Banking for digital nomads: what you need when you work from anywhere
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Digital nomads earn in one currency, spend in several, and often have no fixed home. Traditional bank accounts can struggle with all three. The right set-up keeps fees low, lets you get paid by clients in different countries and doesn't break when you move on.
Common problems
- Opening an account usually needs proof of an address in that country.
- Card payments and cash withdrawals abroad can carry foreign transaction fees.
- Clients may pay in a currency your bank has to convert at a poor rate.
- Some banks block cards or ask questions when you log in from new countries.
What helps
- A multi-currency account, so you can hold and receive several currencies.
- A card that charges little or nothing to spend abroad.
- Local account details, such as a UK sort code or a euro IBAN, for clients to pay into.
- Keeping an account in your home country for tax and admin.
Before you choose
Check where the provider is allowed to serve customers, whether your money is protected and by whom, and what happens if you change your country of residence. Tax residence is a separate question worth checking with an adviser.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay isn't a bank. SendPay platforms give your customers GBP, EUR and USD accounts, transfers and branded Visa cards under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. SendPay doesn't offer lending.
Build it
Create your own financial platform.
Pick a template, name it, brand it, preview every page before you pay. Your brand, your users, your fees.
Build my platform →Questions people ask
What does sending money abroad really cost?
Add up the fee and the rate markup.
Money transfer cost calculator →What is a multi-currency account?
An account that holds several currencies in one place.
Multi-currency accounts →What counts as proof of address?
Documents like utility bills or bank statements showing where you live.
Proof of address →What is an escrow payment for freelancers?
Money held by a third party until the work is delivered.
Freelancer escrow →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.