Yes, non-US residents can open a US bank account, but the process is more complicated than it is for US citizens or permanent residents

Banks in the United States will open accounts for non-residents, but they treat you differently because of federal rules designed to prevent money laundering and tax evasion. The main barrier is not your residency status — it is that you need to prove who you are using documents a US bank will accept, and you need a US address or a US tax identification number. Some banks make this straightforward. Others decline non-residents entirely. The easiest path depends on why you need the account and which country you are a citizen of.

The process takes longer than opening an account as a US resident, usually two to four weeks instead of a few days. You will need to provide more documentation, and you may need to visit a branch in person or use a video call with a banker, because banks cannot verify your identity the way they do for people with US driver's licenses or Social Security numbers.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-US residents can open checking and savings accounts at most major US banks, but some banks restrict non-residents to certain account types or require higher minimum balances.
  • You will need either an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, a US address, or both — a US address alone is not always enough.
  • Banks verify your identity differently for non-residents, often requiring a video call with a banker, a notarized copy of your passport, or a visit to a physical branch.
  • Some banks specialize in serving non-residents and non-citizens, while others require you to be a US citizen or permanent resident; calling ahead saves time.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with a valid passport from your home country. This is your primary identity document, and every US bank will ask for it. You will usually need to provide a copy — some banks accept a scan or photo, while others require a notarized copy certified by a notary public in your country or at a US embassy or consulate.

Next, you need either a US address or a US tax identification number, or both. If you have a US address — a friend's house, a rental, a business address, or even a mail forwarding service — you can use that. If you do not have a US address, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to non-residents who have US tax obligations. Getting an ITIN takes several weeks and requires filing IRS Form W-7 with supporting documents; it is not a quick fix if you are in a hurry.

Some banks also ask for proof of your home address — a utility bill, lease, or government-issued ID from your country. A few ask for a reference from another bank, proof of income, or an explanation of why you need a US account. These requirements vary by bank and by your country of citizenship.

Which banks accept non-residents and what they require

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have different policies. Chase, for example, generally requires you to be a US citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder with a US address; they do not routinely open accounts for tourists or people living abroad. Bank of America has similar restrictions in most states. Wells Fargo's policy varies by state and by branch.

Smaller regional banks and online banks are often more flexible. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a traditional bank but offers accounts to non-residents and is designed for people who move between countries. Charles Schwab, an investment and banking company, opens accounts for non-residents if you have a US address or ITIN. Some credit unions also accept non-residents, though policies vary widely.

The fastest way to find out is to call the bank's customer service line and ask directly: "I am a non-resident. Do you open accounts for people who do not live in the United States?" Write down the name of the person you speak with and the date, in case you need to reference the conversation later. Do not rely on the website alone — policies change, and branch staff sometimes have different information than the website states.

How to open the account if you are outside the United States

If you are not in the US, most banks will ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a banker. You will need a device with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, and your passport. The banker will ask you questions about yourself, look at your passport, and may ask about the purpose of the account. This call usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Some banks require you to visit a branch in person, which means you will need to be in the United States or at a US embassy or consulate. A few banks will accept a notarized copy of your passport mailed to them, though this is becoming less common. Ask the bank which method they use before you start the process.

After the video call or in-person visit, the bank will mail you a debit card and account information. This takes one to two weeks. Some banks allow you to start using the account online before the card arrives; others require you to wait. Ask about this when you open the account so you know when you can begin depositing money.

Getting money into your account from abroad

Once your account is open, you can deposit money using a wire transfer from a bank in your home country. Wire transfers are reliable but expensive — your home bank may charge $15 to $50, and the US bank may charge another $10 to $15. The money usually arrives in one to three business days.

If you are sending small amounts regularly, a service like Wise, OFX, or Remitly may be cheaper than a wire transfer. These services convert your home currency to US dollars and deposit the money into your US account. Fees are usually lower than wire transfers, though the exchange rate they offer may be slightly less favorable.

If you have a US employer or client who pays you, you can provide them with your account details and routing number, and they can deposit money directly into your account using ACH (Automated Clearing House), which is free and takes one to two business days.

Tax reporting and IRS requirements

If you are a non-resident alien — a term the IRS uses for non-citizens who do not have a green card — you may still have US tax obligations depending on your income and the type of account. The bank will ask you to complete a W-9 form (if you have an ITIN and are a resident alien or non-resident with US income) or a W-8BEN form (if you are a non-resident alien with no US income). These forms tell the bank whether to report your account to the IRS.

If you earn money in the United States — from a US employer, a US client, or US investments — you will likely owe US taxes and will need to file a tax return with the IRS. A tax professional or the IRS website can tell you whether you are required to file. This is separate from your home country's tax obligations, which may also explore.

Why banks ask for so much information

The reason banks require extra documentation from non-residents is federal law, specifically the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money-laundering rules. Banks must verify the identity of every account holder and report suspicious activity to the US government. For US citizens and permanent residents, a driver's license is enough. For non-residents, banks cannot rely on a single US document, so they ask for more.

This is not the bank being difficult — it is the bank following the law. If a bank opens an account without proper verification, the bank itself can be fined or lose its license. This is why some banks straightforward decline to open accounts for non-residents rather than risk getting the process wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a US bank account as a non-resident?

No. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. If you do not have either, some banks will still open an account if you have a US address and can verify your identity through a video call or in-person visit. Ask the bank what they accept before you explore.

Can I open a US bank account if I am on a tourist visa?

Yes, but it depends on the bank. Some banks accept tourists with a valid passport and a US address (even a temporary one). Others require a longer-term visa like an H-1B or student visa. Call the bank and explain your visa status — they can tell you whether they will open an account for you.

How long does it take to open an account as a non-resident?

The process usually takes two to four weeks from the time you submit your documents to the time your debit card arrives. The video call or in-person verification happens within a few days, but the bank needs time to process your documents and mail your card. Some banks are faster; ask when you start.

What if my bank closes my account because I moved abroad?

Some banks close accounts when a customer moves out of the United States, even if the account was open for years. If this happens, the bank will mail you a check or allow you to transfer the money to another account. To avoid this, tell your bank you are moving abroad before you leave, and ask whether they will keep your account open. If they say no, open a new account at a bank that accepts non-residents before you close the old one.

Can I use a US bank account if I do not have a US phone number?

Yes. You can use an international phone number or a US phone number from a service like Google Voice. Some banks require a phone number for security and account access, but it does not have to be a US number. Tell the bank what number you will use when you open the account.