Best Digital Nomad Banks

Digital banks aren’t new, but as technology advances, digital banks have continuously revolutionized how we manage our finances. Some of these banks have made the deal so sweet, as far as banks for digital nomads go, it’s impossible not to switch.

The times are a-changin’
– Bob Dylan

Travel perks, high-yield savings, software integration, accessibility, and incredibly low — or zero! — fees are only a few of the advantages of digital banking that will simplify your life. If you haven’t opened an account, this article will help you choose the best bank for your digital nomad banking needs.

What is digital banking?

Traditional banks vs. Fintech

As a digital nomad, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right bank to manage your finances. In today’s world, you have two main options: traditional banks and fintech (financial technology) companies. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each:

Traditional Banks:

Pros:

• Well-established and familiar
• Physical locations and in-person support available
• Wide range of products and services

Cons:

• High fees and transaction costs
• Limited mobile app functionality
• May have outdated technology and security measures

Fintech Companies:

Pros:

• Low fees and transaction costs
• User-friendly mobile apps and web interfaces
• Cutting-edge technology and security measures

Cons:

• Lack of physical locations and in-person support
• May have limited products and services
• May not be as well-established or familiar

As you can see, both traditional banks and fintech companies have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you value in-person support and a wide range of products and services, a traditional bank may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize low fees and user-friendly technology, a fintech company like Lili or Wise might be the better option.

It’s important to do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and choose a bank that works best for your unique situation. After all, managing your finances effectively is key to a successful digital nomad lifestyle.

7 Top digital banks for Digital Nomads in 2023

1. Axos Bank
2. Brex
3. Lending Club (Radius Bank)
4. Lili
5. Revolut
6. Wise (previously TransferWise)
7. Coinbase

Axos Bank

Axos Bank has been around since the early 2000s. I remember it was still called Bank of Internet USA back then — oh, how far they’ve come! Cringeworthy names of the new millennium aside, their history has been sound. They’ve been named one of Forbes’ Fastest Growing Companies in America, and it’s because they’ve always focused on innovation and customer service.

They offer a range of financial products and services, designed to help people manage their money more efficiently.

One of the things that makes Axos unique is that it’s an entirely online bank, which means that you can manage your finances from anywhere in the world. Plus, since Axos doesn’t have any physical branches, they are able to offer lower fees and higher interest rates than many traditional banks.

Axos offers a range of products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment services. They also provide a variety of user-friendly tools and features to help you manage your money effectively, such as mobile check deposit, bill pay, and budgeting tools.

Another advantage of Axos is their strong focus on customer service. They offer 24/7 support and have a team of dedicated banking experts who can help you with any questions or issues you may have.

Overall, Axos is a great option for people who are looking for a modern, convenient, and cost-effective way to manage their finances. Whether you’re a digital nomad, freelancer, or just someone who wants to save money and manage your finances more efficiently, Axos is definitely worth considering.

Benefits of Using Axos as a Digital Nomad Bank

As a digital nomad, here are some of the benefits you can enjoy when using Axos as your banking provider:

1. Online banking: Axos is a fully online bank, which means you can manage your finances from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This is a great advantage for digital nomads who are constantly on the move.
2. Lower fees: Since Axos doesn’t have physical branches, they are able to offer lower fees and higher interest rates than many traditional banks. This can be a big advantage for digital nomads who need to keep their costs low.
3. Mobile banking: Axos offers a mobile app that makes it easy to manage your account on-the-go. You can deposit checks, transfer funds, pay bills, and track your spending from your smartphone or tablet.
4. 24/7 customer support: Axos offers 24/7 customer support, which is great for digital nomads who may need assistance at odd hours due to time zone differences.
5. Travel rewards: Axos offers travel rewards for certain accounts, which can be a great way to earn points or miles for your travels.

