Online-only banks not accessible for non-Koreans (2024)

Regulator, market players reluctant to open up access over fraud, money laundering concerns

Online-only banks not accessible for non-Koreans (1)

Hiram Piskitel, a 40-year-old American IT project manager at an international company located in Seoul, tries to open a bank account on Toss Bank’s mobile application. (Choi Jae-hee / The Korea Herald)

For Hiram Piskitel, a 49-year-old American IT project manager at an international company in Seoul, the launch of South Korea’s third internet-only lender Toss Bank in October signaled a change in his personal finance routine.

The online bank, operated by Viva Republica, had vowed to offer non-face-to-face banking services to foreign residents. If realized, it would be the first accessible online bank for the roughly 2 million non-Koreans residing in Korea.

Hiram’s hopes, however, soon turned into disappointment, when he attempted to open an account.

“Toss Bank still doesn’t allow account creation by non-Koreans. I read some articles a few months ago that the bank will try to enable this, but nothing happened,” said Piskitel, who has lived in Korea for more than a decade.

“The bank shouldn’t have advertised it, if it didn’t have the system to do it.”

Toss Bank’s plan was to develop a computerized system that checks the “residence card” issued to foreign nationals residing in Korea for 90 days or longer by the Korea Immigration Service, in order to serve their banking needs.

Under the envisioned scheme, once a foreign customer uploads a digital copy of his or her residence card on the fintech app Toss, the data will be automatically sent to the immigration office’s system for verification.

The move came after the Financial Services Commission proposed a bill in June to approve foreign nationals’ residence card as proof of identification when using online banking services. The financial authority and related government agencies have also established an online authentication system for financial firms to use.

Online-only banks not accessible for non-Koreans (2)

A picture of Toss Bank’s mobile application showing its account registration services for foreign nationals are not yet in operation. (Choi Jae-hee / The Korea Herald)

Then why’s the delay?

Toss Bank pointed to regulatory issues.

“We couldn’t launch banking services for foreigners right after Toss Bank’s launch in October as the FSC requested additional plans for security enhancement. We’re asked to clarify on the steps the company has taken to guard against financial fraud, especially money laundering,” a company spokesperson told The Korea Herald.

“Discussions are underway to implement related services as early as next year.”

In response to The Korea Herald’s inquiry, a FSC official said “Toss Bank has proposed its plan to develop an online system for screening foreigners’ residence card and talks are still ongoing about it.”

The delay in making things happen, despite the change in the law and digital infrastructure, is an example of what many say is the local financial authority and industry’s insensitivity to foreign consumers’ interests, despite the pandemic-driven contactless trend.

Toss Bank is at least trying. Kakao Bank and K bank, established in 2017 as Korea’s first banks operating without brick-and-mortar branches, don’t even have plans to serve foreign customers for the time being, bank officials told The Korea Herald.

“Online-only banks provide lower fees for international money transfers. It is too bad that non-Koreans can’t take advantage of their services when they send money to families in their home countries,” Piskitel said.

A 34-year-old English teacher from Canada working in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, who wished to be identified only as Madison, said, “The COVID-19 outbreak triggered a contactless banking trend, but foreigners’ opportunities to untact digital finance are extremely limited even for those long-term residents.”

Madison, who has been living in Korea since December 2014, shared that Hana Bank, a traditional commercial bank, has allowed non-face-to-face account opening for foreign customers since October.

“(This) means an online system to check foreigners’ identification based on their residence card is already in operation. I’m wondering why this doesn’t happen for online lenders, especially when the nation’s banking market is experiencing a digital transition,” she added.

Since October, foreign residents can open an account with Hana Bank without visiting one of its offline branches. On the lender’s mobile application Hana EZ, they need to take a photo of their alien registration card and passport. The app was launched in 2019 to offer banking services in 16 different languages including English, Chinese and Japanese, according to the lender.

Among the nation’s five major commercial banks -- KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, Hana and NH NongHyup -- Hana is the only that allows foreign nationals to open an account without visiting in person.

Market experts say concerns over money laundering or financial fraud may be the real reason behind the local market’s reluctance to include foreign residents as clients.

“There is no legal grounds for preventing foreigners’ access to contactless banking services, but the nation’s financial authorities seem to maintain a tight grip on online-only banks in terms of issuance of bank accounts to foreigners out of concern over financial fraud involving fake deposit bank accounts of foreign nationals,” said Lee Dae-gi, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Finance.

“Enhanced security measures will be a key to online banks’ launch of services targeting non-Koreans under the authority’s regulatory stance.”

