Bank of America will open a checking account for a foreign national, but you need a U.S. address and an ITIN or passport

Bank of America does open checking accounts for people who are not U.S. citizens. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but the requirements are stricter than they are for U.S. citizens, and some branches handle foreign accounts differently than others.

You will need a valid passport or national ID, proof of a current U.S. address (a lease, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and either an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can still open an account, but Bank of America will ask you to provide one within a set timeframe—usually 30 to 90 days. Some branches will let you explore for an ITIN through the IRS while you are there; others will direct you to explore on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America requires a valid passport or national ID, a U.S. address, and either an ITIN or Social Security Number to open a checking account as a foreign national.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online, but the online process may flag your account for manual review if your address is outside the U.S.
  • Some Bank of America branches are more experienced with foreign accounts than others; calling ahead to confirm they handle international customers can save you a trip.
  • If you do not yet have an ITIN, you can still open the account but will need to provide one within 30 to 90 days or the account may be closed.
  • Bank of America's basic checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, which is the same requirement for all customers.

What documents you need to bring to a Bank of America branch

Bring your passport or national ID in its original form—Bank of America will not accept a photocopy. Bring proof of your U.S. address: a lease, utility bill, cell phone bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are staying with someone else, a letter from that person on their letterhead stating your address and the dates you are living there can work, though not all branches accept this. Call your local branch first to ask what they will take.

Bring your ITIN or Social Security Number if you have one. If you do not have an ITIN, tell the branch representative when you arrive. Some branches can help you file Form W-7 (the ITIN process) on the spot; others will give you the form and direct you to the IRS office. The IRS processes ITIN applications in about 6 to 8 weeks, so plan accordingly if you need the number quickly.

Bring a second form of identification if possible—a driver's license, state ID, or student ID. This is not always required, but it speeds up the process.

Opening an account online versus in person

Bank of America allows you to start a checking account process online, but the process is less predictable for foreign nationals. If your address is outside the United States, the system may flag your process for manual review, which can add several days. If your address is within the U.S., the online process usually works the same way it does for citizens, though you will still need to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your passport.

Opening an account in person at a branch is faster and more reliable if you are a foreign national. The representative can answer questions about your ITIN status on the spot, confirm that your documents are acceptable, and often set up your account the same day. You will receive a debit card when ready or within 5 to 7 business days, depending on the branch.

ITIN requirements and timelines

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. Bank of America requires one, but you do not have to have it before you open the account. If you do not have an ITIN when you explore, the bank will give you a important date—usually 30 to 90 days—to provide one. If you miss that important date, the bank may freeze or close your account.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can do this by mail or in person at an IRS office or an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent. The process takes 6 to 8 weeks by mail. Some Bank of America branches partner with IRS-authorized agents and can help you file on site, which can speed things up. Call your branch and ask whether they offer this service.

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

Bank of America's basic checking account (called eChecking or Advantage SafePass, depending on your branch) has no monthly fee if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance of $500, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with a $300 minimum balance. For most people, setting up direct deposit is the easiest route.

If you do not meet any of these conditions, the monthly fee is $12. There is no difference in fee structure between foreign nationals and U.S. citizens.

What happens if you do not have a U.S. address yet

Bank of America will not open a checking account without a U.S. address. If you are moving to the United States but have not yet arrived, you have a few options. Some branches will accept a letter from your employer or a university stating your expected address and move-in date, though this is not may provide. Call the branch where you plan to open the account and ask whether they will accept a future address.

If that does not work, you can open the account after you arrive and have a lease or utility bill in your name. If you need a bank account before then, some online banks and credit unions are more flexible about address verification, though they may still require a U.S. address eventually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America account if I am on a visa?

Yes. Bank of America does not ask about visa status. You need a valid passport, a U.S. address, and an ITIN or Social Security Number. Your visa type does not affect whether you can open an account.

What if my passport is expired?

Bank of America requires a valid passport or national ID. An expired passport will not work. If your passport is expired, you will need to renew it before you can open an account. Some branches may accept a national ID card instead if your country issues one.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open the account?

If you open the account in person at a branch, you may receive a temporary debit card the same day or within 1 to 2 business days. A permanent card usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days. If you open the account online, the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a Social Security Number or can I use only an ITIN?

An ITIN is sufficient. Bank of America accepts either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. You do not need both, and you do not need a Social Security Number to open a checking account.

What if my branch says they cannot open an account for a foreign national?

Some branches are less experienced with foreign accounts and may incorrectly say they cannot help. Call a different Bank of America branch or visit a larger branch in a city center, where staff are more familiar with international customers. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line and ask to be directed to a branch that handles foreign accounts.