Drawbacks of Using Axos

While Axos offers several advantages for digital nomads, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:

1. No physical branches: While not having physical branches can be an advantage in terms of lower fees and higher interest rates, it can also be a disadvantage if you prefer in-person banking support or need to deposit cash.
2. Limited international ATM network: While Axos does offer fee-free ATM withdrawals, their international ATM network may be more limited than other banks. This could be a concern for digital nomads who travel extensively and need to withdraw cash frequently.
3. Limited foreign currency services: Axos does not offer foreign currency exchange services, which could be a disadvantage for digital nomads who frequently make transactions in foreign currencies.
4. Online-only experience: While Axos’ online banking capabilities can be an advantage for digital nomads, some people may prefer a more traditional banking experience with in-person support and paper statements.

Pricing for Axos

Here is a breakdown of some of the pricing for different Axos accounts:

1. Essential Checking: This account has no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirement. However, there is a $30 overdraft fee, and out-of-network ATM fees may apply.
2. Rewards Checking: This account offers higher interest rates than the Essential Checking account, as well as ATM fee reimbursements. There is a $10 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits per month.
3. CashBack Checking: This account offers cash back rewards on purchases, as well as ATM fee reimbursements. There is a $8.95 monthly maintenance fee, which can be waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits per month.
4. High Yield Savings: This account offers a competitive interest rate and no monthly maintenance fees. However, there is a $5 excess transaction fee for each transaction over six per month.
5. CDs: Axos offers a range of CD options with varying terms and interest rates. The minimum deposit for a CD is $1,000.

It’s important to note that these fees and pricing structures are subject to change, and there may be additional fees for certain services or transactions.

Is Axos a good bank for digital nomads?

Axos is an online bank that may be a good option for digital nomads due to its online banking capabilities, lower fees, and mobile app for easy account management on-the-go. However, the lack of physical branches, limited international ATM network, and limited foreign currency services may not make it the best fit for everyone.

Brex

Brex is probably one of the youngest on our list of digital banks, but they’re backed by some really big investors. To name drop, PayPal co-founders Max Levchin and Peter Thiel are only two. They’ve targeted newly-founded startups, established tech companies, and eCommerce brands — and they’ve succeeded.

If you’ve ever had to get a loan for your business idea as a freelancer or entrepreneur, you’ll understand the frustration. That’s why Brex has done so well. They’re proudly helping founders and their teams grow without having to worry about banks turning them down.

Benefits of Using Brex as a Digital Nomad Bank

As a digital nomad, you may not find Brex to be the best option for your banking needs. Brex is primarily designed for startups and small businesses, and their credit cards and financial products are not tailored specifically for individuals or digital nomads.

However, if you are running a startup or small business, here are some benefits of using Brex as your banking provider:

1. Credit cards for startups and small businesses: Brex offers several credit card options, designed specifically for startups and small businesses. These cards can be a great way to manage cash flow, earn rewards, and track expenses.
2. Innovative underwriting approach: Brex uses alternative data sources to assess the creditworthiness of its customers, which can be an advantage for startups and small businesses that may not have an extensive credit history or financial track record.
3. Cash management accounts: Brex offers cash management accounts with no minimum balance requirements and no fees, which can be a good option for managing your business finances.
4. Business loans: Brex offers a variety of business loan options, including term loans, lines of credit, and venture debt.
5. Expense management software: Brex offers an expense management software that can help you track and manage your business expenses, making it easier to stay on top of your finances.

Overall, while Brex is not specifically designed for digital nomads, it can be a great option for startups and small businesses that need a flexible, innovative, and cost-effective way to manage their finances. With its range of credit card options, financial tools, and expense management software, Brex can help startups and small businesses optimize their finances and grow their businesses.

