Opening bank account with DTV (share your stories)

[Tim K]

I'm trying to get EZ savings online account at SCB , to keep 500k at 1.5% rate.
Went to 3 branches on Saturday, their responses:

a) Work Permit required. Don't have one.
 

b) Original yellow book required, copy will not do. Come back with original.
I've lost original but went to Amphoe and managed to restore it along with pink ID card.

c) 1 Year stamp of stay required, no luck here with DTV.

Went back to branch B on Tuesday right after Amphoe with YB in hand, staff checked my docs said we'll send this to Bangkok office first.
Took copies, I've signed them all, wrote my phone number and email. Wait 1 week they said.

On Friday got call from branch B saying head office has approved my request.
Sunday came back and now they've opened regular savings account and said we'll have to send your docs again for the EZ one (yeah sooooo EZ )
Cause the e-mail from head office said i was allowed (as much as I could read in Thai upside down) to open 1 account only and regular one.
This time the waiting period could be up to 1 month?? wow.

let's see what happens next.

 

They need to replace the printer's cartridge, quality is awful and tilted(
First page looks like it was dropped on the road and a couple of scooters have driven over it.

[Regyai]

IMHO you should have initially ironed out all the prerequisites with H.O. /call centre  - taken the responder's name, made a list, and confirmed it all back to him/her.

 

Then gone to SCB main branch on 2nd Road and if faced with anything different ask for the manager and explain H.O.'s instructions and if needs be offer to call back to the name you have. I've found this, all done politely and respectfully always cuts through the sheee-ite that at times emanates like a fighter jets defensive chaff at the lesser branches

[JoseThailand]

Great news! I might try as well

[Pattaya57]

1 hour ago, Tim K said:

 

b) Original yellow book required, copy will not do. Come back with original.
I've lost original but went to Amphoe and managed to restore it along with pink ID card.

 

So if you had a yellow book and pink ID card why did you not already have a bank account? Seems bizarre.

 

This is the 2nd DTV holder to get something  usually requiring a long-term visa in last couple of days (other was 5 year licence renewal). Both already had a yellow book and pink ID card so I'm still not convinced you can walk into any branch and open a bank account on DTV like you can on non-imm O. Happy to be wrong though.

 

Also would be interesting to know what visa these yellow book, pink ID card holders are giving up to switch to a DTV?

 

[Tim K]

8 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

So if you had a yellow book and pink ID card why did you not already have a bank account? Seems bizarre.

I got accounts at KTB and Krungsri while I was married and back then thought that would be enough.
Times change and one's wishes too.

After divorce got ED visa and tried to open with it in 2022 - no go at SCB, even with book and id, they sent docs to head office and request was rejected.

Same year tried to get Travel Card from KTB and only one! branch at least considered scanning my docs and sending  them to head office - very very useful thing for those who don't have USD cards especially.  Other branches: "nope only for Thais or show your work permit".

Compared to KTB,  Krungsri Boarding Card was super easy - just order one from app if you already have an account.

[Pattaya57]

22 minutes ago, Tim K said:

I got accounts at KTB and Krungsri while I was married and back then thought that would be enough.
Times change and one's wishes too.

After divorce got ED visa and tried to open with it - no go at SCB, even with book and id, they sent docs to head office and request was rejected.

But you still needed DTV, yellow book and Pink ID Card to get this account right? So someone with just DTV would likely not?

 

(I only needed non-imm O stamp to open mine in Pattaya, which was done on the spot)

 

[Tim K]

9 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

I only needed non-imm O stamp to open mine

I remember the battles at both KTB and Krungsri where my wife had to defend my honour) It was not so easy with that Non-O   no n o no )

If you don't have Work Permit they treat you like a rabid dog at least in Phuket.


SCB - Yellow book, DL, DTV.
Didn't have restored pink ID yet. and it was enough.

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, Tim K said:

I remember the battles at both KTB and Krungsri where my wife had to defend my honour) It was not so easy with that Non-O   no n o no )

I'm also confused with your posts.

Where did you deal with these banks.

Your profile seems to indicate Phuket?  

In Bangkok you would need a COR or non O to open bank account.

[Tim K]

Phuket, correct, year 2018.
Choengthale branches.

[DrJack54]

12 minutes ago, Tim K said:

Phuket, correct, year 2018.
Choengthale branches.

Hopefully down the track someone will report opening Thai bank account just with a DTV without yellow book or pink card. 

[Chadnik]

Its gonna be interesting when people stay 180+ yet no bank account, no lease, no transport ownership, on a TR

 

Yeah, you owe us tax because you stayed in a hotel in Thailand half year and wd cash from ATM 👑. 

[DrJack54]

28 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Hopefully down the track someone will report opening Thai bank account just with a DTV without yellow book or pink card. 

Bank account is common thread.

Previously a yellow book pink card would perhaps be fine.

Things have changed in recent times.

I've been here for some time with existing bank account.

Subsequently wanted to open FD account with BBL....

No way without certificate of residence (Bangkok) 

Kasikorn opened an account as I had a 12 month extension along with lease.

