This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Why is it important for expats to open a Thai bank account?
Thai bank accountexpat banking in ThailandThai financial servicesconvenience of local bankingvisa and bankingmoney transfer in Thailandpaying bills in Thailanddigital payments in ThailandATM fees in ThailandQR code payments
Aug 16, 2025
8 months ago
Sasha *********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust a random question. Why are you guys so interested in opening a thai bank account? It makes what easier?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a Thai bank account is crucial for many expats as it simplifies various transactions. It allows for easier payment of rent, utilities, and other expenses without the need to carry cash or pay high ATM fees for withdrawals with foreign cards. Local bank accounts facilitate instant money transfers using QR codes, which are commonly accepted across small vendors and online platforms in Thailand. The ability to handle transactions in Thai Baht also helps to avoid unfavorable exchange rates often faced with foreign cards. Overall, while not strictly necessary, having a Thai bank account significantly enhances daily life for expats living in Thailand.
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
Anthony *******
ATM fees 250 baht per withdrawal
Anonymous ******************
@Anthony ******
*laughs in Charles Schwab*Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Sasha *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAwwww I understand now. Well I land in 2 days. No Expat/Thai thought about a business model for these problems? Im just asking. Cause it seems like alot of ppl need help in this Area
Teijo *********
All my bills are depited from my account as direct debit. It would hardly work from domestic account or atleast it would be expensive. A permanent phone subscription reguires a local bank account.
Lor ******
@Teijo ********
what phone service do you use I’m in USA 🇺🇸 coming to Thailand 🇹🇭 in Nov I need a local Thai number.Teijo *********
@Lor *****
if you go on vacation, you get an internet connection from a ****
store. You just choose how fast connection you need, how much talk time etc. When you need more time just buy it. Passport needed in (any) store. There is many companies like Dtac, Tru move, and Ais. Choose what you like.Reply to
Teijo *********
Reply
Martin ********
Life.
Anonymous ******************
I’m as confused as you Sasha… been here ages and never needed it…
Jef ********
Also , I like how all the people on here who don’t have an account ( because they can’t get one ) are justifying why they don’t need one.
Let’s be honest you would have a Thai bank account in a heart beat if they would let you open it 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This will grind some peoples gears. I opened a KASIKORNBANK bank last week on a DTV 👌👌👌👌
Let’s be honest you would have a Thai bank account in a heart beat if they would let you open it 🤣🤣🤣🤣
This will grind some peoples gears. I opened a KASIKORNBANK bank last week on a DTV 👌👌👌👌
Sasha *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jef *******
ahhh okay and this bank is located in Bangkok? And do you need to bring any special paperwork?Jef ********
@Sasha ********
unless your married to Thai , have a condo ( and a few other things ) you will be very unlikely to get one opened on a DTVReply to
Jef ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Jef *******
Yes it's ridiculous when they try to convince others that there is no benefit of having a thai bank account because "there is true money for qr" or "you can pay your rent with revolut or wise or going to the bank with cash" or something else ridiculous. I lived in Thailand 1,5 years without a bank account and everyday life got much easier once I got one.Ken *******
Anonymous participant 237 so how do you verify
*****
0k for visa?Jef ********
Anonymous participant 237 💯 any one who says they don’t need one , hasn’t had one or can’t get one 🙏🏽🙏🏽even without the banking aspect , it’s another level of integration into a society that we have a 5 year visa for: the thing is they want our money they will take our rent , phone , internet contracts , electricity, water payments etc but won’t make it easy for us they are pay. If they were serious about it all they wouldn’t let us rent condos on “tourist” visas also
Reply to
Jef ********
Reply
Genevieve ****
@Jef *******
hi may i ask where and how? Ours got closed unfortunately. But still always on the look out for the chance to open one again. Thanks!Jef ********
@Genevieve ***
I have one of the unique circumstances of being married to a Thai.Genevieve ****
@Jef *******
😉no wonder! Thanks anyways 👍🏼Reply to
Genevieve ****
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Another option
***************************************************************
*****
107Ken *******
Anonymous participant 410 I have had a debit card for years that changes Crypto to currency, works fine Australia to Thailand
Reply to
Ken *******
Reply
Pedro *******
Do you like paying $5 everytime you want to widthdral money?
Anonymous ******************
Having a Thai bank account would be great
Can pay just like locals do with QR code even at small market stalls.
Can pay just like locals do with QR code even at small market stalls.
Dany ********
i live here for 3 years and never missed a bank account. dont have, dont need… having one would not even improve my life by 1%…
ScenicPer*********
Are you 12 or what?
