US Expats living in : how to keep US bank s, US credit cards

vache // rit · May 29, 2025

andi_sf said:
While planning our move to the question of keeping our US bank s, US credit cards open and current while living in .

Reading through some threads on this forum, most people advised not to tell the bank that one lives abroad but then the question comes up how to receive for example new credit cards once they expire which usually requires one to have an non-PO address in the US.

1. There seem to be some 3rd party services in the US that offer a 'real' address in the US with mail forwarding services. Would these be sufficient and are there any recommendations?

2. In regards to bank s the 2-Step verification process is sometime mentioned as a hurdle since it requires a real US phone number. Are there any workarounds?

3. Online access is also sometimes described to be 'iffy' since if the the banks detects that a bank is accessed via an IP address from abroad that this also could raise some red flags. Is a VPN still a good bet against that?

We wonder how everyone's experience is in regards to these questions and if there are any recommendations to specific services or other tested and viable approaches?

Any hints and info would be very much appreciated.

You didn't mention brokerage s, but if you're on Reddit you can ask questions anonymously on the company's official there. Mine apparently has more restrictions for U.S. citizens in than for some other European countries. At least you will know what to expect if you get caught up.

Also, as a data point, I have never had any problem getting a new or replacement credit card sent to a U.S. P.O. box. That said, I plan to use a mail-scanning service with a street address.

And to avoid having to move French and U.S. sims in and out of a phone for 2FA, I bought a cheapish flip phone that has wifi calling, where I'll keep my U.S. number using Tello, as others have recommended.

vache // rit · 2025-06-04T05:27:36-0400

andi_sf said:
Thank you very much for another perspective on this and the Reddit tip - it is good to know that there are so many different paths that lead to the top of the mountain.

One question about the 'cheapish flip phone that has Wifi calling' using a US phone number. In case of the Wifi calling - would one need to request a phone call then to the flip phone for the 2FA or would 2FA text/sms to this number also work reliably?

Sorry, I didn't get a notification about your response. I'm not sure I understand your question -- and I am not an expert -- but I believe if you are within wi-fi range in , someone calling or texting your U.S. number will reach you. Magical.

Also, perhaps it's overkill, but in addition to using a dedicated VPN IP address located in my current state, I plan to use ipostal1, because they have addresses in my state. It looks like they subcontract with a local UPS Store or equivalent. I am hoping that with those three, there's less of a chance for red flags with the brokerages.

US Expats living in : how to keep US bank s, US credit cards

vache // rit

vache // rit

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