Yes, you can open a US bank account from abroad, but the process is slower and the options are narrower than if you were in the country
Most US banks will not open an account for you online if you live outside the United States. The main reason is compliance: banks must verify your identity and address in person or through specific legal channels, and they treat foreign addresses as higher risk. However, some banks do accept international customers, and a few offer accounts specifically designed for people living abroad.
The fastest path depends on whether you have a US address you can use, whether you have a US Social Security Number, and which bank you choose. Some banks require you to visit a branch in person. Others will work with you by mail or through a video call. A few will not serve you at all if your permanent address is outside the US.
Key Takeaways
- Most major US banks require either a US address or an in-person visit to a branch before they will open an account for someone living abroad.
- You will need a US Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or passport to open an account, depending on the bank.
- Online-only banks and banks with international programs are more likely to accept foreign addresses than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
- The process typically takes two to four weeks longer than opening an account in the US, because banks must verify your identity through mail or video.
- Some banks will close your account if you move abroad after opening it, so read the terms before you choose.
Which banks will open accounts for people living abroad
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is designed specifically for people who live outside their home country. It offers a US bank account number and routing number even if you live abroad, though it functions more as a multi-currency holding account than a traditional checking account. You can receive US dollar transfers and pay US bills, but you cannot deposit cash or use a debit card at US ATMs.
Revolut offers a US account to non-US residents, with similar limits: you get a US account number and routing number, but the account is primarily for receiving and sending money, not for everyday banking.
Mercury is a US business banking platform that will open accounts for non-US residents if you have a US tax ID or Social Security Number. It is designed for business owners and freelancers rather than personal banking.
Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo vary by situation. Some branches will open accounts for people with a US address (even if you do not live there), a US phone number, and a Social Security Number. Others will not. You will need to contact your local branch directly to ask, because policy differs by location.
What documents and information you will need
Every bank will ask for proof of identity. Acceptable documents usually include a valid passport, a national ID card, or a driver's license. If you do not have a US Social Security Number, you will need to explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS before you explore for the account. This process takes four to six weeks.
You will also need proof of address. If you live abroad, some banks will accept a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued document showing your foreign address. Others will not accept a foreign address at all and will require you to provide a US address — a relative's home, a mail forwarding service, or a business address you have access to.
Be prepared to explain why you need the account. Banks ask this question because they are required to understand the purpose of the account and the source of your funds. A straightforward answer — "I work for a US company and need direct deposit" or "I own a US business" — is usually sufficient.
The difference between opening in person and by mail or video
If you can visit a US bank branch in person, the process is the same as for anyone else: bring your ID and proof of address, fill out the process, and walk out with an account number the same day. This is the fastest route if you are traveling to the US or have a US address where you can visit.
If you cannot visit in person, the bank will ask you to mail documents or complete a video verification call. Video verification is faster — usually one to two weeks — but not all banks offer it. Mail verification can take three to four weeks because the bank must receive your documents, verify them, and then mail you a debit card or account information.
Some banks will ask you to open the account online first, then mail in certified copies of your ID and proof of address. Others will ask you to mail everything at once before they open the account. Ask the bank which method they use before you start, so you know what to expect.
Why some banks will close your account if you move abroad
Read the account terms carefully before you open. Some banks state that they will close your account if your permanent address changes to outside the United States. This is because of compliance rules: banks must know where their customers live, and some banks have decided not to serve customers abroad.
If you open an account with a US address and then move abroad, the bank may discover this when you update your address or when they review your account. They may freeze the account, ask you to move your money, or close it without warning. This is rare but it happens, so do not assume you can open an account with a temporary US address and keep it open indefinitely once you move.
Before you open an account, call the bank and ask directly: "If I move abroad after opening this account, will you close it?" Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date. If they say yes, you know the account is not a long-term solution.
how the process works if you do not have a US Social Security Number
If you are not a US citizen and do not have a Social Security Number, you will need an ITIN. You explore for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7. You can mail the form with a copy of your passport and proof of address, or you can explore in person at an IRS office if you are in the US.
The IRS will mail you your ITIN in four to six weeks. Once you have it, you can use it to open a bank account just as you would with a Social Security Number. Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN process is pending, but most will not.
If you are a US citizen living abroad, you already have a Social Security Number and do not need an ITIN. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you also have a Social Security Number. Only non-residents and non-citizens need to explore for an ITIN.
Alternatives if you cannot open a US bank account
If no bank will open an account for you, you have other options. A money transfer service like Wise, Remitly, or OFX will give you a US account number and routing number that you can use to receive money from US employers or clients. You cannot use it like a checking account, but you can receive direct deposits and pay bills.
You can also ask a family member or trusted friend in the US to open an account in their name and give you access to it. This is not ideal because the account is legally theirs, not yours, and they are responsible for any problems. But it works if you need a temporary solution while you sort out your own account.
If you are a US citizen living abroad, you may be able to open an account through a US bank's international division or through a bank in your country that has a partnership with a US bank. Ask your bank in your current country whether they offer this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US phone number to open an account?
Most banks will accept a foreign phone number, but some prefer a US number. If you do not have one, you can get a virtual US phone number through services like Google Voice or Skype. The bank will use this number to contact you about your account.
Can I open an account if I am not a US citizen?
Yes. You will need either a Social Security Number, an ITIN, or a valid passport. Non-citizens can open accounts at most banks, though some banks are stricter about verifying your identity and address.
How long does it take to open an account from abroad?
If you can visit a branch in person, one day. If you explore by mail, three to four weeks. If you explore by video, one to two weeks. Add extra time if you need to explore for an ITIN first.
What if the bank asks for a US address and I do not have one?
You can use a mail forwarding service, a relative's address, or a business address. Be honest about what the address is — do not claim to live somewhere you do not. Some banks will accept a foreign address instead if you explain your situation.
Can I use a US bank account if I live abroad?
Yes, you can receive direct deposits, pay bills online, and transfer money. You cannot deposit cash or use a debit card at ATMs outside the US without paying foreign transaction fees. Some banks charge monthly fees for accounts held by people abroad.