Best international banks for expats: top choices, features & how to choose
Ever feel like your bank didn’t get the memo that you moved overseas? Choosing from the best banks for US expats can mean the difference between smooth transfers and frustrating fees.
This guide is designed for American expats who want a reliable checking account, low costs, and real access while living abroad.
What to look for when choosing a bank while living abroad?
When selecting a banking partner as a US expat, it’s crucial to look beyond just convenience. The right account should support your international lifestyle with features that reduce fees, increase flexibility, and offer access from anywhere in the world.
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Global reach & presence
Banks with a physical location in multiple countries can make managing money across borders far more seamless. Institutions like HSBC and Citibank offer global ATM access and in-person support when you need it most. -
Multi-currency accounts
Holding multiple currencies under one roof helps you minimize conversion costs and stay financially agile. This is especially helpful if you're earning in one currency and spending in another while living abroad. -
Low international transfer fees
Look for bank accounts that offer low or reimbursed foreign transaction charges on international wire transfers. Online bank options like Wise or Schwab help reduce the friction of moving money globally. -
Excellent online & mobile banking
A strong digital platform is essential when you’re not near a branch. Top expat-friendly banks provide secure apps and web tools so you can access your funds and pay bills from anywhere. -
English-speaking customer support
When problems arise, clear communication is key. Prioritize banks that offer 24/7 English-speaking support, particularly if you’re navigating complex issues while overseas. -
Flexibility for cross-border living
Choose banks that understand the expat experience, those that allow a US mailing address, support direct deposits from abroad, and even offer travel-related insurance and financial planning.
International bank accounts for expats in 2025
The right international bank accounts for expats can make or break your life abroad – slashing fees, smoothing currency swings, and keeping you on the IRS’s good side. Today’s global offerings are far sleeker than a decade ago, yet the field is crowded with marketing hype.
To help you separate substance from sizzle, we’ve profiled industry leaders below, spotlighting history, 2025-ready features, and the nuts and bolts of opening an account.
Along the way, we’ll flag the hidden costs of foreign transaction fees, highlight one standout online bank, and show how the best banks for expats balance access with compliance. If you already juggle multiple bank accounts, consider this your streamlined playbook.
HSBC Expat
Founded in Hong Kong in 1865, HSBC grew alongside British trade routes and now maintains branches in more than 60 countries – a heritage that still matters when you need same-day cash in Nairobi or Nagoya.
In 2025, the HSBC Premier Expat package waives most ATM charges worldwide, offers multicurrency accounts, and even extends Premier status to four family members, a perk rarely matched.
Opening an account starts online; expect a KYC video call plus proof of a valid US address, then HSBC will pre-approve and coordinate paperwork with your destination branch before you board the plane.
Citibank International Personal Banking
Citibank has served globe-trotters since 1812 and, via its Citi International Personal Account Package, now gives expats:
- Global ATM fee rebates and foreign transaction waivers on debit purchases
- A CitiGold tier ($200k combined balance) with dedicated multilingual relationship managers
- Quick digital onboarding that accepts a US passport, overseas visa, and a stateside mailing address
Standard Chartered International Banking
Tracing its roots to financing Asian trade in the 1850s, Standard Chartered operates across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East – regions where some competitors are thin. It's 2025 International Banking platform bundles multicurrency accounts, wealth tools, and a slick mobile app that pushes live FX alerts.
Expats begin the process by submitting passports and residency documents through the bank’s encrypted portal; once verified, a relationship manager finalises account setup within 48 hours, saving you a branch visit.
Santander International
Santander started as a Spanish merchant bank in 1857 and now spans Europe to Latin America – making it a natural fit for digital nomads toggling between Madrid, Mexico City, and Miami. The bank’s Key Current Account offers fee-free euro-to-dollar transfers inside the Santander network, plus complimentary travel insurance on higher tiers.
US citizens can apply remotely with a passport, proof of address, and a quick video-ID check; your debit card ships to any approved mailing address.
