Money transfer
For a regular payment, speed and a fair total cost matter more than a headline ‘free transfer’. Check how the recipient is paid and what happens if a detail is wrong.
Banking & Payments
Banking & Payments
International accounts, expat banking, transfers and the practical side of getting paid.
Banking across borders is mostly a question of who will take you as a customer, in which currencies, and at what total cost. The logo on the card matters less than the answer to those three points.
Use this section to see the landscape, then the comparisons and the eligibility checker to narrow the kind of account worth a conversation.
Key topics
International bank accounts
Accounts that are built for more than one country.
Expat banking
Banking after you have moved, or while you still have ties at home.
Multi-currency accounts
Holding more than one currency without converting on every receipt.
Money transfer
Everyday payments and the firms that specialise in them.
FX
The rate, the fee, and the difference between them.
Large transfers
Property deposits, portfolio moves and other payments that attract questions.
Business banking
Accounts for companies that invoice or pay across borders.
FX
Foreign exchange is a price. The fee is visible. The margin against a mid-market rate is sometimes less so. Price both, on the amount you are sending, on the day you will send it.
Large transfers
Large does not only mean expensive. It means a bank will ask where the money came from. Have the contract, the completion statement or the company documents ready, and leave more time than the advert suggests.
Compare providers
International banking and payment providers
Compare international banks, digital banks and multi-currency payment accounts for people whose money, income or spending crosses borders.
Not all providers below are banks. Some are regulated payment institutions or digital money accounts. Legal protections, account eligibility and available services depend on the provider entity and your country of residence.
Not all accounts are legally the same
A bank account may be covered by a deposit-protection scheme. A payment institution or e-money provider may instead safeguard customer funds under a different legal framework. These protections should not be described as equivalent.
What to compare
Look beyond the logo
Account type
Is it a bank account, a digital bank account or a payment account?
Country eligibility
Can you open the account, and keep it, where you live?
Currencies
Which currencies can you hold, receive and spend?
Payments
Which local and international payment rails are supported?
FX
How are conversions priced, including any fee that sits beside the rate?
Protection
Is money covered by deposit insurance, safeguarding, or another regime?
Minimums
Are there minimum balances or a relationship requirement?
Portability
What happens if you change the country where you live?
Filter banking providers
9 providers listed for comparison.
A region mark means the reviewed material names that region. It does not mean every resident there can open the account.
DBS
Singapore bank
A Singapore bank account with multi-currency features, aimed at residents, relocators and regional clients.
- Legal status
- Bank
- Account type
- Bank account
- Global / regional reach
- Singapore-focused. Useful for residents, relocators and regional affluent clients.
- Availability
- Singapore residents / relocators
- Currencies
- SGD plus 12 foreign currencies. That is 13 in total on My Account and Multiplier.
- Minimum / eligibility
- My Account can have no initial deposit and no account fees. Premium segments vary.
- International payments
- Foreign-currency spending, remittance, a card, overseas transfer and digital banking.
- Multi-currency holding
- SGD plus 12 foreign currencies. That is 13 in total on My Account and Multiplier.
- FX / conversion
- Multi-currency conversion is part of the account. The price should be checked on the published tariff.
- Card access
- A card is described.
- Local account details
- A Singapore account. Foreign-currency features sit alongside that local account.
- If you move country
- The proposition is Singapore-focused. A move away from Singapore can change what stays open.
Protection / safeguarding
Singapore-regulated bank. Foreign-currency deposits have distinct protection considerations.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
HSBC Expat
International bank
A Jersey-booked international bank account, with a core balance in GBP, EUR or USD.
- Legal status
- Bank
- Account type
- Offshore bank account
- Global / regional reach
- An eligible-country model. The reviewed material describes customers from 40+ countries, and help opening local accounts in 30+ markets.
- Availability
- Eligible countries only
- Currencies
- Core account in GBP, EUR or USD. Global Money and savings are described in more currencies.
