Managing money on the road used to mean juggling currency exchange booths, complicated bank fees, and long-distance calls to freeze a lost card. Now, digital banking apps have completely changed the game for digital nomads, remote workers, and frequent travelers. Whether you’re hopping countries every few months or settling abroad for the long term, having the right banking app can help you save money, stay secure, and simplify financial tasks.
Here are some of the top banking apps that make traveling more seamless.
1. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)
Wise has become a favorite among digital nomads for its low-cost international transfers and multi-currency accounts. You can hold, convert, and spend in over 50 currencies, making it ideal for freelancers or remote workers paid in different currencies. Their transparent exchange rates and real-time notifications make budgeting easier, and the Wise debit card works in most countries without hefty foreign transaction fees.
2. Revolut
Revolut offers a full-featured mobile banking experience with international travelers in mind. You can open an account quickly from your phone, convert currencies at interbank rates, and use virtual cards for added security. Revolut also offers spending insights, budgeting tools, and disposable card numbers for online purchases. Paid plans come with added benefits like travel insurance and airport lounge access.
3. N26
N26 is a German-based digital bank that’s gaining traction across Europe and the U.S. It offers fee-free ATM withdrawals (up to a monthly limit), real-time spending alerts, and strong security features like biometric login. It’s an excellent option for EU-based nomads, especially since it’s regulated as a full bank, offering deposit protection and seamless integration with local banking systems.
4. Monzo
Based in the UK, Monzo is known for its intuitive app design and travel-friendly features. It offers no foreign transaction fees, real-time budgeting, and spending breakdowns by category. Monzo also supports easy international money transfers through Wise and has strong fraud protection, making it a safe choice for those often using public Wi-Fi or traveling in regions with higher risk.
5. Chime
Chime is a U.S.-based fintech app that offers a mobile-first approach to banking. While it’s primarily tailored to U.S. customers, it allows free ATM access worldwide through partnerships and avoids common banking fees like overdrafts and maintenance costs. Chime’s focus on real-time notifications and automated savings can help digital nomads manage finances without stress.
6. Payoneer
Popular with freelancers, Payoneer isn’t a bank but functions like one for cross-border payments. It allows users to receive payments in multiple currencies through local bank details (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP) and offers a prepaid Mastercard for spending. If you’re working with clients or platforms around the world, Payoneer makes getting paid and accessing your funds much easier.
7. Charles Schwab Bank (U.S. Travelers)
For U.S.-based travelers, the Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account is a standout. It refunds all ATM fees worldwide and has no foreign transaction fees. Though not a mobile-first bank, its mobile app is highly functional, offering check deposit, bill pay, and transfer services.
8. Starling Bank
Another UK-based digital bank, Starling offers no foreign transaction fees and free international ATM withdrawals, making it ideal for European travelers. It’s known for a robust app, strong security, and in-depth spending insights. Starling also supports business accounts, making it appealing for freelancers and solopreneurs.
What to Look for in a Travel-Friendly Banking App
When evaluating banking apps for travel, consider:
- Global ATM access and whether fees are reimbursed
- Multi-currency support for holding and converting funds
- Low or no foreign transaction fees
- Strong security and fraud protection features
- Ease of use when managing finances from a mobile device
Digital nomads and travelers need more than just a place to store their money — they need flexibility, transparency, and tools that work across borders. The best banking apps combine all of these with user-friendly interfaces, making managing your finances one less thing to worry about while on the road.