Top 10 Bank Accounts for Expats in the USA
Looking for the best bank accounts for expats in the USA. Discover the top 10 options with low fees, easy online access, and great benefits. Perfect for international students, workers, and travelers in 2025.
Moving to the United States is exciting, but one of the first challenges expats face is opening a reliable bank account. Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, having the right account can save you time, money, and stress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 bank accounts for expats in the USA, highlighting their features, benefits, and requirements so you can make the best choice.
Quick Comparison
| Bank Name | Best For | Monthly Fees | Minimum Deposit | International Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | Everyday Banking | $12 (waivable) | $0 to $25 | Global ATMs & online banking |
| Bank of America Advantage | Beginners & Expats | $12 (waivable) | $25 | Zelle & international transfers |
| Wells Fargo Everyday Checking | Wide ATM Access | $10 (waivable) | $25 | 13,000+ ATMs nationwide |
| Citibank Access Checking | International Travelers | $0 to $12 | $0 | No foreign transaction fees |
| HSBC Premier Checking | Global Expats | $0 (with $75k balance) | $0 | Free international transfers |
| Capital One 360 Checking | Digital Banking | $0 | $0 | Excellent mobile app |
| TD Bank Convenience Checking | Canadians in the USA | $15 (waivable) | $0 | Easy US–Canada transfers |
| Ally Bank Checking | Online-First Expats | $0 | $0 | 24/7 online support |
| Charles Schwab Checking | Frequent Travelers | $0 | $0 | Unlimited ATM fee refunds |
| PNC Virtual Wallet | Students & Expats | $7 (waivable) | $0 to $25 | Budgeting & saving tools |
Best Bank Accounts for Expats in the USA
1. Chase Total Checking
- Over 16,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the USA
- Waive the $12 monthly fee with direct deposit
- Easy online & mobile banking for expats
2. Bank of America Advantage Banking
- Great option for new arrivals in the USA
- Zelle for instant transfers
- Waive fees by maintaining a balance
3. Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
- Large ATM & branch network
- Excellent for expats who prefer in-person banking
- $10 monthly fee, easily waived
4. Citibank Access Checking
- Designed with international travelers in mind
- No minimum balance required
- Low foreign transaction fees
5. HSBC Premier Checking
- Perfect for global expats
- Free international transfers
- Requires a high balance ($75,000) or monthly income credit
6. Capital One 360 Checking
- 100% online banking with $0 fees
- Powerful mobile app
- Great for tech-savvy expats
7. TD Bank Convenience Checking
- Ideal for Canadians moving to the U.S.
- Cross-border transfers made easy
- Longer customer service hours
8. Ally Bank Interest Checking
- Online only, no monthly fees
- 24/7 customer support
- Free nationwide ATM access
9. Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking
- The best option for frequent travelers
- $0 account fees & unlimited ATM refunds worldwide
- Free Visa debit card with no foreign transaction fees
10. PNC Virtual Wallet
- Combines checking, savings, and budgeting tools
- Student friendly with low fees
- Helpful app for managing finances
Contact Details
| Bank | Website | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | chase.com | 1-800-935-9935 |
| Bank of America | bankofamerica.com | 1-800-432-1000 |
| Wells Fargo | wellsfargo.com | 1-800-869-3557 |
| Citibank | citibank.com | 1-800-374-9700 |
| HSBC | hsbc.com | 1-800-975-4722 |
| Capital One | capitalone.com | 1-877-383-4802 |
| TD Bank | tdbank.com | 1-888-751-9000 |
| Ally Bank | ally.com | 1-877-247-2559 |
| Charles Schwab | schwab.com | 1-800-435-4000 |
| PNC Bank | pnc.com | 1-888-762-2265 |
Final Thoughts
As an expat, choosing the right U.S. bank account depends on your lifestyle, income source, and whether you travel often. If you value global access, HSBC and Charles Schwab are excellent choices. For everyday banking, Chase and Bank of America remain popular options.
Tip: Always check account requirements before applying some banks need a Social Security Number (SSN), while others accept just a passport and visa.
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FAQ’s
1. Can I open a U.S. bank account without a Social Security Number (SSN)?
Yes, some banks like HSBC, Citibank, and TD Bank allow expats to open accounts with just a passport, visa, and proof of address. However, many banks still require an SSN or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
2. Which U.S. bank is best for international money transfers?
HSBC Premier and Charles Schwab Checking are excellent for expats who transfer money abroad frequently. HSBC offers free international transfers, while Charles Schwab refunds all global ATM fees.
3. What is the easiest bank account for expats to open in the USA
Bank of America Advantage Banking and Chase Total Checking are popular choices because they are beginner-friendly and available nationwide with simple requirements.
4. Do expats need a U.S. address to open a bank account?
Yes, most banks require a U.S. residential address for verification. Some online banks (like Ally Bank or Capital One 360) may accept a mailing address, but in general, you will need proof of residence.
5. Are there online-only banks for expats in the USA?
Yes, Ally Bank and Capital One 360 are popular online-only banks with $0 monthly fees, mobile deposits, and 24/7 customer support great for expats who prefer digital banking.
6. What documents do I need to open a U.S. bank account as an expat?
Typically, you will need:
- A passport
- A U.S. visa (or immigration document)
- Proof of U.S. address (lease, utility bill, or employer letter)
- Sometimes an SSN or ITIN
7. Which U.S. bank is best for students from abroad?
PNC Virtual Wallet and Chase College Checking are excellent for international students because they have low fees, budgeting tools, and student perks.
