Yes, but the bank will ask for more documents than it asks a US citizen

A foreigner can open a checking or savings account at a US bank. The bank will not turn you away because you are not a citizen. What will happen instead is that the bank will ask for proof of identity, proof of address, and a tax identification number — and the rules for what counts as proof are stricter for non-citizens than for people with a US Social Security number.

The core requirement is FATCA compliance. FATCA is a federal law that requires banks to verify the tax status of all account holders, including non-citizens. This is not a barrier to opening an account. It is a paperwork step that takes a few extra days.

The practical path depends on your immigration status. A permanent resident (green card holder) can open an account almost as easily as a citizen. A temporary visa holder can open an account, but will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport instead of a Social Security number. An undocumented person cannot open an account at a traditional bank, though some credit unions and community banks have different policies.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent residents with a green card can open a bank account using their green card and a US address, following nearly the same process as a citizen.
  • Visa holders need a valid passport, proof of a US address, and either an ITIN or a Social Security number if they have one.
  • Banks must verify your tax status under FATCA, which means providing a W-9 form (for US tax residents) or a W-8BEN form (for non-residents).
  • Some banks require a minimum deposit to open an account; others do not, so calling ahead to ask about their specific requirements saves a trip.
  • An ITIN takes four to six weeks to receive from the IRS, so if you do not have one yet, plan to open your account after you receive it.

What documents you will need to bring

The exact list varies by bank, but most will ask for the same core set. Bring a valid passport (or green card if you are a permanent resident). Bring proof of a US address — a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. Bring your ITIN or Social Security number if you have one; if you do not, the bank can sometimes issue you a temporary number to open the account, though you will need to provide the real one within a set period.

You will also fill out a W-9 form if you are a US tax resident, or a W-8BEN form if you are not. The W-9 tells the bank you are subject to US tax. The W-8BEN tells the bank you are a foreign person not subject to US withholding tax. The bank will ask which one applies to you based on your visa type and how long you plan to stay. If you are unsure, ask the bank — they deal with this question every day.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID (a driver's license, state ID, or national ID from your home country). A few large banks have started accepting video verification instead of an in-person visit, which can speed up the process if you are opening an account remotely.

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

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. If you are on a visa and earning income in the US, you will need an ITIN. If you are not working, you may not need one when ready, but many banks prefer to have one on file.

You request an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it or file it in person at an IRS office. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. If you go in person to an IRS office with your passport and completed form, they can sometimes process it faster, though the timeline varies by location.

Some banks will open an account before you have your ITIN, using your passport number as a temporary identifier. You then provide the ITIN once you receive it. Other banks will not open the account until you have the ITIN in hand. Call the bank's customer service line before you visit to ask which approach they use.

Differences by visa type

A permanent resident (green card holder) can open an account the same way a citizen can, using their green card as ID and a US address. The process takes one to three business days.

A temporary visa holder (F-1 student, H-1B worker, L-1 intracompany transfer, or other non-immigrant visa) can open an account using a valid passport, proof of US address, and an ITIN or Social Security number. Some banks have a faster process for visa holders; others treat them the same as any other non-citizen. The process takes three to five business days once you have all documents.

An undocumented person cannot open an account at a federally regulated bank because banks are required to verify immigration status under FATCA. Some state-chartered credit unions and community banks have different policies and may open accounts without immigration verification. These are rare and vary by state. If you are in this situation, contact local immigrant advocacy organizations in your area — they often maintain lists of banks and credit unions that serve undocumented residents.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, you can use it like any other account holder. You can deposit checks, transfer money, set up direct deposit, and use a debit card. The bank will send statements to your US address or to an email address you provide.

If you leave the US, you can usually keep the account open as long as you maintain the minimum balance (if there is one) and the bank can still reach you. Some banks close accounts automatically if they detect no activity for a long period, so check your bank's policy. If you move back to your home country, contact the bank to ask whether they will keep the account open for a non-resident or whether you need to close it.

If you are sending money to or receiving money from outside the US, the bank will ask you to declare the source or destination of large transfers. This is standard practice and not a sign of a problem — it is part of anti-money-laundering compliance.

Banks that are known to work with foreigners

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for visa holders and permanent residents. They have standard processes for FATCA verification and usually have staff who are familiar with ITIN requirements. The downside is that they often have higher minimum balances and monthly fees.

Online banks like Chime, Charles Schwab, and Ally also open accounts for non-citizens, though some require a US Social Security number or ITIN before you can complete the process. Call their customer service line to ask whether they can open an account for someone on a visa.

Credit unions vary widely. Some welcome visa holders; others do not. If you are a student or work for a large employer, check whether your school or employer has a credit union — those are often more flexible about documentation.

Common problems and how to avoid them

The most common problem is arriving at the bank without an ITIN and without knowing whether the bank will open an account without one. Solve this by calling the bank's customer service line before you visit. Ask: "I am on a [visa type] and do not have an ITIN yet. Can I open an account with my passport?" The answer will be yes or no, and you will know whether to wait or to proceed.

The second common problem is providing a US address that the bank cannot verify. If you just arrived and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, bring a letter from your employer or school on letterhead, stating that you live at a specific address. Some banks will accept this as proof of address.

The third problem is confusion about the W-9 versus W-8BEN form. Ask the bank which one you should fill out. The rule is straightforward: if you are a US resident for tax purposes (which includes most visa holders who are in the US), you fill out a W-9. If you are a non-resident alien for tax purposes, you fill out a W-8BEN. The bank knows which category you fall into based on your visa type and how long you have been in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online if I am a foreigner?

Some online banks allow it, but most require you to verify your identity in person or by video. Call the bank and ask whether they offer remote account opening for non-citizens. If they do, they will walk you through the video verification process. If they do not, you will need to visit a branch in person.

What if the bank rejects my process?

Banks rarely reject applications from visa holders or permanent residents. If yours is rejected, ask why. The most common reason is incomplete documentation or an address that could not be verified. Provide the missing document and reapply. If the bank says it does not open accounts for non-citizens, try a different bank — most do.

Do I need a US phone number to open an account?

No. You need a US address and a valid form of ID. A phone number helps the bank contact you, but you can provide an international number or an email address instead. Tell the bank how they should reach you.

Can I open an account if I am here on a tourist visa?

Yes, but some banks may ask how long you plan to stay. If you say you are leaving in two weeks, the bank may decline because the account would not be worth the paperwork. If you say you might stay longer or are considering a visa change, most banks will open the account. Be honest about your plans, but understand that banks are cautious about very short-term accounts.

What if I do not have a permanent US address yet?

Use the address where you are staying — a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's house, or a temporary rental. Bring proof that you are living there: a hotel receipt, a lease, a letter from the person whose house you are staying in, or mail addressed to you at that location. The bank needs to know where to send statements and where to reach you if there is a problem with the account.