• Products and Services
    • Bank with us
    • Borrow for your needs
    • Grow your money
    • Leaving a legacy
    Latest article
    Prepare now for a period of lower interest rates -full 14 image set
    Prepare now for a period of lower interest rates
    The extreme volatility in the global economy and financial markets over the past few years are a stark reminder that uncertainty lurks around every corner. Global stock markets have see-sawed from extreme highs to record lows over the past few years, leaving ordinary investors unsure of what to expect.
    Personal loans
    Borrow to invest in UK rental property
    Find out how you can get a residential property loan as a non-citizen.
    Investment Management
    View your investment portfolio online
    Stay on top of your international investments with our real-time portfolio tools.
    Latest article
    African generational tensions regarding the transfer of wealth - 14 image set
    African generational tensions regarding the transfer of wealth
    As directors of trust companies forming part of Africa’s largest bank by assets, with a presence in 19 African countries, it is fair for us to say that we have significant experience implementing estate and succession plans for families with African connections. Whilst we absolutely acknowledge that each family is unique, as are their estate and succession planning needs, we do still see threads of commonality when we are approached by families wishing to establish fiduciary structures.
  • Ways to bank
  • About us
    • About Standard Bank International
    • Report to society
    Standard Bank International is perfectly positioned to support the growth of our organisation and the continent itself.
     Our Report to Society outlines our four social, economic and environmental (SEE) impact areas
  • Learn More
  • News
International
Personal
Products and Services
Products and Services
Borrow for your needs
Leaving a legacy
Ways to bank
Ways to bank
Business
Products and services
Products and services
Bank with us
Borrow for your needs
Ways to bank
Ways to bank
No borders, no boundaries
With an international bank account, it really makes no difference where you live, work or play.
Optimum image - Hero banner white July

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

View in your preferred currency:
Optimum bank account product page banner

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 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)
  • 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

See 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: We will contact you

We will contact you within 72 hours by call or email to initiate the application process.

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.

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
Useful payment information
Useful payment information

Learn more about setting up direct debits, stop order and payment details for regular payments.

Visa debit cards

Learn more about the benefits of shopping securely and conveniently using a Visa debit card.

Online payments and transfers
Useful payment information

Learn more about setting up direct debits, stop order and payment details for regular payments.

Fraud prevention - Hero banner blue v2
Don't be a target for online fraud

Be extra vigilant for scams. Arm yourself by understanding what to look out for.