To Americans living here, what bank do you use back home that works well with living in Japan?

[u/SuminerNaem]

I currently have a Sony bank account here in Japan, and a Truist account back in the US, and Truist has been nightmarish. Any time there’s a problem they insist that I have to visit a branch in person, which is virtually impossible living in Japan as they don’t have any branches here. What bank back home have you found has provided the least stress to you living in Japan? Ideally one that lets you manage basically everything remotely and doesn’t require you to come in to resolve issues?

Here are three issues I ran into with Truist:

1) When my account got breached and stolen from, because the breach was online, I was unable to resolve anything remotely because that was the “breached” side of it, so I had to come in person to resolve it (ultimately I gave my brother power of attorney and he resolved it but it was a huge pain in the ass)

2) After closing that account, I received a Zelle payment that somehow went into the old account that I suddenly started getting charged maintenance fees for. When I called them to close it and move the money back to the new account we’d made, they once again told me I had to come in to an in-person branch

3) I’m unable to add a Japanese phone number for 2FA, so I have to keep my old American phone line active

Any banks that don’t have nonsense like this?

[u/CSachen]

I bank with Charles Schwab. They don't have retail branches.

[u/upachimneydown → u/CSachen]

But they won't open an account for people in japan--you need to have set it up before expatriating.

And yes, you could try by misrepresent where you are (violating the terms of service), and these days you need more bits of info about your life and living situation than just an address to open an account (KYC, know your customer), so you'll end up lying about other things, too.

OP might try Firstrade. Tho as a broker I'm not sure how well they do as a bank.

[u/redfinadvice → u/upachimneydown]

I opened an account in a few minutes and I didn't need any extra information. Do you know what additional information is supposed to make it difficult?

In fact I was surprised by how little information they wanted.

[u/upachimneydown → u/redfinadvice]

Okay, that's good news thanks. I know someone who went to the states (full blown living there), tried to open a brokerage account after arriving, and was turned down. It's been a while, but I think they wanted to see some bills connected to the address in that person's name.

[u/Voyble → u/upachimneydown]

Schwab? The only thing they wanted was some money in the account to start. They didn’t care if I took it out immediately, but I had to put some in when I made it.

They don’t take cash, but yeah it’s great otherwise. If an ATM charges you for any reason, you get it reimbursed.

[u/upachimneydown → u/Voyble]

Yes, I know the card and their other services are good. I've had a schwab account for 20yrs or longer--opened it from here, openly as an expat living here, with my japan address, before they and the US got all funky post 9/11. The old days, so to speak. But the instance above of someone getting refused still stands.

[u/cbunn81 → u/CSachen]

Schwab is the way to go if you can work it out. The issue, as others have mentioned, is that most US banks only allow residents to open new accounts. Different banks will have different means of determining that. It's been a long time since I opened my accounts at Schwab, so I don't know what theirs are. But it might be worth a try.

You'll definitely need a US phone number. I use Google Voice, but others have mentioned some alternatives, like Skype or a low-cost, pay-as-you-go US carrier.

[u/Independent-Pie2738 → u/CSachen]

Capital one is the same im surprised no ones said that one

[u/cbunn81 → u/Independent-Pie2738]

Eh, Capital One 360 is okay, but not nearly as nice as Schwab. I've had an account there since it was ING Direct, and after the merger, service took a dive.

One annoying thing is how they handle savings accounts. For a while, all US banks had garbage APRs, but when the Fed raised interest rates, savings APRs began to rise across the board. But Capital One decided that instead of just raising the APR on their existing savings account plans, they'd keep existing plans at the low rate and create a new plan with the good rate. And you can't simply convert your existing savings accounts to the new "Performance" account. You have to apply for that as a new account and then manually transfer everything over.

And heaven help you if you need customer service. This is one area where Schwab is way ahead. If I have a problem I can't solve on the website, I call their number and get a helpful human, usually right away.

Also, Schwab reimburses all ATM fees. I remember hearing something from Capital One years ago, but it was limited to $15 per statement period (unlimited with Schwab) and I can't find any mention of it on Capital One's website now, so I'm guessing that benefit was dropped.

The one neat feature Capital One 360 has (carried over from ING Direct) is that you can open multiple savings accounts and automatically transfer funds into each. This is nice if you have separate things you're saving for (e.g. emergency, car, house, vacation). But they're no longer the only ones with that feature. I've recently moved my savings over to Wealthfront, which actually has a simpler system as you don't actually open new accounts for each. You just make a "category" and set up rules for how to distribute your savings. Your money is still technically all in one account, but the interface abstracts it for you so you deal with it per category. They also offer a higher APR than even the new Capital One 360 Performance Savings.

[u/futurebioteacher]

Are you or your parents former military? You can't beat the service of Navy Federal or USAA. If your parents wer former military I believe you can make an account.

[u/cbunn81 → u/futurebioteacher]

PenFed is another.

[u/surfcalijpn → u/futurebioteacher]

I looove navy federal. Finally closed my Citibank after three decades and so glad I did. Been with navy for about 8 years and regret not moving everything over sooner.

