Yes, you can open a US bank account as a UK citizen, but you will need a US address and a tax identification number

Banks in the United States will open accounts for non-citizens, including UK nationals, but the process is more involved than it is for US residents. You cannot open an account online from the UK without a US address already in place. Most banks require you to be physically present in the US, have a permanent or temporary US address, and provide a tax identification number — either a Social Security Number (SSN) if you have one, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not.

The practical barrier is not citizenship but residency and documentation. If you are moving to the US, planning an extended stay, or have a US address lined up, opening an account is straightforward. If you are in the UK and need US banking access for business or investment purposes, you will need to either travel to the US in person or work with a bank that has international operations and can handle remote account opening for non-residents.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a US address — either permanent or temporary — before any US bank will open an account for you.
  • Most banks require you to appear in person at a branch with a valid passport and proof of address, though some larger banks with international operations may offer remote opening for non-residents.
  • You must provide a tax identification number: a Social Security Number if you have worked in the US, or an ITIN obtained from the IRS if you have not.
  • Banks will ask about your source of funds and may require additional documentation if you are transferring large sums from overseas.
  • Opening an account does not change your tax status; you will still file UK taxes on worldwide income and may owe US taxes depending on your visa status and length of stay.

What documentation you will need to bring

Bring your valid UK passport as your primary form of identification. Banks will not accept a UK driving licence or national insurance card alone. You will also need proof of a US address — a lease, utility bill, or letter from someone who can confirm you are living at that address. If you have just arrived and do not yet have a utility bill, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord or employer stating your US address will work.

You must also provide a tax identification number. If you have a US Social Security Number because you have worked in the US before, bring that. If you do not have an SSN, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before opening the account. The ITIN process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you are on a visa that does not grant you an SSN.

Some banks will ask for a second form of ID — a UK driving licence, passport card, or even a bank statement from your UK bank showing your name and address. Bring whatever you have. If you are transferring a large sum from your UK account, the bank may ask for documentation about the source of those funds as part of anti-money-laundering checks.

Getting a tax identification number if you do not have a Social Security Number

If you are not may be able to access for a US Social Security Number — which is typically only issued to people authorised to work in the US — you will need an ITIN. You can request one from the IRS using Form W-7, which you submit by mail along with a copy of your passport and proof of your US address. The IRS will mail your ITIN to you, a process that usually takes four to six weeks.

You cannot open a bank account while waiting for your ITIN to arrive by mail. Some banks will accept an ITIN process receipt (the IRS gives you one when you submit Form W-7), but most will not. Plan to submit your ITIN process as soon as you have a US address, then contact banks once you have received your actual ITIN number.

If you are in the US on a work visa (H-1B, L-1, or similar), your employer will typically help you obtain an SSN, which is simpler than an ITIN. If you are on a student visa (F-1) or tourist visa, an ITIN is your route.

Which banks will open accounts for non-residents

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will open accounts for UK citizens if you appear in person at a US branch with your passport and proof of address. They are used to handling non-citizen accounts and have the infrastructure to manage the documentation.

Some banks with strong international operations — HSBC, Barclays (which operates in the US), and Citibank — may open accounts for non-residents remotely if you already have a relationship with them in the UK. Call their US customer service line or visit their website to ask whether they offer remote account opening for UK nationals. This is not may provide, and policies vary by state.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions are less likely to open accounts for non-residents, especially remotely. If you are moving to a specific city, research banks in that area and call ahead to confirm they will work with you before you travel.

Opening an account in person versus remotely

In-person account opening is the most straightforward route. Walk into any US bank branch with your passport, proof of US address, and tax ID number, and you can usually open a checking or savings account on the spot. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will leave with a debit card (which may take 7 to 10 days to arrive by mail) and when ready access to online banking.

Remote account opening is possible but limited. HSBC and Citibank sometimes offer it for existing customers. Some online-only banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer US accounts to non-residents, though these are not traditional bank accounts — they are payment accounts with FDIC insurance in some cases but different rules around what you can do with them. If you are looking for a full US bank account without traveling, call the international customer service line of a bank where you already have an account and ask what they offer.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can transfer money from your UK bank to your US account using international wire transfer or a service like Wise, which typically offers better exchange rates than banks. Your US bank will provide you with routing and account numbers for receiving transfers.

You will receive monthly statements by mail or email, depending on your preference. You can set up direct deposit if you have a US employer or income source. You can use your debit card at US ATMs and shops when ready, though the card itself may take up to 10 business days to arrive.

Opening a US bank account does not affect your UK tax status. You will still file UK taxes on your worldwide income. If you are staying in the US long-term on a visa that makes you a US tax resident, you may also owe US taxes — this depends on your visa type and how long you stay. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a US bank account online from the UK without a US address?

No. Every US bank requires a US address before opening an account. Some online-only banks and payment services like Wise may allow you to open an account from the UK, but these are not traditional bank accounts and have different features and limits. If you need a full US bank account, you must have a US address first.

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

No. An ITIN works just as well. If you do not have an SSN and are not may be able to access for one, explore for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some banks will accept an ITIN process receipt while you wait for the actual number, but most will not — plan ahead.

What if I am only staying in the US for a few months?

You can still open a bank account with a temporary address — a short-term rental, Airbnb, or even a letter from a friend confirming you are staying with them counts as proof of address. Banks do not require a permanent address, only a current one. When you leave, you can keep the account open and manage it remotely, or close it and transfer any remaining balance back to your UK account.

Will opening a US bank account affect my UK credit score?

No. UK credit agencies do not track US bank accounts. Your US account will not appear on your UK credit file. However, if you later explore for credit in the US (a mortgage, car loan, or credit card), you will start building a US credit history from scratch, which is separate from your UK credit score.

Can my UK bank help me open a US account?

Some UK banks with US operations — HSBC, Barclays, and Citibank — may be able to refer you or facilitate the process if you are an existing customer. Call your UK bank's international services team and ask. For most UK banks, you will need to open a US account directly with a US bank.