Drawbacks to using Brex as a Digital Nomad Bank

As a digital nomad, there are several potential drawbacks to using Brex as your banking provider:

1. Designed for startups and small businesses: Brex’s products and services are not designed specifically for individuals or digital nomads. While they offer credit cards and financial products for startups and small businesses, they may not be the best fit for the needs of individuals.
2. Limited ATM access: Brex does not offer ATM withdrawals, which could be a disadvantage for digital nomads who need to access cash frequently while traveling.
3. Lack of foreign transaction fee waiver: Brex credit cards do not offer a waiver for foreign transaction fees, which could result in higher fees for international transactions.
4. Limited credit card acceptance: Some merchants and businesses may not accept Brex credit cards, which could limit your ability to make purchases or payments.
5. Higher credit requirements: Brex may have higher credit requirements than other banks or financial institutions, which could be a disadvantage for individuals or small businesses with limited credit history or lower credit scores.

Pricing for Brex

Brex offers a range of financial products and services, each with its own pricing and fee structure. Here is a breakdown of some of the pricing for different Brex accounts:

1. Brex Corporate Card: This is Brex’s flagship product and is designed for startups and small businesses. There are no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or fees for employee cards. However, there are fees for certain transactions, such as cash advances or wire transfers.
2. Brex Cash: This is Brex’s cash management account that can be used for banking and financial services. There are no minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, or fees for ACH transfers. However, there are fees for wire transfers and incoming transfers from non-US banks.
3. Brex Venture Debt: This is a business loan product that offers flexible terms and competitive rates. The exact pricing and fees for Brex Venture Debt depend on the terms of the loan and the creditworthiness of the borrower.
4. Brex Premium: This is a paid add-on service that offers additional features and benefits, such as enhanced rewards, travel perks, and 24/7 customer support. The cost of Brex Premium starts at $49 per user per month.

It’s important to note that these fees and pricing structures are subject to change, and there may be additional fees for certain services or transactions.

Is Brex a Good Option as a Digital Nomad Bank?

Brex may not be the best banking option for digital nomads since its products and services are primarily designed for startups and small businesses. While Brex does offer credit cards and financial tools that could be useful for digital nomads, such as expense management software, the lack of ATM access, foreign transaction fee waiver, and limited credit card acceptance may not make it the most convenient or cost-effective option. Additionally, the higher credit requirements could be a disadvantage for digital nomads or small businesses with limited credit history. Therefore, it may be best to look for other banking options specifically tailored to the needs of digital nomads when searching for a digital nomad bank.

Lending Club (Radius Bank)

Radius Bank is a full-service online bank that offers a range of banking products and services. It was acquired by LendingClub in 2021, and is now part of the LendingClub family.

One of the great things about Lending Club Bank is that it offers online banking services that are convenient and user-friendly. With its mobile app and website, you can easily manage your accounts, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks, all from the comfort of your own home.

Lending Club Bank also offers a range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and small business banking services. The checking and savings accounts come with competitive interest rates, no monthly maintenance fees, and access to over 20,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.

In addition, Lending Club Bank is committed to providing a great customer experience, with responsive customer service and easy-to-use tools and resources to help you manage your finances effectively. Overall, if you’re looking for an online bank that offers a range of banking products and services, along with a user-friendly experience, Lending Club Bank could be a great option to consider.

Benefits of Using Lending Club as a Digital Nomad Bank

Lending Club Bank can be a good option for digital nomads for several reasons:

1. Online banking services: Lending Club Bank is an online-only bank, which means you can access your accounts and manage your finances from anywhere in the world. With its mobile app and website, you can easily check your balances, transfer funds, and pay bills, all without having to visit a physical branch.
2. No foreign transaction fees: Lending Club Bank does not charge foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases, which can be significant cost savings for digital nomads who frequently travel internationally.
3. Competitive interest rates: Lending Club Bank offers competitive interest rates on its checking and savings accounts, which can help you earn more on your deposits and grow your savings over time.
4. Fee-free ATMs: Lending Club Bank offers access to over 20,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, which can be a great convenience for digital nomads who need to access cash while traveling.
5. Small business banking services: For digital nomads who run their own businesses, Lending Club Bank offers a range of small business banking services, including business checking and savings accounts, business loans, and merchant services.

