******
True, Santander international just started charging fees for their account 40 quid a month or account closed.
Terry *******
@Andi **********
sounds like santander all over , have a business account and when they’re short they just bang your rate up every month until you move the debt. absolute thieves
Andi ***********
@Terry ******
yeah, its greed, execs get millions in salary...
Henry *********
Been in Thailand 20+ years and never had an issue with my UK bank.
Andy *******
@Henry ********
same here! Nationwide living overseas not an issue although I have UK address
Paul *********
@Andy ******
interesting. Im with Nationwide.
Andy *******
@Paul ********
they know I live overseas/ or at least travel a lot but are happy with UK address
Paul *********
@Andy ******
Nice to know cheers
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