Best US Banks for American Expats Living in Netherlands
We tested four US banks before finding one that works for expats.
Chase closed our account. Bank of America wanted a US address. Capital One was unreliable.
Charles Schwab? Perfect.
The Winner: Charles Schwab
After three years in the Netherlands, Schwab is still our US bank.
Why it's best for expats:
- Explicitly allows foreign addresses
- No foreign transaction fees
- Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide
- No monthly fees or minimum balance
- Excellent customer service
What you get:
- Free checking account
- Debit card that works everywhere
- Linked brokerage account (required, but free)
Real costs: $0/year for everything.
Our experience: We told them we live in the Netherlands. They said "no problem, updated." That was it.
For more on maintaining your US financial presence, see keeping US bank accounts after moving abroad.
Runner-Up: Citibank
Works for expats, but with requirements.
Pros:
- International bank with global branches
- No foreign transaction fees (on some accounts)
- Citi Global Transfers between countries
Cons:
- Minimum balance: $1,500-10,000
- Monthly fees if you don't meet minimums
- ATM fees at non-Citi ATMs
Best for: Expats with high balances ($10,000+) who want physical branches.
Avoid: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo
These banks don't work for expats.
The problem: Require US address. Will close accounts with foreign addresses.
The workaround: Some expats keep a US address on file and don't tell the bank. Risky—they can close your account anytime.
Our take: Not worth it. Use Schwab.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Schwab | Citibank | Chase/BofA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expat-friendly | Yes | Yes | No |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $10-30* | $12-25* |
| ATM rebates | All fees | No | No |
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 | $0* | 3% |
*Can be waived with minimum balance
Our Setup
Schwab (primary US bank):
- Receiving US income
- Paying US taxes
- Paying US credit cards
- ATM withdrawals worldwide
ING (primary Dutch bank):
- Receiving Dutch income
- Daily expenses in Netherlands
Wise (transfers):
- Moving money between US and Dutch accounts (see our complete Wise comparison guide)
Setting Up Your Expat Finances?
Go at Your Own Pace
Templates, checklists, and a step-by-step timeline for your entire DAFT move—the practical toolkit we built from our own experience.
- Complete banking setup guide
- Money transfer recommendations
- Or book a consultation for guidance
Talk Through Your Situation
Have specific questions? Unusual circumstances? Or just want to hear from someone who did this? Let's get on a call.
- Complete banking setup guide
- Money transfer recommendations
- Or book a consultation for guidance
Before You Move: Checklist
- Open Schwab account (2-3 months before moving)
- Get debit card mailed to US address
- Set up US address (family member or mail forwarding)
- Close non-expat-friendly accounts
- Update direct deposits and bill payments
After you move: Update Schwab address to Netherlands.
The Bottom Line
Use Charles Schwab. It's free, works perfectly for expats, and we've used it for 3 years without issues.
Open it before you move—it's much harder to open US accounts from abroad.
For a complete financial planning overview, check out our moving to Netherlands guide and learn about US credit cards that work in Amsterdam.
Digital Guide — $199
Bank policies change. Always verify current requirements directly.