Top 7 Banks in Thailand (2025): Compare Fees & Services
Top 7 Banks in Thailand (2025) continues to be a key topic for business owners, freelancers, and finance teams seeking dependable financial partners. From competitive ATM fees to robust digital banking tools, Thailand’s banks aim to match local and international needs. If you want an overview of how various financial institutions operate before deciding on one, check out Types of Banks: How They Work & Who They’re Best For.
Why Understanding Thai Banks Matters
Thailand’s banking sector posted double-digit profit growth in 2024 and is expected to maintain strong performance in 2025, particularly in areas such as retail banking and business financing. According to The Nation Thailand (2024), net profits among the top 10 Thai commercial banks surpassed 249 billion baht in 2024—a 7.30% increase over the prior year. Beyond profits, the sector has placed emphasis on improving asset quality and lowering credit costs. For local and international businesses that frequently handle large transactions, a bank’s fees, foreign exchange rates, and branch network can heavily impact day-to-day operations.
If your cross-border activities involve paying international vendors or receiving foreign currencies, it’s vital to choose a bank that offers a user-friendly banking interface alongside competitive foreign currency exchange. This is also where alternative providers like Mural Pay come into play, providing instant payments for businesses in 40+ currencies—an approach that traditional financial institutions may not fully match.
Below is a clearer look at Thailand’s top seven banks in 2025, including their fees, services, and notable points that can help businesses and individuals narrow down their options.
1. Kasikorn Bank (KBank)
Kasikorn Bank remains one of the country’s most recommended institutions, reflecting a BankQuality Score (BQS) of about 52% and a strong retail banking presence. It serves over 21 million customers and reported double-digit net profit growth in 2024, thanks in part to lower credit-loss provisions.
Digital Services: K-Plus Application and Make Application allow smooth mobile banking, from bill payments to real-time fund transfers.
Account Types & Fees: Most personal accounts have no minimum deposit; however, some foreign currency accounts require higher initial deposits (USD 5,000 for certain savings).
Expats: Known for relatively favorable currency exchange rates. Some local branches have a reputation for being flexible with foreigners’ documentation.
Comparison With SCB: KBank leads in mobile user experience, while Siam Commercial Bank is known for a wide scope of loan products.
Who Benefits Most: Businesses that value mobile banking innovations and comprehensive (use “thorough”) online services will find KBank appealing. If you plan to pay overseas contractors regularly, pairing a KBank account with Mural Pay’s flexible currency conversion capabilities can streamline your cross-border obligations.
2. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)
Siam Commercial Bank, often called SCB, is a household name in Thailand. It offers a considerable array of personal and business products, from checking accounts to international remittance. SCB ranked near the top of product categories such as personal loans and time deposits.
Fees & Charges: For foreign ATM withdrawals, the standard fee of around 220 baht typically applies (based on data from ATMFeeSaver, 2022).
Digital Banking: SCB Easy App ranks highly for mobile transactions—covering payments, fund transfers, and account management.
Business Solutions: SCB sees robust activity in merchant services, bridging e-commerce platforms and point-of-sale transactions.
Comparison With Bangkok Bank: SCB offers more streamlined personal loan processes and heavier marketing in consumer finance, whereas Bangkok Bank leads in corporate coverage.
Who Benefits Most: Individuals or small businesses looking for a broad suite of loan and deposit products, plus user-friendly apps, will find SCB to be a reliable choice.
3. Bangkok Bank (BBL)
Bangkok Bank is the largest Thai bank in asset size, boasting 31 international offices across 14 countries. With an expansive branch network exceeding 800 locations in Thailand, it is a go-to institution for both SMEs and large corporations.
Services Offered:
Various deposit account options, including foreign currency deposits.
Loan packages targeting SMEs, personal financing, and corporate clients.
Specialized products to support trade finance, such as e-bank confirmation on blockchain.
ATM & Withdrawal Insights: Standard fees for foreign visitors hover near 220 baht per withdrawal. BBL’s wide coverage mitigates the need to hunt for an ATM, which is especially helpful for travelers and business owners.
Comparison With KTB: Bangkok Bank emphasizes a global footprint and corporate services, whereas Krungthai Bank has strong links to public sector programs.
Who Benefits Most: Firms with international business ties or those seeking multiple branches for easy in-person support across Thailand.
4. Krungthai Bank (KTB)
Krungthai Bank stands out partly for being state-owned, which often means an array of government-related services such as pension loans or specialized support programs. With over 900 branches, KTB’s physical footprint is also strong.
Fees & Key Details:
Standard checking accounts typically start with a low opening balance requirement.
Known to be less flexible with certain foreigner account openings but more convenient for those handling governmental transactions.
Digital Channels: Krungthai NEXT is its mobile platform for real-time transfers, utility bill payments, and mobile phone top-ups.
Comparison With TTB: Krungthai supports many government-linked financial products, while TMBThanachart (TTB) is recognized for more modern, combined services following the TMB–Thanachart merger.
Who Benefits Most: Government employees, retirees, or businesses involved in state contracts.
