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Can Americans change their Social Security Administration (SSA) bank account from a US bank to a Thai bank online?

US Social Security AdministrationBanking in ThailandDirect DepositThai Visa HoldersExpat BankingSocial Security AccountsOnline BankingForeign Bank Accounts
Oct 24, 2024
2 months ago
Glenn *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Americans with SSA. Is it possible to change my US bank to my Thai bank online? I thought I have had people say it was. I spoke to SSA but they said it has to be done at the FBU or in the US. The FBU is useless, they never answer emails.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of changing your bank information for Social Security Administration (SSA) payments from a US bank to a Thai bank is primarily done through the SSA website, specifically ssa.gov. However, some users have encountered challenges, as the SSA might necessitate actions to be performed at a Federal Benefit Unit (FBU) or within the US itself. While online methods exist, such as modifying banking details on the mysocialsecurity website or using banks like Bangkok Bank with US routing numbers, users may still face issues with debit cards and the annual verification of life which can halt payments if responses are not timely. For expats in Thailand, contacting the Social Security office in Manila could provide additional assistance.
Mike *********
It is my understanding that using specifically Bangkok Bank you would be using their US routing number and your account number and this can be done in the online system. The change looks just like it’s a change to a US bank because of them using the US routing number for this NY branch. If not with Bangkok Bank then I am unsure of your path.
2 months ago
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Michael *******
WISE rates in my experience are always better than anything you can get through most major banks so that probably answers your question, I get my pension paid to my UK bank and then move it when needed give me better control as well. Keeping an account when non resident might be your only challenge.
2 months ago
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Anita ********
Just change your direct deposit information at ssa.gov
2 months ago
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Glenn *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anita *******
 That is the problem. I was told by the SSA that it cannot be changed to a Foreign bank while overseas.
2 months ago
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Anita ********
@Glenn ****
 oh. I asked ssa that on the phone not too long ago. But I am in the US.

I can’t get my bank account until I get to Thailand in person so I’m not sure how I’m gonna do that. But I’ve been told that many people in Thailand receive their SSA benefits into their Thailand accounts.
2 months ago
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Anita ********
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Greg ***********
Just curious: does anyone know the exchange rate difference between direct deposit in Thailand vs. deposit in US and then send via wise?
2 months ago
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Marty *********
Contact the Social Security office In Manila. That office serves SS recipients in Asia. They may be able to help you with your bank request.
2 months ago
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Glenn *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
 I already explained that it is nearly impossible to get in touch with them
2 months ago
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Marty *********
@Glenn ****
 You tried to talk to the US SS office or the one in Manila? I’ve been able to communicate with the Manila office by email. They have responded within a couple of days. Tell them you are living in Thailand.

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2 months ago
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Glenn *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
 I did talk to the SSA in the US. Multiple emails to Manila FBO have gone unanswered.
2 months ago
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Bradley *********
@Glenn ****
 wait till after the election. Services should get better right away.
2 months ago
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Bradley *********
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Wayne ********
@Glenn ****
 why don’t you fly to Manila and go to the office in person? It’s not that expensive. 
2 months ago
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Wayne ********
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Bob *********
You can do that, but your new ssa account in Thailand won't have a debt card and you will start getting the "are you dead letter". If you don't mail it back within a month, they will stop your payments till they receive it in america
2 months ago
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Marty *********
@Bob ********
 The proof of life letter is not that harsh. I moved from Bangkok to Sisaket province. Last year when I got the letter it said that it was my second notice. I sent it back by EMS and there was no interruption of my benefits.
2 months ago
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Glenn *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob ********
 I don't care about the debit card and the not dead letters are tied to a foreign address
2 months ago
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Glenn *****
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Tony **********
I thought you could do this through the mysocialsecurity website.
2 months ago
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Glenn *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *********
 according to the SSA rep it cannot be done that way
2 months ago
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Glenn *****
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