- Minimum / eligibility
- Typical eligibility includes £75,000 in investments or savings, or a qualifying Premier route. Residence eligibility applies.
- International payments
- Global transfers, FX services, a debit card and international transactions.
- Multi-currency holding
- Core account in GBP, EUR or USD. Global Money and savings are described in more currencies.
- FX / conversion
- FX services are described. Pricing is part of the published tariff and should be checked for the transfer.
- Card access
- A debit card is described.
- Local account details
- The Jersey account is separate from local accounts. The reviewed material says HSBC Expat can help open local accounts in 30+ markets.
- If you move country
- Designed for international customers on an eligible-country model. Confirm whether the account can continue if you move.
Protection / safeguarding
The account is described as held with HSBC Bank plc, Jersey branch. Cross-border availability depends on where the client lives. Deposit protection depends on that entity and the rules that apply to it.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
NatWest International
Offshore bank
Jersey-booked international accounts for non-UK residents in eligible countries.
- Legal status
- Bank
- Account type
- Offshore bank account
- Global / regional reach
- Non-UK residents in eligible countries. Accounts are booked in Jersey.
- Availability
- Eligible countries only
- Currencies
- International Select in GBP. Cash Management supports multiple currencies, and fixed deposits in GBP, USD and EUR.
- Minimum / eligibility
- £25,000 minimum relationship balance. International Select has an £8 monthly fee.
- International payments
- International transfers, a card, digital banking and FX.
- Multi-currency holding
- International Select in GBP. Cash Management supports multiple currencies, and fixed deposits in GBP, USD and EUR.
- FX / conversion
- FX is part of the described service. Check the published tariff for the conversion.
- Card access
- A card is described.
- Local account details
- The reviewed material describes Jersey-booked accounts. It does not list local account details in every currency.
- If you move country
- Eligible-country restrictions apply. Confirm the account before you change residence.
Protection / safeguarding
Accounts are based in Jersey. Eligible-country restrictions apply. Protection depends on the Jersey booking and the scheme that covers that entity.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
OCBC
Singapore bank
A Singapore account plus a Global Savings Account, including a remote route for selected passport holders who are planning to relocate.
- Legal status
- Bank
- Account type
- Bank account
- Global / regional reach
- Singapore-focused. Remote pre-arrival onboarding is described for selected passport holders planning to relocate.
- Availability
- Singapore residents / relocators
- Currencies
- The Global Savings Account supports up to 10 major currencies.
- Minimum / eligibility
- Global Savings has currency-specific initial-deposit thresholds. A local statement account is bundled for eligible remote applicants. The workbook does not give a single threshold figure.
- International payments
- Debit-card spending, cross-border payments, transfers and FX tools.
- Multi-currency holding
- The Global Savings Account supports up to 10 major currencies.
- FX / conversion
- FX tools are described. Pricing should be taken from the current tariff.
- Card access
- Debit-card spending is described.
- Local account details
- The Singapore account is the local account. Global Savings is the multi-currency piece.
- If you move country
- Built around Singapore, including a pre-arrival route for selected passports. Confirm what remains if you later leave Singapore.
Protection / safeguarding
Singapore-regulated bank. Foreign applicants need an eligible passport or pass, depending on the onboarding route.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
Revolut
Digital bank
A digital banking and multi-currency app. Whether the account is a bank account or an e-money account depends on the country and the entity.
- Legal status
- Banking entity varies by country
- Account type
- Digital bank account
- Global / regional reach
- Multiple countries and regions. The product entity and the features vary by residence.
- Availability
- Confirm by residence
- Currencies
- Personal users can hold and exchange numerous currencies. A US help page lists 25+ supported holding currencies.
- Minimum / eligibility
- Free and paid plans, depending on the market.
- International payments
- Cards, bank transfers, FX, and local or international payments. The feature set varies by market.
- Multi-currency holding
- Personal users can hold and exchange numerous currencies. A US help page lists 25+ supported holding currencies.
- FX / conversion
- Plan and feature fees are published by market. FX pricing depends on the plan and the market.
