Best International Banks in the US 2023

If you’re an American expat living overseas, a digital nomad moving around while working – or simply someone who loves to travel – an international bank account could be a smart way to manage your money.

Some international bank accounts offer ways to hold and exchange foreign currencies, and cut the costs of international transactions. However, international accounts aren’t always available from traditional US banks – and where they are offered, they can come with fairly high fees and restrictive features.

Join us as we walk through some of the best international banks in the US, and also look at some alternatives which can be cheaper and more flexible, like Wise and Revolut.

5 Best Banks for International Travel

Before we get started, let’s look at the banks and providers we’ve picked as the top 5 banks for international travel and money management, for expats and digital nomads. We’ve looked at a cross section of options which may suit, depending on whether you want to spend easily when you travel, send payments, or even invest in a selection of currencies from the US.

• Wise Account: best for anyone looking to hold 50+ currencies, spend with a linked debit card in 170+ countries, and receive fee free payments like a local from 30+ countries
• Revolut Account: great for holding 25+ currencies, with a linked card and high levels of fee free ATM withdrawals, plus tools for budgeting, saving and investing
• HSBC: Global Currency accounts you can manage from your phone, to hold 8 currencies and send payments to your own, and others’ HSBC accounts
• Wells Fargo: Choose the Wells Fargo account to suit your USD money management needs, and add in an international Visa card for spending and withdrawals globally
• Charles Schwab: Best for Schwab customers who want to diversify and invest in foreign currencies without needing to convert back to USD every time

What is an international bank account?

International bank accounts can have a pretty broad selection of features, from accounts for daily use which let you hold foreign currency balances and get international travel cards, to accounts aimed at international investors.

There are quite a few international account options for US customers, although it’s helpful to note that the accounts available from traditional banks can have fairly limited features compared to specialist providers.

We’ll look at some smart options in just a moment – for now, here’s a rundown of some of the features you may get from an international account:

• Hold a select of foreign currencies and convert between them
• Send payments overseas with low or no fees
• Access preferential exchange rates
• Spend internationally with a linked debit or credit card
• Invest internationally in foreign currencies

Can you open an international bank account?

Some traditional US banks offer international bank accounts, although these do tend to have relatively limited features compared to international accounts from specialist services. Providers like Wise and Revolut offer flexible accounts which can hold multiple currencies and be used easily for everyday transactions.

We’ll look at all of this in more detail a little later.

What is the best international bank?

The best international bank account for you will depend on your specific preferences and needs. Here we’ll look at an overview on each provider  – and then later we’ll explore more in detail so you can see if any may suit your needs.

Not sure how to pick? Don’t worry. We’ll also cover what to consider when choosing an international bank.

International accounts can come from bank brands you’ll know well, or online and digital specialists which have been built with a great range of international functions, such as Wise and Revolut. Accounts from traditional banks are familiar and reliable but may have rather more restrictive functionality compared to specialist providers.

Here’s a quick reminder of the accounts we’ve looked at:

• Wise Account: Hold and exchange 50+ currencies and get paid with local bank details from 30+ countries, plus a linked card for everyday spending
• Revolut Account: Multi-currency functionality for 25+ currencies, with a selection of account tiers depending on your needs
• HSBC Global Money Account: Hold and exchange 8 currencies, and send payments to other HSBC accounts
• Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: Manage your money in USD, with a linked international Visa debit card, and online overseas transfers with no upfront fee
• Charles Schwab Global Account: Invest in 12 currencies, without needing to convert back to USD every time a payment is made

Let’s look at each provider in more detail now.

Wise Account

Personal customers can open a Wise account for free, to hold and exchange 50+ currencies and spend with Wise debit card in 170+ countries. You’ll also get local bank details for up to 10 currencies which makes it easy to get paid, with no Wise fee, from 30+ countries.

Wise currency exchange used the mid-market rate – the one you find on Google. You’ll only pay a low conversion fee which is from 0.41%, with no fees to spend any currency you hold in your account.

• Wise account is best for: People traveling or shopping online internationally, looking for flexible and low cost currency conversion
• Wise travel card: Order a card for a one time low fee, spend around the world – and if you don’t have the currency you need the card can convert for you using the lowest possible fee. Spend in 170+ countries
• Wise foreign transaction fees: Currency conversion from 0.41%, no fee to spend currencies you hold in your account
• International ATM withdrawals: Free to make 2 withdrawals up to 100/USD per month, with low fees after that

Revolut Account

Revolut has a selection of different account plans, from a standard plan you don’t need to pay a monthly fee for, to a full feature account which costs 16.99/USD a month.

