6 Swiss Banks with U.S. Branches for Expats, Nomads, and Retirees

Over the past few years, countless U.S. expats, digital nomads, and retirees living abroad have been startled by unexpected account closures from major American financial institutions. Familiar names such as Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, and even domestic divisions of UBS have abruptly terminated accounts due to complex compliance burdens, leaving many Americans overseas scrambling for stable banking alternatives.

For U.S. citizens residing internationally—whether enjoying retirement in sunny Portugal, running an online business from Bali, or embracing location independence while exploring new cultures—the sudden loss of financial services poses real and pressing challenges. How do you manage your U.S.-based income, pensions, Social Security payments, and investments without continuous anxiety over compliance or sudden closures?

Enter Swiss banks with branches in the United States.

Long recognized for their unparalleled financial stability, meticulous service, and global reach, these Swiss institutions uniquely offer a bridge between the robust regulatory environment of the U.S. and Switzerland’s legendary banking security. While the age of strict Swiss banking secrecy may have evolved, the reliability, expertise, and forward-thinking digital solutions offered by Swiss banks have only strengthened.

Today, a select number of Swiss banks maintain fully regulated branches and subsidiaries on American soil. This distinctive arrangement not only simplifies FATCA compliance and ensures FDIC protection for U.S. dollar deposits but also gives U.S. citizens abroad seamless access to multi-currency accounts, international investment opportunities, and personalized financial advice tailored to their transatlantic lifestyles.

This guide explores exactly how Swiss banks with U.S. branches serve as a financial lifeline for Americans abroad, offering clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you manage your finances across borders.

Swiss banks with US branches: Why they are ideal for expats, nomads, and retirees

U.S. expats, digital nomads, and retirees have unique financial needs and face particular challenges when managing money overseas. Traditional American banks, designed primarily for domestic customers, often struggle to accommodate the complexities of international finance.

The limitations become increasingly apparent from issues like costly foreign transaction fees and difficulties accessing local currencies to navigating the intricate regulatory maze of FATCA and international tax reporting.

Eligibility for Swiss bank accounts may depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, Swiss citizen, resident, or non-resident, as citizenship and residency status can affect your account options and requirements.

Swiss banks, known globally for their strength, discretion, and sophisticated financial services, offer tailored solutions designed to meet internationally mobile Americans' needs. These banks understand the necessity of cross-border financial fluidity, offering multi-currency accounts that effortlessly handle income streams and expenses in different currencies.

Their robust digital platforms ensure secure, 24/7 account access from anywhere in the world, perfect for the tech-savvy nomad or retiree managing their finances remotely. Swiss banks are also highly experienced in serving international clients from nearly every country, providing customized services to address a wide range of financial needs.

Moreover, Swiss banks excel in wealth management, providing personalized investment strategies that align with the complexities of U.S. tax obligations, estate planning across jurisdictions, and international diversification.

Swiss banks offer stability and predictability for retirees dependent on fixed incomes like Social Security or pensions, safeguarding your financial independence against currency fluctuations and regulatory changes. Swiss banks help both citizens and residents navigate cross-border financial requirements, ensuring compliance and optimal financial solutions.

Choosing a Swiss bank with a U.S. branch means combining Switzerland’s financial system's trusted reliability with American institutions' compliance and regulatory oversight. Before making your final choice, it is important to carefully decide which Swiss bank with a U.S. branch best fits your citizenship or residency status and financial goals. This dual benefit offers unparalleled peace of mind and convenience for U.S. expats, nomads, and retirees, effectively resolving many of the challenges faced when banking across borders.

Benefits of a Swiss bank account

Opening a Swiss bank account offers many benefits that appeal to individuals and institutions seeking to manage their wealth internationally. Swiss banks are governed by stringent laws and privacy policies, ensuring that clients’ assets are protected and banking services are delivered with the highest level of integrity.

With a Swiss bank account, clients gain access to a wide range of international services, including multi-currency accounts, global investment opportunities, and expert wealth management. The focus on asset protection is a hallmark of Swiss banking, providing peace of mind for those looking to secure their financial future. Additionally, the stable economic environment in Switzerland further enhances the security and reliability of Swiss bank accounts.

Whether you are managing personal wealth or institutional funds, the benefits of a Swiss bank account include enhanced privacy, robust financial safeguards, and the ability to effectively manage and diversify your portfolio on a global scale.

Eligibility criteria

To open a Swiss bank account, individuals and institutions must meet specific eligibility criteria, which can vary depending on the bank and the type of account desired. Generally, applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of address, and documentation verifying their income or source of funds.

Additional documents such as a certificate of incorporation, business license, or company registration may be necessary for corporate or business accounts. Swiss banks are diligent in verifying their clients' identity and financial background to comply with international regulations and ensure the integrity of their banking services.

It is important to consult directly with your chosen Swiss bank to confirm the exact eligibility criteria and documents required for your particular account type, as requirements may differ between banks and account offerings.

