Best mail forwarding services for American expats
If you’re an American living abroad, you know how tricky it can be to stay connected to your important mail. From bank statements and tax documents to personal letters, these are things you don’t want lost or delayed just because you’re on the other side of the world.
That’s where mail forwarding services come in. Think of them as your secure mailbox in the U.S., handling everything from scanning and emailing you copies of your mail to forwarding packages and letters directly to wherever you are. Many of these services also offer extra perks, like the option to deposit checks or store packages temporarily.
But here’s the catch: not all mail forwarding services are created equal. Some offer physical street addresses, while others use Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) addresses. This small detail can make a big difference, especially if you need an address that banks and government agencies will recognize for things like taxes or legal purposes.
Key features to look for in a mail forwarding service
When it comes to choosing a mail forwarding service, it’s all about finding the features that match your lifestyle and needs. Here are the top things to look for when deciding on the best option for you:
Residential address vs. CMRA address
This one’s big. Many mail forwarding services use a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency (CMRA) address, which is fine for general use but can’t be used for banking, legal, or tax purposes. If you need a mailing address that banks or government agencies will accept, make sure the service offers a residential address option.
Check deposit services
If you still receive paper checks, some mail forwarding services can deposit them into your bank account on your behalf. This is especially helpful if you’re abroad long-term and can’t deposit checks in person. Look for services with a reliable and easy check deposit process if this is something you might need.
International forwarding options
Since you’re living outside the U.S., international forwarding is essential. Some services offer flexible shipping options to get your mail or packages wherever you are in the world, and some even allow you to consolidate packages to save on shipping costs. Look into their international fees and see if they ship to your current country.
Package forwarding and consolidation
Many expats rely on U.S. stores for items they can’t easily find abroad. A mail forwarding service that offers package forwarding can receive your online orders, combine them into one shipment, and send them directly to you. Package consolidation can save on shipping costs, especially if you’re ordering from multiple stores.
Digital mail scanning
With digital mail scanning, you can view your mail instantly, no matter where you are. Most mail forwarding services scan the outside of each envelope or package, and some even allow you to request a full scan of the contents. This feature is perfect if you want quick, digital access to your mail without waiting for it to be physically forwarded.
Top 3 mail forwarding services for American expats
Here’s an updated comparison of some top mail forwarding providers for American expats, including pricing and feature highlights:
SavvyNomad
SavvyNomad goes beyond typical mail forwarding by offering a residential address in Florida that’s suitable for legal, banking, and tax purposes.
This makes it an ideal option for expats needing a legitimate address for official purposes. Additionally, SavvyNomad provides a secondary address dedicated to parcel forwarding, helping users manage mail and packages separately.
Key features:
- Residential address option for legal, tax, and banking requirements.
- Full-service check deposit capability and international forwarding for secure global access.
- Comprehensive web portal for managing requests such as mail scans, forwarding, shredding, and secure document handling.
Pricing: Starts at $35 USD per month. SavvyNomad also offers additional services tailored for expats, such as U.S. domicile services and tax support.
Drawbacks: The residential address is Florida-based only, given its integration with the domicile service.
Traveling Mailbox
This service offers flexibility with multiple U.S. address locations and a wide range of mail management options, including a dedicated app for easy mobile access.
Key features:
- Provides multiple address locations across the U.S. for mail scanning, forwarding, and consolidation.
- Check deposit service available at an additional cost.
Pricing: Starts at $15 USD per month for basic services, with more comprehensive plans up to $159 per month .
Drawbacks: Additional fees may apply for premium services, which can increase overall costs.
US Global Mail
US Global Mail offers a simple and affordable solution with a Texas-based address, suitable for expats who need reliable mail forwarding and storage options at a lower price.
Key features:
- Check deposit option and package consolidation for flexible forwarding.
- Up to 180 days of free mail storage.
Pricing: Ranges from $10-$20 USD per month, making it a budget-friendly option for essential mail forwarding needs.
Drawbacks: Limited to a single address in Texas, which may be a limitation for those needing a specific state-based address .
Each of these services offers unique strengths, from SavvyNomad’s residential and parcel-specific address options to Traveling Mailbox’s variety of U.S. locations and international forwarding options.
Why a U.S. residential address matters for expats
For American expats, having a U.S. residential address (as opposed to a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency or CMRA address) is critical for official purposes. A true residential address allows you to fulfill key legal, banking, and tax requirements that CMRA addresses typically do not meet. Here’s why it matters:
- Legal and Tax Compliance: Residential addresses are recognized for IRS tax filings, certain state tax obligations, and other official records.
- Banking Access: Many banks require a residential address to verify accounts, prevent closures, and maintain credit scores.
- Address for Government Agencies: For voter registration, DMV renewals, and Social Security, a residential address is often essential to maintain compliance.
A residential address service like SavvyNomad’s enables American expats to maintain essential connections and meet requirements without the limitations that come with a CMRA address.
Options for maintaining a U.S. residential address while living abroad
Domicile service
Using a domicile service, like SavvyNomad’s, provides a verified U.S. residential address, ideal for official documents, tax filings, and banking. Additionally, a domicile address can help expats establish residency in no-income-tax states like Florida, offering tax benefits while providing proof of address for legal needs.
Mail forwarding service
Residential mail forwarding services offer a verified residential address with additional services like mail scanning and international forwarding.
Family or friend’s address
Using a friend or relative’s address can work for informal mail, but if a bank or government agency requires proof of address, this option can be problematic, as proof documents won’t be available.
