Best Banks for Expats 2025: How to Choose and Avoid Hidden Fees

Published November 1, 2025

Whether you're on assignment, freelancing abroad, or retiring under the sun, choosing the right expat bank can mean peace of mind—or a financial nightmare. Transfer fees, FX markups, IBAN discrimination… In 2025, offers abound but not all are equal. Here's the complete guide to picking the best bank, opening an account remotely, and dodging the most common traps.

Why regular banks don't fit expat life

Traditional banks often require local addresses and steady income. For newcomers, that means roadblocks. Digital banks like Wise, Revolut, or N26 offer full online onboarding, EU IBANs, and instant cards—but they may lack full salary features.

Best strategy: keep one home account for taxes + one digital bank for daily life abroad.

Top expat banks for 2025

Revolut – EU IBAN, multicurrency wallets, generous free plan. Cons: slow customer support, no cash deposits.

Wise – Low FX fees, local accounts in 10+ currencies, transparent pricing. Cons: no loans or overdrafts.

HSBC Expat / BNP International – Global support, mortgage options, premium services. Cons: high fees below €75k balance.

Boursorama / Hello Bank! – French IBAN for taxes and admin, good for French services. Cons: weak for FX and international transfers.

For more on opening accounts, see our step-by-step banking guide.

How to open remotely

1. Prepare a valid passport and address proof (utility bill, rental contract).

2. Scan documents before signup.

3. Complete KYC verification (video call or selfie).

4. Activate account via test transfer of €10–20.

Expat tip: Open before you move to receive salary or rental deposits without delays.

Avoiding hidden fees

FX conversion: always check real rate + margin. Wise = transparent, Revolut = weekend surcharges.

International ATM withdrawals: stick to same-network ATMs to avoid fees.

Premium subscriptions: unnecessary for most users unless you travel frequently.

Example: transferring €1,000 France → Switzerland: €3 on Wise, €10 on Revolut, €28 via traditional bank.

Taxes & safety

Never share your IBAN publicly on forums.

Enable two-factor authentication on all apps.

Pro tip: Keep one French account for public payments (taxes, CAF, Ameli). Cross-border workers should check our France-Switzerland guide for specific banking needs.

Case studies

Marie, 34, freelancer in Lisbon → Revolut + Wise for quick transfers, French taxes paid online.

Paul, cross-border Geneva–Annecy employee → BNP France + UBS Switzerland for salary and housing compatibility.

Sophie, retiree in Málaga → Boursorama + Wise for pensions + local payments fee-free.

Account opening checklist

✓ Valid ID or passport

✓ Proof of address < 3 months

✓ French or local tax number

✓ Proof of income (payslip, contract)

✓ Secure phone + email

Useful links

• service-public.fr – Declaring foreign accounts

• Revolut vs Wise comparison (MoneyVox)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to declare my Revolut or Wise account to French tax authorities?

Yes. Even EU accounts must be declared via form 3916-BIS.

Best bank for freelancers?

Wise for international payments + one French account for taxes and social contributions.

Can I get a mortgage as an expat?

Traditional expat banks like HSBC and BNP International offer mortgage products. Digital banks typically do not.

Stay updated

For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:

Conclusion: Successful expat life starts with smart banking. Combine tax-friendly structure and digital flexibility to make your accounts your allies abroad.

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About the author:

Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to finance, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com

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Best Banks for Expats 2025: How to Choose and Avoid Hidden Fees

Published November 1, 2025

Why regular banks don't fit expat life

Best strategy: keep one home account for taxes + one digital bank for daily life abroad.

Top expat banks for 2025

Revolut – EU IBAN, multicurrency wallets, generous free plan. Cons: slow customer support, no cash deposits.

Wise – Low FX fees, local accounts in 10+ currencies, transparent pricing. Cons: no loans or overdrafts.

HSBC Expat / BNP International – Global support, mortgage options, premium services. Cons: high fees below €75k balance.

Boursorama / Hello Bank! – French IBAN for taxes and admin, good for French services. Cons: weak for FX and international transfers.

For more on opening accounts, see our step-by-step banking guide.

How to open remotely

1. Prepare a valid passport and address proof (utility bill, rental contract).

2. Scan documents before signup.

3. Complete KYC verification (video call or selfie).

4. Activate account via test transfer of €10–20.

Expat tip: Open before you move to receive salary or rental deposits without delays.

Avoiding hidden fees

FX conversion: always check real rate + margin. Wise = transparent, Revolut = weekend surcharges.

International ATM withdrawals: stick to same-network ATMs to avoid fees.

Premium subscriptions: unnecessary for most users unless you travel frequently.

Example: transferring €1,000 France → Switzerland: €3 on Wise, €10 on Revolut, €28 via traditional bank.

Taxes & safety

Never share your IBAN publicly on forums.

Enable two-factor authentication on all apps.

Pro tip: Keep one French account for public payments (taxes, CAF, Ameli). Cross-border workers should check our France-Switzerland guide for specific banking needs.

Case studies

Marie, 34, freelancer in Lisbon → Revolut + Wise for quick transfers, French taxes paid online.

Paul, cross-border Geneva–Annecy employee → BNP France + UBS Switzerland for salary and housing compatibility.

Sophie, retiree in Málaga → Boursorama + Wise for pensions + local payments fee-free.

Account opening checklist

✓ Valid ID or passport

✓ Proof of address < 3 months

✓ French or local tax number

✓ Proof of income (payslip, contract)

✓ Secure phone + email

Useful links

• service-public.fr – Declaring foreign accounts

• Revolut vs Wise comparison (MoneyVox)

Frequently Asked Questions