The short answer: most banks will not open an account for you on a tourist visa, but some will if you have a U.S. address and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Banks in the United States are required by federal law to verify your identity and your legal status in the country before opening an account. For tourists on a temporary visa, this creates a real barrier. Most major banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo — will turn you away because you do not have a Social Security Number, which is what they use to check your background and report your account activity to the IRS.

However, you have two realistic paths forward. Some banks and credit unions will open accounts for non-citizens using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who do not may have access to for a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the U.S. A few banks also accept a valid passport and a U.S. address as enough proof, though this is less common. The catch: you will need to stay in the country long enough to complete the process, and you will need a physical U.S. address — a hotel does not count.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major U.S. banks require a Social Security Number or ITIN to open an account, and tourists on temporary visas typically have neither.
  • You can obtain an ITIN from the IRS if you plan to work, invest, or conduct business in the U.S., even on a tourist visa.
  • Some credit unions and smaller regional banks will open accounts for tourists with an ITIN and a valid U.S. address.
  • Online banks sometimes have different requirements than brick-and-mortar banks, so it is worth checking their specific policies before visiting a branch.
  • If you cannot open an account, a prepaid card or money transfer service may work for your when ready banking needs while you are in the country.

Why banks ask for a Social Security Number or ITIN

The Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules require banks to verify who you are and report certain account activities to federal authorities. A Social Security Number is the standard identifier for this. When you do not have one, the bank has no way to run a background check or file the required reports, so they straightforward decline to open the account.

An ITIN serves the same purpose for tax and financial reporting. It is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security Number but begins with 9. The IRS issues ITINs to non-citizens who need to file taxes, work, or conduct business in the U.S. If you have an ITIN, you can prove to a bank that you are a real person with a traceable identity, even though you are not a permanent resident or citizen.

How to get an ITIN if you are a tourist

You can request an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7, process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You will need to submit it in person at an IRS office, a Taxpayer information Center, or an authorized acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service or community organization). You will also need to bring original documents: a valid passport, a visa, and proof of your current U.S. address.

The process typically takes four to six weeks by mail, or you may get faster results by visiting an IRS office in person. Not all IRS locations handle ITIN requests, so search the IRS website for "ITIN acceptance agents near me" to find the closest office that can help. Once you have the ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account.

Keep in mind that getting an ITIN requires you to have a reason — the IRS will ask why you need one. If you are straightforward a tourist with no plans to work or invest, you may not meet their threshold. However, if you are opening a business, working remotely for a U.S. company, or investing in U.S. property, you have a legitimate reason to request one.

Which banks and credit unions will work with tourists

Large national banks almost never open accounts for tourists. However, some credit unions and smaller regional banks have more flexible policies. Charles Schwab, an investment and banking platform, has been known to open accounts for non-citizens with an ITIN. Some online banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut also serve non-citizens, though they may have restrictions on what you can do with the account.

Your best bet is to call ahead before visiting a branch. Explain that you are a tourist with an ITIN and ask whether they will open an account. Credit unions in particular are often more willing to work with people in unusual situations, because they are member-owned and have more discretion than large banks. Local community banks may also be flexible, especially if you can show that you have a legitimate reason to be in the country and a real U.S. address.

If you are staying with a friend or family member, you can use their address as your own on the account process, as long as you are actually receiving mail there. If you are in a hotel or short-term rental, ask the management whether they will accept mail on your behalf — some will, and that counts as a valid address for banking purposes.

What you will need to bring to open an account

Regardless of which bank you choose, have these documents ready: a valid passport, your ITIN (if you have one), proof of your U.S. address (a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency), and a second form of ID if the bank asks for it. Some banks will also ask for your visa or entry stamp to confirm your legal status in the country.

Bring originals, not copies. Banks will not accept photocopies of your passport or visa. If you do not have proof of address yet, some banks will let you provide it later — ask when you call ahead. A few banks will also accept a letter from your employer or a hotel confirmation as temporary proof of address, though this is less common.

Alternatives if you cannot open a bank account

If you cannot get an ITIN or find a bank willing to work with you, you have other options for managing money while you are in the U.S. A prepaid debit card — available at most drugstores and supermarkets — does not require a bank account or Social Security Number. You load money onto it and use it like a regular debit card. The downside is that prepaid cards often charge fees for each transaction, and you cannot earn interest or access credit.

Money transfer services like Wise, PayPal, and Remitly also work for tourists. You can send money from your home country to a Wise or PayPal account and then withdraw it at ATMs or spend it with a debit card. These services are designed for people who move between countries, so they understand the documentation challenges tourists face.

If you are staying for several months or longer, it may be worth the effort to get an ITIN and open a real bank account, because the fees will add up quickly with prepaid cards. If you are only here for a few weeks, a prepaid card is probably simpler.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other U.S. bank account: deposit checks, transfer money, pay bills online, and withdraw cash from ATMs. However, some banks may limit what you can do if you are on a temporary visa. For example, you might not be able to open a credit card or take out a loan. Ask the bank what restrictions explore to your account before you leave the branch.

If you leave the U.S. before closing the account, you can usually keep it open and manage it online or by phone. However, if you do not use the account for a long time, the bank may close it for inactivity. Check the bank's policy on this before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. address to open a bank account as a tourist?

Yes, most banks require a physical U.S. address. A hotel address usually does not work, but a friend's or family member's address does, as long as you are actually staying there and can receive mail. Some banks will accept a temporary address and let you update it later.

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no ITIN?

A few banks and credit unions will, but it is rare. Call ahead and ask. Online banks are sometimes more flexible than brick-and-mortar branches. Having an ITIN makes it much easier and opens up more options.

How long does it take to open an account once I have an ITIN?

If the bank approves you, the account usually opens the same day or within a few business days. Getting the ITIN itself takes four to six weeks by mail, or faster if you visit an IRS office in person.

What if I need to send money back to my home country?

Once you have a U.S. bank account, you can use a money transfer service like Wise or your bank's own international transfer service. Prepaid cards and PayPal also work if you do not have a bank account yet.

Will opening a U.S. bank account affect my visa status?

No. Opening a bank account does not change your immigration status or create any legal problems. Banks report account information to the IRS for tax purposes, not to immigration authorities.