Of course an agent can assist to open bank account (5k)

[JoseThailand]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Of course an agent can assist to open bank account (5k)

 

Only with Bangkok Bank

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, JoseThailand said:

 

Only with Bangkok Bank

Your point? 

Insurance policy is major part of the fee that is paid to BBL

[david555]

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Bank account is common thread.

Previously a yellow book pink card would perhaps be fine.

Things have changed in recent times.

I've been here for some time with existing bank account.

Subsequently wanted to open FD account with BBL....

No way without certificate of residence (Bangkok) 

Kasikorn opened an account as I had a 12 month extension along with lease.

Of course an agent can assist to open bank account (5k)

I got my second KK account ( one KK i had already for my Non o 800K ) with a support letter i asked from   desk 8 at jomtien  11 years ago (cost just a " fee 500 baht)

[Tim K]

After getting DTVs my friends are trying to open accounts
so far only 1 branch BkB in Patong agreed to open with insurance policy worth 8000b, DTV + CoR + DL. 2 other BkB branches said nope.

One SCB branch in Chalong agreed to at least send docs to Head Office,
and the one at Central where I got my account with Yellow Book said no no no to them.
Krungsri so far said no no no at 2 places, same with Kasi - DTV? no.

[oldcpu]

On 9/15/2024 at 7:10 PM, Tim K said:

I remember the battles at both KTB and Krungsri where my wife had to defend my honour) It was not so easy with that Non-O   no n o no )

 

I note Tim K you posted about experience in Phuket.  My post is a bit off topic, but when I was on a non-immigrant Type-O visa a couple of years back,  I opened a few different accounts with Krungsri (branch in Central festival in Phuket) with no problem. 

 

It was not difficult at all - although I note the Bank Manager at that time was a friend of my wife (where that manager has now moved to a different branch in Phuket).    I also have a yellow book/pink-ID but I don't recall being asked for that to open the Krungsri account  (maybe I was - maybe I wasn't - I just can't recall).  I also deposited a moderate (more than basic) amount of money which I think helps the Bank Manager who can show they attracted new customers who deposit a bit more than the average amount.

 

I like the Krungsri account for if one keeps a total of 5-million THB in the bank (in different 'forms') with the Krungsri Exclusive, one obtains a LOT of perks (use of their VIP lounge, 2 passes to Thai Airways lounges every year + 2 Dragon Pass lounge access passes every year), plus 8 passes every month to two different health clubs in Phuket (Club Asia (in Royal Phuket City Hotel) and Alpha Club).  The main reason thou for me opening a Krungsri account at the time was I could get yearly printouts (needed for the Type-O visa year extensions) much quicker than I could from Bangkok Bank.  The 'total' amount in the bank can be in different currencies, mutual fund via the bank, etc ... (it need not all be in cash). Obviously that perk is NOT something of interest for most, as many on a Type-O prefer NOT to even hold 800k THB in a Thai Bank.

 

With a substantial amount of money in Thailand now, it also means I don't have to worry about bringing money into Thailand for a number of years, until this entire 'tax residency' speculation aspects are more clear.

 

Back on topic :  While I don't know anyone personally on a DTV visa, I am reading this thread with interest, and I hope more people with a DTV visa post on it and share their experience.

 

I have many friends who don't live in Thailand often pepper me with questions and its nice to have a bit of information on other visas.  A DTV might be suitable for some of them.

[Sum Ting Wong]

I managed to get an account on a dtv today.

 

Tried Krungsri, they kindly refused. Then tried Bangkok Bank and they let me in.

 

What I brought:

- passport + copies

- drivers license from home country

- copy of dtv

- copy of muay thai gym acceptance letter

- certificate of residence 

[MART]

On 10/12/2024 at 4:39 PM, Sum Ting Wong said:

I managed to get an account on a dtv today.

 

Tried Krungsri, they kindly refused. Then tried Bangkok Bank and they let me in.

 

What I brought:

- passport + copies

- drivers license from home country

- copy of dtv

- copy of muay thai gym acceptance letter

- certificate of residence 

 

Can you please tell us at which branch it was?

[DrJack54]

39 minutes ago, MART said:

 

Can you please tell us at which branch it was?

The guy you posted had obtained a COR.

With that he would be able to open account at most banks.

Branch info not necessary, however he may provide details. 

 

[MART]

28 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

The guy you posted had obtained a COR.

With that he would be able to open account at most banks.

Branch info not necessary, however he may provide details. 

 

 

Are you saying that with a DTV and a COR, one is able to open a bank account at most banks/branches?

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, MART said:

 

Are you saying that with a DTV and a COR, one is able to open a bank account at most banks/branches?

With a COR should be possible on any visa. DVT is a visa

 

[MART]

18 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

With a COR should be possible on any visa. DVT is a visa

 

 

OK, thank you. Wondering what all the fuss is about then, why agents offer it as a service and why there are threads specifically on this matter.

[DrJack54]

8 hours ago, MART said:

 

OK, thank you. Wondering what all the fuss is about then, why agents offer it as a service and why there are threads specifically on this matter.

Only recently did CW issue a COR without having made a 90 day report.

