Banking and Finance
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.
Taxation in USA
UN staff members who are also holders of a G-(4) visa are exempt for paying taxes on income from work. You will however, be required to pay property taxes (if you own property in the US), sales tax and taxes on any other form of income, where applicable. For accompanying spouses who find employment outside the UN or who are self-employed, taxes must be paid on income according to the prescribed scale set by the US government. In addition to the federal income tax, many states impose an additional income tax. It is recommended that a qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA) be used to complete tax returns, which are due on April 15th of each year. In addition to a CPA, there are several income tax preparation companies throughout NY and NJ that assist employees in filing their tax returns.
Keep in mind, that if :
You are not an American citizen nor a permanent resident (Green Card holder) AND as long as you and your spouse have a G-x (G-1 to G-4) visa AND as long as your spouse works full time for a UN agency in the US:
Then you are not considered a tax resident (exception to the substantial presence test used by the IRS to determine tax residency). As a non-resident (for the IRS), you will have to only file tax return for the non-UN income (as well as property tax if you own a house, and other taxable American income you may have) received in the US and NOT for income, properties or savings received in any other country outside US.
The option of learning to file your own tax returns is always available through short courses usually held throughout the year by many of the tax preparation franchising companies in New York and by some local libraries.
Useful information on taxation is available on this page: https://nylesa.org/members-only/career_resource/ (left column: Quick Access to Documents/Taxation).
Do not hesitate to reach out to the Steering Committee or other NYLESA members, many of whom have years of experience with the US tax system, if you have questions.
(Updated October 2025)
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