If you’re an expat maintaining a US address (or trying to figure out your options to do so), you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the important considerations from a banking perspective and help you navigate your options.
But first, it’s important to note that some of the best US banks for non-residents actually don’t require a US address at all.
More specifically, certain US banks will allow you to use a foreign mailing address to open a US bank account, even 100% remotely. We’ll discuss these options (and other considerations) below.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections that are most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- How Can I Keep an Address in the USA as an Expat?
- Can an Expat Use a Post Office Box (PO Box) as a US Address?
- What Is a Virtual Mailbox Service Provider?
- Can Expats Use Foreign Addresses?
- Frequently Asked US Banking Questions
- Do You Want Help Opening US Bank Accounts?
How Can I Keep an Address in the USA as an Expat?
In this article, we’re not sharing recommendations on what you should do. Instead, we’ll share trends and observations about how other expats are keeping US addresses from abroad.
Here are four of the most popular methods that we’ve seen people use.
- Using a permanent address of a family member
- Using the mailing address of a close friend
- PO Box address from a large service provider
- Mail forwarding address or virtual mailbox from various operators
Each of these four options has its pros and cons. With this in mind, we’ll dive into a few of the lesser-known options and discuss the benefits and drawbacks below.
But first, before rushing out to get a US mailing address, the question you need to ask yourself is: do I really need a US address?
As mentioned above, not all US banks require a US address. So, if the reason that you’re looking to keep an address in the US as an expat is tied to your bank account, maybe you should consider opening with a different bank instead.
Note: keeping an address in the US is also an important consideration for US expats with US bank and brokerage accounts. This is because many US banks and brokerage firms will close accounts of US citizens living abroad if a new foreign address is provided.
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Don’t forget to download your FREE USA Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents open accounts with top banks in the US.
Can an Expat Use a Post Office Box (PO Box) as a US Address?
US post office boxes (PO Box) are commonly used to receive correspondence on behalf of a person or business that does not want to publicly list their personal address or actual place of business. This keeps their mailing home address private and their packages safe until they are ready to be picked up.
Generally, PO boxes are cheaper than the other paid options listed above. However, inexpensive doesn’t always mean effective (or useful), when it comes to banking.
While they might seem like a convenient and cost-effective option, self-serve PO boxes are often challenging for a non-resident and expat to maintain. That’s because someone needs to regularly check them, the mail isn’t automatically forwarded, and in most cases, US banks and other financial institutions reject them (since they are not viewed as a real, physical address).
So, if you are looking for an address for banking purposes, you should confirm with the bank whether or not they accept a US PO Box address before paying for one. The majority of US banks will say no.
What Is a Virtual Mailbox Forwarding Service Provider?
A virtual mailbox forwarding service is another popular option that expat individuals use to keep an address in the US. This type of virtual mail provider is also referred to as a mail forwarder.
Virtual mailboxes can be purchased and activated entirely online for a monthly fee. First, you choose the specific state and city where you want the virtual mailbox address to be located. Then you find mail forwarders serving that area.
It’s important to note that the specific address chosen is critical if being used for banking purposes. More specifically, the address chosen can “make or break” an applicant’s banking application.
For example, if the bank deems your address unacceptable, they’ll reject the application. Only a few US banks will give second chances. But, the overwhelming majority will simply deny the applicant – who then has to find somewhere else to bank.
In fact, if the “virtual mailbox” just happens to be inside a UPS store, banks probably won’t accept it. So, not all virtual mailbox address services are created equal. Some services work better than others.
In GlobalBanks USA, we discuss US addresses in detail, how to choose one, what works, what doesn’t, and what to avoid.
Can Expats Use Foreign Addresses?
Yes, expats can use foreign addresses. There are banks in the US that accept foreign addresses, so keeping a US address while living abroad may be unnecessary.
With this in mind, if you are looking to open (or keep open) a US account as an expat, digital nomad, or foreigner, and you do not have a US mailing address, our team can help you sort out your banking options and determine which account opening strategies work best for your particular situation through GlobalBanks USA.
In the meantime, here are a few of the most common questions we receive about US addresses from expat individuals living abroad.
Frequently Asked US Banking Questions
Below are two of the most common questions we receive from people exploring how an expat can maintain a US address. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can I Keep My US Bank Account If I Move Abroad?
Whether you can keep your US bank account when you move abroad depends on the bank. For example, only some US banks will maintain accounts for US citizens living abroad. Additionally, if the account is opened with a US mailing address and later changed to a foreign mailing address, this can trigger an account closure. If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to contact us and we can help you open another account with banks that openly accept foreigners and US citizens living outside of the United States.
Do I Need to Maintain a US Address While Living Abroad?
It can be helpful to maintain a US mailing address while living abroad for correspondence purposes. However, for some people, it is not always necessary to keep a local address in the US. Ultimately, it depends on your specific requirements and the costs of keeping a US mailing address. In GlobalBanks USA, we dive deeper into this topic and share banks that do not even require a US address to open accounts.
Do You Want Help Opening Bank Accounts?
If so, you can get access to GlobalBanks USA (our dedicated US account opening service) in just a few clicks.
GlobalBanks USA is a 100% personal account opening solution. It provides direct access to our team of US banking experts.
When you join, you receive…
+ Expert suggestions on where to open US bank accounts.
+ Step-by-step support to navigate US account opening.
+ Direct introductions to helpful and responsive bankers.
+ Plus, detailed guides to maximizing the value you get from your new USA bank account.
And “yes!” GlobalBanks USA helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open accounts.
In fact, GlobalBanks USA even helps non-resident US LLCs and foreign & offshore entities.
To learn more about opening accounts with GlobalBanks USA, just click here now. Or, contact us directly with any questions!
