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Calling Banks from Abroad: The Complete Guide for Expats

Need to call Chase, Bank of America, or HSBC from another country? Here's how to actually get through without paying $50 in roaming or waiting on hold for hours.

By The NomaPhone Team
banking abroadexpat bankinginternational bankingcustomer service

You’re in Portugal, Thailand, or anywhere that’s not your home country, and you see it: “Suspicious Activity Alert - Call Us Immediately” from your bank.

Your heart drops. You need to call them NOW. But you’re abroad, roaming costs are insane, and you know you’ll be on hold for 30 minutes minimum.

This guide covers everything you need to know about calling banks from abroad in 2025.

Why Calling Banks from Abroad Is Uniquely Terrible

The Problems Stack Up

Problem 1: They Don’t Use WhatsApp Your bank’s customer service number is a landline or toll-free number. WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Signal don’t work. You need to actually call their phone number.

Problem 2: Long Hold Times Average hold time for bank customer service: 15-45 minutes. Sometimes over an hour for complex issues.

At international roaming rates of $2-3/minute, you’re looking at $30-135 just in hold time.

Problem 3: Multiple Transfers Banks love transferring you between departments. Each transfer extends the call by 10-20 minutes. More hold music, more time, more money.

Problem 4: Identity Verification They ask security questions. If you fumble answers or can’t hear clearly (bad connection), they might hang up “for security.” Then you start over.

Problem 5: Time Zones US bank business hours (9am-5pm EST) = Europe 2pm-10pm, Asia midnight-8am. You’re calling at inconvenient times.

Problem 6: Toll-Free Numbers Don’t Work 800, 888, 877 numbers usually don’t work from abroad. You need the direct international number, which banks hide on their websites.

Major Banks: International Contact Numbers

Here are the actual numbers to call each bank from abroad. Save these now.

US Banks

Chase Bank

  • From outside US: +1-713-262-3300 (customer service)
  • Credit card from abroad: +1-800-493-3319 (works from some countries)
  • Collect call option: Yes (1-713-262-3300)
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Average hold time: 20-35 minutes

Bank of America

  • From outside US: +1-315-724-4022 (debit cards)
  • Credit cards abroad: +1-757-677-4701
  • Collect call option: Yes
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Average hold time: 25-40 minutes

Wells Fargo

  • From outside US: +1-800-869-3557 (may work from abroad)
  • Alternative: +1-651-450-4064
  • Credit cards: +1-650-477-5850
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Average hold time: 30-45 minutes

Citibank

  • International: +1-210-677-3789
  • Credit cards: +1-904-954-7850
  • Citi Priority: +1-210-677-0207
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Average hold time: 15-30 minutes (better than most)

Capital One

  • From abroad: +1-804-934-2001
  • Credit cards: +1-877-383-4802 (may work from some countries)
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Average hold time: 20-30 minutes

American Express

  • Global assist: +1-336-393-1111 (collect calls accepted)
  • Direct: +1-800-528-4800 (works from many countries)
  • Hours: 24/7
  • Average hold time: 10-20 minutes (fastest major issuer)

UK Banks

HSBC UK

  • From abroad: +44 1226 261 010
  • Premier: +44 2 4231 4000
  • Hours: 8am-6pm GMT Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat
  • Average hold time: 25-40 minutes

Barclays

  • International: +44 1 702 278 278
  • Premier: +44 330 024 5545
  • Hours: 24/7 for urgent, 7am-11pm for general
  • Average hold time: 20-35 minutes

Lloyds Bank

  • From abroad: +44 1733 347007
  • Hours: 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat
  • Average hold time: 30-45 minutes

NatWest

  • International: +44 3457 888444
  • Premier: +44 345 366 8899
  • Hours: 8am-8pm daily
  • Average hold time: 25-40 minutes

Other Major Banks

Santander (Spain/UK/US)

  • UK: +44 330 9123 123
  • US: +1-877-768-2265
  • Spain: +34 902 242 424

Deutsche Bank

  • International: +49 69 910 10 (Germany)
  • Hours: Vary by region

ING

  • International: Check country-specific number
  • Netherlands: +31 20 563 5555

How to Call Banks from Abroad: Methods Compared

Method 1: International Roaming (Expensive)

How it works: Use your home country mobile plan abroad, pay roaming rates.

Cost example - 45 minute call to US bank:

  • T-Mobile: $0.25/min = $11.25 (with intl plan) + $15 monthly = $26.25
  • AT&T: $12/day pass = $12
  • Verizon: $12/day pass = $12
  • Without plans: $2-3/min = $90-135

Pros:

  • Your number shows up (bank recognizes it)
  • Works immediately
  • No setup

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Day pass wastes money if you only need one call
  • Quality varies by location

Best for: Emergencies only, or if your company pays.