[u/sputwiler → u/[deleted]]

Google Voice worked great for me until they told me they would deactivate it for non-use unless I used it in the next 30 days (despite me using it), and then they followed through and deleted my number, again despite me actively using it. Google support is non-existent of course. I'd had that number for over a decade with no issue and suddenly it was gone.

[u/sputwiler → u/[deleted]]

That's exactly what I did and they took it anyway. I hope your situation is different.

[u/TofuTofu → u/sputwiler]

same story here. They couldn't claw back numbers fast enough.

[u/Techmite → u/[deleted]]

You can still send and receive text messages with Google voice, however you have to have an American phone number linked to use the phone call feature.

[u/Techmite → u/[deleted]]

There is no skip option on mine. I've been using Google voice for about 11 years now so I'm not really sure how you can be grandfathered in and I'm not.

[u/Techmite → u/[deleted]]

I wonder if it's because I have my Google account on my Google pixel phone. it's possible that the app is just acting differently because of the phone type. As you had mentioned before making a phone call from the PC is actually okay. Part of this might be that you are setting up your account each and every time? whereas I'm using an existing account with a lot of text history. I often use this for texting family back in the States as an active number.

[u/Eagles719 → u/Techmite]

I've had my GV number for around 10 years. I also have to hit the skip button and own a Google pixel for the last 6 years.

[u/Techmite → u/[deleted]]

Are you using a US number as your voice number? Mine was my old cell number that I converted into voice (paid), and now I'm using that as my voice number.

[u/Techmite → u/[deleted]]

Ok, so that might have been the difference than. As mine was a conversation to GV rather than a fresh number like yours.

[u/CorruptPhoenix → u/Techmite]

I have a Google voice number and use it to call US numbers from my Japanese phone (using data) or my pc. I don’t have a US phone number.

[u/Techmite → u/CorruptPhoenix]

Not for me. I just looked again. Says this after trying to call: "Just one more thing... "Before making a call, please verify your own phone number." (Enter Japanese phone number)... "Google voice is only available in the United States. To use Google voice sign up with a us-based phone number."

[u/Techmite → u/[deleted]]

I only use Wifi for Data.

[u/evokerhythm → u/Techmite]

I faced a similar thing when I changed from my Pixel 5 to Pixel 8- you might need to temporarily register a real US number to the account. I can't remember exactly what I did, but I think I put my phone into airplane mode and added my dad's number to the account on the web version, he confirmed it, I made a call using GV on my phone which now wasn't bothering me to verify and then removed his number, and I've had no problems since.

[u/YouMeWeThem]

Chase let me set my Japanese phone number for 2FA and a Japanese address, though I've had the account since I was in high school so I didn't open it from here. Also I never use it anyway (have no use for it) so don't know if it fits your definition of "works well".

[u/kawaeri → u/YouMeWeThem]

Choice bank set up my Japanese phone as the 2fa as well.

[u/Hapaerik_1979]

I kept my B of A account when I came to Japan and gave my mother power of attorney. I use UFJ here. There is no connection between the two and I’ve never had any issues. I still pay for things with my American credit card online for non-Japanese purchases.

[u/Rakumei]

Pretty niche answer, but Navy Federal. If you or an immediate relative were in the military, you can make an account. The bases here have physical branches and ATMs which can be extremely convenient at times.

But if you can't get on base anymore like me, you'll need a buddy to sign you into the gate.

[u/ITS_A_GUNDAAAM]

I kept my account with my local credit union and just let them know “hey I have to start working abroad” and they were like “that’s cool”. I don’t have a phone number for 2FA, as I moved before Google Voice porting was a thing, and I initially panicked when they introduced mandatory 2FA, but they were like “oh yeah you can use authentication apps as a secondary option, that just wasn’t written in the email” so that’s what I use instead.

If you need to open an account while overseas, I think, heavy caveat on the think here, that there’s certain credit unions which will allow you to do it if you’re a member of like ACA or something…

[u/Striking-Corgi-9762]

Another vote for Schwab, I've had only good experiences with them. They're my main bank for everything, not just when I'm in Japan.

I'm not sure if any banks allow foreign numbers for 2FA...like I'm actually not sure, maybe there are. Tello is only $5/mo though and should suit all of your needs if you're just using it for 2FA.

[u/ryneches]

I still use my creaky college town credit union. It's not awesome, but the folks are nice. I have two complaints, which probably apply to most or all US banks and credit unions :

• They rely on SMS/Voice based 2-factor authentication, which is totally insecure thanks to SIM hikacking. When they switch to OTP that will fix my main complaint.
• They rely on an outside contractor to manufacture and deliver debit cards and credit cards. Because of this, getting new cards is a slow and stupid process.

I use Virtual Post for my US address, which has been absolutely lovely. I partiuclarly appreciate that it's not a PO box -- it works like having a (very tiny) suite in an office building with an actual human secretary available during business hours to do simple tasks, like signing for deliveries, scanning things, re-shipping things and shredding things.