Regulatory environment

One of the greatest advantages of Swiss banks with U.S. branches lies in their deep understanding of the complex regulatory environments governing both Switzerland and the United States. The introduction of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) significantly changed how financial institutions worldwide handle American clients, creating a minefield of compliance challenges that have driven many banks away from serving U.S. expats.

However, Swiss banks with U.S. branches uniquely bridge this gap, operating entirely within both regulatory frameworks. These banks fully comply with FATCA, simplifying your tax reporting and ensuring accurate, timely information flow between your financial institutions and the IRS, which is the U.S. Department of the Treasury's tax authority.

This compliance reduces your personal administrative burden and mitigates the risk of fines or penalties associated with reporting inaccuracies. As part of their compliance procedures, Swiss banks verify customer identity through robust KYC processes, which may include document checks or video calls during remote onboarding.

Additionally, accounts with Swiss banks that have U.S. branches often include FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) coverage for U.S. dollar deposits, providing up to $250,000 in protection per depositor, per insured bank. This level of protection is particularly reassuring for retirees or any individual who relies on secure, predictable financial planning.

Swiss banks are also equipped to handle other regulatory aspects relevant to expats, such as the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and Form 8938 requirements. Filing these forms to remain compliant with U.S. tax regulations is crucial.

Their expertise and proactive guidance ensure you stay fully compliant, avoiding potential regulatory pitfalls and allowing you to focus confidently on your international lifestyle.

In short, Swiss banks with U.S. branches offer an exceptional combination of Swiss financial security, American regulatory oversight, and ease of compliance, positioning them as ideal financial partners for American expats, nomads, and retirees navigating the complexities of cross-border finance.

Selecting the right Swiss bank for your needs

When considering a Swiss bank with a U.S. presence, it’s crucial to align the bank’s offerings with your specific needs and lifestyle. Many banks have a dedicated team of professionals to help clients decide which account is best for them, ensuring you make an informed choice. Different Swiss banks cater to varying client profiles and preferences, each offering distinct advantages.

For example, large institutions like UBS Bank USA are well-suited for those seeking comprehensive banking solutions with FDIC-insured accounts, investment management, and extensive digital banking capabilities. Clients can expect a wide range of services and strong support, including reliable customer service and integrated financial planning. They often appeal to retirees and expats who prioritize reliability, integrated financial planning, and robust customer service.

Boutique institutions like Julius Baer or Pictet, on the other hand, may attract high-net-worth individuals or sophisticated investors who value personalized advisory services, bespoke investment strategies, and concierge-level attention. It is also important to understand the bank's ATM network and any associated fees, especially if you plan to access funds internationally or use out-of-network services.

Digital-first Swiss banks, such as Alpian, can be especially attractive to digital nomads and younger expats. These platforms typically provide streamlined onboarding processes, lower account minimums, competitive FX rates, and intuitive mobile interfaces tailored for individuals constantly on the move.

Ultimately, selecting the right Swiss bank involves clearly identifying your financial priorities—whether they are wealth preservation, ease of currency management, simplified tax compliance, or personalized investment strategies—and matching those priorities with the strengths of each institution. Before making a final decision, be sure to review the details of each bank's offerings, including account requirements, fee structures, and compliance procedures, to ensure you choose the financial partner best suited to your international lifestyle.

Minimum deposit requirements

The minimum deposit required to open a Swiss bank account can vary widely depending on the bank, the type of account, and the client's profile. Some Swiss banks may set a minimum deposit as low as $250,000, while others, especially those catering to high net worth individuals or institutional clients, may require significantly higher amounts.

Researching and comparing the minimum deposit requirements of different Swiss banks is essential to find the best fit for your financial situation and banking needs. Certain banks may offer more flexible terms for clients with substantial assets or institutional clients seeking specialized banking services. By understanding the minimum deposit requirements, you can better navigate your options and select a Swiss bank that aligns with your financial goals.

Fees associated with a Swiss bank account

Swiss bank accounts typically have a range of fees, including monthly maintenance charges, ATM withdrawal fees, and wire transfer fees. The specific fee structure will depend on the bank, the type of account, and the services you use.

Swiss banks may also charge for account management, investment advisory, or other specialized banking services.

Reviewing the fee schedule provided by your Swiss bank before opening an account is crucial, so you are fully aware of the costs involved in maintaining your account. Sometimes, banks may offer fee waivers or discounts for clients who maintain a certain minimum balance or utilize specific banking services.

Swiss banks with U.S. branches

FDIC-Insured

Several Swiss banks operate FDIC-insured branches or subsidiaries within the United States, providing secure, reliable, and convenient banking solutions explicitly tailored for U.S. expats, nomads, and retirees.

UBS Bank USA

• Entity Type: FDIC-insured, state-chartered bank
• FDIC Insurance: Deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor
• Key Locations: Salt Lake City, Utah
• Primary Services: Checking and savings accounts, investment management, personal lending, global ATM access (with a robust global ATM network and clear information on in-network and out-of-network fees), comprehensive digital banking, wealth management, securities-backed lending, mortgages, and debit/credit cards. UBS clients benefit from the expertise of a dedicated advisory team that guides them through complex financial decisions.
• Ideal For: High-net-worth individuals seeking integrated financial solutions with extensive global reach and convenience of access.

