International banks in Malta for nomads and frequent travel workers

If you’re planning to relocate to Malta or are splitting your time between there and your home country, you’ll probably want an international bank account. This will help you manage your finances efficiently – whether you’re sending money abroad, receiving foreign income, or simply needing reliable and multilingual support.

In this guide, we focus on traditional banks with physical branches and strong international services. From transfers and multi-currency support to secure mobile banking and in-person assistance.

The right international bank can help you:

• Send and receive international payments securely.
• Avoid excessive international transfer and ATM fees.
• Access both online banking and in-branch assistance.
• Manage finances across multiple countries.

We’ve selected banks using these criteria:

• Operates in Malta with physical branches.
• Provides international transfer services or global banking access.
• Offers digital banking alongside in-person support.

HSBC

Origin

HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. originated from the 1999 acquisition of a 70.03% stake in Mid-Med Bank Ltd by the HSBC Group. Today it is the leading international banking and financial services group in Malta, providing a comprehensive range of financial services.

Countries where this bank operates (and potential restrictions)

While operating solely in Malta, HSBC Malta provides access to HSBC’s services across 60+ countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East. It has specific global transfer links to markets like the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

Applicants can generally apply if they are legally residing in Malta or another EU Member State.

Operation restrictions

It’s free to open an international account if you’re an HSBC One or Premier customer. The annual fee and monthly maintenance fees will also be waived if you:

• maintain a Total Relationship Balance in at least one destination, or
• maintain monthly minimum deposits, investments or have an HSBC mortgage, or
• are new to HSBC.

If you don’t meet these criteria, a monthly fee may apply.

You can transfer up to $200,000 USD per day between your accounts, or the currency equivalent.

Online-only vs physical card

As a traditional bank, HSBC provides a standard physical debit card. It also provides a Digital Secure Key feature within their mobile banking app.

Requirements to open a bank account

You can apply online; you’ll need:

• Proof of ID, like your passport, driving license or national ID.
• Proof of address, like a bank statement or utility bill.

Benefits offered by this bank

• After opening an international account, you may also open a second account from one of 24 other countries including the UK, US, and Australia.
• Send payments in up to 60+ currencies in over 200 countries and regions from any of your HSBC accounts. (This includes the UK, US, UAE, and Canada.)
• Send to any HSBC accounts instantly, fast and fee-free in 77 currencies to any destination in the world.
• Access real-time rates and set up instant, future or recurring transfers between your accounts.

Lombard Bank

Origin

Lombard Bank Malta was founded in 1955. It was officially established as a subsidiary, Lombard Bank (Malta) Limited in 1969. Between 1975 and 1988, the Maltese government acquired a majority share before the company went public. Today, it offers comprehensive personal and corporate banking, with a strong focus on personalized service.

Countries where this bank operates (and potential restrictions)

Lombard Bank Malta operates primarily in Malta and Gozo, where it has a network of seven branches.

You can apply for an account if you are a resident in Malta or any other European Union (EU) Member State. 

Operation restrictions

If your debit account registers a zero balance for a period of one month, Lombard Bank can close the account without further notice.

Withdrawals require a form of ID (passport for non-residents and ID card for residents).

It supports contactless technology for purchases below €50 or equivalent on EPOS (Electronic Points of Sale).

Money transferred to a recipient within the EEA will be delivered to their account no later than the next business day on which the payment is made (Monday to Friday).  Payments to countries outside the EEA will take a minimum of 2 working days to be credited to the beneficiary’s account. Payments can also be made to reach the recipient on the same day that the payment is made. Additional charges apply.

Sending euros to another account in the Single Euro Payment Area (SEPA):

• Up to €1000: €1.
• Over €1000: €4.
• Over the counter: Add €25 to the above charges.

Sending money in other currencies and non-SEPA to any other account:

• Other transfers: 0.125% (min €10, max €60).
• Transfer with charge option ‘OUR’ – EURO: €35
• Transfer with charge option ‘OUR’ – USD: $35.
• Transfer with charge option ‘OUR’ – GBP: £35.
• Transfer with charge option ‘OUR’ – AUD: $35 AUD.
• Transfer with charge option ‘OUR’ – CAD: $35 CAD.
• Transfer with charge option ‘OUR’ – CHF: 35Fr. CHF.
• Same Day Value (For all currencies & Non-SEPA): Double the normal charges above.

Receiving money in euros:

• SEPA – Up to and including € 10,000: Free.
• SEPA – Over € 10,000: €4.

