Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#1

Post by theodor_shi » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 9:08 AM UTC

I travel to exotic countries to live and work remotely. If suddenly my credit card is blocked or stolen, are there any online banks where I can open an account and order a card by post to anywhere in the world, confirming my identity online?

For example, there are several banks which allows me to open a bank account without German registration and no non-residence, being in Germany. Unfortunately, they send cards only to a limited number of European countries. Even if they are ok with my passport I have to ask somebody to receive my card and send it directly to me.

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#2

Post by jjevanoorschot » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 10:30 AM UTC

Transferwise borderless accounts (https://transferwise.com/gb/borderless/) do exactly that. You can open up multiple international bank accounts that are all linked to one debit card. It's free as well.

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#3

Post by faebi » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 10:36 AM UTC

My standard swiss banks always offered me to ship the replacement cards to anywhere in the world as long as I notify them how long I am in which country. I see no reason except cost-saving that an online bank shouldn‘t offer it.

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#4

Post by xchaotic » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 10:46 AM UTC

jjevanoorschot wrote: post #2

Transferwise borderless accounts ( https://transferwise.com/gb/borderless/ ) do exactly that. You can open up multiple international bank accounts that are all linked to one debit card. It's free as well.

I use them too, but note that they are not a bank, so your money is not protected, also consider Revolut

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#5

Post by huxflux » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 10:51 AM UTC

xchaotic wrote: post #4

jjevanoorschot wrote: post #2

Transferwise borderless accounts ( https://transferwise.com/gb/borderless/ ) do exactly that. You can open up multiple international bank accounts that are all linked to one debit card. It's free as well.

I use them too, but note that they are not a bank, so your money is not protected, also consider Revolut

How is your experience with them so far?

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#6

Post by mariust » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 10:52 AM UTC

It's not really a bank but you can add funds and you manage your account online. [Referral Link] https://bit.ly/2KC8hr3

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#7

Post by huxflux » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 10:53 AM UTC

faebi wrote: post #3

My standard swiss banks always offered me to ship the replacement cards to anywhere in the world as long as I notify them how long I am in which country. I see no reason except cost-saving that an online bank shouldn‘t offer it.

Good for you, now we know you have a set of banks in Swiss. Care to namedrop them so others can take a look as well?

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#8

Post by huxflux » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 10:54 AM UTC

mariust wrote: post #6

It's not really a bank but you can add funds and you manage your account online. [Referral Link] https://bit.ly/2KC8hr3

I hope your getting banned, not even mentioning the service but instead trying to force users to visit your fishy bit.ly. The link he is referring to is: https://www.payoneer.com

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#9

Post by Havoc » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 11:05 AM UTC

Not a bank per se but Revolut is any option perhaps.

Re: Ask HN: Online banks where I can open account worldwide?

#10

Post by kbumsik » Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 11:23 AM UTC

I'm not sure doing it online is particular useful in that case. As it takes at best a couple of days to receive the card you ordered, were you willing to be stuck at that place (or hotel) for days without the card?

As a Korean student who have studied in America and England, I found Citibank useful enough in my case. Citibank is particular good at international personal banking services and they have branches across pretty many countries. When I lost my wallet in Prague 7 years ago, I could visit a Prague branch to withdraw some money without a card immediately (called Emergency Cash or something) , confirming my identity with my passport and calling a Korean branch to make sure it's me. I'm not sure I could make a card in Prague though.