Method 2: Calling Cards (Old School)

How it works: Buy prepaid calling card with PIN, dial access number + PIN + bank number.

Cost example - 45 minute call:

  • Card rate: $0.05-0.10/minute = $2.25-4.50
  • Connection fee: $0.39-0.99 per call
  • Total: $2.64-5.49

Pros:

  • Relatively cheap
  • Works from any phone
  • No internet needed

Cons:

  • Confusing PIN system
  • Hidden fees (connection charges, per-call fees)
  • Poor quality often
  • Cards expire
  • Can’t see remaining balance easily

Best for: Emergency backup if internet fails.

Method 3: Hotel Phone (Avoid This)

How it works: Use the hotel room phone, hotel adds markup.

Cost example - 45 minute call:

  • Hotel markup: $0.50-3.00/minute = $22.50-135
  • Plus: Connection fees ($5-15)
  • Total: $27.50-150

Pros:

  • None really. Don’t do this.

Cons:

  • Outrageously expensive
  • Hidden fees
  • Unexpected hotel bill
  • Poor quality often

Best for: Never. Seriously, never.

Method 4: Browser Calling (Best Value)

How it works: Open browser, go to calling service, dial bank’s number.

Cost example - 45 minute call to US bank:

  • Rate: $0.03/minute
  • 45 minutes = $1.35
  • No connection fees
  • No monthly fees
  • Total: $1.35

Pros:

  • Cheap (10-20x cheaper than roaming)
  • Good quality with decent internet
  • Works on any device
  • Simple setup (2 minutes)
  • No contracts

Cons:

  • Needs internet (but you have that)
  • Bank doesn’t see your mobile number
  • Requires quick setup first time

Best for: 90% of situations.

Method 5: VoIP Apps (Mixed Results)

Google Voice:

  • Free to US numbers (if you have it)
  • Problem: US residents only, verification issues
  • Quality from abroad: Mixed reviews

Skype:

  • Discontinued for consumer PSTN calling (see our Skype article)

WhatsApp:

  • Doesn’t work for calling banks. They don’t have WhatsApp numbers.

Step-by-Step: Calling Your Bank from Abroad

Preparation (Do This Before You Travel)

1. Save international numbers NOW

  • Don’t wait until you need them
  • Save in phone contacts
  • Save in password manager notes
  • Email yourself a backup

2. Note your account details

  • Account numbers
  • Security question answers
  • Recent transactions (for verification)
  • Customer ID or member number

3. Set up notification preferences

  • Enable email alerts
  • Enable app notifications
  • Register travel plans (prevents fraud flags)

4. Download bank apps

  • Many issues can be resolved in-app
  • Have app downloaded before traveling
  • Enable biometric login

5. Test a solution

  • Make one test call before you actually need it
  • Verify quality is acceptable
  • Confirm you can get through

During the Call

1. Call at optimal times

  • Avoid Monday mornings (busiest)
  • Mid-week afternoons (US time) often shorter waits
  • Early morning (their time) can be faster

2. Have information ready

  • Full account number
  • SSN or ID number
  • Recent transactions
  • Addresses (current and previous)
  • Mother’s maiden name or security answers

3. Stay patient with transfers

  • Banks will transfer you multiple times
  • Each time, be ready to reverify identity
  • Take names and extension numbers

4. Take notes

  • Reference numbers
  • Agent names
  • What was resolved
  • Any follow-up needed

5. Ask for direct numbers

  • Request direct department lines
  • Get international direct numbers
  • Save for next time

If Call Quality Is Poor

Switch connection:

  • Try mobile data instead of WiFi
  • Try WiFi instead of mobile data
  • Move to better location

Use callback:

  • Ask if they can call you back
  • Provide a number that works (local SIM, hotel, etc.)
  • Set up callback for specific time

Reschedule:

  • If quality is unacceptable, hang up and try again
  • Better to call back with good connection than struggle through

Common Bank Call Scenarios from Abroad

Scenario 1: Fraud Alert on Your Card

Urgency: High They’ve locked your card. You might need it to pay for hotel.

Best approach:

  1. Use browser calling immediately
  2. Have last few transactions ready to verify
  3. Explain you’re abroad, authorize legitimate charges
  4. Ask them to note your travel in system
  5. Get direct fraud dept number for future

Average call time: 15-25 minutes

Cost with browser calling: $0.45-0.75

Scenario 2: Lost or Stolen Card

Urgency: Critical Need to cancel card immediately, arrange replacement.

Best approach:

  1. Use whatever method works fastest (even roaming)
  2. Report loss immediately
  3. Request emergency replacement card
  4. Ask about cash advance options
  5. Set up alternative payment method

Average call time: 20-30 minutes

Time matters more than cost here.

