Banking
Most UN staff members do their banking with the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU). For branch locations at the UN, click here. Your spouse can also open an account in your name.
Should you want to open an account with another bank, you will need to provide them with a document (e.g. electricity bill) proving that you live in NY. Chase Bank is a popular option with UN staff, since they are familiar with G4 visa holders and have several branches within the UN Plaza.
In addition to these two choices, there are a large number of different options to explore for your financial transactions while at the NY duty station, and even after leaving this duty station. When choosing a bank or credit union you should consider the conditions offered with each product, such as: location, services offered, ATM fees and proximity, interest rates offered and charged, and minimum balance requirements.
Credit History & Credit Score
Your credit score is used to represent your credit worthiness and your likelihood to pay your debts. It is used by lenders, landlords and by some companies to make decisions as to whether to hire you, rent their property to you or approve your application for a mortgage or other financial services.
Your credit score is determined by your spending pattern and history in the US, and is not significantly influenced by how much cash you possess. In order to have a credit history, you need to link your credit scoring to your social security number. To do so, you have to appear in person at your bank with your social security number and ask them to link it to your credit card account.
Credit Scoring Tips:
- Never close an account, especially a credit card account, as this will immediately lower your score.
- Use your credit card instead of cash and pay back on time.
- Many of us do not have significant spending history in the US; it is therefore advisable that you start working on building history as soon as you arrive. UNFCU will generally give a credit card to UN staff without an adequate credit score. Note that UN staff can also obtain a UNFCU credit card while working in other duty stations.
- Some banks offer secured credit cards, which can be used to build credit. HSBC is
one of the most popular banks providing this service. hsbc.com - The more lines of credit you have, the greater your capacity to build credit.
- Shopping around for credit can lower your score. It is advisable that you limit the
number of times that your credit is checked over a period of time. See scoring agencies for specific details. - Everyone is entitled to a free credit report within a twelve—month period and additional credit reports may be obtained at a cost.
Insurance
Disclaimer: the information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore at your own risk.
Medical Insurance Plans: Please refer to “Healthcare” section for information on Medical Insurance plans.
Renter’s Insurance
It is most likely that your landlord will ask you to purchase a renter’s insurance policy at the signature of your lease contract. It is recommended to add a personal liability protection to it. UNFCU can provide you with information about insurance companies. For information about different insurance policies offered by UNFCU visit unfcu.org/insurance.
On this page you’ll find articles about insurances you might need in addition to your UN- related insurance policy. These articles have been written for you as tips what you should know about insurances.
More information: Home and Renters Insurance
Other Insurance:
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