Directory

Banks by country

Major banks, digital alternatives, account opening requirements and deposit protection limits — for each country, on one page.

How to use this directory. Information is compiled from national banking regulators and deposit guarantee schemes. Banking rules, fees and product availability change often — always confirm details with the bank itself before acting. This is educational information, not a recommendation of any provider.

🇺🇸 US Bank Directory by State 🌍 Global Bank Directory by Region
Country Currency Deposit protection Residency required Key ID needed
United StatesUSDFDIC insuranceRequiredSSN or ITIN
United KingdomGBPFSCSRequiredNational Insurance number
GermanyEURGerman statutory deposit guaranteeRequiredSteueridentifikationsnummer
FranceEURFGDRRequiredNumero fiscal
SpainEURFGDRequiredNIE
United Arab EmiratesAEDNo statutory deposit guarantee schemeNot alwaysEmirates ID
EgyptEGPNo uniform schemeRequiredNational ID number
Saudi ArabiaSARNo statutory deposit guarantee schemeRequiredIqama number
USFDIC / OCC / Federal Reserve

Banks in United States

The US has the largest number of banks of any country. Most require a Social Security Number or ITIN, a US address and often a state-issued ID. Digital banks are widely available and usually the fastest route. See the full US bank directory by state →

ItemDetail
CurrencyUSD
RegulatorFDIC / OCC / Federal Reserve
Deposit protection250,000 per depositor, per insured bank
Protection schemeFDIC insurance
Identity neededSSN or ITIN

Major banks

Chase

National

Largest US retail bank. Full branch network, requires SSN and US address.

Bank of America

National

Strong branch network and app. Requires SSN and US ID for most accounts.

Wells Fargo

National

Wide branch access. In-person application often smoother for newcomers.

Citibank

National

Good international footprint; some products suit people with overseas ties.

Capital One

National

Digital-first with physical locations. No-fee checking widely available.

Digital alternatives

Chime

Digital

No monthly fee, early pay access. Deposits held via partner banks.

SoFi

Digital

Banking, saving and investing combined. Best rates usually need direct deposit.

Varo

Digital

No-fee account with early pay. Requires SSN.

Ally Bank

Digital

Online-only with competitive savings rates. No branches.

Discover

Digital

Strong online savings and cashback checking. No monthly fees.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Obtain an SSN or ITIN. Almost all US banks require one.
  2. 2
    Gather a government photo ID (state ID, driver licence, passport).
  3. 3
    Provide a US residential address. PO boxes are usually rejected.
  4. 4
    Apply online or in branch; online is usually faster for digital banks.
  5. 5
    Fund the account by transfer or deposit to activate it.

Worth knowing

  • Some banks accept a foreign passport with a visa for non-resident accounts, but this is uncommon at major banks.
  • Two forms of ID are often requested for in-person applications.
  • Deposit protection is per bank, not per account. Two accounts at one bank share one limit.
GBFCA / PRA

Banks in United Kingdom

The UK has a highly developed digital banking market. A current account is usually free, and switching between banks is straightforward. Proof of address is commonly required. See UK banks by region →

ItemDetail
CurrencyGBP
RegulatorFCA / PRA
Deposit protection85,000 per person, per authorised firm
Protection schemeFSCS
Identity neededNational Insurance number

Major banks

Barclays

High street

Full-service bank with extensive branch and app services.

HSBC UK

High street

Strong for people with international connections.

Lloyds Bank

High street

Widely available; straightforward current accounts.

NatWest

High street

Popular for student and newcomer accounts.

Santander UK

High street

Competitive current account perks on some tiers.

Digital alternatives

Monzo

Digital

Excellent budgeting tools. Full UK banking licence.

Starling Bank

Digital

Full licence, strong app, no monthly fee.

Revolut

Digital

Multi-currency focus. Licensed differently to a full bank in some respects.

Wise

Digital

Best for currency conversion rather than day-to-day banking.

Chase UK

Digital

No-fee current account with cashback on spending.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Obtain proof of address dated within the last three months.
  2. 2
    Provide a passport or UK driving licence for identity.
  3. 3
    Supply your National Insurance number if you have one.
  4. 4
    Apply online; most banks complete checks within minutes to days.
  5. 5
    Consider a basic bank account if you have a poor credit history.

