16 Best Banks For Digital Nomads

Before we had kids, we would travel internationally a lot. Twenty years ago, online banks were just starting to become mainstream so most of our options were brick and mortar banks.

I took some local currency with us but I also relied on the partnership between Bank of America (my bank) and Barclays. You could go to a Barclays ATM and withdraw cash without paying a huge fee – a nice little perk and there was even a Barclays ATM down the street from our friends’ flat in Chiswick, London.

If you’ve ever traveled internationally, you know that you really try to rely on credit cards as your first option and cash as your second. These are great for tourists, but what if you’re working too?

If you’re a digital nomad, especially one that moves from country to country, you need a better option.

Since you’re working remotely and travel regularly, it’s hard to keep track of the different rules from country to country.

Unfortunately, traditional banks can’t always meet the needs of digital nomads. However, some banking options fit the digital nomad lifestyle quite well.

Here are 16 of the best banks for digital nomads.

	Best For	Learn More
	Travel credit card with a bank account	Learn More
	The avid investor nomad	Learn More
	Nomads search for saving and credit-building tools	Learn More
	High net-worth digital nomads	Learn More
	Digital nomads who work primarily in the U.S.	Learn More
	HSBC customers who travel frequently	Learn More
	Australia-based digital nomads	Learn More
	The European digital nomad	Learn More
	UK-based U.S. residents	Learn More
	Residents of qualifying European countries	Learn More
	Freelancing nomads	Learn More
	Nomads wanting to combine payments and banking into one	Learn More
	The globe-hopping nomad	Learn More
	Canada-based digital nomads	Learn more
	UK residents who prefer an online-only banking experience	Learn More
	Global multi-currency transfers	Learn More

Capital One 360 Checking Account

Best For: Travel credit card and bank account combination

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: No

The Capital One 360 Online Checking account can be a great choice for digital nomads looking for free banking and a travel credit card under one roof. There are no monthly fees or additional ATM or foreign transaction fees when you access your account outside the U.S. And, if you qualify, you can choose from a selection of Capital One Venture travel credit cards.

When you’re not traveling, you can deposit cash by visiting a Capital One bank location, using a Capital One branded ATM, or making a cash deposit (with a fee) at a partner such as CVS or Walgreens. 

The 360 Performance Savings account offers a competitive APY, making it a great place to store extra cash. Automated services are available 24/7, and live customer support is available from Sunday to Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. EST.

If you’re outside the U.S. and need to report a lost or stolen ATM card, call 1-804-967-1000.

Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking Account

Best For: The avid investor nomad

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: Yes

The Charles Schwab Investor Checking Account might be worth considering if you actively invest through its online brokerage. There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, and the account integrates with Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Best of all, you can access both your Schwab checking and investment accounts with a single login and transfer cash between the two within seconds, making it easy to invest on the go.

The account doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and there are unlimited rebates for ATM cash withdrawals worldwide. This does not include POS transactions or non-local currency withdrawal (DCC) fees.

When leads the way when it comes to customer service. You can access live support 24/7, and the company has been named #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Checking Accounts among Direct Banks from J.D. Power for five consecutive years (2019-2023).

Chime

Best For: Nomads search for saving and credit-building tools

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: Yes

Chime is a fintech that was founded in 2012. Although it’s not technically a bank, it is backed by The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, so the funds you have on deposit are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis.

Chime never charges foreign transactions fees, although merchants and vendors may charge them.

Chime has features that can help you save money and build credit, and you can make instant fee-free transfers between Chime members are also available. Other unique features include fee-free overdraft protection for up to $200 and the ability to receive your direct deposit two days early.

Chime offers a high-yield savings account, however, its yield is not as competitive as many other online savings accounts. Also, note that Chime is only available to U.S. residents.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank.

Citibank

Best For: High net-worth digital nomads

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: Yes

Citibank offers four different customer banking levels to choose from: Citi Everyday, Citi Priority, Citigold and Citigold Private Client.

While Citi Everyday has some nice features, the monthly fee ranges between $5 and $15, so you’ll get a lot more for your money if you keep at least $30,000 on deposit with Citibank so you can qualify for one of the three no-fee higher banking tiers. 

At those levels, you’ll also get additional benefits including free currency exchange and shipping, toll-free customer service around the globe, Citi concierge services, zero foreign exchange fees and more. 

You’ll also earn an attractive interest rate on your savings balance. Add a Citi travel credit card in the mix to take advantage of even more money savings and freebies. There are several great travel credit cards to choose from. 

✨ Related: American Express Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Fidelity Cash Management

Best For: Digital nomads who work primarily in the U.S.

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes | 24/7 Live Support: No

Fidelity’s Cash Management Account (CMA) can be used with a Fidelity brokerage account or as a stand-alone account.

The account functions like a checking account and comes with free checks, a debit card, and FDIC insurance for non-invested funds through one of its partner banks. 

The Fidelity CMA offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursement as long as you use an ATM with the Visa, Plus, or Star logo on it. This account is also compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

This account does charge a 1% fee for foreign transactions, making it less attractive unless you’re a die-hard Fidelity customer or a domestic digital nomad.

