You can open a US bank account from the UK, but you will need a US address and a US tax ID number

Most US banks will not open an account for someone living abroad without a US mailing address. Some will accept a temporary address — a friend's house, a mail forwarding service, or a future address where you plan to move — but they need something on file. The second requirement is a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you likely have an SSN already. If you are a UK citizen planning to work or study in the US, you will need to obtain an ITIN before most banks will process your process.

The process is slower from abroad than it would be in person. You cannot walk into a branch and hand over documents. Instead, you will upload copies of your ID and proof of address through the bank's website or mobile app, or mail physical documents to the bank's processing centre. Approval typically takes one to three weeks, though some banks take longer if they need to verify your information with a third party.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a US address on file — a real address where mail can reach you, not a PO box — before most banks will open an account remotely.
  • A Social Security Number or ITIN is required; if you do not have one, you will need to obtain it before explore to the bank.
  • Online banks and banks with international operations are more likely to accept remote applications from the UK than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
  • You will need to upload or mail copies of your passport, proof of address, and tax ID; the bank will not accept originals by post.
  • Account opening takes one to three weeks from submission, and you may need to make an initial deposit before the account becomes active.

Which banks will work with you from the UK

Online banks are your easiest option. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a US bank account number and routing number to non-residents, though it functions more like a multi-currency wallet than a traditional bank account. Revolut also offers US account details to UK users. Both are designed for people who need to receive US payments or hold US dollars, and both can be opened entirely through a mobile app without a US address.

Traditional US banks vary. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have online account opening, but they typically require a US address and will ask for an SSN or ITIN. Some branches may make exceptions if you have a family member in the US who can verify your identity, but this is not may provide. Smaller regional banks are less likely to open accounts remotely for non-residents.

If you are moving to the US soon, some banks will let you open an account before you arrive if you provide a future address — the address where you will be living. You will need to confirm this address within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days) once you arrive. Call the bank's customer service line to ask whether they offer this option; it is not always advertised online.

What documents you will need to submit

Every bank will ask for proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, a UK passport or UK driving licence is standard. Some banks will accept other forms of ID, but a passport is safest because it is internationally recognised and harder to forge.

For proof of address, the bank needs a document showing your name and current UK address. A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water), council tax bill, or bank statement will work. The document must be dated within the last three months. A PO box address will not work — the bank needs a residential or business address where mail can physically reach you.

You will also need to provide your tax ID. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, submit a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN (such as a tax return or W-2 form). If you do not have an SSN, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) before the bank will process your process. This can take four to six weeks if you explore by mail from the UK.

How to get an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to non-US citizens who need to file taxes or open a bank account in the US. You explore using Form W-7, which you can read from the IRS website (irs.gov). You will need to include a copy of your passport and proof of your UK address.

From the UK, you have two options: mail the form and documents to the IRS, or use an Acceptance Agent — a certified person or organisation authorised by the IRS to verify documents and submit applications on your behalf. Mailing directly takes four to six weeks. Using an Acceptance Agent can be faster, but you will pay a fee (typically £50 to £150). Search for "ITIN Acceptance Agent UK" to find one near you.

Once the IRS approves your ITIN, they will mail you a letter with your number. You can then use this number to open a bank account. Keep the letter safe — you will need it as proof of your tax ID.

Why banks ask for a US address and what counts

Banks need a US address for regulatory and practical reasons. They must verify that you are who you say you are, and a US address helps them do that. It is also where they will send your debit card, statements, and other mail. If the address bounces back as undeliverable, the bank may freeze your account until you provide a valid one.

A valid US address can be a residential address (your home), a business address, or a mail forwarding service address. It cannot be a PO box. If you are moving to the US in the next few months, you can use your future address — the place where you will be living — as long as you confirm it within the timeframe the bank sets. If you are staying in the UK, a mail forwarding service is your best option. Services like Earth Class Mail or Virtual Mail Plus provide a real US street address where your mail is received, scanned, and forwarded to you. These services cost £10 to £30 per month.

What happens after you open the account

Once the bank approves your process, they will send you a debit card and account details (routing number and account number). If you used a mail forwarding service, the card will arrive there first, then be forwarded to you in the UK. This adds one to two weeks to the timeline. Some banks require an initial deposit before the account becomes active — usually £100 to £500, depending on the bank.

You can then use the account to receive US payments, pay US bills, or hold US dollars. If you plan to use the account regularly, you may need to file a US tax return each year, even if you are not a US citizen. The bank will send you a 1099 form if you earn interest on the account, and you will need to report this to the IRS. If you are unsure about your tax obligations, speak to a tax professional who works with expats.

Alternatives if a traditional bank account won't work

If you cannot get a US address or do not want to wait for an ITIN, consider a multi-currency account with Wise or Revolut. These are not traditional bank accounts, but they give you a US routing number and account number that you can use to receive payments. They are faster to open (usually same day), require no US address, and work for most purposes — direct deposits, bill payments, receiving money from US clients.

Another option is a US-based fintech account like Mercury or Brex, which are designed for business owners and freelancers. These are easier to open remotely than traditional banks, though they still require an SSN or ITIN and a US address. If you are self-employed or running a business, they may be worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a friend's or family member's US address?

Yes, as long as the address is real and mail can reach it. The bank will mail your debit card and statements there. Tell your friend or family member to expect mail in your name, and arrange to collect it or have it forwarded to you. Some banks verify the address by sending a test letter, so make sure the person at that address is willing to confirm receipt.

What if the bank rejects my process?

Banks reject applications for missing documents, an invalid address, or a mismatch between your ID and the address you provided. Check the rejection letter for the reason. If it is a missing document, resubmit with the correct paperwork. If it is an address issue, try again with a different address or a mail forwarding service. You can also call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they will reconsider.

Do I need to be a US citizen to open an account?

No. You need a valid passport, proof of UK address, and a tax ID (SSN or ITIN). Non-citizens can open accounts, but some banks are stricter about verifying identity and address for non-residents. Online banks and fintech services are generally more flexible.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

From the UK, expect two to four weeks. The bank processes your process in one to three weeks, then mails your card. If you use a mail forwarding service, add another one to two weeks for the service to forward it to you. Some banks offer temporary digital card numbers you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card.

Can I close the account if I move back to the UK?

Yes. You can close the account online or by phone at any time. Transfer any remaining balance to a UK account, then request closure. The bank will confirm once the account is closed. Keep records of the closure in case you need them for tax purposes.