5 Best International Banks for Worldwide Banking in 2025

Many banks claim to be “international,” but that label rarely holds up when you try to send a cross-border payment, hold multiple currencies, or reach support after hours. That’s usually when most people realise that their banks are not the right bank for their needs.

For entrepreneurs, remote teams, and globally active businesses, these gaps aren’t just inconvenient; they can damage credibility, disrupt cash flow, and even hurt the bottom line.

That’s why choosing the right banking partner matters. In this article, I will share the five best banks in 2025 that are genuinely equipped for international banking, such as banks that combine global reach with practical features and reliability.

If you’re managing money across borders, you won’t want to miss this!

An international bank is a bank that operates across different countries. Unlike local or national banks that focus on serving people within a single country, international banks help customers and businesses with financial needs across borders.

A bank could be considered “international” when it:

• Has offices, branches, or partnerships in multiple countries.
• Offers services in multiple countries and currencies.
• Helps customers manage money in more than one country.
• Supports international trade and global business banking.

When you look for a bank for international banking capabilities, here are some of the services you need to look for: 

Multi-currency Capabilities

A multi-currency account allows you to hold and use different currencies in one place—no more opening separate accounts or paying automatic exchange fees every time you get paid in euros or need to send yen. It helps you avoid unnecessary conversions and makes invoicing, paying suppliers, or holding reserves in multiple currencies easier. 

Local Payout Networks

This is an alternative method to pay in foreign currencies. With the local network, you can transfer funds to businesses and individuals cheaper than traditional SWIFT transfers. 

FX Tools

FX tools (like forward contracts or rate locks) help protect you from FX exposure and market fluctuations. These tools allow you to lock in favorable exchange rates and manage currency risk more effectively.

Global Access

International coverage matters when travelling or expanding operations. Choose a bank with  global payment access. A broad physical presence and ATM availability can also be beneficial. 

Remote Account Opening

Look for a service that lets you open and verify accounts entirely online—no need to visit a branch. This is especially useful for digital nomads and busy executives.

If you find that a bank is missing one or two of these services, then it is not a suitable option as an international bank.

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in a truly international bank, let’s take a look at the options. These are the banks that offer the right mix of global access, essential features, and reliable support for worldwide banking.

Founded in 1799, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, operating in over 100 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Its Commercial Banking and Payments divisions provide multi-currency payment tools, cash-flow management systems, and FX (foreign-exchange) hedging services to help companies manage global finances. The bank also supports trade-finance operations that help corporates move goods and capital efficiently across borders. As one of the leading U.S. banks, International clients can also use J.P. Morgan’s partner-bank network to make local-currency payouts in key markets.

The Private Bank also provides cross-border portfolio management and advisory services for high-net-worth clients. Account opening typically requires in-person verification, and personal banking and checking account services are limited outside the U.S.

Pros and Cons of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

Bank of America is an American multinational investment and financial-services group headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It operates in over 35 countries and offers personal banking, small business, and corporate banking solutions.

Through its Global Transaction Services network, the bank supports payments in more than 140 currencies across over 200 markets, helping clients manage cross-border cash flow and currency risk. Business users can access currency-risk tools and digital platforms such as CashPro and Business Advantage 360 to integrate treasury, lending, and payments in one place.

Customers can withdraw cash abroad at partner ATMs in over 30 countries, including Barclays, BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank, with no withdrawal fees. This network helps U.S. travellers in Europe or Asia avoid extra ATM charges. Opening a business bank account generally requires a U.S. presence and in-person verification.

Pros and Cons of Bank of America

Formed in 1998 through the merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group, Citigroup operates in about 180 countries with offices in over 90 markets.

Citi offers personal and business banking through multi-currency accounts and international transfers. With Citibank Global Transfers, customers can send money between Citi accounts in different countries fee-free. Its World Wallet® service lets users buy, hold, and spend multiple currencies, which is useful for managing expenses while travelling or living abroad.

Online account opening is available in selected regions, and Citibank ATMs operate in the U.S. and more than 20 other countries, providing easy cash access for travellers and expats.

Pros and Cons of CitiGroup

Founded in 1865, HSBC is one of the world’s oldest and most international banks, with deep roots in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It serves around 41 million clients across 57 countries and territories.

Through HSBC International Services, customers can open accounts abroad, transfer money between HSBC accounts in over 200 markets, and hold funds in multiple currencies. Its Global Money Account and Expat services simplify managing finances when relocating or working overseas. Businesses also benefit from FX and trade-finance solutions through HSBC’s commercial-banking network.

Remote account opening is available in selected countries for eligible clients, especially Premier customers (high-tier account holders), who also enjoy 24-hour support. HSBC clients can withdraw cash worldwide through the bank’s global ATM and Allpoint networks.

Pros and Cons of HSBC

Standard Chartered operates in over 60 markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, focusing on corporate, institutional, and personal clients in emerging economies.

Its Transaction Banking division offers cross-border payment and cash-management tools, supported by digital platforms such as Straight2Bank and Straight2Bank Pay. These platforms enable businesses and individuals to make local and international transfers in multiple currencies while managing liquidity efficiently. 

The bank supports more than 130 currencies with FX tools to manage exchange-rate fluctuations and offers sustainable-finance options, including green loans and sustainability-linked funding, for companies aiming to meet ESG goals.

Online account opening is available in selected markets through its digital channels. Priority and Premium clients can access global ATMs within the Standard Chartered network, with reduced or waived withdrawal fees in many countries.

Pros and Cons of Standard Chartered

The ideal international bank depends on your specific financial goals and circumstances. However, to quickly assess whether a bank is the right fit, start by answering these five key questions:

Do they operate where you need them?

Even the biggest banks have regional gaps. Confirm they serve the country where you live, travel, or do business. A strong local presence or partnerships with local institutions means faster onboarding and fewer transfer delays.

Banks like HSBC and Citi are ideal if you often move between major financial hubs.

Can you hold and move money in the currencies you use most?

Some banks allow international transfers but don’t let you keep balances in those currencies. That means higher conversion fees and slower settlements.

Check whether the bank offers true multi-currency accounts, like Standard Chartered or HSBC.

Are their fees clear and fair? 

Compare rates for FX conversion, SWIFT transfers, and ATM withdrawals. Also review transaction fees for checking accounts, debit cards, or credit cards. 

“No-fee” doesn’t always mean free because hidden markups can add up.

Look for banks that clearly publish their fee structures online, such as Bank of America.

Is customer support accessible and responsive? 

Cross-border banking often means dealing with time differences and service limits. Choose a bank that offers multilingual, round-the-clock support or a dedicated relationship manager.

Premium clients at HSBC or J.P. Morgan may have access to 24-hour assistance.

Can you open an account remotely?

If you’re living abroad, check whether you can open an account online or if in-person verification is required. Digital onboarding saves time for expats and business owners, while traditional banks may still require branch visits.

Some banks, like HSBC and Citi, allow remote account opening in select regions.

Choosing an international bank isn’t just about having a global name on your account, but it’s about finding a partner that truly supports your cross-border needs. The five banks listed here stand out for their ability to combine reach, reliability, and real functionality. Whether you're an entrepreneur, expat, or managing an international business, the right banking setup can help you move faster, pay less, and operate with confidence worldwide.