By Choi Jae-hee (cjh@heraldcorp.com)

Online-only banks not accessible for non-Koreans (2024)

FAQs

Which bank is most foreigner friendly in Korea? ›

Best Banks in South Korea for Expats
  • Kookmin Bank (KB)
  • Standard Chartered Bank Korea.
  • Hana Bank.
  • Woori Bank.
  • Shinhan Bank.

Why won't online banks accept me? ›

You can be denied a bank account for suspected fraud, a closed account with a negative balance, too many returned checks, excessive overdrafts, or too many inquiries. If you're denied, you can review your reports and look into second-chance accounts.

Can foreigners have bank accounts in Korea? ›

Foreigners who wish to open a Korean bank account and a debit card must complete foreign residence registration in advance. However, two branches of on-campus banks allow to open a Korean bank account without a residence card.

Can foreigners use Kakao Bank? ›

Important : This bank is an Internet-only bank in Korea and since banks don't allow foreigners to apply for an account online, You must be a Korean citizen to become their customer.

What American banks are in South Korea? ›

Banking in South Korea

Some of the better-known banks in South Korea include KEB Hanna, Woori Bank, Kookmin Bank (KB) and Shinhan Bank. International banks such as Citibank, HSBC and Bank of America also operate in the country. Banking hours in South Korea are generally from 9am to 4pm during the week.

Which bank is foreigner friendly in US? ›

8 Best Banks for Non-US Citizens
  • HSBC.
  • Citi.
  • Bank of America.
  • Capital One.
  • Chase.
  • Charles Schwab Bank.
  • Wells Fargo.
  • Wise.
Jan 20, 2023

Why banks won t accept me? ›

Such negative activities that show up on your report and hurt your approval chances include bouncing checks, leaving an overdraft balance unpaid, abusing a debit card or applying for too many accounts in a short period of time, according to credit bureau Experian.

Why would my online banking be restricted? ›

A frozen bank account is a type of financial hold placed on an account that restricts any access, withdrawals or transfers. This can be done by a bank or other financial institution in response to a court order, a government request or due to suspicious or suspicious activity on the account.

Can you trust online only banks? ›

Yes, online banks are safe. As long as an online bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), it will offer the same coverage as the FDIC-insured bank down the street. The FDIC covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.

How to get a Korean bank account from USA? ›

What does it take to open a Korean bank account?
  1. Passport.
  2. Visa (if it's on your passport, you can show that page)
  3. ARC (Alien Registration Card), if you are in Korea on a student and not tourist visa.
  4. Korean phone number (to contact you in case of need)
Sep 21, 2022

Can an American have a bank account in South Korea? ›

South Korea has become a very cosmopolitan country, and almost all banks now allow foreigners to open accounts. 99% of the time, people will be able to open a bank account with no problem, provided they have all the right paperwork.

Is there chase in Korea? ›

Our presence in Korea dates back to 1967 through one of our predecessor firms. Our employees in the Seoul office offer an array of wholesale financial services across the Corporate & Investment Bank and Asset Management.

How do I make a Kakao account in the US? ›

Go to More > Settings > Privacy > Kakao Account to create a Kakao account. With your Kakao account, you can restore your information including your friends list, recommended friends list, blocked friends list, hidden friends list, sent/received items, KakaoTalk ID, profile picture and status message.

Can I use Kakao in America? ›

KakaoTalk has become an ingrained part of South Korean culture, but you can use it anywhere in the world.

Does KakaoTalk work in America? ›

KakaoTalk is free of charge with internet connection, wherever you are in the world. Engage in lively chat with friends with KakaoTalk's 1:1 and group chats.

How to transfer money to Korean bank from us? ›

  1. Wise.
  2. Western Union.
  3. Remitly.
  4. WorldRemit.
  5. MoneyGram.
  6. Skrill.
  7. Paysend.
  8. Remitly vs Wise.

Does Korea have Wells Fargo? ›

Wells Fargo does not have offices outside of the U.S. that provide services to retail or small business customers.

Can I use my US bank card in South Korea? ›

Yes. Cards issued by U.S. Bank can be used in most foreign countries for transactions. If you're planning to travel and want to use your card, let us know.

What is the easiest US bank to open online? ›

Easiest Bank Accounts To Open Online
  • Easiest account to open — Revolut.
  • 2nd-easiest account to open — Chime.
  • 3rd-easiest account to open — Capital One.
  • 4th-easiest account to open — Current.
  • 5th-easiest account to open — Wise.
  • 6th-easiest account to open — Majority.
  • FAQ about online banking.

Can a foreigner open a US bank account online? ›

Is it possible to open a US bank account online as a non-resident? No. Most US banks will require non-residents to apply for an account in person. That means you have to travel to the US and walk into a bank branch to set up your account.

