Can anyone confirm that it is possible to update your Social Security direct deposit bank account and routing info on the mySocialSecurity portal from Thailand? I am currently trying to enroll in the mySocialSecurity portal and going through the ID.me process. There seems to be a lot of confusion on-line as to whether this is possible from overseas. Has anyone successfully been able to do this from overseas? My bank for the direct deposit is in the US. Thank you in advance for your help.

Edited Monday at 12:33 PM4 days by Gecko123

It depends on where your address is, if in Thailand you will have to call ss to change address of banking info. 1800 number last time i did it.

Having our address in Thailand we cannot change certain information in the my SocialSecurity portal. In addition to trying to call in a banking change, you can contact the Philippines FBU to make the update; that's what we did. Here's a copy of their email sent to me with the instructions to request they make the change...

If you need to change your direct deposit information and you cannot do it online through your personal my Social Security account, you must prove your identity before the change can be processed. To comply with this identity verification requirement, please follow the instructions below.

 

Step 1: Obtain a certified copy of your valid/unexpired passport or other acceptable identity document from the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate serving your area. This certification service is free of charge and does not require prior authorization from SSA.

 

To obtain a certified copy of your document, you should schedule an appointment with the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate serving your area. Please show them this email so that the ACS is aware of our instructions and can serve you appropriately.

 

On your appointment, you should present the original document, along with its photocopy, and inform the ACS staff that you need the copy certified for Social Security purposes. The ACS staff will certify the copy and give it to you.

 

Step 2: Mail the certified copy of your identity document, along with your new direct deposit information, to us for processing. Our mailing address is:

 

Social Security Administration

U.S. Embassy Manila

1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita

Manila 0930 Philippines

If you are unable to obtain a certified copy of your identity document from the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate due to an extreme hardship, please let us know as soon as possible.

1 hour ago, jeffandgop said:

Having our address in Thailand we cannot change certain information in the my SocialSecurity portal. In addition to trying to call in a banking change, you can contact the Philippines FBU to make the update; that's what we did. Here's a copy of their email sent to me with the instructions to request they make the change...

If you need to change your direct deposit information and you cannot do it online through your personal my Social Security account, you must prove your identity before the change can be processed. To comply with this identity verification requirement, please follow the instructions below.

 

Step 1: Obtain a certified copy of your valid/unexpired passport or other acceptable identity document from the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate serving your area. This certification service is free of charge and does not require prior authorization from SSA.

 

To obtain a certified copy of your document, you should schedule an appointment with the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate serving your area. Please show them this email so that the ACS is aware of our instructions and can serve you appropriately.

 

On your appointment, you should present the original document, along with its photocopy, and inform the ACS staff that you need the copy certified for Social Security purposes. The ACS staff will certify the copy and give it to you.

 

Step 2: Mail the certified copy of your identity document, along with your new direct deposit information, to us for processing. Our mailing address is:

 

Social Security Administration

U.S. Embassy Manila

1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita

Manila 0930 Philippines

If you are unable to obtain a certified copy of your identity document from the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate due to an extreme hardship, please let us know as soon as possible.

I received the same email from Manila when I attempted to change my direct deposit info by email. The way I interpret the above email from Manila is that you first have to get a certified copy of your passport from the US Embassy (which can be done by registered mail), but after that you have to schedule an in person appointment with the embassy's ACS unit (bringing the certified copy of your passport and passport) during which the ACS unit will verify that it's you who is making the request. However, the US Embassy website is saying that you should NOT make an appointment with ACS for Social security identity verification purposes. I have contacted Manila for clarification of this discrepancy.

Edited Monday at 11:57 PM3 days by Gecko123

I can change where I deposit SS on the website here in Thailand. I've done so twice. But, I flew back to US for a face to face at SS office to start my retirement.

4 hours ago, Gecko123 said:

I received the same email from Manila when I attempted to change my direct deposit info by email. The way I interpret the above email from Manila is that you first have to get a certified copy of your passport from the US Embassy (which can be done by registered mail), but after that you have to schedule an in person appointment with the embassy's ACS unit (bringing the certified copy of your passport and passport) during which the ACS unit will verify that it's you who is making the request. However, the US Embassy website is saying that you should NOT make an appointment with ACS for Social security identity verification purposes. I have contacted Manila for clarification of this discrepancy.