Drawbacks to Using Lending Club Bank

While Lending Club Bank can be a great option for digital nomads, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Limited physical branch access: Lending Club Bank is an online-only bank, which means that it does not have any physical branches. This can be a disadvantage for digital nomads who prefer to have in-person access to banking services.
2. Limited ATM network: While Lending Club Bank does offer access to over 20,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, the network may not be as extensive as other banks. Digital nomads who frequently travel to remote or less-populated areas may find it difficult to find a fee-free ATM.
3. Limited international support: While Lending Club Bank does not charge foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases, it may not offer the same level of support for international banking as other banks. Digital nomads who frequently travel abroad may want to consider a bank with more extensive international support.
4. Potential account restrictions: Lending Club Bank may have more stringent requirements for opening and maintaining accounts compared to other online banks. Digital nomads who have a limited credit history or fluctuating income may find it difficult to meet the bank’s requirements.

Pricing for Lending Club Bank

Lending Club Bank offers a range of banking products and services, each with its own pricing structure. Here is a summary of the pricing for some of its popular products:

1. Rewards Checking: This checking account offers competitive interest rates and cashback rewards on debit card purchases. The account has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no foreign transaction fees. However, there is a $100 minimum opening deposit requirement.
2. High-Yield Savings: This savings account offers a competitive interest rate on balances of up to $25,000. The account has no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements. However, there is a $100 minimum opening deposit requirement.
3. Superhero Checking: This checking account is designed for kids and teens, and offers a range of parental controls and spending limits. The account has no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.
4. Personal Loans: Lending Club Bank offers personal loans with fixed interest rates and no prepayment penalties. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $35,000, with repayment terms of up to 5 years. Interest rates vary depending on creditworthiness and other factors.

Is Lending Club Banking a Good Option as a Digital Nomad Bank

Overall, Lending Club Bank can be a good option for digital nomads, especially those who value online banking services, competitive interest rates, and fee-free ATMs. Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of using Lending Club Bank as a digital nomad:

Pros:

1. Online banking services that are convenient and user-friendly.
2. No foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases.
3. Competitive interest rates on checking and savings accounts.
4. Access to over 20,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
5. Small business banking services.
6. Responsive customer service.

Cons:

1. Limited physical branch access.
2. Limited ATM network compared to other banks.
3. Limited international support.
4. Potential account restrictions.

Overall, if you are a digital nomad who values online banking services and competitive interest rates, and don’t require in-person banking, then Lending Club Bank can be a great option to consider. However, if you frequently travel to remote or less-populated areas, or require extensive international banking support, then you may want to explore other banking options. It’s important to carefully consider your banking needs and preferences before making a decision.

 Lili Bank

So, Lili Bank is this cool new mobile banking app that’s designed just for people like us who work for ourselves. It’s got a bunch of helpful features, like a checking account that doesn’t have any of those pesky monthly fees, and a sweet little Visa debit card that you can use for all your business expenses.

What’s really neat about Lili is that it works seamlessly with a bunch of different freelance platforms, like Uber and Fiverr. That means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of your earnings and expenses – Lili does it all for you! And with their mobile app, you can check your account balance and get real-time updates on all your transactions.

The best part is that you can use Lili to withdraw cash from ATMs without any extra fees, as long as you use one of the ATMs in their network. It’s just a super easy and convenient way to manage your finances, especially if you’re like me and sometimes struggle to keep track of everything.

So yeah, I definitely trust Lili Bank – it’s like having a personal banker right in your pocket!