Ja***
Bought a condo, collect rent for my condo when I'm not in Thailand, pay utilities, earn interest on THB savings (1.5% with SCB EZ Savings account), cash the check from revenue department for my withholding tax refund for bank interest after filing a tax return, opened a Bitkub account, shop on Lazada without using cash on delivery, order food from Grab and have them leave it downstairs so I can go down and get it at my convenience, pay deposit for small hotels that don't have online booking options, pay hospital bills without the foreign card surcharge. The real question is why you would not want to have a bank account? It's not strictly needed but it makes many aspects of life more convenient and there are basically no fees for having one. I don't see any disadvantage of having one, only advantages. The only people that say it's not useful are people that are unable to open one.
Sasha *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ja***
but you were able to open up a bank account because you bought a condo?Ja***
@Sasha ********
I opened Bangkok Bank in 2022 with a tourist visa. Kasikorn and SCB last year with an ED visa. So far no problem keeping all the accounts open with my DTV.Reply to
Ja***
Reply
Ken *******
@Ja***
collect rent?Ja***
@Ken ******
I usually spend 3-4 months in Canada during the summer and rent out my condo while I'm away.Reply to
Ja***
Reply
John *********
I love using cash. I break my bills at a 7-11/Lotus/Big C/any local shop that sells alcohol.
The cash is a private transaction.
Charles Schwab refunds my ATM fees. I also use that debit card on Lazada.
Rent can be paid at a bank counter or cash deposit machine. Banks are open 7 days a week at retail locations until the evening.
And f@ck Grab delivery. They charge restaurants over a third of the cost. You get food that’s lukewarm, have to wait for it, paid more for it, 17 plastic bags, and the chore of doing dishes.
Almost certain I get a bigger portion when giving the cash direct and eating there. AND it tastes better!
Who doesn’t have 30 minutes to go eat? You lose more than that waiting for delivery.
End of rant. Peace out.
The cash is a private transaction.
Charles Schwab refunds my ATM fees. I also use that debit card on Lazada.
Rent can be paid at a bank counter or cash deposit machine. Banks are open 7 days a week at retail locations until the evening.
And f@ck Grab delivery. They charge restaurants over a third of the cost. You get food that’s lukewarm, have to wait for it, paid more for it, 17 plastic bags, and the chore of doing dishes.
Almost certain I get a bigger portion when giving the cash direct and eating there. AND it tastes better!
Who doesn’t have 30 minutes to go eat? You lose more than that waiting for delivery.
End of rant. Peace out.
Adrian ******
Its not essential but it makes everyday transactions so much easier.
David ********
living here a few years and never had thai bank account, not a big deal for me
Sean *******
@David *******
Hard to miss something you've never had.Reply to
Sean *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Your a tourist
Why should they allow on a tourist visa
Restaurants
Grocery stores
Grab take credit card
Pay rent by wise
What else you need
Cash for markets and street food
Get an atm fee free account
Why should they allow on a tourist visa
Restaurants
Grocery stores
Grab take credit card
Pay rent by wise
What else you need
Cash for markets and street food
Get an atm fee free account
Derek *****
The real question is why wouldn’t you want a Thai bank account to pay for food delivery, shop on Lazada, pay for Grab, send money to friends and family, use cardless atm anywhere, keep xXx,000thb on hand without carrying a bucket of cash. Imagine living in US and not having a local bank.
Derek *****
Barely using it is a far cry from never using it. I agree I don’t need my account on a daily basis, but when I do use it, it’s nice to have it.
Dany ********
@Derek ****
most of that works with a credit card. others with Wise or Revolut. QR payment only with TrueMoney and yeah the only slight downside. dont need a bank accountSebastian *********
@Dany *******
I have a bank account since 3 years but I am barely using it..Fully agree with you, card payments are now much wider accepted than before.
Lazada, Grab can easily paid with card
And not everybody needs cash money, imagine some people don’t eat street food all day or use public transportation. Can’t remember the last time I withdrew money
Anonymous ******************
@Dany *******
You are one of the 2-3 guys on this group that has made it your life mission to convince people that having a thai bank account is totally unnecessary. One might wonder why? You couldnt open one or what?Dany ********
Anonymer Teilnehmer 237 i didnt want to open one. 3 years and not need. had plenty of options to open an account, especially when i was on ED visa before. just sharing personal experiences.
Matthew *******
@Dany *******
why make life harder than it needs to beDany ********
@Matthew ******
why is it harder? not in my case. super easy life.Reply to
Dany ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Scanning qr codes at shops and transferring money to my thai friends when we go out
Anonymous ******************
They're mostly 'digital creators' who want to make a video about the process of opening one
Jason **********
I use mine to pay my rent, water, power, scan pay when out and send friends money when we split the check. Keeps me from carrying a ton of cash all the time.
Anonymous ******************
@Jason *********
can pay rent, water or send money to Thai friend with online bank, you can scan with app like morena pay, and can pay electricity bills at ****
, just avoid very little fees with Thai bank accountReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Nick ***********
If you plan to make an Asian country your home a significant percentage of each year it makes sense to have a bank account in that country.
