Answered3 years ago
Which Thailand bank is the easiest to open an account with as an expat?
Which is the best and easy Thailand Bank to open an account with?
Answer summary
In Thailand, the ease of opening a bank account varies greatly by branch and the type of visa an expat holds. Popular recommendations include Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank, with many expats suggesting Bangkok Bank for its services related to immigration and visa extensions, particularly for transfers that need to appear international. It's advised to prepare thoroughly with the necessary paperwork and, if needed, to consider hiring an agent for assistance. Many expats mention that having a good amount of cash available during the application can also improve the chances of account approval.
78 repliesnewest first
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Phennapha *****
Kasikorn bank is the best and more professional
Zun **********
1. Bangkok bank 2. Kasikorn bank, if you need a hand you can get service from
***************
too
Peter *********
OP@Zun *********
thankyou
Brad *******
I found my first account at Bangkok was super easy. One weird nuance to banks here is the branch you open your account with becomes your lifetime main account there. Some things afterwards can only be done there with ease. E.g. getting a letter from the bank for immigration can only be obtained at my original location. I relocated from Chiang Mai to Phuket for a year and needed a letter. Phuket branches were happy and efficient, but they had to order the letter from Chiang Mai. Took 3 business days to arrive (no emailing a pdf) and maybe an extra 100 baht fee. So choose a location that overall be convenient for you.
Nick ************
If a branch turns you down this week go back next week. It can depend on who you see. I tried the same branch of Bangkok Bank 4 times before they said yes!
Toby *********
Bangkok bank for sure.
James **********
If you try to open an account with no money they will probably say no. If you walk in with a pile of cash then they are more likely to say yes.
Peter *********
OP@James *********
thankyou, I understand
Noppakhun ***************
Bangkok bank. I was able to open under tourist visa. Some branches allows it. Before it was stated in their website..now they removed it and place "for tourist visa contact the branch.
Steve *******
@Noppakhun **************
was your branch in Bangkok?Noppakhun ***************
@Steve ******
emsquairePeter *********
OP@Noppakhun **************
thanks
Bobby *********
Best for immigration/visa etc is Bangkok Bank as far as I am aware, I have Kasikorn, fairly easy to open 👍🏻
Jae *******
It varies by location, sorry.
Peter *********
OP@Jae ******
ok
David ***********
Bangkok Bank
Phil ******
@Peter ********
if you follow the bank requirements any bank. I'm with Bangkok bankPeter *********
OP@Phil *****
ok thanksPhil ******
@Peter ********
it is really difficult if you an a tourist visaPeter *********
OP@Phil *****
ok thanks
Luc ************
Contact Siam Legal, thetmy can help you to open an account at Bangkok Bank.
Luc ************
Had an appointment but had to cancel. Will have to go in december.
Franklin ***********
@Luc ***********
they did this for you after march 2023?
Steve *******
Bangkok bank. Just make sure you have all your paperwork in order or you’ll be making a lot of trips
Gregor **********
Bangkok Bank. Visit F.S. Consulting
@Stefan *******
in Pattaya, he will open a Bangkok Bank account for you on ANY visa, even on a visa-exempt.
Mac ********
@Gregor *********
wow amazing, need to go to Pattaya? No way to do so in Bangkok?Gregor **********
@Mac *******
of course there are agents in Bangkok, for the bank account and drivers license service. However I do not know any addresses, you have to google for them
Muz *********
@Gregor *********
what about just on tourist visa ?Gregor **********
@Muz ********
no problemGregor **********
@Muz ********
5000.- THB is the standard price, and it goes without any tie-in deals like life-insurances or accident insurances, some banks want you to take up when you need a bank account with them. BEWARE!Gregor **********
@Muz ********
FS Consulting, same priceJae *******
@Muz ********
Indeed!Muz *********
Gregor Huettner any idea on price ?
Last i checked tik tok ratchanee in Pattaya did it for 5,000 baht
Might be just me but seemed a bit much just to open up a free bank account
Last i checked tik tok ratchanee in Pattaya did it for 5,000 baht
Might be just me but seemed a bit much just to open up a free bank account
Stefano ********
Use an agent also with tourust visa they can open for you easy
Bob *******
You need a bank account if require a extension to stay for immigration to show funds in bank
Graham ******
@Bob ******
not for tourist extensions, only extensions of long-term Visas
Steven ********
Bangkok bank
Jae *******
@Steven *******
In Korat it's Kasikorn, Bangkok Bank is exceedingly difficult.Steven ********
@Jae ******
probably right but if your in BKK then BB I found easy
Bill *********
I heard Bangkok Bank in Central Mall was the easiest.
Bob *******
Bangkok Bank chaiyaphum was quite ok to open with correct documentation
Till ******
@Bob ******
when were this? Are you sure its currently working?Till ******
Shit, because end of March 2023 all Bangkok Banks changed their regulations...