Worth knowing

  • Basic bank accounts are available from major banks for people who do not qualify for a standard account.
  • Current account switching services make moving banks straightforward.
  • FSCS protection is per authorised firm, so check which firm your brand operates under.
DEBaFin / Bundesbank

Banks in Germany

Germany is a cash-heavy but bank-dense market with strong digital options. Anmeldung (address registration) is usually required before opening an account. See German banks by state →

ItemDetail
CurrencyEUR
RegulatorBaFin / Bundesbank
Deposit protection100,000 per depositor, per bank
Protection schemeGerman statutory deposit guarantee
Identity neededSteueridentifikationsnummer

Major banks

Deutsche Bank

High street

Largest German bank; full branch network.

Commerzbank

High street

Second largest; strong for business banking.

Sparkasse

Regional savings banks

Locally operated; often preferred by residents.

Volksbank

Cooperative

Member-owned, regionally focused.

Postbank

High street

Large branch and postal network.

Digital alternatives

N26

Digital

Full German banking licence. Free standard account.

Comdirect

Digital

Commerzbank subsidiary with strong app.

DKB

Digital

Popular free account with good card benefits.

ING Deutschland

Digital

Competitive rates and no-fee standard account.

Wise

Digital

Useful for international transfers alongside a German account.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Complete Anmeldung (address registration) at the local registration office.
  2. 2
    Obtain your Steueridentifikationsnummer, usually posted automatically.
  3. 3
    Provide a passport or national ID plus the registration confirmation.
  4. 4
    Apply online or in branch; video identification is common for digital banks.
  5. 5
    Fund and activate the account.

Worth knowing

  • Address registration is generally required and produces the document banks want.
  • Digital banks frequently use video identification rather than in-person checks.
  • Germany is still relatively cash-oriented, so ATM access matters more than in some markets.
FRACPR / Banque de France

Banks in France

French banking is dominated by large mutual groups. Accounts are usually free when bundled with services, and digital banks are growing quickly.

ItemDetail
CurrencyEUR
RegulatorACPR / Banque de France
Deposit protection100,000 per depositor, per bank
Protection schemeFGDR
Identity neededNumero fiscal

Major banks

BNP Paribas

High street

Largest French bank with international presence.

Societe Generale

High street

Major retail and business bank.

Credit Agricole

Mutual

Strong regional network; popular with residents.

Credit Mutuel

Mutual

Member-owned, regionally focused.

La Banque Postale

Postal

Accessible, with a nationwide branch presence.

Digital alternatives

Boursorama

Digital

Large French online bank with no-fee account.

Fortuneo

Digital

Online bank with competitive card offers.

N26

Digital

Available in France with a German licence.

Revolut

Digital

Multi-currency spending and transfers.

Wise

Digital

Best for international currency conversion.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Provide proof of identity (passport or ID card).
  2. 2
    Supply proof of address dated within three months.
  3. 3
    Provide proof of income or employment for some account types.
  4. 4
    Apply online or in branch; digital banks complete checks faster.
  5. 5
    Fund the account to activate it.

Worth knowing

  • Proof of domicile is commonly required and can be a recent utility or tax document.
  • Non-residents may open accounts with some banks under specific conditions.
  • Overdraft facilities are common but carry real interest charges.
ESBanco de Espana

Banks in Spain

Spain requires an NIE number for most banking. Digital banks have grown rapidly and are often easier to open than traditional accounts.

ItemDetail
CurrencyEUR
RegulatorBanco de Espana
Deposit protection100,000 per depositor, per bank
Protection schemeFGD
Identity neededNIE

Major banks

Santander

High street

Largest Spanish bank with global reach.

BBVA

High street

Strong app; competitive digital offering.

CaixaBank

High street

Largest domestic branch network.

Sabadell

High street

Popular with businesses.

Bankinter

High street

Known for digital products and service quality.

Digital alternatives

N26

Digital

Available with a German licence and no-fee account.

Revolut

Digital

Multi-currency spending with travel focus.

Wise

Digital

Currency conversion and receiving details.

Openbank

Digital

Santander digital brand with no-fee account.