Revolut accounts can hold and exchange 25+ currencies and have linked debit cards. You’ll get some currency exchange which uses the Google exchange rate, although the amount you can exchange can vary based on your account plan. Revolut also offers accounts for children and teens under 18, and tools for saving, budgeting and investing.

• Revolut account is best for: Picking the account tier that suits you, from free accounts to fee paying options with extra features- all accounts can hold 25+ currencies
• Revolut travel card: All accounts have linked debit cards – the exact card you get varies by account tier
• Foreign transaction fees: Free to spend any currency you hold in your account
• International ATM withdrawals: Up to 1,200 USD fee free withdrawal, even with the free standard plan

HSBC Global Money Account

HSBC US offers its Global Money Account to customers who already have an eligible HSBC US account, and a local residential address. HSBC Global Money Account is managed via an app and can be used to hold and exchange 8 supported currencies. You can add funds from your own linked HSBC account, convert to the currency you need, and send a payment on to another linked HSBC account easily.

There’s no linked card with this account – although you may have a card linked to the base account you already hold with HSBC. The Global Money Account has no maintenance fees of its own, but you might have to pay a charge to maintain the linked account. There’s also often no fee for sending foreign currency payments – but an exchange rate markup, which is higher at the weekends, will still apply.

• HSBC account is best for: Existing HSBC customers who need to hold a balance in a foreign currency, or send foreign currency payments to other HSBC customers
• HSBC travel card: No card linked to this account
• Foreign transaction fees: Not applicable – this account can’t be used directly for spending, only to hold a balance and send global payments in the 8 supported currencies
• International ATM withdrawals: Not applicable – no card attached to this account

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking

Wells Fargo has a broad range of account types, which can all be linked to a debit or credit card for international spending. For this example, we’ve used the Everyday Checking account and the Wells Fargo Visa debit card – one of the lowest cost Wells Fargo accounts available.

You can use your Visa card anywhere you see the Visa logo, with a 3% foreign transaction fee to pay, plus international ATM withdrawal fees if you need to get cash. You’ll also be able to send international wires from your account. Learn more here: Wells Fargo International Transaction Fees.

There’s no Wells Fargo fee for international wires initiated online and via the mobile banking service, but an exchange rate markup is likely to apply. If you need to set up your Wells Fargo international transfer in a branch you’ll pay around 35 USD, plus any exchange rate fee, and third party costs as necessary.

• Wells Fargo account is best for: Managing your money primarily in USD, but with a linked Visa debit card you can use around the world
• Wells Fargo travel card: You can choose which card to link to your Everyday Checking account, and all cards can be used internationally
• Foreign transaction fees: 3% fee applies
• International ATM withdrawals: 5 USD fee applies

Charles Schwab Global Account

If you’re an investor looking to settle payments overseas, and you don’t want to have to exchange to and from USD every time, the Charles Schwab Global Account could suit you. You’ll be able to deposit money into the account from another Schwab investment account, and then switch to the currency you need when it’s time to invest.

This account isn’t really intended for individuals who want to manage their money day to day for travel purposes, so features like a linked debit card aren’t available.

• Schwab account is best for: Investors who want to trade in up to 12 different currencies
• Schwab travel card: Not available – account intended for investing and trading only
• Foreign transaction fees: Not applicable – no card available
• International ATM withdrawals: Not applicable – no card available

What are the advantages of international banks?

So why bother with an international bank account at all? Here are some key advantages to know about:

• Hold and exchange multiple currencies so you don’t need to switch back to USD unnecessarily
• Spend overseas with a linked card – which can mean lower costs and no foreign transaction fees
• Manage your money on your phone with transaction alerts and an instant overview of all your currency balances
• Open local receiving accounts to get paid easily and with no or low fees, in a selection of currencies

How to choose the best international bank account for your needs

There’s no single best international account, so you’ll need to review a few, looking at features and fees, to pick the one that suits you best.

Here are a few key points to consider when choosing the right account for you:

• Availability of Foreign Currencies: Check that currencies you use frequently are supported for holding, exchange and spending
• Monthly charges: Accounts are available with no monthly fees – although you may also choose to upgrade to an account with a maintenance charge to get more features
• International fees: Check for foreign transaction and foreign cash fees, and ATM charges when you travel – these can mount up steeply depending on the account you select
• Currency conversion rates: Ideally look for an account which uses the Google exchange rate with no hidden charges. This is transparent and makes it easier to assess what you’re actually paying for overseas transactions
• International travel cards: If you’ll be traveling it’s worth checking you’ll have a linked debit or credit card, issued on a major global network
• Overseas transfers: See how much you’ll pay to send money overseas, and how many countries are available for transfers – handy for sending payments to friends and family or covering overseas bills
• Ease of use: Choose an account with easy mobile and online access, so you can use your account wherever you are
• Extra features: Different accounts have their own features, like investment options and local bank details to get paid for free from overseas
• Safety: Finally, pick a reputable provider which is licensed and regulated in the US and internationally

How to open an international account

The process can vary widely for opening a digital bank account offered by a traditional bank, and a multi-currency account like Wise. Some banks may ask you to visit a branch to get started, or you may also need a linked account with the same bank in order to apply for an international account.

