How to open a Bangkok Bank account for foreigners: Requirements, restrictions, and more

Bangkok Bank¹ has a comprehensive range of services for Thai citizens, as well as some account products for long term foreign residents in Thailand. Due to regulatory requirements and some reported recent changes in policy, you may find that not all Bangkok Bank accounts are available to you if you’re a foreign resident in Thailand. This means it’s crucial to review the Bangkok Bank foreigner account requirements before you start to apply.

This guide covers the Bangkok Bank account restrictions for foreigners, as well as a summary of the Bangkok Bank foreigner accounts which may still be a good option for you. We'll also introduce Wise, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.

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Can foreigners open a Bangkok Bank account?

Bangkok Bank has a very comprehensive range of accounts including personal and business products, savings accounts, fixed deposit accounts and foreign currency accounts. If you want to use Bangkok Bank to open an account as a foreigner in Thailand, the accounts which are available can vary depending on your personal situation and visa type.

Some Bangkok Bank accounts are only available to Thai citizens, while others may be offered to long term residents. It’s helpful to know that the account offerings for foreigners can change - it was reported in the Bangkok Post² and other news sources in May 2025, that the bank is tightening its rules about which foreign residents can open an account. This may mean that you can not open a Bangkok Bank tourist account, but you might still be able to open an account if you’re a long term resident on select visa types.

Types of Bangkok Bank accounts for foreigners

Accounts that may be available to foreign customers, depending on the situation include³:

• Savings Account⁴
• Statement Savings Account⁵
• Bangkok Bank Current Account (Business customers)⁶
• Fixed Deposit Account⁷
• Sinmathaya Subthawee - Bualuang Kids Account⁸
• FCD Account for Thai Residents⁹
• Special Savings FCD Account¹⁰
• FCD Account for Non Residents¹¹

All of these accounts have their own features, fees, terms and conditions, so it’s worth comparing your options¹² with the help of bank staff, to decide which is the right fit for your specific needs.

Bangkok Bank account requirements for foreigners

You can’t use Bangkok Bank to open an account as a foreigner online in most cases. Instead you’re asked to visit a bank branch where staff can talk through the requirements and options available based on your needs, situation and visa type.

While the options available do vary, you may have a better chance of meeting the Bangkok Bank account requirements for foreigners if you’re there on a retirement or non-immigration visa, such as a work, study or family reunification visa.

You’re likely to be required to provide documents to open your account including:

• Proof of ID like your passport
• Proof of address
• Proof of your right to reside in Thailand - your valid visa

For some accounts and deposit types you might also have to prove the source of your funds, or give biometric information to allow you to operate your account remotely.

To learn about the full range of Bangkok Bank account requirements for foreigners you’ll need to contact the bank directly by visiting your closest branch.

How to open a Bangkok Bank account for foreigners?

To open a Bangkok Bank account for foreigners you will be asked to visit a branch in person¹³.

There you can talk through the account options available and complete the verification process by showing your paperwork such as your proof of ID and your valid long term visa.

Bangkok Bank account restrictions for foreigners

As we’ve seen not all Bangkok Bank accounts are available to foreigners. If you are able to open an account it’s also worth checking on the rules around managing your money and accessing your funds from overseas.

If you’re likely to need to view your account balance or make transactions when you’re outside of Thailand you must register for Bualuang iBanking before you travel. If you open an account in Thailand and then travel or move abroad, it’s also important to note that you can not get a replacement ATM card without visiting a branch in Thailand in person, and you also can not close your account without attending the bank in person.

This might mean that the account products and services from Bangkok Bank aren’t the most suitable option if you travel frequently or intend to move away from Thailand in future.

Bangkok Bank account exchange rates

You can view the live Bangkok Bank foreign exchange rates online¹⁴, or by logging into your online banking service once you have an account. Rates displayed include buy and sell rates, and can vary depending on the transaction type. Make sure you’re looking at the correct rate for the transaction you need to make.

When you review the Bangkok Bank foreign exchange rates for your specific transaction, it’s also worth comparing the rate you’re offered against the mid-market rate. The mid-market rate is the one you can find on Google or using a currency conversion tool. However, this rate isn’t usually passed on to retail customers by banks. Instead, a markup or margin - a fee - is added to the mid-market rate to calculate the retail exchange rate. This can mean you’re paying fees without realising when you send a payment overseas for example.

Compare the rate you’re offered by Bangkok Bank before transacting, and take a look to see if other providers may offer a better deal.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a Bangkok Bank tourist account?

There’s no specific Bangkok Bank tourist account. While foreign residents in Thailand on certain visas are able to open some account types with Bangkok Bank, not all are available, and the options offered depend on the visa type you hold.

You’ll need to visit a branch to talk through the options available to you - and you might have a better chance of getting an account if you are in Thailand with a long term visa or work permit, rather than a visa which falls into the ‘tourist’ category.

Can I open a Bangkok Bank foreigner account online?

No. Generally you can not open a Bangkok Bank foreigner account online. You’re asked to visit a bank branch to discuss the account options available to you, based on your own individual situation and the visa type you hold.

Is there a Bangkok Bank credit card for foreigners?

You can apply for a Bangkok Bank credit card¹⁵ as a foreigner subject to meeting eligibility criteria. This includes being at least 20 years old, with an average monthly income of at least 15,000 baht. You’ll need to visit a branch with your passport and work permit, and other paperwork depending on the specific card selected, to get your application sorted out. Bear in mind that card spending abroad is usually subject to a 2.5% fee, as well as any interest you incur.

Is there a Bangkok Bank debit card for foreigners?

Bangkok Bank has a range of debit card options¹⁶ including Be1st Smart Debit Cards, which can be linked to eligible accounts. To see if you’re able to get a Bangkok Bank debit card for foreigners you’ll first need to visit a branch to assess your suitability for an account. You can then talk to bank staff about the card types which may be available that can be linked to your underlying THB account.

1. Bangkok Bank
2. Bangkok Post - May 2025, article referring to tighter controls for foreign account opening
3. Bangkok Bank foreigner account
4. Bangkok Bank Savings Account
5. Bangkok Bank Statement Savings Account
6. Bangkok Bank Current Account (Business customers)
7. Bangkok Bank Fixed Deposit Account
8. Bangkok Bank Sinmathaya Subthawee - Bualuang Kids Account
9. Bangkok Bank FCD Account for Thai Residents
10. Bangkok Bank Special Savings FCD Account
11. Bangkok Bank FCD Account for Non Residents
12. Bangkok Bank account types
13. Bangkok Bank foreign customer FAQ
14. Bangkok Bank exchange rates
15. Bangkok Bank credit cards
16. Bangkok Bank cards