Managing money while travelling or living abroad can be complicated — from juggling multiple currencies to facing slow payments and high fees. For global travellers and non-residents, traditional banks often fall short, making it harder to receive funds, convert currencies, or withdraw money effortlessly.

That’s where online banks come in. These digital solutions are built to simplify global money management, offering multi-currency accounts, fast transactions, low fees, and seamless access to your funds anywhere in the world.

In this article, we explore the best online banks designed specifically for travellers and non-residents, helping you keep control of your finances no matter where your journey takes you.

Also read: The best virtual dollar cards for freelancers and frequent travellers

Why global travellers and non-residents need online banks

1. Faster access to funds: When you’re constantly on the move, delays in processing payments can cause serious disruptions. Online banks typically offer instant transactions, allowing you to access your money when and where you need it.
2. Global transactions: Many travellers earn income in one currency and spend in another.  Online banks provide platforms that support multi-currency accounts and seamless international transfers crucial for workers managing clients across borders.
3. Lower fees: Online platforms often offer lower or transparent fees, helping users retain more of what they earn and spend wisely.
4. Reliable security: A reliable online bank provides strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and instant alerts, ensuring users can bank with confidence.

Also read: Online vs mobile banking: which is right for you?

Top online banks for global travellers

1. Revolut: Revolut is a favourite among frequent travellers, offering multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, and real-time spending insights.
2. Wise: Wise allows users to hold over 40 currencies and receive payments with local account details in GBP, EUR, USD, and more — ideal for remote workers and freelancers paid in multiple currencies.
3. Monzo: UK-based Monzo offers fee-free spending abroad and smart features like instant spending alerts, bill splitting, and budgeting tools. It’s particularly useful for British travellers seeking a dependable bank while travelling internationally.
4. N26: N26 is a German-based digital bank known for its intuitive app, no foreign transaction fees, and free ATM withdrawals worldwide. It supports multiple currencies and offers real-time notifications, making it a solid choice for travellers seeking simplicity and transparency.
5. Starling Bank: A UK challenger bank, Starling offers fee-free spending abroad, real-time spending insights, and the ability to hold and manage multiple currencies. It’s ideal for travellers wanting an easy-to-use app combined with strong customer support and budgeting tools.
6. Grey (recommended): Designed specifically with global users in mind, Grey allows users to open virtual international accounts in USD, GBP, and EUR. It simplifies cross-border payments, currency conversion, and local withdrawals, making it especially valuable for travellers.

Also read: How digital banks help remote workers in Europe get paid faster

Why Grey is perfect for global travellers and non-residents

1. Multicurrency account: Grey offers multi-currency accounts, allowing you to open US, UK, and EU accounts instantly. You can receive payments from global clients with ease, without the need to set up a local bank account in every country you visit.
2. Low Fees: Grey offers low fees that help you avoid high banking and conversion charges. With transparent pricing, you keep more of what you earn. It’s an ideal solution for travellers managing income across borders.
3. Fast transaction: Grey ensures fast transactions, giving you access to your funds within minutes, not days. With no delays or lengthy processing times, it’s perfect for staying financially flexible while travelling.
4. Easy currency conversion: Convert your money at real-time exchange rates with no hidden fees, making it simple and cost-effective to manage different currencies.
5. Seamless withdrawals: Transfer your funds effortlessly to your local bank account, wherever you are in the world.

Grey is the ideal financial solution for travellers and non-residents who need a simple, fast, and cost-effective way to manage multiple currencies globally.

Sign up with Grey today and experience seamless global banking.

‍