Home » Israel » Israel – Banking

Israel – Banking

Israel is a country located in the Middle East, known for its advanced technology industry, vibrant culture, and unique history. If you are an expat living in Israel or planning to move there, it is essential to understand the banking system in the country. In this article, we will cover the following topics:

  1. Local banks in Israel and their contact details
  2. Presence of major UK and USA banks in Israel and their contact details
  3. Accounts and services offered to expats by banks in Israel
  4. Typical bank opening hours in Israel
  5. Areas of concern for expats in the Israeli banking system
  6. How to open a bank account in Israel as an expat

Local Banks in Israel

There are several local banks operating in Israel, including:

  • Bank Hapoalim
  • Bank Leumi
  • Mizrahi Tefahot Bank
  • Israel Discount Bank
  • First International Bank of Israel

Bank Hapoalim

Bank Hapoalim is one of the largest banks in Israel, offering a wide range of financial services to its customers. It operates over 250 branches across the country and has a significant presence in the international market. You can contact Bank Hapoalim through the following channels:

Bank Leumi

Bank Leumi is another major bank in Israel, with a history dating back to 1902. It provides various banking services, including retail banking, private banking, and investment banking. Bank Leumi has around 250 branches throughout Israel and also operates in other countries. You can contact Bank Leumi through the following channels:

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank is the fourth-largest bank in Israel, offering banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporations. It has a network of over 180 branches in Israel and several offices abroad. You can contact Mizrahi Tefahot Bank through the following channels:

Major UK and USA Banks in Israel

Several major banks from the UK and USA have a presence in Israel, including:


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


  • HSBC
  • Barclays
  • Citibank
  • JPMorgan Chase

HSBC

HSBC is one of the largest banks in the world and has a significant presence in Israel. It offers various banking services, including retail banking, commercial banking, and investment banking. You can contact HSBC in Israel through the following channels:

Barclays

Barclays is another major bank with a presence in Israel, providing various banking services to individuals and businesses. It operates several branches in Israel and has a dedicated team to serve its clients. You can contact Barclays in Israel through the following channels:

Citibank

Citibank has been operating in Israel for over 50 years and offers a wide range of banking services.

Opening A Bank Account

As an expat, you can open a bank account in Israel by following these steps:

  1. Choose a bank: Research the various banks in Israel to determine which bank will suit your needs. You can visit the bank’s website or go to a branch to gather more information.

  2. Gather your documents: You will need to provide the following documents to open a bank account in Israel:

    • A valid passport
    • A copy of your visa or residency permit
    • Proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement)
    • Israeli tax identification number (TIN)

  3. Visit the bank: Once you have chosen a bank and gathered your documents, visit the bank during opening hours to open your account. If you are unable to visit in person, you can contact the bank to inquire about alternative options.

  4. Fill out an application: The bank will provide you with an application form to fill out. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information.

  5. Provide identification: You will need to provide your passport or other identification to confirm your identity.

  6. Provide proof of address: You will need to provide proof of your address in Israel. This can be a utility bill or rental agreement.

  7. Provide your TIN: You will need to provide your Israeli tax identification number (TIN).

  8. Deposit funds: Once your account is open, you will need to make a minimum deposit to activate it. This amount varies by bank.

  9. Choose additional services: You can choose additional services such as online banking, a debit card, or a credit card.

In conclusion, opening a bank account in Israel as an expat is a straightforward process. By choosing a bank, gathering the necessary documents, and visiting the bank during opening hours, you can open an account and start managing your finances in Israel.


Latest Videos

Expat Focus

848 subscribers

Move abroad easily with Expat Focus.

Expat Focus
Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang. Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang.

Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_2iutaBgsCRk

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico

Expat Focus 15 August 2023 3:23 pm

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible? My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia. Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible?

My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia.

Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_62EMRLnSni4

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia

Expat Focus 26 July 2023 6:48 pm

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_hrrVi0XbYgg

How To Get A French Driver's License

Expat Focus 23 June 2023 2:29 pm

Load More... Subscribe
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Important: No API Key Entered.

Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Please go to the YouTube Feed settings page to add an API key after following these instructions.