EVO Banco

Digital

Digital account with card perks.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Obtain an NIE (foreigner identification number).
  2. 2
    Provide a passport or EU identity card.
  3. 3
    Supply proof of address and often proof of income.
  4. 4
    Apply in branch or online; an NIE is usually requested at the start.
  5. 5
    Fund the account and collect or activate the card.

Worth knowing

  • The NIE is the key obstacle for newcomers and is needed for most financial activity.
  • Some banks charge maintenance fees unless certain conditions are met.
  • Non-resident accounts exist but have different documentation requirements.
AECentral Bank of the UAE

Banks in United Arab Emirates

The UAE has a large expatriate population and both conventional and Islamic banks. A residence visa and Emirates ID are normally required, though some banks offer non-resident accounts.

ItemDetail
CurrencyAED
RegulatorCentral Bank of the UAE
Deposit protectionNo statutory deposit guarantee scheme
Protection schemeNo formal scheme
Identity neededEmirates ID

Major banks

Emirates NBD

National

One of the largest; strong digital offering.

First Abu Dhabi Bank

National

Largest UAE bank by assets.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

National

Major retail and corporate bank.

Mashreq

National

Known for digital banking leadership.

Emirates Islamic

Islamic

Sharia-compliant banking products.

Digital alternatives

Mashreq Neo

Digital

Digital-first account from Mashreq.

Wio Bank

Digital

Digital bank for personal and business use.

Liv

Digital

Emirates NBD digital brand aimed at younger customers.

Wise

Digital

Used alongside a local account for international transfers.

Revolut

Digital

Available in some cases for UAE residents; verify eligibility.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Obtain a residence visa and Emirates ID.
  2. 2
    Provide proof of salary or employment (salary transfer letters are common).
  3. 3
    Supply your tenancy contract as proof of address.
  4. 4
    Apply in branch; digital banks allow app-based onboarding.
  5. 5
    Meet any minimum balance requirement to avoid fees.

Worth knowing

  • Salary transfer requirements are common and can affect fee waivers.
  • Minimum balance fees are widespread; check what happens below the threshold.
  • There is no statutory deposit guarantee scheme, which is worth understanding before depositing large sums.
EGCentral Bank of Egypt

Banks in Egypt

Egypt has a large branch-based banking sector with growing digital services. A national ID number is required for residents; foreigners need a residence permit.

ItemDetail
CurrencyEGP
RegulatorCentral Bank of Egypt
Deposit protectionVaries by bank
Protection schemeNo uniform scheme
Identity neededNational ID number

Major banks

National Bank of Egypt

State-owned

Largest bank; extensive branch network.

Banque Misr

State-owned

Second largest; wide coverage.

Banque du Caire

State-owned

Strong retail presence.

Commercial International Bank

Private

Largest private bank; strong digital offering.

QNB Alahli

Private

Major private bank with broad services.

Digital alternatives

CIB Smart Wallet

Digital

Digital wallet from CIB.

Meeza cards

Digital

National payment scheme cards from most banks.

InstaPay

Digital

Instant payment network linking Egyptian banks.

Telda

Digital

Digital account aimed at younger users.

Wise

Digital

Not a replacement for a local account; useful for transfers.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Provide a valid national ID for residents.
  2. 2
    Foreigners need a valid residence permit and passport.
  3. 3
    Supply proof of address and often proof of income.
  4. 4
    Apply in branch; most Egyptian banks still require in-person opening.
  5. 5
    Activate the account and any linked cards.

Worth knowing

  • Banking is still largely branch-based; digital onboarding is expanding.
  • Foreign currency accounts have different rules from local currency accounts.
  • Interest rates and inflation move significantly, which affects savings decisions.
SASaudi Central Bank (SAMA)

Banks in Saudi Arabia

Saudi banking is modern and app-driven, with strong digital adoption. A resident identity (Iqama) is generally required, and salary transfer is common for fee waivers.

ItemDetail
CurrencySAR
RegulatorSaudi Central Bank (SAMA)
Deposit protectionNo statutory deposit guarantee scheme
Protection schemeNo formal scheme
Identity neededIqama number

Major banks

Al Rajhi Bank

Islamic

Largest Islamic bank; extensive network.

