Yes, you can open a US bank account from abroad, but the process is slower and the options are narrower than opening one in person

Most large US banks will not open a checking or savings account for you remotely if you are outside the country. They require a US address, a US phone number, or an in-person visit. However, some banks do accept foreign applicants through specific pathways: online banks with no physical branches, banks that serve expatriates, and some credit unions with looser requirements. The catch is that you will need a US address eventually—either a real one or a mail forwarding service—and you will need to prove your identity in ways that work across borders.

The timeline is longer than domestic applications. A bank that accepts your process from abroad will still need to verify your identity, often through a video call or by mailing documents back and forth. Expect two to four weeks from process to account opening, sometimes longer if the bank flags your process for additional review.

Key Takeaways

  • Online banks and some credit unions will open accounts for people abroad, but traditional brick-and-mortar banks almost always require a US address or an in-person visit.
  • You will need either a real US mailing address or a mail forwarding service address to complete the account opening process.
  • Identity verification is the main hurdle: you will need a valid passport and often a secondary form of ID, and the bank may require a video call to confirm you are who you claim to be.
  • Some banks ask for a US phone number; if you do not have one, a Google Voice number or a phone forwarding service can work, though not all banks accept them.
  • Once the account is open, you can deposit money through wire transfers, international ACH, or by mailing checks, though fees and exchange rates vary widely.

Which banks will actually open accounts for people abroad

Online banks are your best bet. Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, and some US-based online banks like Charles Schwab and Fidelity will open accounts for non-residents, though their terms vary. Charles Schwab, for example, will open a brokerage account for US citizens and green card holders abroad but not a basic checking account. Wise and Revolut are designed for people who move between countries and will open accounts for non-US residents, though these are not traditional bank accounts—they are multi-currency wallets with debit cards.

Credit unions sometimes have fewer restrictions than banks. Navy Federal Credit Union, for instance, will open accounts for military members and their families abroad. Pentagon Federal Credit Union has similar policies. If you have any military affiliation, a family member in the military, or a connection to a specific employer or organization, check whether that organization has a credit union—they often have more flexibility than commercial banks.

Banks that serve expatriates exist but are rare in the US market. HSBC and Citibank have some programs for customers who move abroad, but you typically need to have an existing relationship with them in the US first. Opening a new account from scratch while abroad is much harder.

Do not assume a bank's website says you can open an account from abroad just because it does not explicitly say you cannot. Call the bank directly and ask whether they accept applications from people with a foreign address. Many banks' online systems will reject your process partway through if your address is outside the US, wasting your time.

The US address problem and how to solve it

Almost every US bank will ask for a US mailing address during account opening. If you do not have one, you have three options: use a real address (a friend's or family member's home), use a mail forwarding service, or use a virtual address service.

Mail forwarding services like UPS Store, FedEx Office, or private mail centers will give you a US street address. The bank will mail your debit card and statements there, and the service will forward them to you abroad or hold them for you to pick up. This costs $10 to $30 per month depending on the service. Some banks accept these addresses; others do not. Ask the bank before you sign up for the service.

Virtual address services like Traveling Mailbox or iPostal1 work similarly but exist only online. They give you a real US street address, receive your mail, and forward it to you. Banks are increasingly skeptical of these because they are associated with fraud, so your process may be flagged for extra review if you use one. It is not a dealbreaker, but it will slow things down.

A real address is still the fastest route if you have one. If a family member or close friend will let you use their address, the bank is less likely to question it. You can update the address later once you have a permanent US residence or decide to use a forwarding service.

Identity verification and what documents you will need

The bank will ask for a valid passport and often a second form of ID. A driver's license from your home country works if it is not expired. Some banks will also accept a national ID card. Have these documents ready before you start the process.

Many banks will ask you to verify your identity through a video call. The bank's representative will ask you to show your passport, confirm your address, and answer security questions. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If the bank offers this option, take it—it speeds up the process significantly because the bank can confirm you are real and you are who you say you are without waiting for mailed documents.

If the bank does not offer a video call, it may ask you to mail a copy of your passport and a secondary ID to the bank's address. Some banks will accept scanned copies uploaded through their website; others will not. Ask before you mail anything, because international mail is slow and expensive.

