Last updated: 9 October 2023 at 13:22
Expat bank accounts are special accounts designed for people living an international lifestyle away from their home country. Many high street banks will offer specific international expat bank accounts, but will often have strict requirements for opening an account as a new customers and may also be restricted depending on the country of residence.
We regularly research the market and have created a list of what we believe to be the best expat bank accounts available, which is available below. The banks listed below do not pay to be included in this list.
For more information about expat bank accounts, please read our guide to expat bank accounts.
We have highlighted what we consider to be the best expat bank accounts below as a guide for the banks you may wish to consider if you need to open a bank account as an expat. The accounts are listed in alphabetical order to ensure neutrality.
The HSBC Expat Premier Account is an award-winning bank account available in sterling, dollars or euros. Included with the account is a debit card, a Foreign Exchange app as well as a complimentary travel security service. The account is access via 24/7 phone access, mobile banking app, online or a dedicated Relationship Manager.
Lloyds International Bank Account is designed for moderate earners who need easy access to their money when living abroad. The accounts are domiciled in either the Isle of Mann or Gibraltar and can be held in either £GBP, €EUR or $USD. Each account comes with a monthly fee and it is possible to hold multiple currencies in the account. If you earn less than £50,000 per year, you can also open an account if you have £25,000 to invest or save with Lloyds.
Lloyd's Premier International Account is designed for high earning expats who need to manage multiple currencies while living outside of the UK. The accounts are held in offshore accounts in either Gibraltar or the Isle of Mann. With the account there is also a dedicated relationship manager and worldwide travel insurance included. Account holders can also choose the currency of the account from either Sterling, Euro or US Dollars with a Visa debit card in the chosen currency.
The NatWest International Premier Account allows account holders to manage your finances in multiple currencies, whether living in the UK and moving abroad or already living abroad.
Moneycorp provides a sleek and professional money transfer service, which screams reliability and value. A solid choice for anyone looking for confidence when sending money overseas. Simple, safe and secure international money transfers from a Feefo Platinum Trusted award-winning service.
Santander's International Gold Account is a current account offering Steling, Euro or USD currencies which also provide account holders with a Visa debit card. Specifically for people who live abroad and are likely to move around the world, the Gold Account is great for people who are internationally mobile.
Opening an international bank account with Standard Bank is easy and within the reach of anyone wanting to expand their horizons. With a low entry point, the Standard Bank Optimum Account is your door to a world of international banking. Expats need look no further if they want the assurance provided by an established bank able to offer holistic banking solutions.
Please note that we are not recommending any bank accounts nor are we affiliated to any of the banks listed below. We do not receive any payments for sponsorship or advertising for the information provided and all details are maintained on a "best endeavour" basis. We cannot be held responsible for out-of-date information contained on these pages or external websites we link to.
We try to keep this page up to date, however from time to time our information may be out of date. If you spot an error, or have some feedback about the products on this page please email us at advice@expertsforexpats.com.
We've also been instructed to remove one or two major international banks from this list due to overprotective brand police. For this we apologise.
Before making any decisions about your finances, you should always seek independent advice.