This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What are the current banking options for expats in Thailand without a valid ATM card?
Banking in ThailandBangkok BankCardless ATM WithdrawalsExpat Banking IssuesVisa Requirements for BankingDigital BankingWithdrawal LimitsPassport Requirements
Oct 14, 2025
7 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERMaybe everyone already knows this but I’m currently in the “bank situation” with a bangkok bank account I’ve had for ages. But now I Dtv I’m paranoid so today I went in with my drivers license. That was a no go. They needed passport to “check visa”. I then discovered you can withdrawal on the banking app at the ATMs. Again you guys may know this, but you just use the cardless withdrawal and then go to the atm and scan the code from the atm screen onto the app. Idk how long I’ll get by like this but I’ll take it however long it is.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the banking challenges faced by expats in Thailand, particularly with Bangkok Bank. Users share their experiences with cardless ATM withdrawals, which allow them to access funds without a physical card. Many indicate the necessity of a passport for banking transactions and express concerns about account freezing. Some suggest that digital banking can be a convenient alternative but highlight limitations on additional banking services. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the reliance on technology for banking amid visa uncertainties.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Wannikea *********
It's no surprise that you can't do anything without a passport at the bank
Marc ********
They would probably not have closed the account if you are on "wrong" visa. They will just not unfreeze it if it will get frozen I guess
Anonymous ******************
The issue I have is changing my number, my BKk app is on my old phone and needs an update.. it’s hanging on by a thread, luckily I lost my card right before all this bs started happening and so it’s got like longer left than my DTV, but even so, massively sucks! Why don’t they bring the atm fee down or make it easier for non-Thai to bank in country.
DTV ******
That may work for withdrawing money, sure, but you probably won’t be able to add more money, or do any kind of transfers / scans to others. 
Greg *********
Good if your in Bangkok for the ATM that is card less
Pui *****
I think most people routinely use cardless ATM nowadays and don't carry their ATM cards if they even still have one. If the account is frozen, the cardless ATM also won't work.
Derek *****
My card expired a year ago, so I’ve just been using cardless ATM ever since. If your banking app is working but ur ATM is gone, just live without a card and go digital.
Paul *******
@Derek ****
Eventually, cards will be eliminated altogether anyway (not that I agree with that) but still, that's the trend. Same as passports...hence why they're beginning with things like e-visas, no longer stamping passports, e-gates and QR codes instead of passports (for Malaysian/Singapore citizens at their shared land border for instance).Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
I have scb and they dont give me any issues I opened it on a student visa by myself without an agent. Maybe thats why
Robin *********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 578 it's only BKK up until now, might change in the future though
Anonymous ******************
@Robin ********
seems anyone who used an agent has a problem i did it alone and my number is verified as well as facial recognitionReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
David *****
are you saying we can still withdraw funds from an ATM even after our account has been frozen by bangkok bank? that’ll save me a trip to pattaya if i can just withdraw the funds from an ATM in BKK.
Brandon ************
@David ****
No. He's saying he doesn't want to do anything at the bank that has them check his passport so his account isn't closed. The account has not been frozen.Paul *******
@David ****
No, he's saying there is no need for the ATM/debit card....you can let it expire if you wish. In other words...stay under the radar, ignore any requests to get your ATM/debit card renewed (or if you're on another visa, do it BEFORE moving onto the DTV) that way you have 5 years to worry about it!
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
J **************
Not long
Reply to
J **************
Reply
34 comments
7 months ago
81 comments
7 months ago
35 comments
7 months ago
10 comments
7 months ago
20 comments
7 months ago
34 comments
7 months ago
55 comments
7 months ago
14 comments
7 months ago
110 comments
9 months ago
30 comments
9 months ago
39 comments
9 months ago
54 comments
9 months ago
41 comments
9 months ago
38 comments
9 months ago
85 comments
10 months ago
30 comments
a year ago
17 comments
a year ago
153 comments
a year ago
78 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
36 comments
a year ago
30 comments
a year ago
65 comments
a year ago
45 comments
a year ago
182 comments
4 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.