If you’re thinking about opening a bank account in Georgia, both SOLO Bank (Premium) and Bank of Georgia (Standard) are standout options, but they offer very different experiences depending on your profile and needs. This detailed guide compares both in terms of services, access to airport lounges, concierge, type of branches and maintenance costs, with a clear recommendation towards SOLO Bank, especially the Premium and Club packages, ideal for those who do not reside in Georgia and are looking for premium banking.
Services
- SOLO Bank (Premium): Offers private banking with three customized packages: SOLO X, SOLO Premium, and SOLO Club. It includes a Personal Banker available 24/7, fast international transfers, multi-currency support, and preferential conditions for GEL deposits, ideal for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, or international investors. SOLO Premium or SOLO Club is recommended for its superior perks, while SOLO X is less recommended. See details at: https://solo.ge/.
- Bank of Georgia (Standard): Provides basic services such as checking accounts, savings, and debit/credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). It includes online and mobile banking, but without personalized attention or premium benefits, being suitable for daily use or local businesses.
Airport VIP Lounge Access
- SOLO Bank (Premium): Premium and Club packages offer access to airport lounges (through partnerships such as Lounge Key or Priority Pass), an exclusive benefit that varies by package and may change over time. Ideal for frequent travelers.
- Bank of Georgia (Standard): Does not include lounge access as part of its standard services, being limited to basic benefits with no benefits for international travel.
Concierge Service
- SOLO Bank (Premium): SOLO Club includes a personal concierge service for reservations, travel assistance and consultations, available via phone or app. All packages have the support of a Personal Banker, standing out in personalized attention.
- Bank of Georgia (Standard): Does not offer concierge or dedicated support, with limited branch or telephone assistance in English and Georgian.
Type of Branches (with Free Coffee)
- SOLO Bank (Premium): Its branches, such as the SOLO Lounge, have a modern design with exclusive areas, premium Wi-Fi and free coffee, offering a VIP experience.
- Bank of Georgia (Standard): It has an extensive network of functional branches in Tbilisi and other cities, but without additional services such as free coffee, focused on efficiency.
Bank Maintenance Prices
- SOLO Bank (Premium): Offers three options as of today:
- X ONLY: 350 GEL per year (approx. 112 EUR) or 35 GEL per month (11 EUR).
- Premium ONLY: 550 GEL per year (approx. 176 EUR) or 55 GEL per month (18 EUR).
- CLUB ONLY: 800 GEL per year (approx. 256 EUR) or 80 GEL per month (26 EUR). You can opt for annual payment to benefit from a 16% discount or choose monthly payment. SOLO Premium or SOLO Club is recommended for its added value, avoiding SOLO X due to its limitations.
- Bank of Georgia (Standard): Fee of 10 GEL per month (3 EUR) or 100 GEL per year (32 EUR) if you pay in advance, with no minimum balance required. Ideal for tight budgets, but with variable fees on transfers and withdrawals.
Standard Criteria for SOLO Services
- SOLO X: Income from 3,000 GEL, deposit from 30,000 GEL, or loan from 100,000 GEL.
- SOLO Premium: Income from 3,000 GEL, deposit from 30,000 GEL, or loan from 100,000 GEL.
- SOLO Club: Income from 8,000 GEL, deposit from 100,000 GEL, or loan from 250,000 GEL.
Recommendation
We highly recommend opting for SOLO Bank, specifically the SOLO Premium or SOLO Club packages, as the best option for non-Georgia residents looking for premium banking. These packages stand out for:
- Concierge service (exclusive to SOLO Club) and personalized assistance with a Personal Banker.
- Access to airport lounges, perfect for frequent travellers.
- Better conditions for GEL deposits, with exclusive advantages for SOLO customers. Assess your financial needs and consult with an expert to choose the right package.