Can I open a US bank account as a foreigner? ›

You must be living in the U.S. to open your account. You'll need to provide both a foreign and U.S. address, as well as two forms of ID and a tax identification number.

Can a bank refuse to give you your money? ›

Yes. Your bank may hold the funds according to its funds availability policy. Or it may have placed an exception hold on the deposit. If the bank has placed a hold on the deposit, the bank generally should provide you with […]

Can a bank refuse to open a bank account? ›

Yes. Banks generally have discretion to determine to which parties and under what conditions they provide their products and services.

Can a bank deny you access to your money? ›

You can still receive deposits into frozen bank accounts, but withdrawals and transfers are not permitted. Banks may freeze bank accounts if they suspect illegal activity such as money laundering, terrorist financing, or writing bad checks.

What does it mean when you can't open a bank account online? ›

Why can't I open a bank account? A bank can deny your request to open an account because of past accounts that were closed due to negative balances, a history of overdrafts or problems verifying your identity.

How do I get money out of my restricted bank account? ›

Typically, you cannot withdraw money from a restricted bank account. Depending on who placed the restriction, and why it was placed, your ability to withdraw funds could only be limited, or completely restricted. It's best you contact your bank to see if you can make any withdrawal from your account.

How do I remove bank restrictions? ›

you only need to write and submit a duly signed letter requesting the bank to help remove the restriction from your account.

What is one con to using an online-only bank? ›

Trading your brick-and-mortar bank for an online checking account has pros and cons. The pros include higher yields, lower fees, and high-tech features that help with account maintenance and budgeting. The cons include more difficult access to customer service, as well as online security concerns.

What is one disadvantage of an online bank? ›

Disadvantages of Online Banking
  • No Actual Branches. ...
  • Tech-Related Service Disruptions. ...
  • Concerns about Identity Theft and Security. ...
  • Deposit Restrictions. ...
  • Faster is Not Always More Convenient. ...
  • No Relationship with a Personal Banker. ...
  • Limited Services Scope. ...
  • Possibility of Overspending.

What is the difference between online banking and online-only banks? ›

You can open a bank account online for both online and brick-and-mortar banks. Online-only banks require you to open a bank account online; there's no option to go to a branch to open an account.

Can a Korean send money to USA? ›

The cheapest way to send money from South Korea to the USA is through an online provider. Among the 1 available, Skrill was most often the cheapest provider (in 100% of the searches on Monito.com in the past 3 months).

How do I transfer money from US to Korea chase? ›

Here's how to send an international wire transfer:
  1. After signing in, tap "Pay & Transfer "
  2. Tap "Wires & global transfers"
  3. Tap the arrow to expand the foreign exchange rate calculator.
  4. Tell us if your recipient is an individual or business.
  5. Choose the Pay from account and Country.

Does a Bank of America debit card work in Korea? ›

Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are all accepted without issue in South Korea, with cash becoming less common. According to the Bank of Korea, only about 20% of financial transactions in Korea are made with cash.

Which bank is an international bank? ›

Some options for international banking include: Citibank, HSBC and J.P. Morgan. Consider the features and benefits of each bank and compare them to your needs to choose the best bank for you.

Can I withdraw money from Chase Bank in Korea? ›

If you need to withdraw money from your bank account in your home country, you need to issue an ATM card from the bank in your home country and use it at a Global ATM in a Korean bank branch. For more information about banking services, contact the bank branch.

Can I get Korean money from Chase Bank? ›

Yes, Chase Bank does do foreign currency exchange but they charge commission fees as well as hidden exchange rate margins.

What bank card to use in Korea? ›

Visa, MasterCard and Amex are the most widely accepted credit card types for cross-border ecommerce transactions. In addition to Visa and MasterCard, there are several other card brands operating in Korea – BC Card, Lotte Card, and T-Money.

Which country uses KakaoTalk most? ›

With over 53 million active users worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2022, KakaoTalk is one of the most popular mobile messaging apps in South Korea. Operated by the South Korean Kakao Corporation, it is particularly popular in its homeland.

Can non Koreans use KakaoTalk? ›

Every language learner wants to be fluent in the language they are learning. KakaoTalk, just like its name, is not just limited to chatting; it can also be used to have video calls or voice calls. With this, you don't even have to go to South Korea to talk with a native speaker. They are just one call away.

Does KakaoTalk work outside of Korea? ›

International. KakaoTalk is available in 15 languages and used in over 130 countries.