The bank may also ask for proof of your foreign address—a utility bill, a lease, or a government-issued document showing your name and current address. This is less common but does happen. If you are asked, a utility bill or a recent lease is usually sufficient.

US phone number requirements and workarounds

Many banks require a US phone number for account opening and for two-factor authentication once the account is open. If you do not have one, you have options.

Google Voice gives you a free US phone number that you can use to receive calls and texts. You can set it up from abroad, and many banks will accept it. However, not all banks do—some specifically exclude VoIP numbers. Call the bank and ask whether they accept Google Voice before you set it up.

Phone forwarding services like Skype or Vonage give you a real US phone number that forwards calls and texts to your phone abroad. These cost $5 to $15 per month. They are more likely to be accepted by banks than Google Voice because they look like real phone numbers, but again, ask first.

A real US phone number from a carrier like T-Mobile or Verizon is the safest option if you can get one. Some carriers will set up a line for you remotely and let you use it while you are abroad, though they may charge international rates. If you have a US family member, you could also ask them to add you to their plan temporarily.

How to deposit money once the account is open

Once your account is open, you will need a way to put money in it. Your options depend on where you are and how much you are sending.

Wire transfers are the most straightforward. You can wire money from a bank in your home country to your US bank account. You will need your US bank's routing number and your account number. Wire transfers usually arrive within one to three business days and cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank and the amount. Exchange rates are typically worse than other methods.

International ACH transfers are slower but cheaper. Not all banks offer this, and not all countries' banks can send them. Ask your US bank whether they accept international ACH and what the fee is. If they do, ask your home country bank whether they can send ACH transfers to the US. This can take five to ten business days but may cost only $5 to $10.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) and similar money transfer services let you send money to your US bank account at a real exchange rate with a flat fee. You send money from your home country bank to Wise, and Wise deposits it into your US account. This usually takes one to three business days and costs 1% to 2% of the amount transferred. It is often cheaper than a wire transfer if you are sending less than $10,000.

Mailing checks is possible but slow. If someone in the US writes you a check, you can mail it to your US bank address (or your mail forwarding service), and they will deposit it for you. This takes two to four weeks and is not practical for regular deposits.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other US bank account. You can set up direct deposit if you have a US employer, receive wire transfers, and use your debit card abroad (though you will pay foreign transaction fees). You can also use the bank's online platform to transfer money, pay bills, and manage your account from anywhere.

The bank may ask you to update your address once you move back to the US or change your mailing address. Some banks have rules about how long you can maintain an account with a foreign address, though most do not enforce them strictly. If you plan to keep the account long-term while living abroad, call the bank every year or so to confirm they are still comfortable with your situation.

If you are a US citizen or green card holder, you may have to file US tax returns and report the account to the IRS, depending on your income. This is separate from the bank's requirements, but it is something to be aware of. A tax professional who works with expatriates can advise you on what you owe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a US citizen to open a US bank account from abroad?

No. Most banks will open accounts for non-US citizens as long as you have a valid passport and can provide a US address. However, some banks have stricter rules for non-citizens and may require additional documentation or a video call. Call the bank and ask about their policy for non-citizens before you explore.

What if the bank rejects my process because of my foreign address?

Try a different bank, particularly an online bank or credit union. If you have a mail forwarding service address, use that instead of your foreign address. If the bank still rejects you, you may need to wait until you have a US address or ask a family member to open an account on your behalf (though this creates legal and tax complications).

How long does it take to open an account from abroad?

Two to four weeks is typical. If the bank offers a video call for identity verification, it can be faster—sometimes as little as one week. If the bank needs to mail documents back and forth, it will take longer. Ask the bank for an estimate when you explore.

Can I use a mail forwarding service address even if I do not have a real US address?

Yes, but some banks are skeptical of them because they are associated with fraud. The bank may flag your process for extra review or ask for additional proof of identity. It is not a dealbreaker, but it will slow things down. Ask the bank whether they accept mail forwarding addresses before you sign up for the service.

What if I need the account open quickly for a job or a payment?

Call the bank and explain your situation. Some banks will expedite applications if you have a legitimate reason. You can also try an online bank, which sometimes processes applications faster than traditional banks. If you are in a true emergency, ask whether a family member can open an account for you in the US and let you use it temporarily.