Yes, you can open a Bank of America account as a foreigner, but the process depends on your immigration status

Bank of America will open a checking or savings account for you if you have a valid passport or national ID and a U.S. address. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. What you do need is proof that you exist and a way for the bank to contact you — which is why the address requirement matters.

The catch is that some account types have restrictions based on your visa status, and some branches enforce rules more strictly than others. A tourist on a visitor visa can usually open an account. Someone on an employment visa (H-1B, L-1) can almost always open one. The process gets more complicated if you are undocumented, though some banks have found ways to work with you — Bank of America is not one of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America requires a valid passport or national ID, a U.S. address, and a second form of ID or proof of address to open an account.
  • You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security Number, which you can obtain from the IRS before or after opening the account.
  • Some visa holders (H-1B, L-1, F-1 students) can open accounts; tourists can sometimes open them; undocumented immigrants cannot.
  • Bring original documents to a physical branch rather than trying to open an account online, since the bank will want to see your passport in person.

What documents you need to bring

Bank of America requires two forms of identification. Your passport counts as one. For the second, you can bring a national ID card from your home country, a driver's license (if you have a U.S. one), or a state ID card.

You also need proof of your U.S. address. A lease, utility bill, or bank statement from another U.S. bank will work. If you just arrived and do not have any of these yet, bring a letter from your employer or school on letterhead stating your address, or a lease signed by you and your landlord.

The bank will also ask for a tax identification number. If you have a Social Security Number, bring that. If you do not, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you open the account, or you can open the account first and explore for an ITIN afterward — the bank will work with you either way, though having it ready speeds things up.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. You explore using IRS Form W-7, which you can read from irs.gov or pick up at an IRS office.

You will need to submit the form by mail along with a copy of your passport and proof of your U.S. address. The IRS typically processes ITIN applications in about four weeks, though it can take longer during tax season. Some tax preparation services and community organizations also help people file the form for free or low cost.

You do not have to have an ITIN before you open a Bank of America account. Many people open the account first, then explore for the ITIN. The bank will note that you do not have a tax ID yet, and you can provide it later.

Which visa statuses allow you to open an account

Bank of America's official policy does not explicitly bar any visa holder. In practice, people on work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1) and student visas (F-1, J-1) open accounts routinely. Tourists on B-1/B-2 visitor visas can also open accounts, though some branches may ask more questions about your plans to stay.

The bank's main concern is whether you have a U.S. address and valid ID. If you are staying in the U.S. for any reason and have both, you have a reasonable chance of opening an account. The experience varies by branch, so if one location turns you down, try another.

If you are undocumented, Bank of America does not have a program for you. Some smaller banks and credit unions do offer accounts to undocumented immigrants, but Bank of America's compliance system is not set up for it.

Opening an account in person versus online

You should open your account at a physical Bank of America branch, not online. The bank needs to see your passport in person and verify that you are who you say you are. Online applications are designed for people with U.S. Social Security Numbers and existing credit histories, and the system will likely reject you or flag your process for manual review.

Walk into a branch with your passport, second ID, proof of address, and tax ID number (or a note that you are explore for an ITIN). Tell the banker you are a foreigner opening an account for the first time. They will guide you through the forms, which take about 15 to 20 minutes. You will leave with a debit card and online banking access the same day.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other Bank of America customer. You can deposit checks, transfer money, set up direct deposit, and use the debit card at ATMs and stores. You can also use Bank of America's online and mobile banking apps.

If you applied for an ITIN after opening the account, send it to Bank of America once you receive it. You can do this by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or uploading it through online banking. The bank will update your account with your tax ID.

Keep in mind that if your visa expires or your status changes, you should tell the bank. If you leave the U.S., you can keep the account open and use it to receive money or pay bills, but the bank may eventually close it if there is no activity for a long time.

Why Bank of America asks for a U.S. address

Banks are required by federal law to verify the identity and address of everyone who opens an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. The bank uses your address to send statements, to contact you if there is suspicious activity, and to report to the IRS if you earn interest or receive certain payments.

If you are staying with a friend or family member, you can use their address as long as you live there. If you are in a hotel or temporary housing, some branches will accept a hotel address or a letter from your employer stating where you are staying. The key is that the address has to be real and verifiable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. phone number to open an account?

Bank of America will ask for a phone number, but it does not have to be a U.S. number. You can provide your home country number, and the bank will contact you there if needed. However, having a U.S. number (from a prepaid phone or a service like Google Voice) makes it easier to set up online banking and receive alerts.

What if I do not have a U.S. address yet?

You can use a temporary address — a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's apartment, or your workplace. Bring a document that shows that address: a hotel confirmation, a lease, a utility bill, or a letter from your employer. The address does not have to be permanent, just current and verifiable.

Can I open an account if I am on a tourist visa?

Yes, many tourists open Bank of America accounts. Bring your passport, a second ID, proof of your U.S. address (even if it is a hotel), and your tax ID or ITIN. Some branches may ask how long you are staying, but that usually does not disqualify you.

What if Bank of America rejects my process?

Try a different branch — policies are enforced differently across locations. If Bank of America continues to decline, consider a smaller bank or credit union, which sometimes have more flexible policies for foreign customers. You can also ask the first branch why you were rejected, which may help you prepare better documents for the next attempt.

Can I use my account if I move back to my home country?

Yes. You can keep the account open, receive deposits, and pay bills online from anywhere. However, the bank may eventually close it if there is no activity for several years. If you plan to keep it active from abroad, make sure to update your contact information and keep some money in the account.