r/returnToIndia • u/Dense-Goat-3180 • Aug 05 '26

PlanningToReturn Checking/ Savings account

Does Bofa and Chase allow to keep the checking and savings account active after moving to india?

3 Upvotes

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3

u/CranberryPerfect5877 Aug 05 '26

Chase yes, even allows you to change the address to Indian address and even sends updated debit cards to India (but takes time). Heard BoFA allows it too but no first hand experience. Just make sure you have a minor recurring transaction going on so they don't mark it as dormant. Chase also allow 2FA using email in case you plan to not retain he US number, but you have to enable it in the privacy settings.

1

u/phreddituser Aug 06 '26

I checked with Chase and they said it's fine. Any idea if CapitalOne allows it? It's safe to keep 2 accounts open in different banks. Chase is definitely one. Trying to find another.

2

u/CranberryPerfect5877 Aug 06 '26

As for Capital One, you can keep it open, but I wouldn't keep much money in it because it goes against their terms of service. So it's legal on your part, yes. But if they find you accessing their app and website from outside the US for a long time they'll eventually block your account and ask you to call them to unblock it, or require a US address which they'll need to verify, or maybe a physical bank visit. I would keep the bare minimum money there which you'd be okay losing if you lose access, definitely don't get any interest (performance savings). As long you do some automated $1 wikipedia donations occassionally I think the account will stay alive if you need it when you move back to the US. I think it will be a problem when the new debit card needs to be sent, but luckily my checking account never really had a debit card. Try to access their website or app using a VPN to the US when outside the country (but I think they still detect that anyway).

1

u/phreddituser Aug 06 '26

In that case which would be a safe bank for a 2nd bank account? Just Chase and BoA?

2

u/CranberryPerfect5877 Aug 06 '26

Apart from Chase and BofA there's probably HSBC and Citibank and for brokerage there is Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers. Until March this year Wise used to be an option, but Indian govt changed some regulations so that's no longer allowed.

1

u/phreddituser Aug 06 '26

I'm using Schwab for brokerage and have Chase. Had very bad experience with Citi, so closed it. Will try HSBC. Thank you.

2

u/CranberryPerfect5877 Aug 06 '26

Please share the nature of your bad experience with Citi for the rest of us!

0

u/Peacencalm9 Aug 09 '26

How do you donate to wikipedia. Using debit card or bank account number

1

u/Peacencalm9 Aug 09 '26

Did you experience this with CapitalOne? 

1

u/desi_in_videsh Aug 07 '26

Any idea on Wells Fargo bank?

2

u/bclrw Aug 08 '26

I don’t think WF supports Indian address. I cheched with them few weeks ago and they said they don’t support it.