How do I transfer money from USA to Kakao Bank? ›

How to Send Money to Kakao Bank in South Korea
  1. Create a Remitbee account for free. ...
  2. Following that, you will be required to provide your full name, address, and occupation. ...
  3. Enter the beneficiary's bank information, including the bank's name and account number.
  4. Check out the CAD/KRW currency conversion rate.

Why do Koreans use Kakao instead of texting? ›

Koreans began using the Kakaotalk app as it was a free application. They could save money through the app as normal texting costs money. It is not that Koreans hate using normal texts, but why pay when you can text for free?

Is there an English version of KakaoTalk? ›

English version is available NOW !!! Anisa Zahra Setiani and 355 others like this.

Which app can I use to chat in USA? ›

Top 10 Chat Apps in the USA in 2023
  • WhatsApp. WhatsApp, one of the most popular Chat Apps in the USA, was founded in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton. ...
  • 2. Facebook Messenger. ...
  • Snapchat. ...
  • WeChat. ...
  • Telegram. ...
  • Line. ...
  • Google Hangouts. ...
  • Skype.

What messaging app do Koreans use? ›

KakaoTalk is a messaging and video calling app.

Which app can I use to chat American? ›

According to the latest data, WhatsApp Messenger is the most popular messaging app downloaded on the Google Play Store in the USA. This is no surprise, considering it's the most used messaging app globally, with 2 billion users. After WhatsApp, the second-most used chat app in the USA is Snapchat.

Does Bank of America work with South Korea? ›

Bank of America NA offers services throughout South Korea.

Does South Korea have Chase bank? ›

Branches for JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., SEOUL BRANCH in South Korea. Below you can find the local branches for JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., SEOUL BRANCH in South Korea.

Which country is the easiest for foreigners to open a bank account? ›

Belize – Best choice for low deposit and remote opening

Generally, Belize is considered one of the easiest countries to have a bank account. The reason behind the popularity of Belize is its stability. To begin with, Belize's offshore banking system is among the most stable in the world based on its liquidity rates.

Which countries are easiest for foreigners to open a bank account? ›

5 Best Countries to Open Offshore Bank Accounts
  • 5 Best Countries to Open Offshore Bank Accounts. ...
  • Cayman Islands. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Singapore. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Belize.
Nov 16, 2022

How to transfer money to Korean bank from US? ›

  1. Wise.
  2. Western Union.
  3. Remitly.
  4. WorldRemit.
  5. MoneyGram.
  6. Skrill.
  7. Paysend.
  8. Remitly vs Wise.

How do I transfer money from US to Korea Chase? ›

Here's how to send an international wire transfer:
  1. After signing in, tap "Pay & Transfer "
  2. Tap "Wires & global transfers"
  3. Tap the arrow to expand the foreign exchange rate calculator.
  4. Tell us if your recipient is an individual or business.
  5. Choose the Pay from account and Country.

What is the safest country to have a bank account? ›

Here is our list of the most secure, stable banks for protecting your assets abroad.
  • LUXEMBOURG. This tiny European country is one of the richest in the world and is usually associated with stability and economic freedom. ...
  • SOUTH KOREA. ...
  • SINGAPORE. ...
  • CANADA. ...
  • FRANCE. ...
  • SWEDEN. ...
  • NORWAY. ...
  • NETHERLANDS.

Can I open a US bank account even if I don't live in the country? ›

You must be living in the U.S. to open your account. You'll need to provide both a foreign and U.S. address, as well as two forms of ID and a tax identification number.

Is it illegal to open an overseas bank account? ›

Is it legal to have an offshore bank account? There is nothing criminal about opening an offshore bank account. However, it is a crime to use an offshore account to avoid paying taxes or to attempt to shield funds from the U.S. government. Offshore banking should not be used for those purposes.

How can I open a bank account online in another country? ›

What are the requirements for opening an offshore account?
  1. Your full legal name.
  2. Proof of address (such as a driver's license or credit card statement)
  3. Date of birth.
  4. Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport)
  5. Bank reference.
  6. Your occupation/proof of income (such as pay stubs or a W2)
Jul 13, 2022

Which is the easiest bank account to open? ›

The 8 Easiest Banks To Join
  • Chime. Chime1 is probably the easiest to join. ...
  • TD Bank. To sign up with TD, users can go online and enter their basic information, including a driver's license number or state ID. ...
  • United Bank. United Bank has the same requirements as TD. ...
  • Synchrony. ...
  • Chase Bank. ...
  • Axos Bank. ...
  • Ally. ...
  • Wells Fargo.
Mar 23, 2023

Which is the best international bank? ›

Top 5 International Banks for Worldwide Banking in 2023
  • J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
  • Bank of America.
  • CitiGroup.
  • HSBC.
  • CapitalOne.
Mar 10, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 5247

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.