Can I Keep My U.S. Bank and Brokerage Accounts After Moving Abroad?

Most U.S. banks will let you keep your accounts open after moving abroad, but some brokerages restrict trading, block new purchases, or close accounts entirely once you update your address to a foreign country. The restrictions vary widely by institution and by your destination country (FINRA: International Investing).

How major institutions treat expat accounts:

Common restrictions you may encounter:

• Address change triggers review: Updating to a foreign address may flag your account for compliance review
• Mutual fund purchases blocked: Many funds cannot be sold to non-U.S. residents under SEC rules
• Options and margin restricted: Some brokerages disable options trading for foreign-address accounts
• Country-specific blocks: Accounts held by residents of sanctioned or high-risk countries (Iran, Cuba, Russia) are typically closed
• Wire transfer limits: Some banks cap outgoing international wires or charge higher fees

Steps to prepare before you move:

• Keep a U.S. mailing address (family member, mail forwarding service) if your broker requires one
• Consolidate accounts into expat-friendly institutions before departure
• Download all tax documents and ensure electronic delivery is enabled
• Notify your bank proactively rather than having a compliance review triggered by an address change
• Open a foreign bank account before leaving, since doing so remotely from a new country can be difficult

Holding U.S. investments in a U.S.-based brokerage avoids PFIC complications that arise when purchasing mutual funds through a foreign brokerage.

For more on moving abroad, see our Moving Abroad guide.