Other reputable options
- Charles Schwab: Unlimited global ATM rebates and zero FX on debit spending still headline its Investor Checking account. Opening requires a parallel brokerage account, but no funding or trades.
- Fidelity Cash Management: In 2025, Fidelity scrapped its 1% FX surcharge, pairing free worldwide ATM withdrawals with seamless access to brokerage and retirement plans.
- Wise: A fintech powerhouse rather than a bank, Wise lets you hold 50+ currencies at the real mid-market rate and integrates with countless e-commerce platforms; onboarding is entirely digital and takes minutes.
- Alliant Credit Union: This online bank pays 0.25% APY, rebates up to $20 in ATM fees each month, and requires only a modest share deposit plus US address verification to join.
Top options beyond checking accounts overseas
A traditional checking account remains essential for Social Security deposits and IRS refunds, yet fees and FX spreads can balloon once you’re living abroad. The five tools below slash costs, widen access, and generate tidy records for tax season – all while complementing, or in some cases replacing, your US checking account.
- Domestic local bank account: Held in your host currency, it offers same-day transfers and in-branch service. Because it’s tied to a physical location, opening usually demands proof of residency. Balances that push your non-US accounts over $10,000 aggregate trigger FBAR reporting, so archive year-end statements.
- Prepaid debit cards: Load dollars and cap spending; many limit foreign ATM fees to 1%–2%. Although the card itself is rarely FBAR-reportable, saving monthly statements helps if the underlying pool becomes yours for Form 8938.
- Multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut): Function like an online bank in your pocket: hold 50+ currencies, convert at mid-market for <0.5 %, and grab $100–$400 fee-free cash every month. Both export CSV ledgers that drop neatly into foreign-tax-credit worksheets.
- E-wallets: PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay deliver instant P2P transfers but can carry 2%–3% conversion spreads. The wallet itself isn’t a deposit account, yet any linked foreign bank still belongs on FinCEN 114.
- Travel money cards: Preload one currency before a trip to dodge daily FX swings; ideal for short assignments where certainty beats flexibility. Keep load receipts – the IRS may ask how the float fits your aggregate foreign balance.
| Tool | Typical FX fee | Free ATM allowance | Tax note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local bank | 0% (native currency) | Domestic only | Report balances > $10,000 on FBAR |
| Prepaid card | 1%–2% | $200–$300/month | Load records back up Form 8938 |
| Wise/Revolut | 0%–0.5% | $100–$400/month | CSV files aid credit calculations |
| E-wallet | 2%–3% | N/A | Linked account is still reportable |
| Travel card | Locked at load | Limited | Float counts toward FBAR total |
A layered mix of two or three tools gives you global access, lean fees, and clean documentation for April 15 – without leaning on one provider alone.
NOTE! US citizens living abroad must submit their 2024 federal return by June 16, 2025. Any tax owed is still due by April 15, 2025, to avoid interest and penalties, and you can file IRS Form 4868 or use our free tax extension service to shift the paperwork deadline to October 15, 2025.
Smart moves start with the right bank
Choosing the right banking solution abroad goes beyond convenience – it impacts your fees, access, and even your ability to stay tax-compliant as a US expat. The best international banks offer global reach, low costs, and features tailored to mobile lives. Need help aligning your finances with IRS rules? Our experts can guide you every step of the way.
FAQ
Yes, you can keep your US account, though some banks may require a US address and working phone number.
No, it’s completely legal, but foreign accounts must be reported to the IRS if they exceed certain thresholds.
Look for low fees, international access, and support for global transfers that fit your expat lifestyle.
These fees can add up quickly, especially with frequent card use abroad, so choose accounts that offer rebates or low rates.
Many international banks still require a local branch visit or residency documentation, though some online options are more flexible.
Yes, an online bank with global ATM access and multi-currency support can be ideal if you don’t need in-person service.
Stay IRS-compliant with your business abroad – we’re ready to help