When it comes to offshore banking, one of the most common questions we get asked is “how can I open an offshore personal bank account online?”
In other words, how can you open an offshore bank account without showing up in person, and in many cases, without physically mailing documents to complete the account opening process…
Many banks allow customers to open an offshore personal bank account online without having to visit the branch. To do so, you’ll need to provide sufficient documentation and pass the bank’s compliance procedures. Many applicants will be able to meet such requirements and open an offshore personal bank account online across a range of decent banking jurisdictions.
Unfortunately, many “experts” will claim that this is impossible, expensive, or not worth your time because you’ll only be able to access low-quality banks. And in some instances, all of the above is true.
But with the right information, account opening strategies, and contacts, you’ll have no problem opening an offshore personal bank account online with solid banks in first world jurisdictions. In fact, in many places, it’s actually becoming easier to open accounts remotely, as long as you know who to contact and the nuances of the account opening process.
In today’s article, we’re going to explore what this process looks like, what types of banks are offering this service, and what you should look out for during the account opening process to avoid unnecessary rejections.
Of course, we’ll also outline how you can get started opening accounts today…
Before diving in, don’t forget to download your FREE copy of our Non-Resident Banking Starter Guide, which shares important details on how you can get started banking outside of your home country.
Now, if you’re one of the people asking how to open an offshore personal bank account online, you’re in the right place. In fact, if there is a silver lining to the current global travel restrictions and pandemics, it might be that more traditional banks than ever are open to remote opening options.
So let’s begin by looking at the two most important questions that you need to ask yourself…
1. Which country should you bank in?
2. Which bank should you open an offshore personal bank account with?
Since we cover this topic in detail in several of our premium reports, we’re not going to dive too deep into the specifics of choosing a banking jurisdiction. However, let’s take a quick look at some of the key considerations, so you can know where to look before choosing a bank.
First, it’s worth noting that most people don’t put much thought into choosing a jurisdiction. In fact, many overlook this and make a superficial decision based on the country’s reputation in the media. For example, the US is often seen as a bad banking jurisdiction, while Switzerland is perceived as being one of the best.
But, the reality is, whether or not a country is a good banking jurisdiction comes down to a few factors, your banking goals, and you. More on this below.
When it comes to identifying an offshore bank for personal banking, there are the basic requirements that most people need to consider. These include sound financials, strong correspondent bank relationships (CBRs), service offering, credible management team and shareholders, and more.
But depending on who you are and why you need to open a particular bank account, those things might not matter to you…
In other words, some people have specific banking requirements. These might include sending or receiving transfers from a specific country, accessing specific currencies, online banking, customer service accessibility or quality, or funding investment accounts in a certain country. In some instances, you might find that the “best bank” for you, doesn’t fit the normal criteria of what’s a “good bank” for others.
In other words, the most important consideration when choosing a bank is whether or not that bank offers the products, services, currencies, support, etc., that you actually require.
Then, and only then, can you start to determine whether a bank meets other requirements. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of these requirements now.
Most people are already aware that to open an offshore personal bank account online, you’ll have to deal with temporary inconveniences. This can include such things as fielding bank requests for documents, authentications, and identity verifications. But every bank is different.
So, before sharing the specific process to open an offshore personal bank account online, we’ll take a quick look at these challenges. That way, you can be prepared for the stumbling blocks you can phase when opening accounts.
As always, if you have any questions about these challenges, please feel free to get in touch with us using the chat feature or sending us a message on the contact page of the website.
With the above challenges in mind, you might be wondering why anyone would bother to open an offshore personal bank account online. Well, if you know where to apply, which banks are best suited to your client profile, and know which bankers to contact, account opening can be quick and painless.
In fact, opening an offshore account online can save you thousands of dollars in travel and accommodation costs, and doesn’t require you to take time off work.
Now, let’s look at what options are available to open an offshore personal bank account online so you can get started.
The specific process to open an offshore personal bank account online varies depending on the bank you decide to apply with. But in most cases, you can have a few options when opening online. We list these for you below.
The options above are self-explanatory. However, what’s opaque and difficult to confirm is what type of account opening options are actually available at each bank.
Then, making things even more complicated is the fact this account opening options can additionally vary depending on the specific branch and banker you choose.
Depending on your client profile, perceived client value, the risks associated with your account, and bank selection, certain types of account opening options may or may not be available to you.
Sure, it’s possible. But maybe you have tax residency in a jurisdiction that the bank doesn’t like. Perhaps your citizenship is on the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions. Or, maybe you just answered the bank’s initial questionnaire in a way that set off red flags. Whatever the case may be, just because a bank can open accounts online, doesn’t mean that they’re going to let you do so… and that’s the problem.
Many people trying to open an offshore personal bank account online today think that they are entitled to this option. But in reality, banks around the world set their own internal policies and favor customers that they actually want to work with. That’s why bank selection, along with choosing the right branch and banker, is so important.
GlobalBanks Insiders have access to remote account opening options in the GlobalBanks database. They also get tailored suggestions on which banks (and countries) will be most interested in offering online account opening based on their client profile and specific banking objectives.
With this in mind, if you want to open an offshore personal bank account but you’re not sure which banks, branches, and bankers to choose, GlobalBanks Insider might be the solution you’ve been looking for.
If you need help sorting out your online banking options, want to know which banks you should apply to, or just aren’t sure where to turn, we can help.
When you join GlobalBanks, you’ll get instant access to our entire archive of Banking Intelligence Reports. These include proven strategies for opening accounts remotely. We also share contact information for specific banks and bankers that accept online applications. And to make sure you don’t waste time, we’ll also provide details on each bank’s preferences, sensitivities, and more.
You’ll also get access to the GlobalBanks Database which includes easy-to-digest bank profiles, analyst insights, account opening contacts, and unique opportunities for the top banks in 50+ countries.
Plus, you’ll get real-time analyst support through chat and email, and get answers to your most pressing banking questions.
GlobalBanks Insider is the most comprehensive international banking resource you’ll find anywhere. Click through below to learn more…