5. TMBThanachart Bank (TTB)
Formed from the merger of TMB Bank and Thanachart Bank, TTB is now a diverse financial institution with a vision to simplify everyday banking. Its offerings are typically aligned to both Thai nationals and expats.
Services Highlights:
No-minimum personal accounts for entry-level customers.
Timely mobile platform (TTB Touch) for easy transfers and payments.
Enhanced synergy from the merger, leading to a broader portfolio of deposit, loan, and insurance products.
Fees: Similar ATM fees for foreigners (220 baht for Visa/Mastercard). Some accounts feature low monthly maintenance fees if certain criteria are met.
Comparison With Krungsri: TTB leans toward convenient consumer banking services, whereas Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) offers strong corporate and consumer credit options backed by Japanese ownership.
Who Benefits Most: Younger customers or entrepreneurs seeking straightforward account setups and decent digital banking experiences.
6. Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri)
Krungsri, affiliated with Japan’s MUFG Bank, specializes in consumer finance and comprehensive corporate banking solutions. It is known for credit cards, personal loans, and auto loans, extending Japanese ties for business expansions.
Fees & Products:
Consumers enjoy promotions on credit card usage, especially for travel and retail.
Offers specialized loans for new car purchases or property financing.
Account Opening: Foreigners may open savings accounts with moderate initial deposits, but business accounts could require more paperwork.
Comparison With CIMB Thai: Krungsri has a larger local presence and a wide variety of consumer loan products, while CIMB Thai has a smaller footprint but is part of a major ASEAN banking group (CIMB).
Who Benefits Most: Individuals wanting flexible loan packages or businesses with Japanese-Thai trade links.
7. CIMB Thai
CIMB Thai is part of the CIMB Group, an ASEAN-focused universal banking group. While smaller in local presence compared to other Thai banks, CIMB Thai prioritizes cross-border transactions within the Southeast Asian region.
Services:
Multi-currency accounts tailored for those transacting with Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Wealth management options geared toward mid- to high-income customers seeking diversified portfolios.
Fees & Account Requirements: Standard local fees apply; foreigners often need a work permit or proof of long-term stay for certain account types.
Comparison With KBank: CIMB Thai fosters a regional approach, while KBank dominates in local consumer banking and mobile experience.
Who Benefits Most: Businesses or individuals looking to manage finances in multiple ASEAN countries and prefer an institution with regional synergy.
Fee Structures & Comparisons
When evaluating these seven banks, consider the following fee-related points:
ATM Charges for Foreign Cards: Typically 220 baht per withdrawal across most banks. Aeon Bank (not in this top seven) is noted for offering a 150 baht fee.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Service Fees: Some banks charge monthly fees if you exceed a certain number of OTC transactions.
Maintenance & Minimum Balance: Business accounts often have higher minimum deposit requirements (like THB 10,000 to 20,000 at Bangkok Bank for corporate current accounts).
Foreign Transfer Rates: While bank rates can be competitive, extra handling fees may apply. This cost adds up when doing frequent transfers.
Many businesses turn to specialized global payments solutions for multi-currency transactions. Mural Pay’s currency conversion is an example of how you can potentially reduce hidden markups and speed up settlement times when paying contractors or receiving cross-border payments.
Mural Pay: A Supplementary Option
With each bank above focusing on local and some international services, there are still limits when it comes to real-time multi-currency transfers, especially for businesses that pay multiple vendors or remote workers. Mural Pay offers global payments with 40+ currencies at reduced fees. Unlike conventional wire transfers that may take days, Mural Pay’s approach finalizes transactions much faster, sidestepping multiple intermediaries.
Batch Payments: Useful for disbursing payroll to a large group of freelancers or contractors all at once.
On/Off-Ramps: Particularly attractive for businesses in emerging markets looking to convert stablecoins to fiat without stumbling over slow bank processes.
Compliance: Mural Pay integrates KYB/KYC at each crucial stage, which can be especially beneficial for cross-border operations that need strong oversight.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right Thai bank in 2025 involves understanding each institution’s strengths in digital banking, loan products, and user fees. While KBank, SCB, Bangkok Bank, Krungthai, TTB, Krungsri, and CIMB Thai each bring something unique to the table, an alternative payment solution can enhance cost savings and speed for international transactions.
If you want to widen your understanding of international banking choices beyond Thailand, take a look at What Is International Banking and How Does It Work? (Complete Guide). It explores how cross-border accounts and multi-currency platforms can fit a global growth plan. By mixing a reliable local bank with a specialized payment partner like Mural Pay, you can cover local convenience and cross-border agility simultaneously.
References
The Nation Thailand. (2024). "Thai banks flourish in 2024 with double-digit profit growth." Available at: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/banking-finance/40045449
ATMFeeSaver. (2022). "Cash & Currency Exchange at ATMs in Thailand." Available at: https://atmfeesaver.com/cash-currency-exchange-atms-in-thailand/
Statrys. (2023). "Best Thai Banks." Available at: https://statrys.com/blog/best-thai-banks
