The risks of banking in The Bahamas range from how the country’s reputation can impact transactions to how choosing the wrong bank can make managing your accounts extremely difficult.
In this article, we’re going to help you navigate these risks and share several important factors you should consider before applying to open accounts in The Bahamas.
We will also be answering common questions that we receive from our members when considering opening accounts in The Bahamas.
This article is part of our free series on how to open a bank account in The Bahamas, which you can access by clicking here right now.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Risks of Banking in The Bahamas
- How Safe Is Banking in The Bahamas?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Unlock the Benefits of International Banking?
Risks of Banking in The Bahamas
There are two main risks to consider before banking in The Bahamas, which are (1) bank-specific risks and 2) country-specific risks that could impact your ability to send and receive transfers. That said, there are also a number of important nuances that can make banking in The Bahamas very challenging. We’ll discuss each of these risks and the additional nuances in detail below.
How Safe Is Banking in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas is safe for banking if you choose the right banks and bankers, and maintain reasonable deposits that match your risk tolerance. Additionally, like banking in any country, if you choose a financial institution from a list of local banking groups or a list of foreign banks in The Bahamas that has poor management, irresponsible lending, and investing practices, and does not maintain adequate capital and liquidity ratios, it would not be considered “safe”.
These factors are important to consider, especially if you are looking to open an account with a low deposit amount, require remote account opening, or need to know how to make transactions online or how to send money to The Bahamas.
As mentioned, there are two risk factors that you should consider before opening personal bank accounts, private bank accounts, company-related accounts, or business bank accounts in The Bahamas, which are bank risks and country-specific risks. Each of these factors is explained in detail below.
Bank-Specific Risks in The Bahamas
Not all major banking-related institutions, including the largest banks in The Bahamas, are created equal. This is a given. Certain banks are better managed, better capitalized, and worth considering over others. This is especially true when it comes to non-resident banking options in The Bahamas, as many small bank & trust companies are promoted aggressively to foreign clients.
Of course, not all banks in The Bahamas accept non-resident clients. So, the banks that we’re looking at are those that offer services to foreign non-residents.
Importantly, other factors to consider beyond risk are the financial sector fees and costs of banking in The Bahamas. Each bank has its own fee structure, including account opening, maintenance, and activity fees. While not all top-rated Bahamian financial institutions, including the best banks in The Bahamas, charge all of these fees, many do and you should compare directly before deciding where to open.
So, while The Bahamas is a relatively safe banking jurisdiction, the banks here may not be a suitable option for every client type. That said, if you are looking to open an account in BSD (the Bahamian Dollar), the currency of The Bahamas, there are options worth considering.
Of course, it’s important to confirm each bank’s requirements, asset-related financial support, Bahamas banking services offered, fee structures, and onboarding process before applying.
Country Risk of Banking in The Bahamas
Like other offshore banking jurisdictions, The Bahamas has received its fair share of negative attention from international media, politicians, and global banking watchdogs.
That said, The Bahamas has been serious about adopting stricter banking rules and tightening compliance procedures. In fact, in 2018, The Bahamas joined the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and agreed to participate in the automatic exchange of client information between tax authorities.
Likewise, since the early 2000s, a wide range of changes have been introduced to meet the demands of these international regulatory bodies. As a result, the country has enjoyed relatively limited disruption when it comes to international pressure.
However, it’s important to note that The Bahamas is on the EU list of non-cooperative countries for tax purposes, otherwise known as the EU blacklist. Being on the EU blacklist can impact business accounts, private accounts, retail accounts, and personal bank accounts held in The Bahamas. In most cases, this results in enhanced due diligence to support incoming and outgoing transfers.
Additional Caribbean Banking Nuances to Consider
In addition to risks, there are annoyances to banking in The Bahamas that you may want to consider before applying for an account here, especially if you’re seeking tailored high-end financial services through private banking in The Bahamas. In particular, unspoken requirements and document requests can be overwhelming compared to opening offshore bank accounts in other countries, particularly during the account opening process.
That said, the banks that cater to foreign non-residents are often more understanding of what is required to onboard a non-resident.
So, if you pass the initial account opening procedures and meet Bahamas banking requirements, opening a bank account in The Bahamas may still be worth it. In fact, when the right bank is chosen, there are attractive financial advantages and benefits to banking in The Bahamas, which you can learn more about by clicking here and accessing our free guide.
Do You Want Our Free Offshore Banking Guide?
Sign up here to receive our Free Offshore Banking Guide and weekly updates on the best account opening options available:
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few of the most common questions we receive from people asking about the risks of banking in The Bahamas. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What Are the Bank Secrecy Laws in The Bahamas?
The Bahamas is a signatory to the CRS (Common Reporting Standards) and participates in AEOI (Automatic Exchange of Information). In other words, financial institutions in The Bahamas are required to report non-resident account details to relevant member countries. So, depending on your desire for bank secrecy laws, The Bahamas may not be a suitable jurisdiction for you or your entity.
Can a Foreigner Open a Bank Account in The Bahamas?
Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in The Bahamas. In fact, most foreigners can open Bahamian bank accounts 100% remotely with a wide range of banks that cater to foreign non-resident individuals offering offshore and private banking services. Whether foreign financial services and offshore banking in The Bahamas is right for you demands on your banking needs and financial goals.
Can Americans Open a Bank Account in The Bahamas?
Yes, Americans can open a bank account in The Bahamas. In fact non-residents from most countries can open here, regardless of whether you’re from the United States or another jurisdiction. Of course, whether or not you successfully open an account will depend on the bank you choose, your deposit level, and several other factors.
Ready to Unlock the Benefits of International Banking?
If you’re seeking better banking options, diversification, or enhanced privacy—our International Account Opening Service is your fastest, most effective path forward.
Trusted by high-net-worth-individuals and 8-figure businesses, it’s a fully personalized solution backed by real experts, with real results.
Here’s what you can expect:
✅ Direct support from our international banking experts—so you’re never stuck guessing what to do next.
✅ Prequalification with banks that match your profile and actually want you (or your business) as a customer.
✅ Custom strategies to overcome any challenges and help you open the accounts you need—whether you’re a non-resident, entrepreneur, investor, or global citizen.
✅ Personal introductions to banks that perfectly match your profile (not random suggestions you have to cold-call yourself).
✅ Answers to tough questions about documentation, compliance, and what works in today’s evolving banking climate.
✅ Guaranteed account opening because we will keep working with you until you successfully open the bank account you need.
And yes—GlobalBanks’ International Account Opening Service is purpose-built for foreign and non-resident individuals and companies.
But, spots are limited and we only accept qualified applicants—so if you’re ready to move forward, take 60 seconds to complete your free assessment.