I would not agree as I did it and it’s only a single interaction with the embassy. Make an appointment for notary services. Bring your passport and a copy of the photo page. Theyll certify the single page copy. Then send your new bank details and photo page to the FBU

1 hour ago, jeffandgop said:

I would not agree as I did it and it’s only a single interaction with the embassy. Make an appointment for notary services. Bring your passport and a copy of the photo page. Theyll certify the single page copy. Then send your new bank details and photo page to the FBU

Thank you. I'm wondering when you did this and if the procedure has recently changed. Here is the link to the US Embassy website stating that you should not schedule an appointment for SS passport verification.

https://th.usembassy.gov/services/notarials/

Document(s) Do Not Require Your Appearance – MAIL-IN ONLY

Certified true copy of documents for use with Social Security applications, FBU Manila – Mail-in ONLY

I JUST now received this email response from Manila to my earlier referenced email requesting clarification:

"Having your passport/ID certified by post via mail is acceptable.

Send the certified copy of your passport/ID together with form SF-1199 to our address. The bank form needs to be fully completed and signed by you. A bank rep does not to sign the form."

NB: Form SF-1199 is the form to request enrollment/change of banking info for US bank.

4 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

I can change where I deposit SS on the website here in Thailand. I've done so twice. But, I flew back to US for a face to face at SS office to start my retirement.

As I am in the process of trying to enroll in mySocial Security, I am curious what website you are referring to. My research has indicated that you CANNOT change your direct deposit routing info on the mySocialSecurity portal.

26 minutes ago, Gecko123 said:

As I am in the process of trying to enroll in mySocial Security, I am curious what website you are referring to. My research has indicated that you CANNOT change your direct deposit routing info on the mySocialSecurity portal.

I only know About a year ago I switched SS direct deposit from Bangkok Bank back to my US bank and did it online, same as my pension.

28 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

I only know About a year ago I switched SS direct deposit from Bangkok Bank back to my US bank and did it online, same as my pension.

Changing TO a US bank is much different than changing FROM a US bank to a foreign one.

And if you're just starting, it's easier to set a foreign one than change it to one later.

Edited Tuesday at 07:09 AM3 days by gargamon

I had been using mySocial Security for a while, and then last year they made me enroll in ID.me to continue. I was able to enroll from Bangkok, though I had to do a video call with someone from the company during which I held up my passport next to my face. Since then I have had no issues with the site, and used it to enter my bank account info and to apply to begin receiving benefits. This was using a US address and a US bank.

Just this week changed my direct deposit account over the phone with their International Operations number.

They required that I generate a PIN via my My Social Security site. This was not a problem.

I tried doing this through the FBU Manila office.

After sending in their required paperwork and waiting 4 months for a bank account change, I was able to do this in less than 30 minutes over the phone.

I find the FBU unit to be completely useless....

6 minutes ago, Bubbha said:

Just this week changed my direct deposit account over the phone with their International Operations number.

They required that I generate a PIN via my My Social Security site. This was not a problem.

I tried doing this through the FBU Manila office.

After sending in their required paperwork and waiting 4 months for a bank account change, I was able to do this in less than 30 minutes over the phone.

I find the FBU unit to be completely useless....

Same number as the proof of life verification?

4 hours ago, khunjeff said:

I had been using mySocial Security for a while, and then last year they made me enroll in ID.me to continue. I was able to enroll from Bangkok, though I had to do a video call with someone from the company during which I held up my passport next to my face. Since then I have had no issues with the site, and used it to enter my bank account info and to apply to begin receiving benefits. This was using a US address and a US bank.

I need to do this. I tried one day but lost patience with all the nonsense. Maybe I'll try again sometime. Meanwhile, my direct deposit is still going to a bank that I'd rather not use.

On 9/1/2026 at 8:53 AM, EVENKEEL said:

I can change where I deposit SS on the website here in Thailand. I've done so twice. But, I flew back to US for a face to face at SS office to start my retirement.

I was one step away from doing that when I initially set up my SS. It was BEYOND frustrating. The Thai phone I've had for years with AIS would NOT connect to Manila. I forget the exact manner (Line call? WhatsApp? Skype?) I was finally able to get through, but at that time you had to make an appointment via email to talk to an agent. Then the damned call kept dropping, and once that happens, they won't accept another call for that session. You have to make another email appointment and sacrifice a chicken before that next call in the hope the gods will favor you.

In their defense, the Manila agents are WAY overworked and underpaid, so you can't expect great customer service from them. In retrospect, I think the trip to the US would have been the best way to do it.

I am sick and tired of the credit union I use for direct deposit but grit my teeth and deal with them as best as I can. I have both my civil service pension and SS going there and I just know if I were to try sending them to a different bank, something bad would happen.

14 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I am sick and tired of the credit union I use for direct deposit but grit my teeth and deal with them as best as I can. I have both my civil service pension and SS going there and I just know if I were to try sending them to a different bank, something bad would happen.

Finally, after almost one full year, I managed to straighten out a problem I had with a missed civil service pension payment. The missed payment happened when I switched from one bank to the other. The switch finally took effect, but in the process one month's payment never materialized. I figured it would eventually show up, but no such luck. I tried the OPM portal on several occasions.. I tried emailing them. I tried calling. Nothing worked. I was beginning to wonder if anyone actually worked there any more.

