Best International Bank [100% Remote Opening]
Opening an account with the best international bank can offer foreign non-residents attractive benefits, profitable investments, and valuable services.
But, how do you know where to find the best international bank?
Well, it highly depends on your client profile and banking needs.
And, unless you have the right information, know which banks will accept you, and understand the bank-specific requirements, opening accounts can be a difficult process… especially remotely.
The Best International Bank Accounts
There is no single “best” international bank for foreign non-residents. But, many international banks do cater to foreign non-residents, offer relevant services, and allow remote opening. So, there is no shortage of banking options to choose from. But, the best international bank for you highly depends on your client profile and banking needs. We detail these variables and much more below.
Naturally, when foreign non-residents are looking to open accounts with the best international banks, many factors come into play.
For instance, non-residents are looking for banks with an easy account opening process, lower fees, and attractive services that they likely can’t access in their home country.
With that said, here’s a look at everything we’ll cover in this article…
Table of Contents
- Reasons to Open With the Best International Bank
- Top 10 Best International Banks
- Challenges of Opening an International Bank Account
- What You Need to Open
As a bonus, we’re going to share with you how you can get started opening accounts with the best international banks today.
That said, it’s crucial you understand your specific banking needs, wants, and must-haves. That way, you’ll be able to choose the best international bank that’s right for you.
Now, before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE Non-Resident Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents open accounts in top banking hubs around the world.
Reasons to Open With the Best International Bank
Having an international bank account as a foreign non-resident (or business owner) can be a powerful tool to help grow your wealth.
But, that’s not the only reason.
In fact, opening an account with the best international bank can protect your money from the economic uncertainty you may be experiencing in your home country. Not to mention, allow you to access a wider range of investments that you likely can’t access anywhere else.
That said, there are many other reasons why foreign non-residents are looking to open an account with the best international bank, such as…
Reasons for Opening With the Best International Bank:
- Stable & safer banking jurisdictions
- Invest in products you can’t access in your home country
- 100% remote opening is possible (depending on the bank)
- Ability to grow wealth with stable currencies
- Access to higher interest rates
- Less risk of account closures
- Access to multi-currency accounts
- And more…
It’s important to note, that each client has their own reasons to open international bank accounts. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a bank that not only caters to your specific banking needs but offers the benefits you’re after.
So, whether you’re looking for diversification, remote account opening, higher interest rates, or the need to protect your wealth, opening an international bank account can do all that and more.
That said, account opening doesn’t come easy. Instead, there are many obstacles non-residents need to overcome to open with the best international bank.
But, before we dive into the specific challenges, let’s first take a look at 10 of the top international banks foreign non-residents can open accounts with (including 100% remotely).
The Best International Banks Available
When it comes to finding the best international bank, there are many to choose from.
But, not surprisingly, the best international bank for one person (or business) might not be the best option for the next person.
In fact, the best international bank that is right for you will not only depend on your client profile but also on your specific banking needs. Not to mention, whether or not you can meet the bank-specific requirements.
With this in mind, it’s difficult to say whether one bank is really better than another — since that needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis for each client.
So, instead, we decided to list 10 of the best international banks currently available to foreign non-residents. This includes those that can be opened 100% remotely.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each bank along with their client preferences, deposit requirements, and important account opening considerations.
Of course, if you need help navigating your options and choosing the bank that is best for you, you can get started right now with GlobalBanks IQ — our international banking intelligence platform.
Best International Banks:
- Citibank
- HSBC
- Santander
- Standard Chartered
- OCBC
- DBS
- Standard Bank
- Lloyds
- Barclays
- Credit Suisse
Let’s explore these international banks a little further…
1. Citibank International
- Minimum deposit: US $1,000*
- Preferred clients: Non-resident individuals
- Remote opening: Yes
Citibank is a highly desirable banking option for many foreign non-residents interested in opening international bank accounts.
In fact, Citibank’s presence in top banking hubs like the United States, Singapore, and elsewhere make them ideal for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and non-resident expats.
And, whether you’re looking to open accounts in the United States, Singapore, or elsewhere, you can open bank accounts 100% remotely with Citibank. Not to mention, clients can execute international wire transfers completely online.
*If you are looking to open accounts 100% remotely, deposit amounts range from $25,000 to $200,000, and certain conditions need to be met.
