Yes, you can open a US bank account as a UK citizen, but the process is slower and more document-heavy than it is for US residents

Most US banks will open an account for a non-resident foreign national, but they require more proof of identity and address than they ask from US citizens. You will need a valid passport, proof of a US address (even a temporary one), and often a US tax identification number. Some banks have streamlined this for UK citizens specifically; others treat all non-residents the same way and may take weeks to verify your documents.

The main barrier is not whether banks will take your money—they will—but that each bank sets its own rules about which countries they serve and what documents they demand. A few large banks like Citibank and HSBC have international divisions that make this straightforward. Most regional and online-only banks will not open accounts for anyone without a US address or Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid UK passport, proof of a US address, and a US tax ID number (either an ITIN or SSN) to open most US bank accounts.
  • Large banks with international operations like Citibank and HSBC are more likely to accept non-resident UK citizens than regional or online-only banks.
  • Remote account opening is possible with some banks, but many still require you to visit a branch in person or use a video verification call.
  • Once open, your account works like any other US account—you can receive direct deposits, pay bills, and transfer money, though international transfers may carry higher fees.

What documents you will need to provide

Start with your UK passport. This is your primary identity document and every US bank will ask for it. Take a clear photo or scan of the photo page and the page with your signature.

Next, you need proof of a US address. This is the hardest part for most UK citizens. The address does not have to be permanent—it can be a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's address, or a business address where you work or have a stake. Banks typically accept a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from another US account as proof. If you do not have any of these yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your US work address, or a notarised letter from a friend or family member confirming you are staying at their address.

You will also need a US tax identification number. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you have a Social Security number (SSN). As a UK citizen, you will not have one unless you have worked in the US before. Instead, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. The process takes four to six weeks and requires you to file Form W-7 with the IRS, along with a copy of your passport and proof of US address. Some banks will open your account while your ITIN process is pending, but others will not.

Which banks actually accept non-resident UK citizens

Citibank has an explicit international account opening process and will open accounts for UK citizens without requiring you to be in the US. You can start the process online, but you will need to complete a video call with a representative to verify your identity. The whole process takes one to two weeks.

HSBC is another option if you have an HSBC account in the UK. They can often link your UK and US accounts and open a US account faster than other banks. If you do not already bank with HSBC, they may still open an account for you, but the timeline is longer.

Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have policies that technically allow non-resident account opening, but in practice they often decline UK citizens or require you to visit a branch in person. Call their international customer service line before you explore—do not assume the online form will work.

Smaller regional banks and most online-only banks (Revolut, Wise, Chime) do not open accounts for non-residents at all. Wise and Revolut are UK-based fintech companies that offer US account numbers, but these are not full US bank accounts—they are routing numbers tied to partner banks, and they come with limits on what you can do with them.

How to open an account remotely

Start by calling the bank's international customer service line, not the main number. Tell them you are a UK citizen trying to open an account and ask whether they accept non-residents. If they say yes, ask what documents they need and whether you can complete the process entirely online or whether you need to visit a branch.

If they accept remote applications, they will usually send you a link to an online form. Fill it out with your UK address as your current address and your US address (or intended US address) in the address field marked "mailing address" or "US address". Upload clear scans of your passport photo page and signature page. If you have an ITIN, provide the number. If you do not yet have one, write "ITIN pending" and provide your process receipt number if you have already filed Form W-7.

The bank will then verify your identity, usually by calling you or sending you a video call link. This call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. They will ask you to confirm your personal details, show your passport on camera, and sometimes ask why you need a US account. Be straightforward: say whether you are moving to the US, working remotely for a US company, or receiving payments from a US client.

After the call, the bank will review your documents and either approve or decline within three to five business days. If approved, they will send you account details by email and mail a debit card to your US address.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open, it functions like any other US bank account. You can receive direct deposits from a US employer or client, pay bills online, set up automatic transfers, and use your debit card at US merchants and ATMs. You can also send money internationally back to the UK, though the fees are usually higher than domestic transfers.

Keep in mind that US banks report account information to the IRS. If you are a UK citizen but have US tax obligations (for example, you work for a US company or own US property), you will need to file US tax returns. The bank will not do this for you—that is your responsibility. If you are a UK citizen with no US income or assets, you typically have no US tax filing requirement, but the bank does not know that and will still report your account to the IRS.

Your account will also be subject to US banking regulations. This means the bank can freeze or close your account if they believe you are using it for illegal purposes, and they can report suspicious activity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is standard for all US accounts and applies equally to UK citizens.

Costs and fees to expect

Most US banks charge no monthly fee for a basic checking account, and many offer free debit cards. However, some banks charge a higher fee for non-resident accounts or accounts without a US address on file. Citibank, for example, charges no monthly fee for their basic checking account, but they may charge a fee if you do not maintain a minimum balance.

International transfers out of your US account to the UK typically cost between $15 and $50 per transfer, depending on the bank and the amount. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the transfer amount. Ask about this before you open the account.

ATM withdrawals outside the US may also carry fees. If you withdraw cash from a non-US ATM, your US bank will charge a foreign transaction fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the amount), and the ATM operator may charge their own fee on top of that.

Alternatives if a traditional US bank account does not work out

If you cannot open a traditional US bank account, you have other options depending on what you need the account for.

If you need a US address for mail or packages, a virtual mailbox service like Traveling Mailbox or iPostal1 gives you a real US street address and forwards your mail to the UK. This does not give you a bank account, but it solves the address problem if that is your main barrier.

If you need to receive payments from US clients or employers, Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a US account number and routing number without requiring you to be a US resident. You can receive direct deposits and ACH transfers to this account, then transfer the money to your UK bank account. The fees are lower than a traditional bank's international transfer fees, but Wise accounts are not full bank accounts—you cannot write checks or use a debit card.

If you are moving to the US permanently or temporarily, opening an account in person at a branch is often faster and easier than doing it remotely. Bring your passport, proof of address, and ITIN (or your ITIN process receipt), and ask to speak to a new accounts representative. Many banks will open an account on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. If you do not have either, some banks will open your account while your ITIN process is pending, but you will need to provide the number within 30 days. Call the bank first to confirm their policy.

Can I open a US bank account without a US address?

Most banks require a US address, but some will accept a temporary address like a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's address. A few banks like Citibank may accept applications from non-residents without a US address on file, but they are the exception. Call ahead and ask.

How long does it take to open a US bank account as a UK citizen?

If you already have an ITIN, the process usually takes one to two weeks from process to account opening. If you need to explore for an ITIN first, add four to six weeks for the IRS to process your Form W-7. Some banks will open your account while your ITIN is pending, which speeds things up.

Will I have to pay US taxes on my US bank account?

Only if you have US income or own US assets. If you are a UK citizen with no US income, no US employment, and no US property, you typically have no US tax filing requirement. However, the bank will still report your account to the IRS—this is automatic and does not mean you owe taxes.

Can I use my US bank account to send money back to the UK?

Yes, but expect to pay a fee of $15 to $50 per transfer, depending on the bank. Wise and other money transfer services often charge less for international transfers than traditional banks do. Compare fees before you choose a bank.