Bob *******
@Till *****
March 2023
Ross *******
About 8 years ago Bangkok bank branch in Hua Hin but love learned it depends on the bank and the branch
Steve ********
If you're going to use the 65k/month method of visa extension, use either Bangkok Bank or Kasikorn Bank in conjunction with Wise transfer, as these transfers will then show as "international" in your account, which is essential for immigration
Graham *******
any swift transfer show up international
Steve ********
@Graham ******
They do, but invariably cost more as both banks charge a fee. Fortunately I've never had a problem with Wise/Bangkok Bank, but if for any reason one transfer goes via another bank, it's simply a case of getting the FET for that transaction
Jeffrey ************
@Graham ******
That's the only guaranteed route.Jeffrey ************
@Steve *******
But with no guarantees....Steve ********
@Jeffrey ***********
There's no guarantees in life, however Wise have been very consistent with me. No complaintsPeter *********
OP@Steve *******
thankyou
Paul ********
If transferring money regularly look at Bangkok bank
Michael *******
Bkk bank. Easy if you have the required paperwork
To**
What fees do the bandsks charge for having an account?
Graham ******
@To**
300 to 400B for the initial ATM card then 200 to 300B per year thereafter
Tobias *******
If you try on your own, try either in Bangkok or areas known for tourism. I wanted to open an account at SCB, but wasn't successful. They recommended to try Kasikorn or Bangkok Bank. I had been sucessfull with Kasikorn at Central World. Hope it helps. Expect to show a lot of papers.
Adam ******
Question is what is the reason to have Thai Bank, because if just for making payments or transfers, even receiving thai baht you can use Revolut bank and just set up in app Thai Account (personally i done this and works perfectly, even exchange rates from example USD to THB are much more better and can be made from the App directly) ATM card works as well without any complaints to be honest, and set up takes few min which I suppouse is the best option instead of waiting in bank and collecting many associated documents like copies of visa or employments etc etc depending on the branch where we apply.
Jon *****
@Adam *****
The idea is maybe to avoid the 220 baht ATM scamAdam ******
@Jon ****
yes but basically this is how the banks earning, not mentioning the high exchange fees by the ATM different from each branch, that's why I'm Blockchain Technology enthusiast tbh, I do not like the 3rd parts to manage my funds ...like banksfor example tbh.Adam ******
@Till *****
if you use a Ethereum yes I agreeTill ******
@Adam *****
The blockchain fee is sometimes even higher...
Paul ********
@Adam *****
You can do bill pay and Promptpay from Revolut bank?Adam ******
@Paul *******
I paying rental for condo, from Revolut to Thai Bank where owner (thai person) has account without any problems. Directly in THB after I convert my USD.Grzegorz ***********
@Adam *****
QR code payments is enough of a reason for me, but so far I keep wasting time trying to open one on TR visa 😂Adam ******
@Grzegorz **********
try use Revolut you have all major currencies there and manage of this account you doing by yourself, personaly I have very good experience with this option and is much more easier as management of this Thai account is by me, no need to wait if nice lady will have time in bank customer service in case something isn't right, right;)Adam ******
@Grzegorz **********
yes I see, one girl was using this feature I remember, I think is connected internal with banks all the venues, shops etc etc can have it connected to their account I suppouse no matter which branch but is only restricted to Thai Banks, I suppouse, so everyone can use it as generating own QR code for payment associated with their bank account.Grzegorz ***********
@Adam *****
sure, write away. RE: Revolut: The QR code system is proprietary to ASEAN countries, western banking system is not compatible with it. It's not a must have in Thailand, but definitely nice to have, you can pay with it even in streetfood stalls.Adam ******
@Grzegorz **********
can I ask you something in private?Adam ******
@Grzegorz **********
I'm actually not using this sort of payments, from security reason, as readers can still have sort of wrong reading, databases etc etc but contactless payments, normal transfers, ATM transactions and international operations works perfectly fine , maybe QR codes will work as you temporary set your primary account as Thai, did you check that ?Grzegorz ***********
@Adam *****
i do have Revo (both debit and credit), it's my primary travel card. It still doesn't allow you to pay with QR Codes in Thailand AFAIK, and I hate carrying a pocket full of notes and coins.Paul ********
Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank are very popular. I’ve had good luck with Bangkok Bank over 3+ years.
Keep in mind that “easy” varies from branch to branch.
Personally, I think it’s worth using an agent, but others will disagree.
Make sure you get a debit card and have the branch set up and test the ap on your phone before you leave.
Keep in mind that “easy” varies from branch to branch.
Personally, I think it’s worth using an agent, but others will disagree.
Make sure you get a debit card and have the branch set up and test the ap on your phone before you leave.
Peter *********
OP@Paul *******
thanks
Steve **********
@Paul *******
Bkk
Stuart *********
The best one is the one branch that allows you to open one.
Getting hard to do these days without an agent, depending on what sort of visa you hold.
Getting hard to do these days without an agent, depending on what sort of visa you hold.
Jorge *****
@Stuart ********
- "which is the easiest bank"-"The easiest is the one that opens you a bank account easyly"
Grzegorz ***********
@Stuart ********
I read that since March this year getting one on TR visa is borderline impossible. Tried yesterday at Krungthai and SCB on Ko Lanta, with residency certificate, and got turned down. You recon it's still worth trying in Krabi, or give up until I get a better visa?Stuart *********
@Grzegorz **********
Perhaps there’s an agency that can help you. Check out in Ko Lanta based FB groups.Activity
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