Answereda year ago
What is the best bank in Thailand for expats from the USA to transfer funds?
What is the best bank to use in Thailand as an expat from USA transferring funds from USA banks? Thank you
Answer summary
Expatriates from the USA generally recommend Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB Bank for transferring funds from the U.S. Many users report good experiences with wire transfers using these banks, particularly for larger sums, while apps like Wise and Remitly are favored for smaller transactions. Mixed experiences exist, with some noting changes in Bangkok Bank's policies which have caused them to switch to Kasikorn Bank as a preferred option. Overall, most banks are deemed sufficient for fund transfers, but it's advised to check specific requirements like the frozen funds needed for visa purposes.
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Paul ****
I’m happy with Krungthai. But most will work, it doesn’t really matter to be honest, bank is a bank and will accept funds.
Paul ********
Speaking on the basis of my personal experience as an expat here:
Bangkok Bank used to be among the best but a recent flurry of inexplicable policy changes has removed them from my favorites list.
I now recommend Kasikorn as the best choice.
Bangkok Bank used to be among the best but a recent flurry of inexplicable policy changes has removed them from my favorites list.
I now recommend Kasikorn as the best choice.
Jay *******
You will get mixed reviews on all, but the big 3 mentioned are probably the best bet. If you are using it to keep the 800k baht for a visa, Bangkok bank requires freezing the 800k for 4 months now. Not sure if the others will follow their lead. I have been using Bangkok Bank without any problems. Don't have personal experience with the others
Robert *********
Western Union is best for transfers, $1.99 charge if using account debit card, $4.99 if transferring direct from account. Debit transfer is instant, from account takes a couple days. Their limit is $30,000usd. Not sure why any bank would put a limit on a deposit.
Gerg **********
I have Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn bank (KBank) accounts, and have no trouble transferring money from the U.S. I use a wire transfer from my U.S. bank using the Thai bank’s SWIFT code for large transfers, and the Wise or Remitly app for smaller transfers.
Jim ********
@Gerg *********
exactly what I was looking for…did Bangkok change any incoming fees?Gerg **********
@Jim *******
I can’t remember. But I know I lost about $30 on the final conversion, which wasn’t a big deal to me with that much money.Jim ********
@Gerg *********
how much are the Wire transfers? I use Wise but I’m curious if a Wire transfer from my credit union would be better for higher amounts.
Marty *********
@Jim *******
My credit union doesn’t do wire transfers. My BofA bank doesn’t charge for international wire transfers but I’m sure everyone gets their cut during the currency exchange.Gerg **********
@Jim *******
I paid $25 at Navy Federal Credit Union to wire transfer $80,000 USD to Bangkok Bank last year. It got there in about 3 days.Max *************
@Jim *******
Wise's exchange rate is better compared to a swift transfer. You need to check out fees.
Tracey ********
@Jim *******
torfx don't charge at all, I've downloaded their app and talked to them, I've asked them about hidden fees and was told they don't charge to transfer any amount, if I transfer from my bank to theirs then they transfer to Thai bank and said it should be in my Thai bank account within a few hours. As I say, I haven't used it yet, but they have great reviews and 91% 5* on trust pilot.Max *************
@Jim *******
The fee at KBank when receiving money from abroad via swift is maxed out at 500 baht. The minimum is 200-250 baht, I honestly don't remember the exact amount. There's no receiving fee for transfers via Wise.Jim ********
@Max ************
well the credit union I am with charges $25 for a wire transfer. Everything else is an unknown. That’s why I asked? I have asked KBank but they won’t give me a definitive answer on a hypothetical $5k transfer. With Wise it’s $37.47 and you get ~161k THBMax *************
@Jim *******
When sending large amounts the fee is actually lower compared to small amounts. It's not linear if you understand what I mean. Again,just compare fees.Jim ********
@Max ************
yes. I understand rates are better. Thats why I asked. But after $3K wise’s fees get high.
Kool *******
Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, and SCB bank, are the best, as they allow personal transfers over bt50,000.
Max *************
@Kool ******
It's 500k limit now at a few banks not 50k.Kool *******
@Max ************
the three I listed have no limitMax *************
@Mma ******
Yes,and the reason he mentioned 50k was the fact he didn't know about the increase to 500k. 😎
Mma *******
@Max ************
he never said the limit was 50k, he said over 50k.Max *************
@Kool ******
Then read the rest of your comment. The part I commented.Kool *******
@Max ************
the OP asked about the best, and that is what I listed.Max *************
@Kool ******
I commented the last part.Activity
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