Answered9 months ago
What are the experiences of expats in opening bank accounts in Thailand?
Hopefully this will help others to make a very important decision. Feel free to add banks that I’ve missed
Answer summary
The discussion centers around expat experiences in opening bank accounts in Thailand, with particular focus on various banks like Kasikorn, Krungsri, and Bangkok Bank. Users shared mixed experiences; many had successful and smooth account openings at banks like Kasikorn and Krungsri, often highlighting their helpful staff and efficient processes. However, numerous comments caution against Bangkok Bank due to poor service and issues with account retention, especially concerning passport changes. The conversation also touches on necessary paperwork and problems faced in rural areas versus cities.
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Jay *********
So which bank worjstwith Wise the best?
Bob *******
Kasikorn
Sammy ********
Thomas ********
idk about new acconts, but K Bank is the best mobile app and seems to have the most branches
Gary ********
I've never had a problem with Bangkok bank
Stephen *********
OPI think the majority of us agree cash is king, but doesn’t help anyone trying to get the retirement visa
Robert ********
Opened account with Krungthai through an agent in Bangkok when I first got my Non immigrant O based on retirement and year extension
of stay so I don’t know how difficult it would be to open on your own. But when I applied for my next extension I was worried because I was now living in Korat (different province) and was thinking there would be “issues” but everything went very smoothly. Got my 12 months of statements (using monthly deposit method) and certification letter upon walk-in. Was in and out in less than 30 minutes for only 100 baht. Also have had no issues with monthly Wise transfers from US bank and never any issues with local scan payments or online payments with Agoda or Lazada. Very happy with Krungthai (light blue) Bank.
of stay so I don’t know how difficult it would be to open on your own. But when I applied for my next extension I was worried because I was now living in Korat (different province) and was thinking there would be “issues” but everything went very smoothly. Got my 12 months of statements (using monthly deposit method) and certification letter upon walk-in. Was in and out in less than 30 minutes for only 100 baht. Also have had no issues with monthly Wise transfers from US bank and never any issues with local scan payments or online payments with Agoda or Lazada. Very happy with Krungthai (light blue) Bank.
Tony *****
@Robert *******
I agree. People warned me about Krungthai but it’s been a very good experience so far
Kim *********
Krungsri - very easy.
Alex *********
Avoid Bangkok bank. Only problems. Only rude people. Run away
Dieter *********
@Alex ********
Iive in Thailand 16 years, have to accounts at Bangkok Bank. Never had any problem
David ********
@Alex ********
absolutely terrible bank i renewed my passport and because I had a new passport number they said I couldn't continue in thier bank...idiots..
Kevin ********
@David *******
yep closed mine because I had new passportGary ********
@Kevin *******
they just asked me for new passport and photo copied it no issues
Jason ******
Future park pathum thani did mine , but it took 11 banks to tel me to go away first
Stephen *********
OP@Jason *****
that’s where I did mine, with KasikornJason ******
@Stephen ********
yes me also kasikorn
Paul *******
Avoid Bangkok Bank !!!!
Robin *******
Krungthai
Martyn ***********
Wtf..! Who's voting Bangkok Bank 😂
Hans ******************
Despite what bank you choose, what amazes me most is all the paperwork, in this data-world.
Same with the immigration.
Same with the immigration.
Nongnuch ********
I got a savings account with SCB since 19 years, their mobile App is great, and I receive 0.9% interest for my 800,000 and something Baht
Alexey **********
Why 60% are for Kasikorn? Daily limit is only 50.000thb for foreigners (K Plus)! Krungthai and Krungsri are better nowdays. 🙂 P.S. I have Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn and Krungsri.
Danong **********
@Alexey *********
is there is mentinance needid? Krungsri bank?
Daniel ******
Krungsri is the most competent!
Ant ***********
Krungthai
Peter ********
Krungsri
Dragan **********
Bsngkok bank don’t do foreigner accounts anymore
John **********
@Dragan *********
of course they doDragan **********
John **********
@Dragan *********
there must have had a reason to
Ross ********
@Dragan *********
I still have mine. Openned around 2017.
John *********
@Dragan *********
,maybe they have enough customers without worrying about all the scammers.
Jonnie *******
Been with Kbank for 17 years, never been an issue, have a Bangkok bank and SCB account but find the Kbank more user friendly for me anyway
Hayes *******
I had all my paperwork in order went to Kasikorn, Krungsri and SCB in my small town. Each one met us at the door and flat out refused no reason just no. Had to go to Kasikorn in Korat very friendly 40 minutes was done.
I have BBK, never any problems but am dreading going in to change to new passport number.
I have BBK, never any problems but am dreading going in to change to new passport number.
Bob **********
You have to open an account at a bank that works with Wise
Alan *******
@Bob *********
I heard Kasikorn accept wise but apparently you have to get a letter from them to confirm it to immigration as an international transfer for a small fee ,hope that is right as when i do my o visa the difference between a wise transfer and my bank is 2 baht per $ and that will cost me a whole lot more on *****
0.Bob **********
@Alan ******
if you check funds for long stay you’ll be fine with Kbank
Dennis *********
@Bob *********
why? I don’t use wise.
Paul *********
@Bob *********
which banks work with Wise?
Pete *******
Kasikorn. So easy and quick to open In a small town and staff so helpful. Even paper
Work to get 1 year extension very quick and cost 100 baht
Work to get 1 year extension very quick and cost 100 baht
Steven *******
Just tried opening kasikornbank in my little issan village, had everything, letter from immigration, non o visa, telephone letter, copies of everything. Rejected out right, without even looking at the paperwork. Said i had marry my thai wife in thailand. Been married over 30 years in Australia, lessen learnt, go to a big bank in a big town. Off to Maharsarakham tomorrow 90 minute drive. 😪😀
Wayne *********
@Steven ******
I was not even asked if married.John **********
@Steven ******
lost in translation I'd say. What they are looking for is a certificate from your amphur showing you are married but you will have to go through some hoops to get it. If you're planning applying for a visa/extension based on marriage you're going to need it anywaySteven *******
@John *********
yes thanks john I'm applying as retired, so marriage shouldn't come into it, but you are correct. Lost in translation
Frank **********
@Steven ******
where in Issan because about 3 months ago I opened an account with Kasikorn in Borabue. The lady kept insisting on a Non O Visa. I was already non an extension for marriage to a Thai. I tried explaining to her the previous Non O was no longer applicable as I was on an extension of 1 year. After calling the main office and sending multiple copies of my passport and stamps the main office said I was good to go. I suspect many banks in little rural areas do not know much about opening accounts for foreigners.Steven *******
@Frank *********
i am in phayakkaphumphisai, lady in bank was just.down right rude, to my wife, my non o is based on retirement, but she did not want to listen, went to SCB and they were terrific but need a letter from immigration addressed to SCB bank, so i figure if i have to go all the way back to Maharsarakham i might try the kasikorn there. I usedto have a Bangkok bank but of course they are just no helpful anymore.Frank **********
@Steven ******
you will still need a Letter of Residence from Immigration. There is a Kasikorn Bank in Serm Thai also. Good luck.
Jo **********
@Steven ******
You are married to Thai? because I was able to open an account based on only marriageWayne *********
Opened at Kasikorn Seacon square last week from walking in to leaving with account was an hour
Dennis *********
Kasikorn or Krungsri
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