That's impossible on a tourist or visa exempt entry.

The alternative to the COR from immigration (for the banks) is letter from embassy however some embassies do not provide that including UK, USA, AU

Agents can open an account with BBL for approx 5k, most of which goes to purchase of insurance. 

[VBay]

Today I've tried to open a bank account at 3 different banks in Hua Hin to no avail.

 

I'm on a DTV Visa and I've got a Certificate of Residence (and got my Thai driving licence with it) but none of this was of any interest to the banks. Every bank asked me for my passport only and once they saw the DTV stamp they declined my request. KBank, Krungsri and Bangkok Bank. So alas a DTV + COR is by no means a guarantee for getting a bank account atm.

 

[DrJack54]

29 minutes ago, VBay said:

Today I've tried to open a bank account at 3 different banks in Hua Hin to no avail.

Use an agent. Most of the cost to agent is for insurance. 

[bigt3116]

On 10/14/2024 at 9:07 PM, DrJack54 said:

With a COR should be possible on any visa. DVT is a visa

 

Clearly not the case.

 

Correct the DTV is a visa, but it is also a class of tourist visa, and this maybe the stumbling block.

 

11 hours ago, VBay said:

I'm on a DTV Visa and I've got a Certificate of Residence (and got my Thai driving licence with it) but none of this was of any interest to the banks. Every bank asked me for my passport only and once they saw the DTV stamp they declined my request. KBank, Krungsri and Bangkok Bank. So alas a DTV + COR is by no means a guarantee for getting a bank account atm.

 

[Caldera]

10 hours ago, bigt3116 said:

Correct the DTV is a visa, but it is also a class of tourist visa, and this maybe the stumbling block.

 

That's definitely an issue. Some banks have internal regulations that specifically require a non-immigrant visa. When the Smart Visa and the LTR Visa (which are equivalent to non-immigrant visas) were introduced, it took some banks a while to update their regulations and some people reported issues initially as well. The DTV isn't equivalent to a non-immigrant visa though, so such an update might never come. I'd guess it will continue to be hit and miss. 

[Tim K]

In December I tried to open a fixed term deposit for the 500k required for DTV, just to have it in the bank and show at the airport if needed.

Location: Phuket
Bangkok bank - nope, (Have 2 accounts there)
Nope, sorry, we really want clients like you but can not,
opened their rule book, called the Head Office, called their Lawyer even.
Lawyer said - why you have Yellow Book but DTV?
I said - because I was married before.
Well we are confused about you, sooo nope.

Krungsri - fixed term only for Thais.

Krungthai - to my surprise easy peasy, got fixed-term deposit book (white one).
DTV + Yellow Book + Pink ID + Thai DL.

Can deposit money multiple times (10KBaht minimum), each deposit has its own % and maturity date.
I put 10k(2 Year, 1.9%) + 10k(3 Year 2.1%) + 480K(3 Year 2.1%) in there.

It does show a 500K total amount in the app and in the e-statement.

Then I went to the same SCB branch in Central Festival, which denied me the EZ Savings account in October.
Asked about the fixed-term rates, 2.25% was only for Thais I think, and then the lady logged me in with passport number into their system on a special tablet. And the tablet showed all options available to  me, one of which was - ! - EZ Savings) 55555555555

I was having my doubts but said 'Yeah, ok'  expecting a 'sorry can not' somewhere in the process.
To my amazement everything went smoothly, DTV + YellowBook + PinkID + DL, signed on the tablet , got 1 Page EZ passbook, actually just a cover of the book, containing just my Name, a/c and EZ Savings account type.


Wow! Got what I've wanted all along when I've finally asked for something different.
You want A? here's B.
Oh You want D and F? - here's A. ))

EZ Savings has 1.9% rate (calculated daily), and you can do QR Payments, transfers, anything except cashing out at ATM. You have to transfer to savings account first.

Ordinary savings accounts at every bank get around 0.2%
Krungthai gives 0%!

[merijn]

On 9/15/2024 at 12:52 PM, Pattaya57 said:

 

So if you had a yellow book and pink ID card why did you not already have a bank account? Seems bizarre.

 

This is the 2nd DTV holder to get something  usually requiring a long-term visa in last couple of days (other was 5 year licence renewal). Both already had a yellow book and pink ID card so I'm still not convinced you can walk into any branch and open a bank account on DTV like you can on non-imm O. Happy to be wrong though.

 

Also would be interesting to know what visa these yellow book, pink ID card holders are giving up to switch to a DTV?

 

MOst banks will refuse indeed to open a bank account (same as for the 5 year DL) on a DTV visa as it is regarded a tourist visa.

On 11/4/2024 at 11:07 PM, bigt3116 said:

 

Clearly not the case.

 

Correct the DTV is a visa, but it is also a class of tourist visa, and this maybe the stumbling block.

 

 

That is the whole point, the DTV visa is clasified as a tourist visa and therefore many banks will refuse to open a bank account (as according to them) you need a long term visa. This is the same for the 5 year DL which in most cases will be refused for the same reason.

The banking rules became much more strict a while ago.