What Makes a Savings Account "Nomad-Friendly"?
Most traditional high-yield savings accounts (HYSA) in the US or UK are strictly for residents. If you move abroad and update your address, they might freeze your account. A true high yield savings account for digital nomads must offer:
- No Physical Presence Requirement: Ability to manage everything via an app.
- Virtual Address Acceptance: Works with CMRA or mail forwarding addresses.
- Low Foreign Transaction Fees: So you don't lose your interest gains to bank fees.
1. Wise Interest: The Global Leader
Wise (formerly TransferWise) isn't just for sending money. Their "Interest" feature allows you to hold your balance in a fund that tracks the interest rate. It's ideal because you can switch between USD, EUR, and GBP instantly.
2. Charles Schwab: The Nomad’s Secret Weapon
While the interest rate isn't the highest, the Investor Checking paired with a brokerage account is essential. Why? Because they refund 100% of ATM fees worldwide. This saves many nomads $20-$50 per month, which is often more than the interest they would earn elsewhere.