Roman ***********
You can easier transfer support to your Thai cutie 🥰
Ling *****
It avoids you having to pay a 250 baht atm fee + any extras your home bank charges you. I do cardless withdrawals and transfers within Thailand and there are zero fees.
Ling *****
@Angela ********
does not apply to me, I am from Australia.Anton ********************
@Angela ********
not everyone are MuricansElías ********
@Ling ****
how so? DTVers aren't allowed to earn money in Thailand, so you'll need to eventually withdraw cash from your home country account anyway, before depositing it at a Thai account.Ling *****
@Elías *******
i can't earn money in Thailand either so I send money from home bank to my Thai bank with my Wise account at very good rates.Robin **********
@Elías *******
toy can send it tru wise or your bankaccountElías ********
@Robin *********
I see. That makes sense. Wise isn't available in my home country.Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Angela *********
@Ling ****
not if you are able to use a Charles Schwab or Fidelity Cash management account, or something similar in your home country. They reimburse ATM fees and there are no other fees associated with them.Angela *********
@Tony *******
not sure what you mean by that. Seems quite a stretch to make a comment like that for simply giving a possible option to use, if applicable. Why would you feel it necessary to jump to a hurtful comment grouping about Americans? Seems to me a reason to dislike you, not me...Reply to
Angela *********
Reply
Dennis ******
Do you have a bank account where you come from? Do you even know what a bank account is? If not, look it up. One of the best invention of the modern world. People living in a modern society just use it because it's convenient.
Greg ********
Rent and other local payments. I have local bank accounts but pay for most day to day items cash. I am not fecking about with a phone and QR code for a few hundred Baht.
Matthew *******
@Greg *******
cash that you get out of your local bank account ?Greg ********
@Matthew ******
Yes. Had them for a while though.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Tore *********
@Greg *******
i find prompt pay way faster and easier than fiddling with cash. Each to its own thoughSteve *******
@Greg *******
it's funny how differently we all see things. For me, it's the small stuff that I prefer QR payments for. Like a 37 baht Bolt ride, or a 180 baht lunch. I don't want to carry around small bills 😅Greg ********
@Steve ******
I pay for Bolt and Grab through cards as they are tied to accounts. I am not standing in a ****
or a coffee shop pulling out my phone though for small amounts. Just what we are used to I suppose. If I am going out for a night with friends it is cash only too for beer etc. I suppose service staff like it better as they get tipped. I notice people paying exact amounts when scanning in bars etc.Steve *******
@Greg *******
yeah, it's all about what you're used to. I have always just tapped my phone to pay with my card and scanned QR codes for payments to people. We all have our preferences.Greg ********
@Steve ******
A couple of years ago I went to London for a wedding. Many bars and the wedding location itself was tap card only. My pal, the father of the bride, had to pay for all my drinks as my cards would not work. lol. He got his own back this year when I went for the football in May. My Thai cards were working in bars, restaurants etc this time.Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
ok Jeff bezosReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Steve *******
I use it to scan and pay multiple times a day. You can't use any other methods to scan and transfer money to personal accounts, like Bolt riders, Grab delivery riders, most small restaurants and sales stands.
I also use it to get cash from ATMs without having to carry my card on me.
The transfers are instant, so I can pay my rent or others bills without delays.
And the exchange rate + fees when using foreign cards in ATMs will eat a big chunk of your money, over time.
I also use it to get cash from ATMs without having to carry my card on me.
The transfers are instant, so I can pay my rent or others bills without delays.
And the exchange rate + fees when using foreign cards in ATMs will eat a big chunk of your money, over time.
James *************
Didn’t mention debt card once in the comments
James *************
@Steve ******
can also use a transfer wise account which has good ratings. If you take your passport to any bank you can get money out for free alsoIvan ************
@James ************
you pay on the Wise side, around 2% on top for the cash advance, which is larger than the Thai side fee. It's not terrible but it's not as good as transfer to a Thai bank account.Anthony *******
@James ************
not with a debt card.Anonymous ******************
@James ************
Does that sound as convenient as getting it without a card at an atm?James *************
Anonymous participant 237 obviously not. I’m saying it say alternatives as most dtv don’t allow you to get bank accounts anymore.
