Best business checking account for Americans abroad?
Posted by SettingIntentions@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I am completely and utterly DONE with my Chase business checking account. It seems like every other time I sign in, on the SAME computer, it triggers their 3-factor authentication bullshit. First it requires a text- they text me an 8-digit code. Typical 2FAS. Then it takes me to a screen that says "call us for a code." I then have to get on the phone, call Chase, and spend a solid 10-15 minutes to finally talk to a human, then have a stupid conversation about the situation, to then finally have the human generate a SECOND code for the EXACT SAME PHONE NUMBER that I have to use 2FAS to get into my account. I'm so done with this shit.
How Wells Fargo for online customers? Any bullshit or issues, or smooth sailing?
I'm also looking into CapitalOne because I've had personal credit cards with them with 0 issues, but I have never done any checking/savings account with them before.
And before someone recommends, no I will not be using my Wise account as a business checking account, I use Wise for TRANSFERS ONLY, too many horror stories of people's money being confiscated and locked up behind Wise, taking HOURS to finally get to access again...
I don't care what network the card is on either because I'll never be using the business debit card anyways too.
pouldycheed@reddit
Wells Fargo isn’t really better tbh, lots of people abroad still get random security holds and verification loops. If you’re outside the US long-term, I’d look at expat-friendly banks like Mercury or Relay instead since they’re way less painful for logins and remote access.
Palatron@reddit
Can confirm. As a former worker for a WF call center, dealing with verification and transfers were my two biggest complaint calls. Once they got to me I would try to help them, but transferring to keep handle time down was really common.
M2LA@reddit
I have a chase business checking account in CA and I also reside in FR. zero issues as you describe. I use a pc based laptop w chrome. go to chase.com, sign in, select either sms or email 2fa because I want the security, give me the code and I am in. I have been with chase over 4 decades and I have talked with them maybe a dozen times, card fraud a few times but never for security issues. works on wifi or vpn. if you use anyone else you are downgrading imo
SettingIntentions@reddit (OP)
I’m in SEA and go through periods of time where I have no issues and others where it’s ever other time I’ve gotta call them. I’ve had very few issues with personal chase credit cards but the business checking account has been infuriating to deal with.
FuseFuseboy@reddit
Are you using a voip number? Chase within the last.. I can't remember, year or so, switched to not allowing the voip. Says invalid for codes and to call instead. If you're using something like Google voice, that might be your issue and you could try switching the number to one with traditional service.
Anyways I switched to a business account at a credit union. If you are a smaller business, it could be an option for you.
SettingIntentions@reddit (OP)
Yes I am using Google voice. Maybe this is it?
FuseFuseboy@reddit
I think so! I'd put money on it. I had to use my regular cellular number with Chase. It sounds like you want to switch banks regardless, but if you wanted to limp along a bit longer, a traditional number might help that transition.
gov12@reddit
I only have a chase credit card, but also got the 3FA nonsense all the time thru web login in SEA. I got their app and with a bio login, it didn't have those issues.
SettingIntentions@reddit (OP)
Hmm maybe it’s an SEA thing then? But I even had it when back in the USA.
snbdmliss@reddit
If you can get a dongle sent to you it's fine
Anonymity550@reddit
I don't have advice on another business checking account, but regarding Chase - have you recently changed or upgraded your devices? I had a similar issue where I had to call in and was told I didn't have any trusted devices on my account so some actions, like combining points, triggered higher security.
They reset something, which triggered the trusted device prompt when I next logged in, and I haven't had the issue since.
Curious_Owl_342@reddit
Happens to me too, I am in Italy. I have to call them, because their code did not come thru on my int’l phone. In the past it has. It’s very annoying. All I want to do is make an online payment!!