International
Open your Optimum current account today
Whether you’re living, travelling or studying abroad, life is a lot simpler with an international current account. Select the currency that works best for you so you can bank, save and borrow as you want, when you want.
Why Bank with us
Full Service Offering
Do more than day-to-day banking with international savings, investments, loans and forex
Trusted Worldwide
Standard Bank Group has served the banking needs of clients around the globe for nearly 160 years
Accessible Anywhere
Our world-class digital channels allow you to bank safely online or on your phone. Anytime, anywhere.
Global Footprint
We have offices in the International Financial Centres of Jersey, Isle of Man and Mauritius
Optimum Bank Account
Life is lot simpler when you can pay and get paid in a major international currency. The Optimum current account offers you that and much more, like secure 24/7 digital banking and a Visa debit card.
£
5 000
Minimum opening deposit
$
7 000
Minimum opening deposit
€
7 000
Minimum opening deposit
AU$
7 000
Minimum opening deposit
£
5 000
Minimum account balance
$
7 000
Minimum account balance
€
7 000
Minimum account balance
AU$
7 000
Minimum account balance
£
60
*
Quarterly Maintenance fee
$
90
*
Quarterly Maintenance fee
€
90
*
Quarterly Maintenance fee
AU$
90
*
Quarterly Maintenance fee
GBP, USD, EUR, AUD
Supported currencies
*
If minimum balance not maintained
*
If minimum balance not maintained
*
If minimum balance not maintained
*
If minimum balance not maintained
Benefits of Optimum bank account
Major currencies
The choice is yours: open your bank account in sterling, US or Australian dollars, or euros
Easy payments
Your international bank account lets you make and receive transfers from around the globe
Digital first
Transact online or on the mobile app for day-to-day banking transactions, and much more
Visa card
Opt in to get a Visa debit card to pay conveniently online or with tap and go at the till point
What you get
- An international bank account available in GBP, USD, EUR and AUD
- Unlimited deposits and withdrawals when banking at home or abroad
- A Visa debit card for easy payments and withdrawals worldwide *
- Access to international savings accounts and foreign exchange
- Standing Orders on all Optimum bank accounts and Direct Debits on sterling accounts
- Internet banking for international payments, transfers and to manage your account
- Mobile banking to manage, view, link and transfer funds between your accounts
* Fees and charges apply
See Optimum account fact sheet
What it costs
- No account maintenance fee if a minimum balance is maintained *
- Visa debit card annual fee - £15/$25/€20/AU$25
- Visa debit card withdrawal fees - 1.75% (minimum £2/$3/€3/AU$3.50)
- See the pricing guide for details on transaction fees
* The average balance over any quarter must not fall below the minimum opening balance amount. Should this happen, an account maintenance fee of £ 60, US$ 90, € 90, AU$90 per quarter applies.
How to get it
- You need to be 18 years or older
- Make the minimum opening deposit
- Proof of address and identity (certified or original copies)
Terms and Conditions
-
What you get
-
What it costs
-
How to get it
-
Terms and Conditions
- An international bank account available in GBP, USD, EUR and AUD
- Unlimited deposits and withdrawals when banking at home or abroad
- A Visa debit card for easy payments and withdrawals worldwide *
- Access to international savings accounts and foreign exchange
- Standing Orders on all Optimum bank accounts and Direct Debits on sterling accounts
- Internet banking for international payments, transfers and to manage your account
- Mobile banking to manage, view, link and transfer funds between your accounts
* Fees and charges apply
See Optimum account fact sheet
- No account maintenance fee if a minimum balance is maintained *
- Visa debit card annual fee - £15/$25/€20/AU$25
- Visa debit card withdrawal fees - 1.75% (minimum £2/$3/€3/AU$3.50)
- See the pricing guide for details on transaction fees
* The average balance over any quarter must not fall below the minimum opening balance amount. Should this happen, an account maintenance fee of £ 60, US$ 90, € 90, AU$90 per quarter applies.
- You need to be 18 years or older
- Make the minimum opening deposit
- Proof of address and identity (certified or original copies)
Product Interest Rates
View International Personal Banking - Variable Interest Rates
Frequently asked questions
How does a foreign currency account work?
An overseas bank account lets you diversify, transact and save in a chosen foreign currency. Your Optimum current account supports GBP Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and Australian Dollars.
Which is the best country to open an international bank account?
- Deciding where to open a foreign currency account will depend firstly on your specific needs.
- The Isle of Man is a popular destination for international expatriates and non-residents due to its economic stability, mature financial sector and investor-friendly regulatory environment.
- The island is a crown-dependency located in the British Isles that is independent of the UK and the EU.
- These qualities led us to establish a presence in the Isle of Man over 30-years ago from where we assist clients to securely transact, save and invest internationally with ease.
Can I pay online internationally with my Visa debit card?
- Yes, you can activate your Visa debit card through Internet Banking or on our Mobile Banking App.
- You can then make easy point-of-sale payments and withdrawals worldwide, as well as online international payments.
How do I open an international account?
- You must be 18 years or older to open an account.
- You will be required to supply proof of address and identity, and must meet the minimum opening deposit amount of £5,000, EU7,000, US$7,000 or AU$7,000.
- For more information, South African applicants can email us at [email protected]
- All other applicants outside of South Africa can email [email protected]
How do I open an international account?
Step 1: Pre-application checks
Complete our brief form to confirm that you’re eligible for an account with us. Basic information that will be needed includes your country of residence, nationality and age.
Lastly, we need to know how to get in touch with you to discuss the account application process.
Step 2: Expect a call
We will give you a call within 72 hours, and if unable to reach you will email you to arrange a convenient time to talk.
Step 3: Application and supporting documents
The digital account opening process can start as soon as eligibility is confirmed. For this, you will need to complete the application form, and submit your identifying and supporting paperwork.
We may call you to resolve outstanding queries on your application or the information received.
Step 4: Fund your account
You must fund your new Standard Bank account within 6 months via electronic or manual transfer in a single or multiple deposits.
You can register for internet and mobile banking at this time and will receive your Visa debit card once your account is fully funded.
Learn from the experts
When to consider international banking
Is investing internationally right for you?
The Ins and Outs of International Banking
Why open a bank account in the Isle of Man
The importance of diversifying your portfolio
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Tips and guidance
Visa debit cards
Visa debit cards
Learn more about the benefits of shopping securely and conveniently using a Visa debit card
Online payments and transfers
Online payments and transfers
Getting started? Learn more about making payments and transfers.
Useful payment information
Useful payment information
Learn more about setting up direct debits, stop order and payment details for regular payments