Reply to
James *************
Reply
Steve *******
@James ************
but you can't scan to pay, which is the most common thing I use my Thai bank account for.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Angela *********
@Steve ******
not if you use a Charles Schwab or Fidelity Cash management account. They reimburse ATM fees and there are no other fees associated with them.Matthew *******
@Angela ********
they smash you on the exchange rateIvan ************
@Matthew ******
they actually don't, it's zero markup on the Visa exchange rate which is typically around 0.3-0.4% (you can check on the Visa site exactly what it is). It's actually usually *slightly* cheaper to take money out of an ATM with a Schwab card than use Wise to transfer to a Thai bank account. Slightly, they are both close enough it makes no practical differenceAngela *********
@Matthew ******
actually they give you the best exchange rate. Ive been using Schwab internationally and exclusively, and the rates are the best.Reply to
Angela *********
Reply
Dave ****
@Angela ********
Newsflash, not everyone is American 🤦🏽🤦🏽🤦🏽Angela *********
@Dave ***
it was just a suggestion for anyone that finds it applicable. Obviously I am well aware that not everyone on here is American. Why does my possible suggestion have to apply to everyone here, before making it?Reply to
Angela *********
Reply
Steve *******
@Angela ********
that's...that's only one of the many things I mentioned.Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Except for avoid atm fees it’s worthless
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 531 Not really. You can use QR scan to pay for everything which means never having to carry cash
Anonymous ******************
Participant anonyme 438 can pay cash with some apps, I live great without bank account
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 531 Many people prefer the convenience of not having to carry cash. QR code scan is probably the most preferred method of payment in Thailand amongst Thai people, it's accepted everywhere, so convenience is the key.
Anonymous ******************
Participant anonyme 438 i mean can pay scan with some apps
Angela *********
Anonymous participant 438 can you list the app with the qr scan?
Anonymous ******************
@Angela ********
morena pay for exampleAnonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 438 you don't need a Thai bank account to pay by qr code. There are multiple apps that allow it
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 486 Yes but they're expensive to use and some will only pay to business accounts. Paying directly from a Thai bank account is free and can be paid to anyone with a QR code
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Angela *********
Anonymous participant 531 not if you are able to use something like a Charles Schwab or Fidelity Cash management account. They reimburse ATM fees and there are no other fees associated with them.
Steven ******
@Angela ********
is it easy to get them?Tony ********
@Angela ********
unfortunately most people on this group aren’t US citizens lolReply to
Tony ********
Reply
Stefan ******
Have you ever looked at the exchange rate foreign banks give you? Some will also charge fees on top of that
Sean *******
It makes living in Thailand easier.
Sean *******
@Dylan ******
This agent was really kicking the can down the road with returning my deposit. They were looking for any excuse so I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have got it without a Thai bank account.Elías ********
@Sean ******
I've heard you can get a bank account even with a DTV if you "have a condo". Do you know whether having a condo in that statement apply both for renting/leasing and owning?Sean *******
@Elías *******
I think it's just owning a condo.Reply to
Sean *******
Reply
Dylan *******
@Sean ******
I’ve lived here for 8 months haven’t needed a Thai bank account yet?! What do you need it for?Tore *********
@Dylan ******
need? Possible without, but so much more convenient Pay rent without waiting days for wise transfer, pay bills, take out cash without atm fee, pay for stuff using prompt pay, top up rabbit, top up toll road chip, pay for gasoline, supermarket, top up true money wallet, online shopping, food delivery, top of Muvmi, top up Taskee, pay at restaurants, Pay for any service. Buy car, lease car. The list goes on……
Angela *********
@Dylan ******
not if you use a Charles Schwab or Fidelity Cash management account. They reimburse ATM fees and there are no other fees associated with them.Steven ******
@Angela ********
aren't they American institutions though?Reply to
Steven ******
Reply
Robin **********
@Dylan ******
easier to pay bills, don’t have to pay withdrawal fees, don’t need to have a lot of cash on youElías ********
@Robin *********
DTVers would always need to pay withdrawal fees, as we're not allowed to earn money from within Thailand. Also, your home country cards allow you to pay many things, so no need to carry cash, either.Robin **********
@Elías *******
still cheaper to transfer to a Thaibank, depend on where you going to spend the money streetvendor don’t take cardReply to
Robin **********
Reply
John ******
@Dylan ******
if you attempt to buy anything over Line, they accept QR scan and not credit cardSean *******
@Dylan ******
I didn't say I needed it I said it makes living in Thailand easier. Like paying rent and getting your deposit back, etc.Reply to
Sean *******
Reply
Lisa *********
Ive been thinking that too
Reply to
Lisa *********
Reply
82 comments
8 months ago
85 comments
10 months ago
1 comments
a year ago
113 comments
a year ago
17 comments
a year ago
81 comments
a year ago
105 comments
a year ago
38 comments
a year ago
31 comments
a year ago
39 comments
2 years ago
91 comments
2 years ago
189 comments
2 years ago
47 comments
2 years ago
28 comments
2 years ago
49 comments
2 years ago
38 comments
2 years ago
46 comments
2 years ago
261 comments
2 years ago
33 comments
2 years ago
21 comments
3 years ago
78 comments
3 years ago
13 comments
3 years ago
90 comments
3 years ago
102 comments
5 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.