Santander multi-currency account: US guide

Santander operates across the US, offering many different financial services and products to its clients. If you're considering opening a multi-currency account for international transactions, you might wonder if Santander has this option available.

The short answer is that US citizens or residents can potentially open a Santander multi-currency account, but your options are somewhat limited.

Here's everything you need to know so you can make an educated decision and, if Santander doesn't fit your needs, investigate alternatives.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents

What is a multi-currency account? Does Santander offer multi-currency accounts in the US? Santander multi-currency accounts: Full guide Santander International - Gold Account Santander Private Banking - Global Currency Account Santander Mexico - Dollar Account How to open a Santander multi-currency account Which US banks offer multi-currency accounts? Everywhere money. Meet Wise: the world's most international account

What is a multi-currency account?

A multi-currency account lets you hold, send, and receive money in several different currencies within one banking account.

Instead of needing separate accounts for each currency, such as USD and EUR, you can keep all of them in one place for faster, easier, and cheaper transactions.

You might find a multi-currency account useful if you regularly receive international payments, pay expenses in foreign currencies, or send money to family members living in other countries. It can be a smart way to avoid or at least minimize conversion fees.

Multi-currency accounts are also sometimes called foreign currency accounts, but they're not exactly the same thing. Foreign currency accounts usually hold just one currency, and multi-currency accounts let you keep multiple different currencies under one account.

Does Santander offer multi-currency accounts in the US?

Santander does provide multi-currency accounts for some clients, but US customers face limited options. Your available choices typically include:

• Gold Account through Santander International (Current Account)¹
• Global Currency Account offered by Santander Private Banking²
• Country-specific accounts, such as a Dollar Account at Santander Mexico

These accounts have different features, requirements, and availability depending on your banking relationship with Santander. Let's take a closer look at these options.

Santander multi-currency accounts: Full guide

Santander does offer multi-currency accounts, but they're mostly for customers with large deposits. You'll usually need at least 75,000 GBP (or the same amount in other currencies) to open one.¹

Santander International - Gold Account

The Santander Gold Account, also called a Current Account, functions as an everyday banking account that allows you to hold money in USD, EUR, and GBP.

You'll also get one Visa debit card that works with all 3 currencies, which can be handy.¹

Features:¹
Hold GBP, USD, or EUR Online, mobile, and phone banking Visa debit card that works with all currencies and has no annual fee No monthly fees No ATM fees for same currency Interest paid every 3 months Free currency exchange between accounts (there will be a charge applied for international payments)

The Santander Gold account requires a 75,000 GBP minimum deposit (or equivalent), which can be spread across accounts.

Note that Santander can approve or reject your application depending on the information you provide.

Santander Private Banking - Global Currency Account

High-net-worth individuals can join Santander Private Banking, which gives them access to international accounts in USD, EUR, and GBP.²

Your Private Banker will have connections to multiple international teams, including Cater Allen Private Bank, to arrange the right Santander foreign currency account for you.

Features²	Requirements³
International accounts in GBP, USD, or EUR	Savings or investments over 500,000 GBP or annual income over 250,000 GBP
Free currency conversion between accounts	Monthly pay-in of at least 1,500 GBP
Visa debit cards in all 3 currencies	Premium account qualification
Easy international money transfers
Personal Private Banker service

Contact Private Banking for specific account fees

Santander Mexico - Dollar Account

You may be able to open a USD account at Santander Mexico. These accounts are tailored for residents in Mexico who need to manage funds in USD.

This isn't a true multi-currency account but rather a foreign currency account in USD that operates separately from your MXN accounts.

Keep in mind that it can sometimes be challenging to open a USD account in Mexico (and other Latin American countries). You'll likely need to visit a Santander branch in Mexico to get details about opening requirements and fees.

Santander also provides similar country-specific foreign currency accounts in various markets where it operates.

How to open a Santander multi-currency account

The process to open a Santander multi-currency account depends on the specific account type you're applying for. Each option has its own steps and requirements.

Santander International - Gold Account

There are multiple ways you can apply for a Santander International Gold Account:¹

• Online: Complete a short online inquiry form through the Santander International website
• Mail: Download and print the PDF application form, fill it out, and mail it back
• Phone: Call 08000 84 28 88 from the UK, or +44 (0) 1624 641 888 from overseas (Lines open 9am-5pm UK time Monday-Friday, except Wednesdays when they open at 9:30am)
• In Branch: Visit Santander International branches in Jersey or Isle of Man

If approved, you'll need to deposit at least 75,000 GBP (or equivalent in other currencies).¹

Keep in mind that Santander may decide to reject your application even if you have the required minimum balance.

Santander Private Banking - Global Currency Account

To access Santander's Global Currency Account, you must first qualify for their private banking services. You'll need to have savings or investments of over 500,000 GBP or a gross annual income of over 250,000 GBP.³

If you meet these requirements, you can call Santander and request to speak with a private banker who will guide you through the application process. They're available 24/7 at:³

• 0330 678 1507 (UK)
• +44 (0) 151 966 6048 (International)

Santander Mexico - Dollar Account

For a Santander Mexico Dollar Account or any other country-specific Santander account, you'll need to visit a branch in person or browse their website to see different account options and requirements.

Be prepared to provide identification and potentially proof of residency.

Which US banks offer multi-currency accounts?

There are a few other American banks that provide multi-currency accounts. However, similar to Santander, these accounts aren't widely available to everyone. They're typically restricted to premium customers and business clients.

Bank	Currencies	Minimums	Fees	Exchange rate
HSBC⁴	3 currencies (USD, GBP, EUR)	75,000 GBP in deposits/investments or 120,000 GBP annual salary	50 GBP underfunding fee⁵	HSBC rate (includes an exchange rate markup)
Citibank⁶	9 currencies	From 200,000 to 999,999 USD (Citigold) or 1,000,000+ USD (Citigold Private)	Citigold or Citigold Private fees may apply	Citibank rate (includes an exchange rate markup)
EverBank⁷	20+ currencies	2,500 USD or 100 USD/month to open an account	Monthly maintenance fees may apply⁸	TIAA rate (exchange rate markup within 1% of the mid-market rate)

Everywhere money. Meet Wise: the world's most international account

If you’re not living in the US — or if you simply want a more flexible account you can open from anywhere — check out Wise.

Wise isn’t a bank but a money service business (MSB) that offers an account that allows you to hold, send, and receive money. As well as getting an attached multi-currency card, you’ll get some extra perks that suit anyone living an international lifestyle.

You’ll be able to hold 40+ currencies and get local account details for 8+ currencies, including USD, to get paid easily by wire or ACH.

Wise offers linked multi-currency cards for spending and withdrawals around the world, and all currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate.

That means that whenever you send a payment or spend in a foreign currency, your dollars are converted with the mid-market rate with low conversion fees from 0.41%. Easy.

This way to easy
international payments

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information

Santander has a few different multi-currency account options, but most come with high barriers to entry for average US customers.

If you're looking for an easy accessible option, try Wise. Open a multi-currency account online to pay and get paid globally — all with low fees.

Sources

1. Santander International - Current account
2. Santander Private Banking - Global Currency Accounts
3. Santander Private Banking - Join
4. HSBC Expat - Expat Bank Account
5. HSBC Expat - HSBC Expat Tariff of Charges
6. Citibank - Citibank Global Wallet
7. EverBank - Foreign Currency Overview
8. EverBank - Worldcurrency Access**® **Deposit Account

Sources checked 05/15/2025