Greeks living in the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, as well as other residents of those countries with ties to Greece, can now open a bank account in Greece without traveling to the country, under a new expansion of remote banking services.
The service allows customers abroad to complete the entire process from their country of residence, from identity verification to opening an account and gaining access to online banking.
The expansion marks the first time the service has become available outside Europe. Alpha Bank, which operates the Remote Onboarding program, had previously made it available to residents of Germany and Cyprus and plans to gradually expand it to more countries.
The expansion could be particularly useful for members of the Greek diaspora who need to manage financial affairs in Greece, as well as foreign residents with property, investments or other connections to the country.
How customers can open a Greek bank account from abroad
The process begins online, with applicants submitting a form through a website designed for customers who live outside Greece.
They then complete their identification through a secure video call with a bank representative. Once the necessary checks are completed, customers can open a deposit account, receive a debit card and obtain access to e-Banking without visiting a branch in Greece.
Specialized advisers are available throughout the process to guide customers and help them complete the necessary steps.
The service is not restricted to Greek citizens. International customers living in the US, UK and Israel who maintain ties to Greece can also use the remote system.
Mortgages for buying property in Greece also available remotely
Customers living abroad can also apply remotely for a mortgage to purchase property in Greece.
The service provides individual guidance during the different stages of a property purchase, while electronic signatures can be used to obtain additional banking products without requiring the customer to travel to Greece.
This could simplify the process for diaspora Greeks and other overseas buyers looking for a permanent home, holiday residence or investment property in the country.
Customers can also access services designed to help with some of the practical issues that come with handling financial and property matters in Greece from overseas.
Remote banking service expected to expand further
Alpha Bank says the initiative is intended to reduce the difficulties people living overseas can face when trying to establish or develop a banking relationship in Greece.
Konstantinos Papadopoulos, the bank’s Individual Banking Director, said customers can now establish a full banking relationship from their country of residence and even apply for a mortgage remotely.
The expansion into the US, UK and Israel is expected to be followed by additional countries as the bank gradually widens access to the service.
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