- Card access
- Cards are part of the described feature set.
- Local account details
- Market-specific. Account details depend on the country and the currency.
- If you move country
- The entity and the features vary by residence. The entity may change if you move.
Protection / safeguarding
The banking or e-money entity varies by country. Protection disclosures have to be read for that market.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
Santander International
Offshore bank
A Gold current account booked in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, for international customers who meet the eligibility rules.
- Legal status
- Bank
- Account type
- Offshore bank account
- Global / regional reach
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man booking. International-customer availability is subject to eligibility.
- Availability
- Confirm by residence
- Currencies
- GBP, EUR and USD current-account options.
- Minimum / eligibility
- International customers outside core local markets face a £75,000 minimum-balance threshold or a fee. UK-resident new business is generally £500,000.
- International payments
- Visa debit, standing orders, direct debits, FX and international payments.
- Multi-currency holding
- GBP, EUR and USD current-account options.
- FX / conversion
- FX is part of the described service. Payment fees are published and should be checked for the transfer.
- Card access
- A Visa debit card is described.
- Local account details
- The reviewed material describes the current account and payment types. It does not list local account details outside the booking centres.
- If you move country
- Residency rules are material. Confirm the account if your residence or tax residence changes.
Protection / safeguarding
An international banking entity. Residency rules and the minimum-balance rule are material. Protection depends on the booking centre.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
Standard Bank International
Offshore bank
International and offshore bank accounts for clients whose eligibility and account centre depend on the jurisdiction.
- Legal status
- Bank
- Account type
- Offshore bank account
- Global / regional reach
- International and offshore clientele. Eligibility and the account centre depend on the jurisdiction.
- Availability
- Confirm by residence
- Currencies
- Major currencies including GBP, USD, AUD and EUR.
- Minimum / eligibility
- Varies by account and customer location.
- International payments
- International payments, forex, cards and digital banking.
- Multi-currency holding
- Major currencies including GBP, USD, AUD and EUR.
- FX / conversion
- Forex is part of the described service. The price depends on the account and the centre.
- Card access
- Cards are described.
- Local account details
- Not stated as local account details in every currency. Confirm what the booking centre provides.
- If you move country
- Eligibility and the account centre depend on the jurisdiction. Confirm before you move.
Protection / safeguarding
Described as a regulated bank. The exact entity and the protection scheme depend on the booking centre.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
Standard Chartered International
International bank
Market-specific bank accounts linked through an international banking and Priority framework.
- Legal status
- Bank
- Account type
- Bank account
- Global / regional reach
- International banking hubs include Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE and Jersey, with a wider Asia, Africa and Middle East network described.
- Availability
- Selected international markets
- Currencies
- Multi-currency accounts with 10+ currencies on the international proposition.
- Minimum / eligibility
- New-customer eligibility is cited around USD 40,000–150,000 in deposits or investments, depending on the market.
- International payments
- International transfers are described as free or fast in eligible markets. Global Link connects accounts across countries. That transfer wording is not a universal FX price.
- Multi-currency holding
- Multi-currency accounts with 10+ currencies on the international proposition.
- FX / conversion
- Pricing depends on the market. The reviewed material does not publish one FX price for every country.
- Card access
- A card is not separately described on the international proposition page used for this comparison. Confirm the market account.
- Local account details
- Accounts are market-specific. Local details depend on the country where the account is opened.
- If you move country
- Global Link is described as connecting accounts across countries. Whether an account continues after a move still depends on eligibility.
Protection / safeguarding
The banking entity varies by market. Eligibility and protection are country-specific.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
Wise
Multi-currency payment account
A multi-currency payment account for holding, receiving and sending money. The Wise Account is not a bank account.
- Legal status
- Payment institution / EMI
- Account type
- Payment account
- Global / regional reach
- Broad international coverage. Product availability varies by registered address.
- Availability
- Broad international coverage
- Currencies
- Hold 40+ currencies. Local account details are available in multiple currencies depending on location.