If you travel globally, check out the Fidelity Rewards Visa credit card, which offers unlimited 2% cash back, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees. This will help you take advantage of all the Fidelity CMA offers while avoiding foreign transaction fees.

HSBC Global Money Account

Best For: HSBC Premier checking customers who travel frequently

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes | 24/7 Live Support: Yes (for Premier customers)

HSBC’s Global Money Account is a mobile app-based multi-currency account available to HSBC customer who already have an HSBC Premier Checking, Premier Savings, or Premier Relationship Savings Account.

With a Global Money Account, you can convert and hold money in the following 8 currencies: AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, USD. HSBCs foreign exchange rates refresh every 90 seconds to align with foreign markets.

The one downside is that HSBC’s Premier accounts are pricey, and high deposits are required to avoid the fees. You need to have a combination of $75,000 in deposits and investments, $5,000 per month in Direct Deposits, or a mortgage loan with an original balance exceeding $500,000 to avoid paying the $50 monthly fee.

You may be charged foreign transaction fees on HSBC Debit Mastercard transactions, but most HSBC credit cards, such as the HSBC Premier Mastercard, do not charge foreign transaction fees.

ING Orange Everyday Bank Account

Best For: Australia-based digital nomads

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No (if you meet monthly criteria) | 24/7 Live Support: Yes

ING Bank’s Orange Everyday checking account can be a great choice for you if you reside in Australia or spend a lot of your time there. 

The account boasts no foreign transaction fees and unlimited reimbursement of international transaction fees when you deposit at least $1,000 from any external source each month and have at least 5 completed debit card transactions each month.

Monese

Best For: The European digital nomad

Monthly Fees: ￡0 to ￡14.95 | Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes | 24/7 Live Support: No

Monese is Europe’s first fintech, launched in 2015. Today, the fintech services 31 European countries and makes it easy to open an account instantly, even if you don’t have a local address quite yet. The Monese Simple plan is free of charge, and is available in the following currencies: GBP, EUR, RON.

Among its many traveler-friendly features you’ll find multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates, and integrations for Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Monzo

Best For: UK-based U.S. residents

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: No

Monzo is a fintech app that is FDIC-insured through Sutton Bank and helps you to organize your finances all in one place.

You can see your Monzo spending account, along with all of your other linked bank accounts and credit accounts, in one place. The app also helps you to set savings goals for everything from rent to vacations.

You can save money in Pots via roundups on spending or by designating an amount from each paycheck to go to savings. Note that Monzo also has an option for UK residents to open an account.

N26

Best For: Residents of qualifying European countries

Monthly Fees: €0 to €16.90 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: No

N26 is a fully licensed bank with a German banking license. It is operational for residents of several countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Spain, Greece, France, and others.

This banking account makes it easy to bank across many European countries and currencies.

You can choose from four different N26 personal account plans and four business plans designed specifically for freelancers. Pricing is in Euros, with fees ranging from €0 to €16.90 monthly. N26 offers multi-currency accounts with free ATM withdrawals in Euros.

Payoneer

Best For: Freelancing nomads

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes | 24/7 Live Support: No (Risk & Fraud dept. is available 24/7)

While Payoneer isn’t technically a bank, it does offer digital nomads a convenient way to send and receive money worldwide. You can send and receive funds across multiple currencies between other Payoneer customers for free, but fees apply to other transactions. Visit Payoneer for more information on fees.

Similar to PayPal, your clients can send you money through Payoneer for work you’ve completed. And you can send money to people and businesses as well. You can then transfer the funds you receive to your linked bank account in any number of partner countries. 

Get a Payoneer Mastercard to access your funds and use the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

PayPal

Best For: Nomads wanting to combine payment processing and banking into one

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes | 24/7 Live Support: No

PayPal is well-known for its payment processing benefits. However, you may not know that you can use PayPal to manage your spending and savings as well as send and receive money. 

When you choose to do your banking with PayPal, you can access features such as a debit card, high-yield savings, early Direct Deposit, and crypto purchases. PayPal partners with The Bancorp Bank and Synchrony Bank to help keep your money safe.

One major drawback of PayPal is its high fees, especially for foreign currency transactions, such as converting money you’ve received into a foreign currency or making a purchase in a foreign transaction. Wise and Payoneer are much cheaper options for global multi-currency transfers.

Revolut 

Best For: The globe-hopping nomad

Monthly Fees: $0 to $16.99 | Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes | 24/7 Live Support: Yes (in-app chat)

Revolut is a fintech launched in 2015, quickly becoming popular with digital nomads that travel worldwide. It offers three plans: Standard, Premium, and Metal, ranging from $0 to $16.99 per month.

All plans offer international spending at competitive rates. Upgrade to the Premium or Metal plans for additional benefits such as a higher interest rate on savings, discounted international transfers, and other travel benefits.