Safra National Bank of New York

• Entity Type: FDIC-insured national bank
• FDIC Insurance: Deposits insured up to $250,000 per depositor
• Key Locations: New York City, Miami, Aventura, Palm Beach
• Primary Services: International private banking, multi-currency accounts, tailored credit products, asset management, investment advisory, wire transfers, and personalized financial solutions.
• Ideal For: High-net-worth individuals requiring personalized private banking services, exceptional service, multilingual support, and specialized financial management.

M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB

• Entity Type: FDIC-insured federal savings bank
• FDIC Insurance: Deposits insured up to $250,000 per depositor
• Key Locations: New York City (digital banking nationwide)
• Primary Services: Checking and savings accounts, competitive deposit rates, foreign currency accounts, precious metal accounts, specialty loans, comprehensive online banking, mobile deposits, and private banking services. The bank pays close attention to account details, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and clients can expect high service quality and transparency throughout their banking experience.
• Ideal For: Individuals seeking both everyday banking convenience and specialized private banking options with flexible minimum balance requirements.

HAB Bank (Habib American Bank)

• Entity Type: FDIC-insured commercial bank
• FDIC Insurance: Deposits insured up to $250,000 per depositor
• Key Locations: New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, Southern California
• Primary Services: Community-oriented banking, checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, international wire transfers, debit cards, commercial real estate financing, trade finance, online and mobile banking.
• Ideal For: Expats, retirees, and individuals seeking accessible, community-focused banking services, modest minimum balance requirements, and effective management of international financial transactions.

Non-FDIC-Insured

These organizations are well-equipped to serve international clients with specialized financial needs.

Some prominent Swiss banks maintain branches in the U.S. that are not FDIC-insured. While these branches do not offer FDIC protection, they still provide robust financial services tailored to specific client needs.

Credit Suisse AG New York Branch

• Entity Type: Foreign bank branch, not FDIC-insured
• Key Locations: New York City; major regional centers in Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland, serving international clients
• Primary Services: Investment banking, asset management, securities trading, wealth management, and institutional services.
• Ideal For: High-net-worth individuals and institutional investors seeking sophisticated financial services without FDIC-insured deposit accounts.

Julius Baer Investment Management LLC

• Entity Type: SEC-registered investment advisory firm, not FDIC-insured
• Key Locations: New York City
• Primary Services: Asset and wealth management, investment advisory, and bespoke portfolio management, with a dedicated advisory team focused on the details of each client's portfolio.
• Ideal For: High-net-worth clients seeking personalized investment solutions and asset management, supported by an experienced team attentive to every detail.

When choosing between FDIC-insured and non-FDIC-insured Swiss banks in the U.S., consider your specific financial needs, risk tolerance, and desired services.

How to open and manage your Swiss bank account from abroad

Opening and managing a Swiss bank account with a U.S. branch while living abroad can be straightforward if you follow these practical steps. Applicants can expect to provide specific personal details, verify their identity, and file required forms as part of the account opening and compliance process.

Step 1: Gather essential documentation

Prepare the following documents to streamline the account opening process:

• Valid U.S. passport
• Proof of residence abroad (such as utility bills, rental agreement, or residency permit)
• Tax identification number (Social Security number)
• Proof of income or source of funds (salary statements, investment returns, pension documents)
• Completed IRS W-9 form for FATCA compliance
• U.S. address – if you no longer maintain one stateside, SavvyNomad’s U.S. Residential Address plan gives you a bank‑approved street address (no P.O. boxes) that satisfies KYC documentation and receives all bank correspondence on your behalf.

Step 2: Choose your Swiss bank

Evaluate banks based on your unique needs, including:

• FDIC-insured options for U.S. dollar deposits
• Availability of multi-currency accounts
• Quality of digital banking tools
• Minimum balance and account fees
• Investment management services tailored for Americans abroad

Step 3: Initiate contact and onboarding

• Contact the chosen bank’s U.S. branch either online or by phone.
• Schedule a virtual or in-person meeting (if available) for identity verification and account setup.
• Complete required forms and documentation, typically via secure digital channels.

Step 4: Fund your account

• Transfer initial deposit via wire from an existing U.S. or international account.
• Consider currency exchange rates and fees; some Swiss banks offer competitive FX services or recommend cost-effective third-party solutions.

Step 5: Regular management and compliance

• Regularly review account statements through secure digital portals.
• Ensure compliance with FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) and FATCA obligations by keeping accurate records and timely filings.
• Leverage bank-provided tools or financial advisors for investment guidance, currency management, and tax optimization.
• Use automatic mail scanning from your SavvyNomad address so you never miss a statement or debit‑card PIN.

By systematically following these practical steps, you can effortlessly maintain control over your financial assets, enhance security, and enjoy peace of mind as you live your international lifestyle.