In either case you’ll normally need the following documents to open an international account:

• Proof of ID, such as a passport
• Proof of address – which may need to be in the US if you choose a traditional bank

How to open international bank account online

While some traditional banks offer online options for account opening, you may still need to visit a branch or make a phone call to complete the process. With Wise and Revolut the whole process takes place online including verification.

Here’s how to open an international account with a specialist provider:

1. Download the provider app or head to their desktop site
2. Register an account using your email address and add your personal information
3. Get verified by uploading images of your documents
4. You’ll receive a physical card in the mail, and can often access a virtual card as soon as your account is verified

What are the best international banks with no fees?

It costs to offer international services. That means that while some banks may look like they have no fees, the chances are that they’ll have transaction and service fees, and exchange rate markups which can be tricky to spot.

Here is fee the structure of the providers we’ve explored in this article:

• Wise fees: Accounts are free to open, there is no maintenance fee, there are low transaction fees.
• Revolut fees: Accounts are free to open, there are different packages with varying monthly fees including a standard plan that is free.
• HSBC fees: No fee for the Global Currency account, but you’ll need a linked account which may have its own charges
• Wells Fargo fees: 10 USD/month for Everyday Checking account, plus transaction and service fees like a 3% foreign transaction fee
• Schwab fees: No account fee, but you’ll pay transaction charges and currency fees when you trade

What is the safest international bank?

All of the providers we feature on Exiap are regulated and licensed providers, with industry level security measures.

Here’s a look at how the providers we have featured which offer international spending keep you safe when you spend:

• Wise Safety: Get transaction alerts in the app, freeze and unfreeze the card easily when you travel
• Revolut Safety: Manage your account in the app, including viewing balances and transactions
• Wells Fargo: Access online and mobile banking to keep on top of your account when you’re away

Best ways to withdraw money when traveling abroad

Sometimes you can’t manage with digital payments and need to get some cash. Here are some ways to cut the costs of cash withdrawals overseas:

• Always check your banks foreign transaction fees so you know if you’ll pay a premium when abroad
• Check which ATMs you can use for no extra fee when you travel – providers like Wise and Revolut offer some fee free international withdrawals every month
• Always withdraw in the local currency wherever you are, to avoid dynamic currency conversion
• Avoid withdrawals with a credit card as these have extra fees

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

But what about when you spend with your card overseas? Here are some ideas to keep down costs:

• Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and exchange rates – you may be better off with a specialist like Wise or Revolut
• Pay in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion
• Look at multi-currency accounts from Wise or Revolut to keep your money in local currencies to avoid paying high conversion fees with bad exchange rates

Conclusion: best international bank for expats

There are a few different options for international accounts for expats – either from traditional banks or specialist online services.

Traditional bank options can be somewhat limited, with a focus on payments and investing rather than day to day spending. As an alternative, look at specialists like Wise and Revolut, which can be handy for easy everyday use, and to hold a broad range of currencies all in the same place.

FAQs on Best Banks for International Travel

Can you open an international bank account online?

Some traditional banks offer online international accounts – but you’ll normally already need to be a customer to apply. Alternatively, look at specialists like Wise and Revolut, for online onboarding and verification.

What are the best international banks with no fees?

All banks and financial service providers have some fees – it’s just that these may not be easy to spot with some account options. Look for an account with a provider which is transparent about charging, so there are no surprises.

Which bank account is best for international travel?

There’s no single best account for international travel, but an account which lets you hold multiple currencies and spend with a linked debit card can help you cut the costs of currency conversion and international spending. Check out Wise and Revolut for some great international account options.

How can you avoid bank charges when traveling internationally?

Double check your own account’s terms and conditions carefully before you head overseas, looking for foreign transaction fees and international ATM costs. You may find you’re better off with a specialist international account for when you’re abroad.

What bank does not charge international ATM fees?

Your own bank may have some fee free international ATM options with partner banks – or you can check out options like Wise and Revolut which both offer accounts with some fee free overseas ATM withdrawals every month.

Should you have a separate bank account for travel?

It’s not entirely necessary to have a separate account for travel, but it can help you manage your budget, and add an extra layer of security. Pick a provider like Wise and Revolut and you may also get more transparent fees and a better exchange rate compared to your bank.