Scotiabank

Best For: Canada-based digital nomads

Monthly Fees: $3.95 to $30.95 CAD | Foreign Transaction Fees: Yes | 24/7 Live Support: Yes

Features

• $0 opening deposit requirement
• The minimum balance requirement varies
• Monthly fee varies (options to waive)
• No overdraft fees
• Attractive selection of travel credit cards
• Some of the highest savings yields available

Scotiabank is a major Canadian bank with a large presence in the Caribbean and Central America, which includes operations in 25 countries, 294 branches, and over 655 ATMs in the region. Like most traditional brick-and-mortar banks, Scotiabank’s monthly fees are higher than most online banks.

Also, Scotiabank charges foreign transaction fees on debit card ATM withdrawals, although some Scotiabank credit cards waive foreign transaction fees on purchases. If you’re a Canadian who plans to spend time as a digital nomad in the Caribbean or Central America, Scotiabank might be a suitable banking solution.

Starling Bank

Best For: UK residents that prefer an online-only banking experience

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: Yes

Starling Bank is the UK’s premier challenger bank, and its current account can be a great option for digital nomads. The online-only bank offers fee-free international ATM withdrawal (daily limits apply), competitively priced international transfers, and mobile check deposits.

The account also pays competitive interest rates on balances, and customers can access a debit card made from recycled plastic.

Wise

Best For: High net-worth digital nomads

Monthly Fees: $0 | Foreign Transaction Fees: No | 24/7 Live Support: Yes

Wise is last on our list, but certainly not least. Self-described as banking without borders, Wise is a fintech that serves 160 countries and 40 currencies. Wise’s unique peer-to-peer transfer system enables it to offer users the mid-market exchange rate, which is significantly better than the exchange rate offered by most financial institutions.

If you’re a business owner working with contractors worldwide or a freelancer who gets paid in multiple foreign currencies, then you’ll want to consider Wise. On the other hand, if you frequent ATMs for cash withdrawals, this might not be the right account for you.

✨ Related: Where Can I Find a Foreign Currency Exchange Near Me?

What to Look For in a Bank for Digital Nomads

A bank for digital nomads caters to the needs of people who work remotely and do most of their banking online. 

Digital nomads need online banking services and access to ATMs worldwide. It also helps to have international money transfer capabilities and in some cases, multiple currency accounts. 

Of course, digital nomads, like the rest of us, prefer accounts with low fees and high-level security. The banks featured here strive to serve those of us who work and live a globe-trotting lifestyle. If you’re a digital nomad searching for banking options, here are a few things you should look for.

Bank-Level Security

Banking options for digital nomads should include bank-level security and options such as two-factor authentication. Other features to look for include real-time alerts and the ability to turn debit card access on and off at the touch of a fingertip.

Easy Access to Your Money

Another critical feature is the ability to easily access your money while traveling in other countries. Many banks on our list also offer credit cards for easy spending, and many don’t charge foreign transaction fees when you make purchases outside of the U.S. And you want a bank that offers a debit card that you can use at thousands of ATMs worldwide.

Affordable Banking

Most online-only banks offer free banking without monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Of course, some features, such as international wire transfers, will still cost money. The Capital One 360 checking account is a good example of an account that offers low-fee banking to digital nomads.

There are no monthly, foreign transaction, overdraft, or ATM fees. You can also open a credit card for convenient spending and earn a competitive APY with a 360 Performance Savings account.

Travel Rewards

Most banks offer some form of travel rewards through a travel credit card. But you can also choose a card that’s separate from the bank you’re dealing with. Travel cards allow you to earn valuable miles and points that you can redeem for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. Many include additional travel-related benefits, such as complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access, statement credits, and generous welcome offers.

Great Customer Service

With the big difference in time zones when traveling overseas, the number of hours you can reach a human customer service representative is very important. Look for a bank that offers 24/7 live customer support, including a chat option so you can reach your bank no matter what your waking hours look like.  

FAQs

The Bottom Line

If you’re a digital nomad or are planning to become one, it’s essential to choose a bank that can help you manage your finances wherever your travels take you. We recommend choosing a bank that doesn’t charge monthly or foreign transaction fees, is tied to a large global ATM network, allows international money transfers, and has responsive customer support. Multi-currency support and travel credit cards are other important features, though you can always get those separately if your bank doesn’t offer them.

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About Jim Wang

Jim Wang is a forty-something father of four who is a frequent contributor to Forbes and Vanguard’s Blog. He has also been fortunate to have appeared in the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Entrepreneur, and Marketplace Money.

Jim has a B.S. in Computer Science and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in Information Technology – Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as a Masters in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. His approach to personal finance is that of an engineer, breaking down complex subjects into bite-sized easily understood concepts that you can use in your daily life.

One of his favorite tools (here’s my treasure chest of tools,, everything I use) is Personal Capital, which enables him to manage his finances in just 15-minutes each month. They also offer financial planning, such as a Retirement Planning Tool that can tell you if you’re on track to retire when you want. It’s free.

He is also diversifying his investment portfolio by adding a little bit of real estate. But not rental homes, because he doesn’t want a second job, it’s diversified small investments in a few commercial properties and farms in Illinois, Louisiana, and California through AcreTrader.

Recently, he’s invested in a few pieces of art on Masterworks too.

>> Read more articles by Jim

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or financial institution. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.