Finally, I tried a congressional inquiry. That worked in less than a week. At least that was the response I got. They told me my missed payment was now on the way and I would receive it within seven days, per OPM.

5 hours ago, khunjeff said:

I had been using mySocial Security for a while, and then last year they made me enroll in ID.me to continue. I was able to enroll from Bangkok, though I had to do a video call with someone from the company during which I held up my passport next to my face. Since then I have had no issues with the site, and used it to enter my bank account info and to apply to begin receiving benefits. This was using a US address and a US bank.

Am I correct in guessing that you also used a US phone number? Don't ask me for a link, but I am almost certain that I read on an official SS website that you cannot change the bank routing info from overseas with a foreign address and phone number.

I just sent my passport down to the US Embassy to receive the letter certifying that my passport is authentic. Once I receive it back, I have been given the green light from Manila to mail it along with an 1199A form for enrolling/changing the direct deposit info to a US bank.

@Bubbha said he was still waiting after 4 months for the change to be processed. Yikes! I need to get my direct deposit info updated before 1/1/27. The reason I'm updating the direct deposit account info is to segregate my SS income from other accounts, in case I'm audited by Thai Revenue Dept.

I'm concurrently trying to enroll in the online mySocialSecurity portal, but running into a temporary snafu with the id.Me enrollment process (namely, tracking down a bank statement with full social security number on it. I have a request into Manila for a duplicate social security benefits summary (SSA-1099) which AI is telling me should have the full social security number on it.)

On 8/31/2026 at 7:29 PM, Gecko123 said:

Can anyone confirm that it is possible to update your Social Security direct deposit bank account and routing info on the mySocialSecurity portal from Thailand? I am currently trying to enroll in the mySocialSecurity portal and going through the ID.me process. There seems to be a lot of confusion on-line as to whether this is possible from overseas. Has anyone successfully been able to do this from overseas? My bank for the direct deposit is in the US. Thank you in advance for your help.

I tried to do this a long, long time ago (25+ years?) and was not successful, so I just have my SS deposited in my US bank (BofA) and then wire funds to my bank in Thailand when I need them. I think it’s important that the address you use on your SS and US bank account is the same US address. That’s what I do, and that’s worked for at least 20 years or more.

I applied for my SS benefits online (ID.me as well) including my U.S. bank account info. I will be able to change my account, but I’ve never tried if a Thai bank account will be acceptable or not.

4 hours ago, jas007 said:

I need to do this. I tried one day but lost patience with all the nonsense. Maybe I'll try again sometime. Meanwhile, my direct deposit is still going to a bank that I'd rather not use.

I had id.me and login.gov setup for mysocial account. The enhanced the security a few years back and I couldn't get id.me to work. Login.gov is much easier and I use that now.

4 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I was one step away from doing that when I initially set up my SS. It was BEYOND frustrating. The Thai phone I've had for years with AIS would NOT connect to Manila. I forget the exact manner (Line call? WhatsApp? Skype?) I was finally able to get through, but at that time you had to make an appointment via email to talk to an agent. Then the damned call kept dropping, and once that happens, they won't accept another call for that session. You have to make another email appointment and sacrifice a chicken before that next call in the hope the gods will favor you.

In their defense, the Manila agents are WAY overworked and underpaid, so you can't expect great customer service from them. In retrospect, I think the trip to the US would have been the best way to do it.

I'm reminded of recently I tried to shift from US bank to Kbank. The reason the online SS website can't do it is because it requires a routing number. Bangkok Bank has a routing number and Kbank only uses Swift Code. 6 yrs ago I was successful changing my deposit from US bank to Bangkok Bank, then when because of BB complications I switched back to US Bank.

Bangkok Bank branch in NYC has a routing number which is how it can be used when using the SS website to change deposit location.

On 9/1/2026 at 6:56 AM, Gecko123 said:

I received the same email from Manila when I attempted to change my direct deposit info by email. The way I interpret the above email from Manila is that you first have to get a certified copy of your passport from the US Embassy (which can be done by registered mail), but after tshat you have to schedule an in person appointment with the embassy's ACS unit (bringing the certified copy of your passport and passport) during which the ACS unit will verify that it's you who is making the request. However, the US Embassy website is saying that you should NOT make an appointment with ACS for Social security identity verification purposes. I have contacted Manila for clarification of this discrepancy.

Using a VPN, or turn it on? Their new portal system started last year requires lots of information must provide codes to sign in, then from my experience prior to new portal SS website works only during their open hours and if I don't turn on my VPN, no access.

