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Banking in Bahrain

Best banks in Bahrain for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Bahrain. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Bahrain

A full salary/current account requires legal residence and a CPR (national ID) card, plus passport, a salary certificate or payslips and proof of a local address; opening typically takes 3-5 business days after your CPR is issued. Some banks offer limited products on a visit visa, but standard accounts effectively need the residence permit first.

Our top pick

Wise multi-currency account

Wise is the option we recommend for almost anyone moving to Bahrain: hold and convert 40+ currencies, get local account details to be paid like a local, and send money at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees. It works before you even arrive, so you can receive income and pay deposits while your local account is still being set up.

Open a free Wise account →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Wise is a fintech, not a bank; balances are safeguarded, not covered by deposit insurance.

Top banks in Bahrain

National Bank of Bahrain (NBB)

traditional
Deepest local retail network

Bahrain's first locally owned bank; the default for widest branch/ATM coverage.

Ahli United Bank (AUB)

traditional
Expats wanting multi-currency accounts and mortgages

Large Manama-based bank popular with expats for ease of opening multi-currency accounts (now part of Kuwait Finance House group).

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK)

traditional
Retail banking and remittances

Major retail bank with competitive remittance offerings.

HSBC Bahrain

traditional
Global transfers and premium banking

International footprint; strong for cross-border banking and Premier clients.

Bank ABC (Arab Banking Corporation)

traditional
Multi-currency accounts and its 'ila Bank' digital arm

Large Bahraini bank favoured for multi-currency and international remittances; owns the digital bank ila.

ila Bank

digital
App-first everyday banking for residents

Bahrain's mobile-first digital bank (by Bank ABC); onboarding aimed at residents with a CPR.

International accounts & neobanks

Payoneer

Available to Bahrain-based freelancers/businesses to receive international payments and withdraw to a local bank.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Bahrain

See the full Bahrain tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Bahrain with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.