Hi fellow Host Moms! 💕
If you’re anything like me, you want your Au Pair to feel confident and comfortable from day one—and that includes helping them with the practical stuff, like setting up a U.S. bank account. It might not be the most glamorous part of the exchange experience, but it’s a vital one.
After hosting several wonderful young women over the years, I’ve learned that banking in the U.S. can feel overwhelming for someone new to the country. So I put together this simple, no-stress guide for helping your Au Pair open their first American bank account—with clear steps, recommended banks, and a helpful comparison chart (plus affiliate links you can use if you refer them!).
🧾 What Your Au Pair Will Need to Open a Bank Account
Most banks require the following documents. Some banks are stricter than others, so it’s smart to call ahead or check online.
Checklist for your Au Pair:
✅ Passport
✅ J-1 Visa
✅ DS-2019 form
✅ I-94 arrival record (you can help them print it at this link)
✅ Proof of address – a letter from you confirming they live in your home usually works
✅ Social Security Number (SSN) – helpful but not always necessary to open an account
👉 Pro tip: You may want to go with them to the bank—it helps to have a familiar face there, and you may be asked to confirm their U.S. address anyway.
💡 What Kind of Bank Account Should They Open?
Your Au Pair will only need a basic checking account for receiving their weekly stipend, paying for small expenses, and possibly sending money home. Here’s what to look for when comparing options:
🔹 No monthly maintenance fees
🔹 No minimum balance requirements
🔹 Free debit card
🔹 User-friendly mobile app and online banking
🔹 Zelle or similar transfer services built in
🔹 Easy access to ATMs
🔹 Low (or no) overdraft fees
🔹 No need for a U.S. credit history
💳 Top Bank Accounts for Au Pairs (Host Mom Approved!)
Here’s a comparison chart of the most Au Pair-friendly banks I’ve used and recommended over the years.
| Bank | Monthly Fee | Minimum Deposit | ATM Access | Overdraft Fee | Why It Works for Au Pairs | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase College Checking | $0 (under 24 or with student ID) | $0 | 15,000+ ATMs | $34 (waivable) | Super common, friendly setup process, reliable mobile app | Chase Bank |
| Bank of America SafeBalance | $4.95 (can be waived) | $25 | 16,000+ ATMs | No overdrafts allowed | Great for preventing overdrafts, solid online banking | Bank of America |
| Capital One 360 Checking | $0 | $0 | 70,000+ (via Allpoint network) | $0 | No overdraft fees, no physical branches needed | Capital one |
| Chime (Online Only) | $0 | $0 | 60,000+ ATMs | $0 | Great mobile banking, budgeting tools, early direct deposit | Chime |
🏦 My Go-To Recommendations by Situation:
- For traditional, in-person banking: Chase
- For tech-savvy Au Pairs who prefer apps: Chime or Capital One 360
- For those worried about overdrafts: Bank of America SafeBalance or Chime
🧑🏫 Tips for Host Moms Helping Their Au Pair
💬 Set aside an afternoon in their first week to go over paperwork and visit the bank together.
📱 Help them download the mobile app and walk them through how to check their balance, use Zelle, and set alerts.
💵 Make sure they know how and when they’ll be paid—weekly, via direct deposit or cash, and how to deposit checks if needed.
🌎 If they want to send money home, suggest services like Wise or Western Union, and help them connect those to their U.S. account.
🙋♀️ Offer to go with them—navigating new systems in a second language is intimidating. A familiar face helps!
💬 Final Thoughts from One Host Mom to Another
Helping your Au Pair open a bank account may seem like a small thing, but it’s a huge step toward independence for them—and one more way we, as host families, can support their growth and success here in the U.S.
If you’ve found a great bank experience or had a hiccup worth sharing, drop it in the comments. Let’s support each other and make this journey smoother for everyone!
Your fellow Host Mom & Au Pair cheerleader 💕
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products and services I trust and recommend based on personal experience hosting Au Pairs.
