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Rebecca MolinaRepostFacebook18
Oct 4

This might seem simple, but I can't figure it out. We'll be spending a few months in the Philippines. How do you check your US bank accounts online? When we went last year, I couldn't get into our local bank account. I could use my cards, but I couldn't check my balances. A bigger online bank still requires two-factor authentication, like a text. We'll be using a temporary Philippine phone while our US phone service is turned off. So how do we actually log into the account? Thank you.

Reactions20 of 136 original comments
Keep your US phoneVPN & other authApps just workTell your bank firstNitpicking terms
Keep your US phone
Jason Dragon5

T-Mobile US phones work perfectly in the Philippines. I got all my 2FA codes. I used all my banks from my phone with no issues.

VPN & other auth
Parnell E. LaLonde IV3

Use a VPN service like NordVPN. It makes your computer look like it's still in the United States, ideally near where you live. You can switch between the Philippines and your home country quickly and easily. That way you appear to be in the US and can use your bank's website. Also, do yourself a favor and set up something like Remitly; I personally use Wise. It lets you move money even between two accounts at the same bank if you need to, between bank accounts, or to yourself. As others have said, you'll want some way to get your bank's MFA text codes on your phone. I also suggest setting up a backup method like a phone call. For as little as $50 you can set up a magicJack phone in your home country. They give you a free app you can run on your phone. When the bank calls your magicJack number, it rings anywhere in the world and you can answer. Again, it looks like a US phone, so the bank has no problem with it. Yes, you can use Tello as a US Wi-Fi cell phone provider. That generally works. But give yourself a way out and have yet another way to authenticate, either calling your bank from a US phone or receiving MFA messages.

Apps just work
Bob Cabal3

I bank with Wells Fargo and have the app. Whether I use a Philippine number or my US number, I can get into my accounts.

Tell your bank first
Brett Creek3

Tell your bank you're going

Nitpicking terms
Todd Kroeger1

If your bank texts you, that's three-factor authentication. The card and PIN are two factors, and the digits sent by text are the third.

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