Start networking and exchanging professional insights

Register now or log in to join your professional community.

Follow

Why would having an account at an international bank be more beneficial than a national bank?

user-image
Question added by Thurayya Al Qasim , Legal Counsellor , Ihqaq Law Firm
Date Posted: 2017/05/09

i think both types of accounts had their own characteristics and importance.

Here are some advantages of international bank account

There must be some benefits of an international bank account otherwise people and companies would not be going for them. Below are some of these benefits:

 

If you have an international bank account, you can bank in different currencies or even multi-currencies. This is advantageous to those with financial commitments in more than one nation or currency for example.

 

An international bank account enables one to avoid the risks that come with unfavorable economic climate such as currency devaluation, high inflation, war or coup in the nation in which they live.

 

You can save on tax. If the nation you live in requires you only to pay tax on the money you remit into that country, you will get some tax benefits by keeping your money in an international bank account.

 

International bank accounts come with maximum flexibility for their owners in terms of usage. This means that you can access your money from ATMs, phone or just online at any time, any country you are in. You can also get any amount you require as there are no limitations on withdrawal.

Still on tax, an international account saves you the tax deductions as any interests earned are paid free from the deduction of taxation. With this, you are guaranteed greater returns immediately and no need to apply for a rebate.

Mohammed El Tahir Mohammed Yousif
by Mohammed El Tahir Mohammed Yousif , Finance Manager , Factory of Golden Block Company for Cement Products

here must be some benefits of an international bank account otherwise people and companies would not be going for them. Below are some of these benefits:

 

If you have an international bank account, you can bank in different currencies or even multi-currencies. This is advantageous to those with financial commitments in more than one nation or currency for example.

An international bank account enables one to avoid the risks that come with unfavorable economic climate such as currency devaluation, high inflation, war or coup in the nation in which they live.

You can save on tax. If the nation you live in requires you only to pay tax on the money you remit into that country, you will get some tax benefits by keeping your money in an international bank account.

International bank accounts come with maximum flexibility for their owners in terms of usage. This means that you can access your money from ATMs, phone or just online at any time, any country you are in. You can also get any amount you require as there are no limitations on withdrawal.

Still on tax, an international account saves you the tax deductions as any interests earned are paid free from the deduction of taxation. With this, you are guaranteed greater returns immediately and no need to apply for a rebate.Greater account privacy is the other advantage of international bank accounts. For example, Switzerland among other jurisdictions put greater emphasis on maintaining their clients’ confidentiality always. You can protect your assets from speculative or unfair litigious behavior, an international bank account can be a great consideration.

International bank accounts charge less while some pay more interests than local bank accounts. However, this has changed with time, but it’s worth looking into and do some careful comparisons when going for a new international bank account.

There is a high potential for an expat to retain their current banking providers even after expatriating because most high street banks are connected to the international banks. You can just swap to an international account.

With fewer government interventions in the international financial centers, international banks can offer more impressive investment services plus solutions to their clients.

Disadvantages of an international bank account

Here are some of the disadvantages that come with having an international bank account that will help you decide whether international bank account is worth having: 

Historically, international banking/offshore is arguably more risky than onshore banking. If anything happens, compensation from international banks is almost impossible while for onshore, full compensation is never an issue. The claim can be easily demonstrated by examining the fallout from Friedlander collapse on the Isle of Man. Here, those who had offshore accounts in the Isle of Man had a rough time to get the compensation guaranteed by the depositor protection scheme. On the other hand, the onshore in the UK that were affected locally by the nationalization of this bank’s parent company received full compensation.

“International bank accounts” are now synonymously viewed as illegal or immoral money laundering or tax evasion activity. Anyone with an account like that; therefore, risks being seen in such a manner even when their international bank account is legitimate.

Choosing an international bank account jurisdiction takes much more than it would when choosing a local bank account. One may well be aware of how his nation’s banking industry operates and its regulations plus the rules, but these differ massively with other jurisdictions. Also, to note, some international banking havens are less stable than others.

The terms and conditions of an international bank account might be more demanding than that of a local bank account. They might charge higher if one fails to maintain a minimum balance. Their fees and charges for the services and account you wish to use might be different. Always do a thorough check up before the final decision.

When it comes to solving issues that arise with international accounts, it may take more time and money than it would for an onshore account. A simple explanation is that you cannot be there physically nor speak to someone in person.

In a nutshell. International banking is not what it used to be ten years ago. The only significant advantage is its flexibility otherwise it can be overkill for your financial circumstances.

abid ali
by abid ali , Internship , Pakistan State Oil (PSO) Company Limited

If an international bank account, you can bank in different currencies or even multi-currencies. This is advantageous to those with financial commitments in more than one nation or currency.

mohamed abdelaty
by mohamed abdelaty , محاسب مالى , جولدن ايجل فودز

If you have an international bank account, you can bank in different currencies or even multi-currencies. This is advantageous to those with financial commitments in more than one nation or currency for example.

An international bank account enables one to avoid the risks that come with unfavorable economic climate such as currency devaluation, high inflation, war or coup in the nation in which they live.

You can save on tax. If the nation you live in requires you only to pay tax on the money you remit into that country, you will get some tax benefits by keeping your money in an international bank account

More Questions Like This