Saudi National Bank

National

Largest bank by assets.

Riyad Bank

National

Major retail and corporate bank.

Saudi Awwal Bank

National

Strong corporate and retail presence.

Bank Albilad

Islamic

Sharia-compliant retail banking.

Digital alternatives

stc bank

Digital

Digital bank from stc.

D360 Bank

Digital

Digital-first bank.

Alrajhi digital

Digital

Digital services from Al Rajhi.

Wise

Digital

For international transfers alongside a local account.

Revolut

Digital

Eligibility varies; verify before relying on it.

How to open an account

  1. 1
    Obtain an Iqama (residence permit).
  2. 2
    Provide a national or Iqama identity number.
  3. 3
    Supply proof of employment and salary details.
  4. 4
    Apply via app or branch; onboarding is largely digital.
  5. 5
    Activate salary transfer if required for fee benefits.

Worth knowing

  • Salary transfer conditions are common and affect account fees.
  • Digital banking adoption is high, with strong app-based services.
  • There is no statutory deposit guarantee scheme; understand this before large deposits.

What deposit protection actually covers

The single most common misunderstanding about bank safety is also the most expensive one: deposit protection is almost always calculated per depositor, per banking institution — not per account, and not per country. Two accounts at the same bank share one limit. Two accounts at two separately licensed banks each get their own.

That distinction has real consequences. A bank and its online-only subsidiary often operate under a single licence, so splitting money between the two familiar brand names may give you no extra cover at all. Conversely, a bank operating in your country as a branch of a foreign institution is usually covered by that foreign home scheme, at that country's limit — which may be higher or lower than the local one.

Limits vary widely and are set in local currency. The European Union standard is 100,000 EUR per depositor per institution; the United States covers 250,000 USD per depositor per institution across most account types; the United Kingdom covers 85,000 GBP. Some jurisdictions have no statutory scheme at all, and rely on informal government backing that may not survive a crisis. The per-country pages note which applies.

How to read a country page

  1. 1
    Check the protection limit and the basis for it.Per depositor per institution is the standard. If a page says per account, verify it against the scheme's own rules before relying on it.
  2. 2
    Identify the licence, not the brand.Ask the bank which legal entity holds your account. This is the only reliable way to know how many separate limits you actually have.
  3. 3
    Separate resident from non-resident requirements.Non-resident accounts frequently need a tax number, a local address, or an in-person visit, and often carry higher minimum balances.
  4. 4
    Confirm the regulator.Each country page names the authority that licenses banks there. If a bank is not on that regulator's register, the deposit protection you are assuming may not exist.

Common questions

Is my money protected if my bank fails?

In most developed markets, yes, up to a statutory limit and usually per depositor per institution. The scheme pays out after the regulator declares the bank insolvent. Payout times vary: the EU requires payment within seven working days, while some jurisdictions take considerably longer. Covered amounts are almost always capped, so a balance above the limit is genuinely at risk.

Do I get more protection by opening accounts at several banks?

Yes, but only if those banks hold separate banking licences. Many banks that appear independent are brands within a single licensed group, which means one shared limit. Before relying on this, confirm the licence held by each entity.

Are investment accounts covered by deposit protection?

Usually not. Deposit schemes cover cash deposits, not securities or funds. Many jurisdictions run a separate investor compensation scheme for assets held by a failed investment firm, typically with a different limit, and that scheme does not protect you against the market falling.

What happens to deposits if a currency is redenominated?

Deposit protection limits are denominated in the local currency, so if a currency changes or is devalued, the limit changes with it. A limit that looked generous in nominal terms may represent far less purchasing power afterwards. This is a real risk in emerging markets rather than a theoretical one.

How current is the information on these pages?

Every country page records the date it was last reviewed, and figures are taken from the regulator or scheme named on the page. Banking rules change, so treat the page as a starting point and confirm anything material directly with the bank or the scheme.

Sources and verification

The country summaries on this page are compiled from the national regulators and deposit guarantee schemes listed below. Rules, fees and product availability change over time, so always confirm details with the bank itself before acting.

Last reviewed . If you find an error on this page, tell us and we will correct it.