- Minimum / eligibility
- No general high-balance requirement.
- International payments
- Send globally, with card spending. Local and SWIFT receiving depend on the currency and location.
- Multi-currency holding
- Hold 40+ currencies. Local account details are available in multiple currencies depending on location.
- FX / conversion
- Conversion fees are publicly disclosed. Check the rate and any fee for the currencies and amount involved.
- Card access
- Card spending is described.
- Local account details
- Available in selected currencies, depending on location.
- If you move country
- Product availability varies by registered address. Confirm what changes if you move.
Protection / safeguarding
EMI / payments provider. This is not a bank account. The entity and the safeguarding regime depend on location.
Protection depends on the provider’s legal entity, where the account is booked and the applicable jurisdiction.
Not all providers do the same job
International bank
A traditional banking relationship that can span more than one jurisdiction. The entity and the booking country still matter.
Digital bank
App-led banking. The account may be a bank account in one country and an e-money account in another.
Multi-currency payment account
Hold, receive and send currencies. That can be a payment account rather than a bank account.
Offshore / international bank
An account booked in an international financial centre, often with eligibility or minimum-balance requirements.
These models differ in legal status, protection, account eligibility and service scope.
Compare international banking providers
Compare legal status, currencies and who each provider is built for. Open a profile for FX, protection and the full eligibility notes.
| Provider | Type | Legal status | Reach | Currencies | Payments | Minimum | Best aligned with | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore bank | Bank | Singapore residents / relocators | SGD plus 12 foreign currencies | Foreign-currency spending | My Account can have no initial | Local Singapore banking with | View |
| International bank | Bank | Eligible countries only | Core account in GBP | Global transfers | Typical eligibility includes £75 | Full-service international banking | View |
| Offshore bank | Bank | Eligible countries only | International Select in GBP | International transfers | £25,000 minimum relationship balance | A traditional international current | View |
| Singapore bank | Bank | Singapore residents / relocators | The Global Savings Account supports | Debit-card spending | Global Savings has | A Singapore account plus | View |
| Digital bank | Banking entity varies by country | Confirm by residence | Personal users can hold and exchange | Cards | Free and paid plans | A digital international banking | View |
| Offshore bank | Bank | Confirm by residence | GBP, EUR and USD current-account options | Visa debit | International customers outside | A traditional international current | View |
| Offshore bank | Bank | Confirm by residence | Major currencies including GBP | International payments | Varies by account and customer location | Full-service international banking | View |
| International bank | Bank | Selected international markets | Multi-currency accounts with 10+ | International transfers are | New-customer eligibility is | International banking and a wealth | View |
| Multi-currency payment account | Payment institution / EMI | Broad international coverage | Hold 40+ currencies | Send globally | No general high-balance requirement | Payments and multi-currency money | View |
| Provider | Type | Reach | Currencies | Best aligned with | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore bank | Singapore residents / relocators | SGD plus 12 foreign currencies | Local Singapore banking with | View |
| International bank | Eligible countries only | Core account in GBP | Full-service international banking | View |
| Offshore bank | Eligible countries only | International Select in GBP | A traditional international current | View |
| Singapore bank | Singapore residents / relocators | The Global Savings Account supports | A Singapore account plus | View |
| Digital bank | Confirm by residence | Personal users can hold and exchange | A digital international banking | View |
| Offshore bank | Confirm by residence | GBP, EUR and USD current-account options | A traditional international current | View |
| Offshore bank | Confirm by residence | Major currencies including GBP | Full-service international banking | View |
| International bank | Selected international markets | Multi-currency accounts with 10+ | International banking and a wealth | View |
| Multi-currency payment account | Broad international coverage | Hold 40+ currencies | Payments and multi-currency money | View |
DBS
Singapore bank
- Legal status
- Bank
- Best aligned with
- Local Singapore banking with
- Currencies
- SGD plus 12 foreign currencies