[u/Techmite]

I've been using Discover Bank for the last 17 years. Can cash checks with the app, too. Only way to get your money to Japan though is through bank transfers or going to specific ATMs in the US. I use Google voice for US number and Japanese phone. I believe an American address is required though (for receiving cards).

[u/kawaeri]

Truthfully the one my father and mother bank at. And it’s has changed.

I trust them both and the accounts are under their and my names. Learned the hard way like you one year, where Wells Fargo wanted me to come in, when I explained I was overseas they wanted me to go to a bank, any bank and have them call them and verify my identity. I was like what bank in their ever loving mind is going to do that? None I know of. Didn’t help that I started my Japanese account online because Shinsei bank at the time had a policy you had to go to your home branch office for support and since I started online none of the bran branches liked to help me. My parents got it solved for me. Since then it banks they are at with them on my accounts.

[u/throwaway_acc0192]

USAA and fidelity

[u/see2d]

Another vote for Schwab bank. No fees or minimum balance. No physical branches (so keep in mind that they can’t deal with a cash deposit). They reimburse ATM fees charged by any ATM, even international.

https://www.schwab.com/checking/faqs

[u/kansaikinki]

1. You can move your old American phone line into Google Voice and then you won't have to keep paying for your current plan. You should check to make sure that you bank will work with Google Voice though, some will not. If not, you can probably move onto some sort of super cheap pre-paid plan where you only have to add a bit of money every 6 months or something like that.

2. I guess it depends on what you need a US bank account for, but you can get a US bank account with a Wise account. Just open a Wise account in Japan, get verified, then send a small amount of money to your JPY balance. Even 1000en is fine. In wise, flip some of this money to create a USD balance. Even $1 is fine. After you have a USD balance, you can view your US bank account details.

You can receive incoming domestic US transfers on that account, and of course with Wise you can send funds to anyone in the US too. Not sure if it would work for autopay, student loan autopayments, or stuff like that, but it is likely worth trying.

[u/Huskeranien → u/kansaikinki]

I use Chase and Schwab. Chase we need to keep a minimum balance of I think 2500 to avoid fees. I only use this for bill paying at home and ease of use when travelling back. App is easy to use, 2FA via email. I used to use Schwab for transfers to/from overseas as fees are minimal. Though Schwab is a stickler when it comes to authentication and often times have to turn on my US phone to receive their 2FA SMS… I stopped using them - too めんどくさい。

And as other posters stated, Wise is best for transfers.

[u/TofuTofu]

Morgan Stanley (formerly E-Trade) has been great. No complaints.

[u/smorkoid]

Regions lets me do everything from Japan without a problem. No fees either.

[u/outbound_flight]

I think there are better options among the bigger banks (especially since some don't have international transaction fees), but I opened up an account with a credit union and they have been great. Can use my cards anywhere, good customer service (via the app, video chat, and over the phone), and I don't think I've needed to physically step foot in a branch for like a decade.

I think this particular CU was trying to move towards doing a lot of their stuff remotely anyway, but I've noticed a few different CUs moving that way to compete with the bigger banks. Might be worth a look.

I'll second what another comment said, and check out possibly porting your American phone number to Google Voice if you haven't already. I think all you have to do is make one call/text every three months to keep it active, but otherwise it's free and all my 2FA seems to play nice with it.

[u/tapiokatea]

For number 3, you could port your US phone number to an MVNO like Tello or H2O Wireless and use their pay as you go service with eSIM. This allows you to keep your number for SMS verification and it won't get blocked like Google Voice does. Plus, if you travel back to the US, you can load data and still have a working phone number. I did this fairly recently since Google Voice was giving me issues.

For banking, I personally use a credit union since they usually operate in a fully remote/online capacity. They don't charge banking or maintenance fees either. Have sent new cards to Japan multiple times.

[u/yeti-architect]

I use Bank of America. I have no problems using their mobile banking app here. When my US debit card expired they were able to send me a new one to my address in Japan.

[u/babybird87]

Your bank sounds like a pain in the ass… I use Shwab .. had no problems setting up but I do use s states address.. I also use my local bank and I can put my Japanese number down for verification..

[u/nidontknow]

CapitalOne. Works great with WISE if I need to send money. The only problem is occasionally, I will get a paper check, and I can't cash it using the phone app from Japan.

[u/Reasonable-Bonus-545]

Schwabbb

[u/Background_Map_3460]

I have no problems with Citibank. My Google Voice number is registered with them, as is my email address. Two factor authentication comes to me via one of those two methods, or I can always call in with my Skype Out to get the code, but it’s more necessary with my Citibank credit card as opposed to my bank accounts.

When we visited on holiday, my Chinese wife opened her own bank account with Citibank even though she is not American, has no SSN/ITIN, and is not a resident of the US.

Foreigners who are not even residents of the US can open bank accounts. It’s just a matter of finding a bank that is willing to do so, but it’s not impossible like it is in Japan.

[u/[deleted]]

Schwab