After shifting to a new country, it is difficult to get used to the new environment without the pain of searching for a Bank that is expat friendly and hassle-free.
Bank Accounts are mainly of 3 types:
- Deposit Account
- Savings Account
- Current Account
Bahrain consists of a number of local and International Banks. To make it easy, here is a list of Best Bank Accounts for Expats:
Ahli United Bank 
Ahli United though a local bank, it has built a significant reputation among the Expat community as well.
Savings account helps you to earn interest and also gives you quick access to money.
Features
- International currency account can be maintained, the currencies included are- Bahraini Dinar, Saudi Riyals, Kuwaiti Dinars, Us Dollar, Great Britain Pound, Euro and a few others.
- Internet and Mobile Banking facility
- 24/7 Contact Centre facility
- Autopay option is also available
Standard Chartered 
Bank
Standard Chartered Bank is an Internationally recognized bank. It operates under the rules and regulations of the Central Bank of Bahrain.
Features
- 24/7 access to bank account funds through a debit card
- Online Banking
- Phone Banking
- Minimum balance is required for an account with a few exceptions to orphans, widows etc.
HSBC 
HSBC provides a variety of services including savings accounts, term deposit accounts, etc.
Features
- Internet banking facility
- Phone banking through mobile and landline
- Free debit card with saving account (No debit card for a passbook savings account)
- Withdrawals of up to 1000 BHD per day via ATM.
- No cheque book is issued
- Minimum monthly average balance of BHD 20 to be maintained.
National Bank of Bahrain 
NBB provide retail and wholesale banking it has 26 branches in the kingdom of Bahrain thus acclaiming to be the best spread network in Bahrain.
Features
- International Debit Card
- 24-hour telephone banking facility
- Minimum Balance of BHD 20/-
- Low balance charges not applicable to widows, orphans etc
Kuwait Finance House 
Kuwait Finance House offers a choice of 2 saving accounts
- Standard Savings Account and
- VIP Savings Account
Features
- Free Debit card
- SMS notification for any account transactions
- Easy and fast access to funds
- Annual Profit Distribution for standard account
- Monthly Profit Distribution for VIP account
State Bank of India 
State Bank of India has built itself a reputation for being expat friendly along with offering a variety of excellent services.
Features
- A minimum balance of BHD 20 is to be maintained.
- Interest is paid semi-annually
- Interest is only paid if minimum balance is maintained
- No cheque books are issued and for transactions.
- Withdrawals can occur through ATMs or by visiting the branch
- Internet Banking facility is available
Ithmaar Bank 
Ithmaar Bank offers a savings account that is sharia compliant. Through the saving account, one can earn money as well as withdraw cash whenever need be.
Features
- Profit is dispersed on a monthly basis
- Semi Annual statements are provided
- Phone banking facility is available
- Internet Banking facility is available
- Account can be opened in two currencies which are – Bahraini Dinar and US Dollars
Bahrain consists of a large number of conventional and Islamic banks that provide varied services. One can choose the services according to the needs and requirements.
This is a concise list of expat-friendly banks which provide various facilities along with savings account which is a must once you begin settling in a new place.