Benefits of Lili

Here are some benefits of Lili that may be particularly useful for digital nomads:

• No monthly fees for their checking account
• Visa debit card that can be used for all your business expenses
• Integration with various freelancing platforms, such as Uber, Lyft, and Fiverr, to automatically track your earnings and expenses
• Mobile app that provides real-time notifications for all transactions
• No foreign transaction fees when using your Lili debit card abroad
• 38,000+ ATMs in their network where you can withdraw cash without incurring any fees
• Ability to categorize and track your business expenses, making it easier to manage your finances and prepare for tax season
• FDIC-insured up to $250,000, providing peace of mind that your money is secure
• Fast and easy sign-up process that can be completed entirely online, making it convenient for digital nomads who are always on the move

Overall, Lili Bank is a convenient and affordable banking solution that can help digital nomads stay on top of their finances and focus on their work without having to worry about banking fees or managing their money.

Drawbacks of Using Lili

While Lili Bank has many benefits for digital nomads, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Limited account types: Lili Bank currently only offers a checking account, which may not be ideal for digital nomads who need additional account types, such as a savings account or credit card.
• No physical branches: Lili Bank is a completely digital bank, which means they do not have any physical branch locations. This may be a drawback for digital nomads who prefer in-person banking services or need access to a physical branch for certain transactions.
• No cash deposits: Lili Bank does not currently offer a way to deposit cash into your account. While this may not be a problem for many digital nomads who primarily use electronic payment methods, it could be an issue for those who occasionally receive cash payments.
• Limited ATM network: While Lili Bank offers fee-free ATM withdrawals within their network, there may be situations where you need to use an ATM that is not in their network, which could result in fees.
• Potential for account freezes: Like any bank, Lili Bank may freeze your account if they suspect fraudulent activity or if they are unable to verify your identity. While this is a standard security measure, it could be a problem for digital nomads who rely on their accounts for everyday transactions.

Overall, while Lili Bank has many advantages for digital nomads, it’s important to consider these potential drawbacks before deciding if it’s the right banking option for you.

Pricing for Lil

• Lili offers a free checking account with no monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements.
• Lili does not charge any foreign transaction fees when you use your debit card outside the United States.
• Lili does not charge any ATM fees for using one of the 38,000+ in-network ATMs.
• If you use an out-of-network ATM, Lili will not charge you a fee, but the ATM operator may charge a fee.
• If you need to order a replacement debit card, there may be a fee of $10.
• If you need expedited shipping for your replacement debit card, there may be an additional fee of $25.
• If you deposit a check that is returned for insufficient funds or other reasons, Lili may charge you a fee of up to $25.
• If you need to make a same-day ACH transfer, there may be a fee of $2.50.

Is Lili a good option Bank for Digital Nomads?

Lili is a great option for digital nomads. It offers a range of features and services designed specifically for the needs of freelancers and independent workers. Lili’s fee-free banking, real-time expense tracking, tax tools, mobile app, and savings tools make it a flexible, cost-effective, and convenient banking option for digital nomads. Overall, Lili can help digital nomads save time, money, and hassle, leaving them more time to focus on their work and adventures.

To summarize, Lili offers a very affordable banking solution for freelancers and independent workers, with no monthly fees or foreign transaction fees, and a large network of fee-free ATMs. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential fees for certain services, such as expedited shipping or same-day ACH transfers, to avoid any unexpected charges.

Revolut

So, Revolut is this really cool app that’s all about making banking simple and easy. It’s basically like having a bank in your pocket!

With Revolut, you can do all sorts of things, like send and receive payments, exchange currencies, and invest in stocks and cryptocurrencies. And the best part is that you can do it all from one app – no need to go to a bank or use a separate investment platform.

One of the things that makes Revolut really special is how flexible it is. You can use it to make payments in over 150 different currencies, so if you’re someone who travels a lot or works with international clients, it’s perfect for you!

Another great thing about Revolut is how user-friendly it is. With features like real-time spending alerts and the ability to set monthly spending limits, you can keep a close eye on your finances and avoid overspending. Plus, the app is really customizable, so you can set it up to work just the way you like.

Now, there are some fees associated with certain types of transactions or investments, but overall I’ve found Revolut to be a really affordable way to manage your money. And the convenience factor is just unbeatable!

