A bank card in Israel is essential for anyone who comes to work here: it lets you receive your salary, pay in shops and avoid carrying all your cash. The good news is that a card for a foreigner in Israel can be arranged even without citizenship or repatriate status. In 2026 there are four working options: STB Union VISA, Monox from Bank of Jerusalem, the GMT card and a full account at Bank Hapoalim. Let's go through each one — documents, fees and pitfalls.

STB Union VISA — a quick start with no status

STB Union is the easiest entry point. Everything is done through an app: you first get a virtual card, then a plastic one if you want. Cards are issued to tourists and to people with no status at all, so this is a common choice in the first weeks after arrival.

  • card issuance — 40 NIS;
  • maintenance — 12 NIS per month;
  • cash withdrawal — 6 NIS per operation.

The main drawback: transfers to Russia via STB are poor value — with fees and the exchange rate you lose roughly 6–7% of the amount. If you plan to send money home regularly, compare methods in our article on how to transfer money from Israel. Fees change over time — check the app or the provider's website before signing up.

Monox — free sign-up and a salary-friendly option

Monox is a card service built on Bank of Jerusalem. Sign-up is free and maintenance costs 20 NIS per month. The card works well for receiving wages: you give your employer the details and money arrives as it would to a regular account.

One nuance: you may be asked for the "blue paper" — the temporary document issued while your status application is being processed. If you don't have it, clarify the requirements in advance so you don't waste a trip to the office.

The GMT card — a service built for foreign workers

GMT (Global Money Transfers) is a licensed financial service operating in Israel since 2001, aimed first of all at foreign workers. Conveniently, everything is in one place:

  • a prepaid Visa card issued on the spot at a service point — your employer can pay your salary onto it;
  • money transfers abroad, including to relatives' bank cards;
  • currency exchange and top-ups through the myGMT app;
  • a network of more than 300 service points across the country — from Tel Aviv to small towns.

The card account can be kept in shekels, dollars or euros — handy if you are saving up or sending money to your family. Fees depend on the card type and top-up method, so check current rates on the official site gmtonline.co.il.

An account at Bank Hapoalim — the full banking option

If you work legally and plan to stay long-term, it makes sense to open a real bank account. Bank Hapoalim is one of the country's largest banks and does open accounts for foreigners. Prepare these documents:

  • foreign passport;
  • tax identification number;
  • certificate from your employer;
  • apartment rental contract;
  • a valid "blue paper".

Book your branch visit online in advance and allow 2–3 hours: the bank checks documents unhurriedly. But the benefits are real: fee-free cash withdrawals at any ATM, bank loyalty programs and the status of a regular client — with cheques, transfers and a banking history that will serve you later.

What to choose: quick guide by situation

  • Just arrived, no status — STB Union: a virtual card in the app within a day.
  • Already working and need a salary card — Monox: free sign-up and a clear monthly fee.
  • Sending money home regularly — GMT: card plus international transfers in one service, with points in almost every city.
  • Legal job and long-term plans — an account at Bank Hapoalim: slower to open, cheaper to live with.

While you don't have a card yet, a salary cheque can still be cashed — see our guide on how to cash a cheque in Israel.

And remember: a card is only half the job — first you need work with honest pay. Browse fresh job openings in Israel on IsraWork or leave a request for job matching — our manager will help you find a verified vacancy for your experience and city.