Bank of America vs Wise for non residents

By Rohan Smith, 15 December, 2022

Bank of America review for non-residents without SSN

By Rohan Smith, 17 November, 2022
Bank
Bank of America
SSN Required?
For Residents
ITIN Required?
No
Can Apply Online?
With SSN
Summary

The Bank of America is the second-largest bank in the US and one of the top ten largest globally, Bank of America is a financial services titan that provides a wide assortment of retail, business, and investment banking services to over 66 million customers across the globe.

Features
  • Low monthly maintenance fees and minimum opening deposits.
  • Very familiar with opening accounts for foreigners.
  • Lots of international partner ATMs.
Cons
  • Monthly fee $4.95 - 3% Int'l card payment cost.
  • Relatively high foreign transaction fees.
Link
https://www.bankofamerica.com/

Wise review for non-residents without SSN

By Rohan Smith, 17 November, 2022
Bank
Wise
SSN Required?
No
ITIN Required?
No
Can Apply Online?
Yes
Summary

Wise isn't a bank in the US but a money transfer operator that's well-known for offering some of the cheapest international transfers globally. However, in addition to money transfers, Wise also offers a Multi-Currency Account, a low-cost foreign currency spending account, and a Visa debit card.

Features

Even without a US residence, the Wise Account gives you US checking details.

  • A debit card to spend in 50+ currencies, including US dollars.
  • You can use this account to get paid by employers in US dollars. - Send money domestically within the US.
  • The Wise debit card is accepted worldwide.
  • Local bank details are not just in the US, but also in the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Romania, Canada, and Hungary.
Cons
  • The fee to receive wire transfers (domestic and international) is $7.50 per transaction.
  • Incoming payments can only be in US dollars, no other currency will be accepted.
  • Incoming domestic transfers take 2 to 3 working days to arrive in the account, while international transfers take 4 to 5 days.
  • You can't yet set up a direct debit.
Link
Apply Now!
Neobank?
Yes