Scenario 3: Mortgage or Loan Question

Urgency: Medium Needs resolution but not instant.

Best approach:

  1. Use browser calling
  2. Call during your evening (their morning) for better connection to specialists
  3. Have loan number and last payment ready
  4. Take detailed notes
  5. Get email confirmation of any changes

Average call time: 30-60 minutes

Cost with browser calling: $0.90-1.80

Scenario 4: Account Access Issues

Urgency: Medium-High Locked out of online banking while abroad.

Best approach:

  1. Try app reset first (often works without calling)
  2. If calling needed, use browser calling
  3. Have ID verification ready
  4. Explain you’re abroad (they’ll note for security)
  5. Set up backup 2FA method while on call

Average call time: 20-40 minutes

Cost with browser calling: $0.60-1.20

Scenario 5: Routing Payment or Wire

Urgency: Medium Time-sensitive payment from abroad.

Best approach:

  1. Use browser calling
  2. Have all routing details ready
  3. Confirm fees before authorizing
  4. Get confirmation number
  5. Follow up with email to verify

Average call time: 25-45 minutes

Cost with browser calling: $0.75-1.35

Bank-Specific Tips

Chase

  • Their app is actually good - try resolving there first
  • International collect call option works well
  • Ask for “international services” if traveling long-term
  • They have better travel notification system than most

Bank of America

  • Multiple international numbers (save both)
  • Long hold times but comprehensive help
  • Good app for most issues
  • Travel notification REQUIRED before major international use

Wells Fargo

  • Collect call option reliable
  • Ask for “expat banking” if abroad more than 3 months
  • International number isn’t obvious on website
  • Consider their Expat Services if long-term abroad

Citibank

  • Best international support of major US banks
  • Lower hold times
  • Multiple country-specific support numbers
  • CitiPhone banking works well from abroad

American Express

  • Fastest customer service
  • Global assist is actually global
  • They expect international calls, don’t act surprised
  • Premium cards get priority lines (faster)

What NOT to Do

Don’t Use Public Computers to Log In

Call them, but don’t log into online banking from public computers. Security risk isn’t worth it.

Don’t Scream About Hold Times

Agent can’t control it. Being nice gets better help.

Don’t Lie About Your Location

They see transaction locations. Be honest about being abroad.

Don’t Give Up Too Easily

If first agent can’t help, ask for supervisor or different department.

Don’t Forget to Follow Up

Always get email confirmation of any account changes.

Alternative: Handle It Online or In-App

Before calling, check if you can resolve online:

Usually works without calling:

  • Check transaction history
  • Report unauthorized charges (in app)
  • Reset online banking password
  • Request statements
  • Transfer between own accounts
  • Basic account inquiries

Usually needs call:

  • Lift fraud blocks
  • Cancel/replace cards
  • Complex disputes
  • Mortgage/loan modifications
  • Major account changes
  • Legal name changes

Try the app first. Call only if truly needed.

Cost Comparison: 45-Minute Bank Call

International roaming:

  • T-Mobile: $26.25
  • AT&T/Verizon day pass: $12
  • No plan: $90-135

Calling cards:

  • Best case: $2.64
  • Typical: $4-6
  • Worst case: $8-10

Browser calling:

  • $1.35
  • Consistent
  • No surprises

Hotel phone:

  • $27.50-150
  • Never do this

Quick Reference: Before You Travel

Save this checklist:

Numbers to Save:

  • Bank main international number
  • Bank fraud department direct
  • Credit card international support
  • Two alternative bank contacts

Info to Document:

  • All account numbers
  • Security question answers
  • Customer service usernames
  • Recent transaction list (for verification)

Setup to Complete:

  • Register travel dates in bank app
  • Enable international transactions
  • Set up backup 2FA (not just SMS)
  • Test browser calling service

Download:

  • Bank apps
  • Password manager
  • Browser calling bookmark

The Bottom Line

Calling banks from abroad doesn’t have to cost $50 or involve an hour of headache.

The smart setup:

  1. Save international bank numbers now
  2. Set up browser calling service (2 minutes, costs nothing until you use it)
  3. Keep roaming as emergency backup
  4. Try app/online first, call only when needed

For the actual call:

  • Use browser calling (costs $0.03/minute to US)
  • Have all verification info ready
  • Call during their morning (shorter holds)
  • Take notes and get confirmation numbers

Most bank calls from abroad should cost you $1-3, not $30-50.

Tired of paying roaming fees to call your bank from abroad? NomaPhone lets you call any bank’s customer service line for $0.03/minute to the US. No monthly fees, no complicated setup, works from any country with internet. Join the waitlist to get access when we launch.