Open your Optimum 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.
Optimum Bank Account

Life is a 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.
Benefits of the Optimum Bank Account
Major currencies
Easy payments
Digital first
Visa card
- 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
- Online 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 Bank Account fact sheet
Your Visa debit card unlocks a world of luxury benefits, offers and discounts. Visit the Visa benefits page to learn more.
- 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)
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What you get
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What it costs
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How to get it
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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
- Online 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 Bank Account fact sheet
Your Visa debit card unlocks a world of luxury benefits, offers and discounts. Visit the Visa benefits page to learn more.
- 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)
View international personal banking - Variable interest rates
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.
- 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.
- Yes, you can activate your Visa debit card through Online 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.
- 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]
- Valid passport
- Proof of residential address
- Live identity confirmation via a Selfie
- Proof of income or source of funds
- Specimen signature
- Click ‘Apply Online’ to complete a quick 3-question eligibility check.
- If eligible, you’ll be directed to a secure portal to register and set up your login credentials.
- If you’re an existing customer*, you can use your current online banking credentials.
- Look out for an email (including in your spam folder) with your unique application link.
- The link returns you to our site, where you can ‘Resume Application’ at the top right of www.standardbank.international.com.
- Verification is completed once you’ve uploaded a photo of your ID and taken a selfie. Be sure to use a clear camera lens, in portrait mode, and avoid glare or fingers covering the document.
* Supported countries only (South Africa, Botswana, eSwatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe)
- Take a few minutes to answer a few questions.
- Review and sign your application.
- Upload supporting documents as well as a specimen signature.
If needed, a representative will contact you for a quick video call to finalise the review.
- Once your account is open, you can transfer funds immediately to activate your international banking experience.
- For 24/7 access and control, get set up on Internet Banking and download our Mobile App while you wait for your Visa debit card.
Welcome to the setup guide on how to order, activate and manage your Visa debit card linked to your Standard Bank Offshore bank account.
A step-by-step guide through the process of making online payments from your Standard Bank international account.
Understand the different ways of paying into your account and making regular payments out of your account.