2. HSBC
- Minimum deposit: USD 50,000*
- Preferred clients: Non-resident individuals and expats
- Remote opening: Yes
HSBC has excellent banking options for non-resident individuals. And, with remote opening being 100% accessible, it’s no surprise many foreign non-residents consider HSBC when looking to open accounts abroad.
That said, if you’re looking for lower banking fees and higher interest rates, you may want to consider banking elsewhere as HSBC’s fees tend to be on the high end compared to other large banks.
*Accounts can usually be opened with a significantly lower minimum deposit as long as clients meet certain qualifying criteria.
3. Santander International Bank
- Minimum deposit: GBP 75,000
- Preferred clients: Foreign non-residents and expats
- Remote opening: Yes
If you’re interested in banking in the Channel Islands, Santander International Bank may be an option to consider. In fact, Santander offers foreign non-residents accounts in USD, EUR, and GBP. Not to mention, remote opening is 100% possible.
With that said, account opening here does require a minimum deposit of 75,000 GBP to establish a relationship.
But, if you’re looking to open accounts in a stable and transparent financial center that caters to non-resident banking, Santander International Bank may be a worthy option.
4. Standard Chartered International Bank
- Minimum deposit: GBP 100,000
- Preferred clients: Non-resident individuals & expats
- Remote opening: Yes
Standard Chartered in Singapore is a popular international banking option for many non-resident individuals.
That said, the minimum account opening deposit can vary depending on your client profile. But, to successfully open an international bank account with Standard Chartered, non-residents need to understand the specific account opening quirks and requirements.
5. OCBC International
- Minimum deposit: SGD 200,000
- Preferred clients: Non-resident individuals and expats
- Remote opening: Yes
OCBC is an appropriate choice for non-resident foreign individuals. That said, depending on your banking needs, client profile, and the banker you choose to open with, account opening requirements can vary.
For instance, you may be required to provide proof of local ties to open an account. So, before you apply to open accounts with OCBC International in Singapore, make sure you understand all the requirements that need to be met. This way, you don’t waste time and money applying to the wrong bank.
6. DBS
- Minimum deposit: SGD 100,000
- Preferred clients: Resident and non-resident individuals, corporate clients
- Remote opening: Yes
DBS in Singapore is a suitable banking option for both non-resident individuals and corporate clients. Especially, those looking for solid private banking options.
That said, to open accounts with DBS, non-residents are expected to make a minimum deposit of $100,000. And, depending on the private services you choose to opt-in to, the deposit can increase significantly.
But, to access these private bank options, you need to know how to successfully navigate the account opening process. Not to mention, meet strict account opening requirements.
7. Standard Bank International
- Minimum deposit: GBP 3,000
- Preferred clients: Non-resident expat individuals
- Remote Opening: No
Standard Bank in the Isle of Man is best suited for foreigners, non-residents, and expats. But, depending on the type of account you open, the minimum deposit can vary. That said, Standard Bank offers some of the lowest minimum account opening deposits compared to other international banks.
Making this an appealing option for many non-residents who are looking to open international bank accounts with lower deposit requirements.
8. Lloyds Bank International
- Minimum deposit: GBP 25,000
- Preferred clients: Non-resident individuals and expats
- Remote opening: Yes
Lloyds Bank is also a solid banking option for foreigners, non-residents, and expats looking for an international banking solution. Not only do they offer accounts in USD, EUR, and GBP, but they also offer free international transfers.
That said, if you’re from the EU, you will likely be turned away.
9. Barclays International Bank
- Minimum deposit: GBP 25,000
- Preferred clients: Non-residents, private banking, wealth management
- Remote opening: Yes
Whether you’re a non-resident individual looking for retail banking services, private banking, or require assistance in wealth management, Barclays International may be the right fit.
And, although funds are held in the Isle of Man, non-resident clients do have the option to hold USD and Euros in addition to GBP.
But, if you want to avoid being charged outrageous monthly banking fees, you must hold the required GBP 25,000 minimum account balance.
10. Credit Suisse International Bank
- Minimum deposit: CHF 1,000,000
- Preferred clients: Private banking clients
- Remote opening: Yes
Credit Suisse in Switzerland is a suitable option for foreign non-residents seeking private banking services. That said, to access the private services, you’ll need to make a minimum deposit of $1,000,000.
Now, to open accounts with any of the banks listed above, non-residents will need to navigate the account opening challenges.
Especially, if you’re looking for 100% remote opening.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at the challenges many non-residents will face when opening international bank accounts.
Challenges of Opening With the Best International Bank
When it comes to opening accounts with the best international banks, foreign non-residents are going to face challenges.