If you receive money from anywhere in the EEA, your account will be credited no later than the next business day.

Receiving money in other currencies and non-SEPA:

• Other currency and non-SEPA (any amount): 0.125% (min €10, max €60).

Online-only vs physical card

As a traditional bank, Lombard provides a standard physical debit card. It also provides an internet banking service for third-party payments including transfers to foreign banks.

Requirements to open a bank account

You can apply to open a debit account within a Lombard Bank branch. You must provide:

• A passport or Maltese ID card
• Proof of address
• Proof of income
• Initial deposit of at least €500.

Benefits offered by this bank

• 24-hour emergency help line
• Online purchases supported by 3D Secure.  
• Purchase Protection Insurance
• Cashback awards.

APS Bank

Origin

APS Bank (Apostleship of Prayer Savings Bank) originated in Malta in 1910, founded by Jesuit Father Michele Vella to promote savings among the working class. Today it’s the third largest bank in Malta, offering services via 12+ branches and online.

Countries where this bank operates (and potential restrictions)

APS Bank operates primarily in Malta and Gozo with a network of branches. Through digital channels and partnerships, they facilitate payments within the European Union.

Categories of applicants who can apply:

• Maltese Citizens
• EU/EEA Nationals: Residents of Malta, including those working or self-employed in the country.
• Non-EU/EEA Nationals: Individuals with long-term residence status in Malta.

Operation restrictions

If an account is inactive for a continuous period of 24 months, an administration fee is charged. If the balance is lower than the fee, the account may be closed.

Daily ATM withdrawal limits typically range between €250 and €1,000.

You can send SEPA Instant Payments directly from your account and these payments are processed within 10 seconds, 24/7, including weekends and public holidays. (SEPA payments are euro transfers within the SEPA zone which is all EU member states plus other European countries.) Other international currency transfers (e.g., USD, GBP) may incur fees.

Online-only vs physical card

As a traditional bank, APS provides a standard physical debit card plus contactless Visa Debit Cards linked to your account. These can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Requirements to open a bank account

You must fill in an application form at home and take it to one of the APS branches. A minimum deposit of €25 is required and you must be 16+ years of age.

If you are a Maltese customer, you must provide the following documents:

• Maltese ID Card; or
• Maltese Driving License; or
• Maltese Passport

·        Tax Identification Number

·        Evidence of permanent residential address, not older than 6 months (If different from Maltese ID Card or if not stated on identification document).

If you are a Non-Maltese customer, you must provide the following documents:

• Maltese Residence Card; and
• Passport
• Tax Identification Number (all Tax residences)
• Evidence of Permanent Residential Address (not older than 6 months)
• Proof of permanent residential address prior to settlement in Malta (if you do not have a permanent residential address abroad and you have been residing in Malta for less than 6 months, you will be required to present a utility bill, bank statement, official government document or any other document indicating foreign residential address.)
• If employed in Malta, JobsPlus Employment History; or
• If studying in Malta, Letter of Acceptance by the University/College; or
• If retiring in Malta, a Rental Agreement or Deed of Acquiring Property; or
• If you own or lease property in Malta, a Deed of Acquiring Property or Lease Agreement; or
• If you own a Maltese Registered Company, a copy of the Memo & Articles of Association; or
• If you operate a business activity as a sole trader, the VAT Registration Certificate, or most recent Income Tax Return (including Profit & Loss Account).

Benefits offered by this bank

• Online Help Centre for 24/7 support.
• Overdraft (subject to lending criteria)
• Access to your money through myAPS internet and mobile banking service.
• First local bank to remove online SEPA payment fees for all customers.
• First local bank to have been given the Crystal Mark on General Terms and Conditions. The Crystal Mark is an internationally recognised mark given by Plain English Campaign to confirm that the information provided in a document is crystal clear.

BNK Bank

Origin

BNF Bank Malta was founded in 2008 as Banif Bank (Malta) p.l.c. Following a 2016 takeover by JUD Investment Group Limited, it was renamed BNF Bank p.l.c. in 2017. Today, BNF provides services to personal and business clients via a network of 13 retail branches.

Countries where this bank operates (and potential restrictions)

BNF operates mainly in Malta but has one branch in London, UK.

Applicants from any country can apply but they must hold Maltese residency.