- International payments
- Foreign-currency spending
- Minimum / eligibility
- My Account can have no initial
HSBC Expat
International bank
- Legal status
- Bank
- Best aligned with
- Full-service international banking
- Currencies
- Core account in GBP
- International payments
- Global transfers
- Minimum / eligibility
- Typical eligibility includes £75
NatWest International
Offshore bank
- Legal status
- Bank
- Best aligned with
- A traditional international current
- Currencies
- International Select in GBP
- International payments
- International transfers
- Minimum / eligibility
- £25,000 minimum relationship balance
OCBC
Singapore bank
- Legal status
- Bank
- Best aligned with
- A Singapore account plus
- Currencies
- The Global Savings Account supports
- International payments
- Debit-card spending
- Minimum / eligibility
- Global Savings has
Revolut
Digital bank
- Legal status
- Banking entity varies by country
- Best aligned with
- A digital international banking
- Currencies
- Personal users can hold and exchange
- International payments
- Cards
- Minimum / eligibility
- Free and paid plans
Santander International
Offshore bank
- Legal status
- Bank
- Best aligned with
- A traditional international current
- Currencies
- GBP, EUR and USD current-account options
- International payments
- Visa debit
- Minimum / eligibility
- International customers outside
Standard Bank International
Offshore bank
- Legal status
- Bank
- Best aligned with
- Full-service international banking
- Currencies
- Major currencies including GBP
- International payments
- International payments
- Minimum / eligibility
- Varies by account and customer location
Standard Chartered International
International bank
- Legal status
- Bank
- Best aligned with
- International banking and a wealth
- Currencies
- Multi-currency accounts with 10+
- International payments
- International transfers are
- Minimum / eligibility
- New-customer eligibility is
Wise
Multi-currency payment account
- Legal status
- Payment institution / EMI
- Best aligned with
- Payments and multi-currency money
- Currencies
- Hold 40+ currencies
- International payments
- Send globally
- Minimum / eligibility
- No general high-balance requirement
Related
WiT Access provides general information and comparison resources. Banking, payment-account eligibility, currency availability, fees and customer protections vary by provider entity and jurisdiction. Nothing on this page constitutes financial, tax or legal advice.
Payment institutions and e-money accounts are not necessarily protected in the same way as bank deposits.
Compare providers
What to compare before you speak to anyone. These pages do not list firms, fees or rates.
Related tools
Banking eligibility checkerExplore international bank account categories and providers based on where you live, where you may move, your banking needs and approximate account size. Research guidance only — not an application decision.FX cost comparisonCompare transfer fee and FX markup using figures you enter, and see how much the recipient would receive under different quotes.Currency converterConvert an amount with an exchange rate you type in. No live rate is connected.
Relevant destinations
WiT Access provides general information and comparison resources. Nothing on this website constitutes financial, tax, legal or investment advice. Always consider obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional.
Banking by destination
Country pages below are orientations for international residents. They do not say which bank will accept an application.
- Banking in the UAEWhat UAE banks commonly ask for, how resident and non-resident files differ, and which WiT Access comparisons and tools help with dirham and foreign-currency banking.
- Banking in SpainHow local identification, an address and non-resident checks shape banking in Spain, and what to confirm before relying on an account kept abroad.
- Banking in PortugalWhy Portuguese banks often ask for a tax number and an address, how non-resident accounts differ, and what to ask if a foreign salary or pension will be paid in.
- Banking in SingaporePass, address and identification checks for banking in Singapore, and how multi-currency accounts and private banking differ for people paid from abroad.
- Banking in CyprusWhy banks in Cyprus look closely at source of funds and the nature of a business, and what to ask about nationality, sector and the countries you pay.
- Banking in the USAWhy US banks often ask for a Social Security number or taxpayer identification number, and what to confirm about accounts you already hold outside the United States.
- Banking in SwitzerlandHow Swiss retail and private banking differ for residents and cross-border clients, and why tax-compliance questions are a normal part of account opening.
Need help choosing the right provider?
Send an enquiry. It is not a recommendation, and it does not create a client relationship.