Yes, but the bank will ask for more documents than it asks a US citizen

A foreigner can open a checking or savings account at a US bank. Most major banks will do it. What changes is the paperwork: instead of a Social Security number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and instead of a US address, you may be able to use a temporary one. Some banks make this straightforward. Others treat it as a special case and slow down. A few will not do it at all, depending on your visa status and where you are trying to open the account.

The core issue is not whether you are foreign—it is whether the bank can verify who you are and whether you pose a money-laundering risk. US banks are required by federal law to know their customers. For a US citizen, that means a driver's license and a Social Security number. For you, it means different documents, and the bank has to do more work to confirm them.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid passport, proof of address (which can be temporary), and either an ITIN or a Social Security number to open an account.
  • Large banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally accept foreign customers, but smaller regional banks may not.
  • The process takes longer than it does for a US citizen—expect two to four weeks instead of a few days.
  • Some banks require you to open the account in person at a branch; others will do it online if you have the right documents.
  • Your visa status matters: tourist visas, student visas, and work visas are all treated differently by different banks.

What documents you will need

Start with a valid passport. This is non-negotiable. The bank needs to confirm your identity and your country of origin, and a passport does both. A driver's license from your home country will not be enough on its own.

Next, you need proof of a US address. If you are living in the US, a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency will work. If you are not yet in the US or you are staying temporarily, some banks will accept a hotel address, an Airbnb address, or even a US address where you plan to stay. Call the bank first and ask what they accept—policies vary widely.

Finally, you need a tax identification number. If you have a Social Security number (because you have a work visa or permanent residency), use that. If not, you will need an ITIN. Getting an ITIN takes time: you explore through the IRS using Form W-7, and it can take four to six weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN process is pending if you show them the receipt, but not all. Plan ahead.

Which banks accept foreign customers and how they do it

The largest US banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—all accept foreign customers. They have done this enough times that they have a process. You will still need all the documents above, and the process will still take longer, but they will not turn you away because you are foreign.

Regional and community banks vary. Some welcome foreign customers. Others have decided the compliance work is not worth it and will decline. There is no way to know without calling. If you are in a major city, you have options. If you are in a smaller town, you may have only one or two banks that will work with you.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab generally do not accept customers without a US address and Social Security number or ITIN. They rely on automated verification and do not have the staff to handle exceptions. If you are planning to use an online bank, check their specific requirements before you start.

Opening an account in person versus online

If you are in the US, opening an account in person at a branch is usually faster and more reliable. The banker can look at your documents on the spot, ask questions, and resolve problems when ready. Bring your passport, proof of address, and your ITIN or Social Security number. The account can sometimes be opened the same day, though the bank may put a hold on deposits while they finish their verification.

If you are opening an account from outside the US, you will need to do it online or by mail. This takes longer because the bank has to verify documents remotely. Some banks will not do this at all. Others will send you a form to fill out, ask you to upload scans of your documents, and then follow up with questions. Expect the process to take two to four weeks.

A few banks, including some branches of Chase and Bank of America, will open accounts for people who are not yet in the US if they have a job offer letter or a student visa. Call ahead and ask whether your situation qualifies.

How your visa status affects the process

Banks treat different visa statuses differently, though none of them automatically disqualify you.

Student visa (F-1): Most banks accept F-1 visa holders. You will need your passport, your I-20 form (which shows your school and status), and proof of address at or near your school. Some banks have streamlined processes for students because they open so many accounts.

Work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1): Banks accept work visa holders. You will need your passport, your visa stamp, and a letter from your employer confirming your employment. This usually satisfies the bank that you have a legitimate reason to be in the US and a stable address.

Tourist visa (B-1/B-2): This is harder. Banks are cautious because tourist visas are short-term and banks worry you will leave. Some will open an account if you have a US address and can explain why you need one. Others will decline. Be honest about your situation—if you say you are a tourist but you are actually planning to stay for a year, the bank may close the account later.

No visa yet: If you are planning to move to the US but have not arrived, some banks will open an account if you have a job offer letter or an admission letter from a school. Others will not. Ask the bank directly.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, you can use it like any other US bank account. You can deposit checks, receive direct deposits, and make transfers. You can get a debit card. You may not be able to overdraft or get a credit card right away—the bank may want to see a few months of activity first—but that is true for many new accounts, not just foreign ones.

The bank may put a temporary hold on large deposits while they verify the source of the money. This is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and applies to US citizens too. If you are transferring money from abroad, expect the bank to ask where it came from.

Keep your account active. If you leave the US and stop using the account, the bank may close it after a period of inactivity (usually six months to a year). If you plan to leave, let the bank know and ask what happens to the account.

Alternatives if a bank turns you down

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, you have other options. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than banks and may work with foreign customers. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are specifically designed to serve people who have trouble with traditional banking. Some are willing to work with foreign customers.

Prepaid debit cards do not require a bank account and do not require a Social Security number or ITIN. You load money onto them and use them like a debit card. They are not a substitute for a bank account—you cannot get checks, and you may pay fees—but they work if you need a way to spend money in the US.

Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly let you move money from your home country to the US without a US bank account. You can pick up the money in cash or have it sent to someone else's account. Again, not a substitute for a bank account, but useful if you need to get money into the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

No. You can use an ITIN instead. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7. Some banks will open an account while your process is pending if you show them the receipt.

Can I open a bank account before I arrive in the US?

Some banks will, if you have a job offer letter or a student visa and can provide a US address. Most require you to be in the US or at least have a US address. Call the bank and ask about your specific situation.

How long does it take to open an account as a foreigner?

In person at a branch, it can be same-day or a few days. Online or by mail, expect two to four weeks. The bank may put a temporary hold on deposits while they finish verification.

Will the bank close my account if I leave the US?

Not automatically, but if you do not use it for six months to a year, the bank may close it due to inactivity. Tell the bank if you are leaving and ask about their policy on inactive accounts.

Can I open a joint account with someone who is not a US citizen?

Yes, as long as both of you have the required documents. The bank will verify both of you. If one person has a Social Security number and the other has an ITIN, that is fine.