Edited Wednesday at 01:24 PM2 days by thailand49

6 hours ago, jas007 said:

I need to do this. I tried one day but lost patience with all the nonsense. Maybe I'll try again sometime. Meanwhile, my direct deposit is still going to a bank that I'd rather not use.

I make my changes on-line as well via ID.ME..........but maintain a US Bank account where SSA gets deposited, maybe thats the ticket. Schwab only charges $15 for International Transfers to my Thai Bank account, its worth it to me to keep my SSA payments, and with the risky banking thats evolving in Thailand and other SE Asian countries, I'll keeo it in the USA. Peace

13 hours ago, gargamon said:

I had id.me and login.gov setup for mysocial account. The enhanced the security a few years back and I couldn't get id.me to work. Login.gov is much easier and I use that now.

Maybe I'll try it again. I can get into Login.gov just fine to update my OPM pension, but I can't get into the SSA site without updating my details, and that brings me back to the ID.me nonsense.

40 minutes ago, jas007 said:

Maybe I'll try it again. I can get into Login.gov just fine to update my OPM pension, but I can't get into the SSA site without updating my details, and that brings me back to the ID.me nonsense.

It's an easier alternative to id.me.

On 9/1/2026 at 12:22 PM, Gecko123 said:

Thank you. I'm wondering when you did this and if the procedure has recently changed. Here is the link to the US Embassy website stating that you should not schedule an appointment for SS passport verification.

https://th.usembassy.gov/services/notarials/

Document(s) Do Not Require Your Appearance – MAIL-IN ONLY

Certified true copy of documents for use with Social Security applications, FBU Manila – Mail-in ONLY

You ask when I did this- it was February of this year. I don't know if the website changed after my appointment as I went straight to the appointment page. I chose as my appointment reason "Passport Services". (I was incorrect to suggest earlier to "Make an appointment for notary services") . IMO, if another person did exactly what I did (1) Make appointment for passport services; and (2) bring your passport and a photocopy of the passport identification page, you will obtain the certification needed to send to the FBU. The FBU changed my banking within 2 weeks of their receipt- my March benefit was deposited to the account I had directed my ss benefit to be deposited to- it is a "sub account" under my overall account I have with my U.S. credit union. Maybe I had less required for the FBU process.

FYI. While I was processing my passport ID certification (which is NOT to be confused with a notarization), I observed one couple applying for a new passport for their infant and another father/daughter applying for their passport renewals....so much for being only accomplished by mail, eh?

3 hours ago, jeffandgop said:

You ask when I did this- it was February of this year. I don't know if the website changed after my appointment as I went straight to the appointment page. I chose as my appointment reason "Passport Services". (I was incorrect to suggest earlier to "Make an appointment for notary services") . IMO, if another person did exactly what I did (1) Make appointment for passport services; and (2) bring your passport and a photocopy of the passport identification page, you will obtain the certification needed to send to the FBU. The FBU changed my banking within 2 weeks of their receipt- my March benefit was deposited to the account I had directed my ss benefit to be deposited to- it is a "sub account" under my overall account I have with my U.S. credit union. Maybe I had less required for the FBU process.

FYI. While I was processing my passport ID certification (which is NOT to be confused with a notarization), I observed one couple applying for a new passport for their infant and another father/daughter applying for their passport renewals....so much for being only accomplished by mail, eh?

Manila has already told me that getting my passport certified by mail from the US Embassy in Bangkok in order to change my banking info through Manila Federal Benefits Unit is acceptable. I imagine if you booked an appt to accomplish this anyway they wouldn't turn you away, but it's pretty clear to me that the Embassy now wants passport certifications for social security purposes to be handled by mail rather than in person. Good to hear they were able to change your banking info within 2 weeks after receipt! Inside of 30 days is what I'm hoping for.

Manila has been helpful and reasonably timely in helping me get enrolled in SS a few years back, and they were helpful in getting my benefits re-established after a SSA-7162 (proof of life) snafu. Over the last year, however, I have sent them multiple requests for when my next SSA-7162 report is due and they have basically told me to get lost and to contact SSA headquarters or check with mySocialSecurity portal. But, again, for stuff like SS tax statements, and getting my benefits re-established after the SSA-7162 snafu, they've been helpful enough. I'm not sure about the significance of your last paragraph. I'm sure some there are many passport services which can or must be handled in person at the embassy.

4 hours ago, gargamon said:

It's an easier alternative to id.me.

I already have a SSA account. I have an OPM.gov account count, and I have a Login.gov account. I can get into the Login account just fine, and from there I can access my OPM account. But the only way into the SSA account, either through Login.gov or through SSA directly, is if I upload a valid drivers license (mine has expired) or, supposedly, a US passport. I tried the passport route and then the wanted me to talk to someone on a video call. I tried that, but they wanted to call me back and I decided I'd save the aggravation for another day.