Bank of Georgia SOLO or TBC: which account suits you?

If you want to open an account in Georgia, you will almost always end up at one of two banks: Bank of Georgia or TBC Bank. Both are among the country's largest financial institutions, both have parent companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, and both are supervised by the National Bank of Georgia. For you, that means you are not choosing between a big bank and a small one, but between two established institutions with different strengths.

This article helps you understand the differences. It is not personal advice, and banks change their terms regularly. Always check current prices directly with the bank, or ask us before you decide.

SOLO is Bank of Georgia's premium segment. It is aimed at customers who want more than a standard account: a personal contact at the bank, dedicated lounges in Tbilisi and Batumi, airport lounge access depending on the tier, and priority handling. SOLO comes in several tiers that differ mainly in monthly fee and extra benefits.

SOLO's big advantage is personal service. If a transfer is stuck or the bank has a question, a dedicated person contacts you. People who don't live in Georgia value this, because they don't need to visit a branch to solve a problem. Users on forums often report being happy with the service and handling most things remotely.

The downside is obvious: SOLO has a monthly fee. Whether it is worth it depends on how actively you use the account and how much a direct line to the bank matters to you.

TBC Bank is the second major provider and is known for being particularly strong in digital banking. Its app is modern, clear and available in English. TBC also has a premium segment, known as Concept. It also offers personal service and extra benefits, but its entry tiers are usually cheaper than SOLO.

If you mainly want a reliable multi-currency account with a good app and don't need lounges, TBC is often a good fit. Many users like the app's speed and its clear menus for international transfers.

In their core features, the accounts are very similar. With both banks you get an account with an IBAN that can hold several currencies – typically Georgian lari (GEL), US dollars, euros and British pounds. You get a Visa or Mastercard debit card, online banking and an app for transfers, currency exchange and card management.

Both banks review every application under their own rules. This includes questions about your background, your income and the purpose of the account. The review is thorough at both; neither bank is fundamentally more relaxed than the other.

When it comes to costs, it helps to separate three levels. First, the account fee: with premium models such as SOLO or Concept you pay a monthly amount in lari that varies by tier. Second, transaction fees: international (SWIFT) transfers cost a fee per transfer at both banks. Third, card costs: depending on the card there may be issuing or annual fees, and international card delivery can cost extra.

These fees are set by the bank alone, and you pay them directly to the bank. Our service fee of €900 is separate and covers support with the opening. We tell you in advance which bank fees to expect for your profile, so there are no surprises.

SOLO suits you if you regularly move larger amounts, travel often and value a dedicated contact at the bank. The lounge benefits and priority handling can justify the higher price.

TBC suits you if you want a lean, digital account, use the app a lot and want to keep monthly costs low. For many digital nomads and freelancers, it is a good starting point.

Some customers have both accounts: one for everyday use and one as a backup. It isn't necessary, but it can make sense if you want protection against a single bank freezing or blocking your account.

Not every bank opens every account for every nationality remotely. The rules change and differ between account models. Before committing to one bank, you should find out which options are actually open to your passport. That is the first thing we check when you send an inquiry – free of charge and before you pay anything. Read more in our article on opening an account without a tax number.

There is no clear better or worse between SOLO and TBC. SOLO offers more personal service and extras at a higher price. TBC stands out with a strong app and cheaper entry models. What matters is how you'll use the account, your budget, and which models are available for your nationality.

If you're unsure, send us a short inquiry. We'll look at your profile, recommend the right bank and usually complete the opening within five business days – at a fixed price, with a money-back guarantee if the bank says no.