And, if not prepared, these challenges become more difficult to navigate. In fact, you’ll likely be turned away, reducing your chances of opening an international bank account.
But, if you’re aware of the challenges you could face before applying, it can save you time and money, and also guide you in the right direction of choosing the best international bank account.
So, with this in mind, let’s look at the challenges most non-residents face when opening accounts at the best international banks.
Challenges of Opening With the Best International Bank:
- Not all banks offer remote account opening
- Many international banks often charge higher fees than other banks
- Finding a bank that is suited to your client profile
- Bank regulations are constantly changing
- Applicants often submit incomplete applications
- Applicants can’t provide a justifiable reason for opening
- Non-residents can’t provide suitable economic ties to the country
- Strict account opening process and requirements
- Banks are becoming more selective on who to accept
- And more…
As you can see, there are many challenges to overcome. And, depending on how you navigate the account opening process, these challenges can determine whether or not you can open an international bank account.
Of course, this list isn’t meant to scare you away from opening international accounts. Instead, it’s meant to help you prepare and understand what to look for when applying.
So, how can one navigate these account opening challenges?
Well, you must understand a bank’s sensitivities, account opening quirks, and what client profiles they cater to. By doing so, you can avoid many (if not all) of the challenges mentioned above.
But, if you go in blind, the chances of experiencing these challenges are high. Not to mention, your application will likely be denied.
So, when it comes to opening an account with the best international bank, be aware of the possible challenges you’re specific client profile will face. In fact, understand your banking needs and know which benefits you want to unlock.
With this in mind, let’s look at what you need to start opening accounts with the best international banks.
What You Need to Open With the Best International Bank
Like banking anywhere, bank requirements need to be met to open accounts.
But, for some non-residents, it can be impossible to meet all bank-specific requirements.
So, to avoid this from happening, you need to know which banks cater to your specific client profile.
Not only will this help you choose a bank that is best suited to your needs, but this will also stray you away from applying to the wrong banks.
Not to mention, save you time and money.
With that said, we’ve outlined some of the most common requirements foreign non-residents need to meet to open accounts with the best international bank…
What You Need To Open With the Best International Bank:
- Two forms of government-issued identification
- Proof of income & source of wealth
- Letter of employment (if applicable)
- Proof of residence (in your country of tax residence)
- Any bank-specific application forms
- Bank reference letter (if applicable)
- Personal bank statements for the past 3-6 months
- Personal reference letter (depending on the bank)
- Minimum deposit (if applicable)
- And more…
These requirements may look easy to meet on paper. But, depending on where you open an international bank account, many of these requirements are impossible for the average person to overcome.
In fact, when it comes to opening accounts with the best international banks, there are common areas where many foreign non-residents struggle.
For instance, some banks may not accept your form of proof of income. Or, you’re unable to demonstrate sufficient economic ties to the country you’re applying in.
Additionally, many non-resident applicants aren’t able to provide an acceptable form of tax residency that meets the bank-specific guidelines.
As you can see, opening with the best international bank doesn’t come easy. And, with bank regulations constantly changing, many applicants are being turned away more than ever.
Fortunately, we can help — more specifically, GlobalBanks IQ.
We break down specific solutions to these challenges in our detailed account opening playbooks and bank profiles, available in GlobalBanks IQ.
In fact, when you join GlobalBanks IQ, you’ll gain access to our entire library of premium reports dedicated to helping you find and open the best international bank accounts, including “International Banking Blueprint – How to Start Banking Overseas”.
This report shares secrets that industry insiders don’t want you to know. Not to mention, the dos and don’ts of the international banking world. Including, what you need to know before applying for an account with the best international bank.
You can access this report immediately when you join GlobalBanks IQ.
Now, if you’re ready to start opening accounts with the best international banks, we can help…
Ready to Start Opening Accounts?
Whether you’re ready to open an account with the best international bank today or you’re just starting to explore your options, we can help.
GlobalBanks IQ gives you everything you need to start finding and opening accounts.
When you join GlobalBanks IQ, you immediately unlock the entire GlobalBanks Database of international banks. It’s home to 250+ banks in 50+ countries.
And, you get access to our library of premium (members-only) reports. These include proven account opening strategies, country-specific banking options, and lists of banks for specific client types.
Plus, you unlock our account opening checklists, dedicated account opening alerts, and much more.
To get started, click here to see if GlobalBanks IQ is the right choice for you.