Yes, but the bank will ask for more documents than a U.S. citizen provides

An Israeli citizen can open a U.S. checking account, but the process takes longer and requires proof that you have a legitimate reason to hold U.S. funds. Banks are required by federal law to verify the identity and tax status of all account holders, and for non-U.S. citizens, that verification is more detailed.

The core requirement is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a U.S. Social Security Number. If you are in the U.S. on a visa, you may have an SSN already. If you do not, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before most banks will open an account for you. Some banks will open an account during the ITIN process process, but they will freeze it until the number arrives.

The second barrier is FATCA compliance. The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act requires U.S. banks to report accounts held by foreign nationals to the IRS. This is not a barrier to opening the account—it is straightforward a fact that shapes what documents the bank will request and how long the review takes.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need either a U.S. Social Security Number or an ITIN; most Israeli citizens without U.S. work authorization will need to explore for an ITIN through the IRS.
  • Banks will ask for your passport, proof of Israeli address, and documentation of why you need a U.S. account—such as a job offer, student enrollment, or business registration.
  • The account opening process typically takes two to four weeks longer for non-U.S. citizens because the bank must complete additional identity verification.
  • Some banks have stricter policies for foreign nationals and may decline to open accounts; online banks and smaller regional banks are often more willing than large national chains.
  • You will be required to report the account to Israeli tax authorities if you maintain Israeli tax residency, and the U.S. will report it to Israel under tax treaty agreements.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., you cannot get an SSN. Instead, you explore for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7. You can file this form by mail or in person at an IRS office. The form itself is free, but if you mail it, you must include certified copies of your passport and proof of identity—a notarized copy of your passport page works.

Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. If you are in the U.S., you can explore in person at an IRS Taxpayer information Center, which can be faster. You will need your passport and proof of U.S. address (a lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and address). The IRS will issue the ITIN by mail.

Some banks will open an account while your ITIN process is pending if you provide proof that you have submitted Form W-7. They will place a hold on the account and set up it once the ITIN arrives. This is not may provide—it depends on the bank's policy. Call ahead and ask whether they accept pending ITIN applications.

Documents you will need to bring to the bank

Bring your passport as your primary form of identification. Banks will photocopy it and verify it against their fraud databases. You will also need proof of your current address. If you live in the U.S., a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency will work. If you are opening the account remotely from Israel, some banks will accept a notarized copy of your passport plus a document showing your Israeli address.

Banks will also ask why you need the account. Have a clear answer: you are relocating for work, you are a student, you are starting a business, or you are managing investments. The bank is not being intrusive—it is required by law to understand the purpose of the account as part of anti-money-laundering compliance. A vague answer will slow the process.

Finally, bring your ITIN or SSN. If you do not have it yet, bring proof that you have applied for one. Some banks will also ask for a second form of identification—a driver's license, national ID card, or credit card. Your Israeli ID card is acceptable.

Which banks are most likely to open accounts for foreign nationals

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have strict compliance departments and often decline accounts for non-residents or require them to have a U.S. address and SSN. They are not prohibited from opening accounts for foreign nationals, but their internal policies are conservative.

Online banks and regional banks are more flexible. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is designed for international customers and will open accounts for Israeli citizens with an ITIN. Revolut also serves non-U.S. residents. Charles Schwab has historically been open to foreign nationals, though their policies change. Community banks and credit unions vary widely—call your local branch and ask directly.

If you are opening an account in person, you have better odds at a branch in a city with a large Israeli or international community. New York, Los Angeles, and Miami branches are accustomed to foreign nationals and move faster through the verification process.

Timeline and what happens after you explore

For a U.S. citizen, account opening takes one to three business days. For a foreign national, expect two to four weeks. The bank will verify your identity against government databases, confirm your ITIN or SSN with the IRS, and run additional checks required by FATCA.

During this time, the bank may contact you by phone or email to confirm details or ask follow-up questions. Respond promptly—delays in your response delay the account opening. Once the bank completes its review, you will receive notification that the account is active, usually by email.

You can begin using the account when ready after set up. Debit cards typically arrive within five to seven business days. If you need funds urgently, you can transfer money via wire transfer or ACH as soon as the account is open, even if your card has not arrived.

Tax reporting obligations in both countries

Opening a U.S. checking account creates tax reporting requirements in both the U.S. and Israel. The U.S. will report the account to the IRS under FATCA. If you maintain Israeli tax residency, you must report the account to the Israeli Tax Authority on your annual tax return.

Israel and the U.S. have a tax treaty that prevents double taxation, but you are responsible for reporting the account in both places. Failure to report foreign accounts to the IRS can result in penalties of up to 50 percent of the account balance. Consult a tax professional who understands both U.S. and Israeli tax law before opening the account if you plan to keep significant funds in it.

If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the rules are different and stricter. If you are straightforward an Israeli citizen opening an account as a non-resident, the reporting is less complex, but you still must disclose it.

What to do if a bank declines your process

If a bank declines your process, they are not required to tell you why in detail. It is usually because they cannot verify your identity to their satisfaction, your ITIN process is still pending, or their compliance department has flagged your country of origin as higher-risk. This is not a reflection on you—it is a business decision based on the bank's risk tolerance.

If you are declined, try a different bank. Online banks and smaller institutions are more likely to approve. You can also ask the bank that declined you whether they will reconsider if you provide additional documentation, such as a letter from your employer or proof of a U.S. address.

If you are in the U.S. on a visa and have an SSN, reapply with that instead of an ITIN. Banks are more comfortable with SSNs because they indicate you have been vetted by U.S. immigration authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account online if I live in Israel?

Some online banks will open accounts for Israeli residents, but most require a U.S. address or SSN. Wise and Revolut are the most accessible options. Traditional banks almost always require you to be in the U.S. or to have a U.S. address. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they accept applications from Israeli residents before you begin the process.

Do I need a U.S. address to open an account?

Most banks require a U.S. address. If you do not have one yet, you can use a temporary address—a hotel, an Airbnb, or a friend's address where you will receive mail. Some banks will accept a foreign address if you are relocating and can provide a job offer or lease showing your future U.S. address. Online banks are more flexible on this requirement.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

By mail, four to six weeks. In person at an IRS office, you may receive a temporary number the same day and the official number by mail within two weeks. If you are in a hurry, explore in person is faster. Check the IRS website for the nearest Taxpayer information Center.

Will the bank report my account to Israel?

The U.S. bank will report it to the IRS under FATCA. The IRS will share information with the Israeli Tax Authority under the U.S.-Israel tax treaty. You are responsible for reporting it on your Israeli tax return. The bank itself does not report directly to Israel—the U.S. government does.

Can I open a business checking account as a foreign national?

Yes, but you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS in addition to your ITIN. You will also need to register your business in the U.S. state where you plan to operate. The process is similar to opening a personal account but requires additional business documentation. Consult a business accountant or attorney before you begin.