Operation restrictions

Daily transaction limits:

• Transfers per day: €100,000 (applies to internal account transfers and bill payments)
• Transfers per day between own accounts: €200,000
• Transfers per day: €50,000 (applies to SEPA and NON-SEPA)

SEPA transfers can only be affected in EURO and executed on business days.

Transfers do not exceed 3 business days.

Currency exchange fees:

• Currencies of EU member states other than the euro: 1.75%.
• Non-EU currencies: 2.00%.

Cash withdrawals are only free from BNF ATMs – all others will charge you €3.50.

Online-only vs physical card

As a traditional bank, BNF offers physical, contactless Mastercard debit cards. The card can be managed through the eBNF Internet Banking or BNF Mobile app.

Requirements to open a bank account

You can apply online. You must:

• Be 16 years or older.
• Be a Maltese resident.
• Hold a valid Maltese ID card or Maltese residence card.
• Have your mobile nearby.

For Student Account applications, you must be a full-time student enrolled in an MQF Level 4 or higher course.

Benefits offered by this bank

• Free SMS alerts for all transactions, approved or declined.
• Mastercard discount schemes with booking.com and hertz.com.

MeDirect Bank

Origin

MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc originated as Mediterranean Bank in June 2004. It then became a licensed Maltese bank in 2005. It has transitioned from traditional banking to a WealthTech platform, focusing on digital banking.

Countries where this bank operates (and potential restrictions)

MeDirect primarily operates in Malta, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It has only one branch in Malta.

Applicants from any country can apply, but they must be a resident of an EEA country, Switzerland, or the UK.

Operation restrictions

Transactions are banned in:

• Afghanistan
• Belarus
• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Myanmar
• Russia
• Syria
• Venezuela.

Purchase limit of up to €5,000 per day.

The ATM withdrawal limit is €1,000 per day.

SWIFT payments take 1-5 business days.

Online-only vs physical card

MeDirect provides a physical debit card with contactless pay. You can also connect your debit card to Google Pay or Apple Pay. The MeDirect Mobile App offers account balances and transactions.

Requirements to open a bank account

You can apply for a free everyday bank account online. You must:

1. Be over 18 years of age.
2. Be a resident of an EEA country, Switzerland or the UK.
3. Have your mobile nearby.
4. Hold a valid identification document (ID card or passport).

Benefits offered by this bank

• 3D Secure (3DS) adds an extra layer of authentication for online transactions. 
• With SEPA Direct Debit (SDD), you can pay your utility bills such as electricity and water, or mobile and home internet bills conveniently.

Choosing the right international bank in Malta

Opening an international bank account in Malta can help simplify your financial life if you’re a digital nomad, remote worker, or frequent traveler. The banks listed above provide a combination of physical presence, international reach, and digital banking services.

HSBC Malta stands out for its global connectivity. With access to the HSBC network in over 60 countries, multi-currency transfers to 200+ destinations, and instant fee-free transfers between HSBC accounts, it’s particularly valuable for nomads who move frequently between major financial hubs.

Lombard Bank Malta offers a more traditional, relationship-focused approach. Its clear SEPA pricing structure, next-business-day EEA transfers, and added perks such as Purchase Protection Insurance and cashback awards make it appealing to residents who prioritise in-branch service and added benefits.

APS Bank Malta is especially attractive for EU-based residents seeking cost efficiency. As the first local bank to remove online SEPA payment fees and introduce SEPA Instant Payments, APS delivers strong value for eurozone transfers.

BNF Bank Malta combines flexibility with practical day-to-day features. With relatively high daily transfer limits, free SMS transaction alerts, and Mastercard-linked discount schemes, it suits account holders who want transactional convenience. Its London branch may also be useful for clients with UK ties.

MeDirect Bank Malta leans more heavily into digital banking, making it ideal for tech-savvy nomads who prefer app-based account management. With EEA-wide eligibility and strong security features like 3D Secure, it offers an online-focused experience.

Ultimately, the most valuable benefits across these banks include secure international transfers, SEPA efficiency, physical branch access in Malta, multilingual support, and modern mobile banking tools. Your choice should depend on your residency status, transfer frequency, preferred currencies, and whether you value global banking integration or competitive eurozone services most.

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Letara Draghia

English Copywriter

I've been a copywriter for over a decade, working mostly in the retail industry. I've managed copywriting teams and contributed to major campaigns for F&F at Tesco, TK Maxx, and Dreams. I also work part-time as a news writer. Outside of work, I love to cook, and a fun fact about me is that I have a phobia of bananas—it's the smell!

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