So, whether you’re an experienced investor or just looking for an easier way to manage your finances, Revolut is definitely worth checking out. Give it a try and see for yourself.

Benefits of Using Revolut

Here are some benefits of using Revolut:

• Wide range of financial services accessible from one app
• A quick and easy sign-up process
• Ability to send and receive payments, exchange currencies, and invest in stocks and cryptocurrencies
• Payments can be made in over 150 different currencies
• Real-time spending alerts to help you stay on top of your finances
• Ability to set monthly spending limits to help avoid overspending
• Fully customizable app settings to tailor your banking experience to your individual needs
• Low and transparent fees for most services
• No fees for foreign currency transactions and ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit
• Security features like biometric authentication and the ability to freeze your card in the app in case of loss or theft
• 24/7 customer support available through the app

Drawbacks of Using Revolut

While Revolut offers many benefits for digital nomads, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Limited customer support: While Revolut does offer 24/7 customer support through the app, some users have reported difficulties getting in touch with a live representative, which can be frustrating if you need help with an urgent issue.
• Potential transaction limits: Revolut may impose transaction limits on your account, which could be a problem for digital nomads who frequently make large or frequent transactions.
• Limited currency exchange limits: Revolut may also impose currency exchange limits, which could be a problem for digital nomads who need to exchange large sums of money.
• Limited ATM withdrawal limits: While Revolut offers fee-free ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit, this limit may not be high enough for digital nomads who need to withdraw cash frequently or in large amounts.
• Potential account freezes: Like any bank, Revolut may freeze your account if they suspect fraudulent activity or if they are unable to verify your identity. While this is a standard security measure, it could be a problem for digital nomads who rely on their accounts for everyday transactions.

Overall, while Revolut can be a convenient and affordable banking solution for digital nomads, it’s important to be aware of these potential drawbacks and consider them before deciding if Revolut is the right banking option for you.

Pricing for Revolut

here’s a breakdown of Revolut’s pricing:

• Revolut offers a free Standard account, which comes with basic features such as fee-free foreign currency spending and ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit, and access to real-time exchange rates.
• Revolut also offers paid plans – Premium and Metal – which offer additional features such as higher ATM withdrawal limits, exclusive access to customer support, and the ability to make free international money transfers above a certain limit.
• The Premium plan costs $9.99 per month, and the Metal plan costs $16.99 per month.
• Revolut may charge fees for certain services, such as a 0.5% fee for currency exchange on weekends and a 1% fee for cryptocurrency transactions.
• There may also be fees associated with certain types of transactions, such as a fee for withdrawing cash at an ATM over the free limit, or a fee for using the app to buy or sell stocks.
• It’s important to note that the specific fees and limits for each service can vary depending on your location and the type of account you have.

Wise (previously TransferWise)
Coinbase

Wise is an online service that helps you save money when sending or receiving money across international borders. It’s a great option for anyone who needs to pay contractors overseas or book Muay Thai training at Punch It Gym in Koh Samui (like me!)

One of the things that makes Wise so trustworthy is that it’s very transparent about its fees. When you use Wise to transfer money, you’ll know exactly how much it’s going to cost you upfront, and you’ll never be hit with hidden fees or charges. This means that you can plan your finances more effectively and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.

Another great thing about Wise is that it uses the mid-market exchange rate when converting currencies, which means you get a fair exchange rate and don’t have to worry about losing money to unfavorable exchange rates or hidden fees. This is a big advantage over traditional banks or money transfer services, which often charge high fees and give you a less favorable exchange rate.

So, is you’re a digital nomad, Wise is a great option to consider. It’s fast, reliable, and cost-effective, and you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for every step of the way. Plus, the Wise app is very user-friendly, so it’s easy to use even if you’re not a tech expert.

Overall, I think you’ll find Wise to be a really trustworthy and convenient service for your international money transfer needs. Give it a try and see for yourself – I think you’ll be impressed!