Yes, but you need an ITIN or passport, and the bank's rules matter more than federal law

A foreigner can open a bank account in the United States. Most major banks will do it. The catch is that banks set their own requirements on top of what the law requires, and those requirements vary widely. Some banks ask only for a passport and proof of address. Others demand a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which takes months to obtain. A few will not open accounts for non-residents at all.

The federal government does not prohibit foreigners from banking here. What it requires is that banks verify your identity and report certain account information to the IRS if you are a U.S. resident or have U.S. tax obligations. The bank's job is to figure out which category you fall into, and different banks interpret that job differently.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open an account with a passport and proof of U.S. address, but many banks also require an ITIN or Social Security Number.
  • An ITIN takes four to six weeks to obtain from the IRS and requires a completed Form W-7 and proof of identity and foreign status.
  • Online banks and smaller regional banks often have looser requirements than national chains, though they may not offer the same services.
  • Your visa status, length of stay, and reason for being in the U.S. affect which banks will work with you and what documents they will ask for.
  • Some banks charge higher fees or restrict services for non-residents, so comparing terms before opening is worth the time.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with a valid passport. Every bank will ask for this. It proves your identity and your citizenship or residency status in another country. Bring the original, not a copy—banks will not accept a photocopy alone, though they may make one for their records.

Next, you need proof of a U.S. address. A lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and a current address will work. If you just arrived and do not have one yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or school on letterhead, or a temporary address like a hotel or a friend's place. Call ahead and ask what they accept before you go in.

Many banks will also ask for a Social Security Number or ITIN. If you do not have one, you have two paths: get an ITIN from the IRS, or find a bank that does not require it. Not all banks demand one, but the larger chains usually do.

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 do not have a Social Security Number. You do not need to be a resident or have a visa to get one. You need it if you have U.S. income—from a job, rental property, investments, or self-employment.

To request an ITIN, fill out Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and mail it to the IRS with proof of identity and proof of foreign status. Acceptable identity documents include your passport, national ID card, or driver's license from your home country. Proof of foreign status means a copy of your visa, passport, or travel document showing you are not a U.S. citizen.

The IRS typically processes W-7 applications in four to six weeks. You cannot explore online or in person at an IRS office—it is mail-only. Some tax preparers and immigrant advocacy organizations will help you file for free or low cost. You can find local help through the IRS Free File program or by searching "ITIN help near me" plus your city name.

Once you have an ITIN, you can use it on bank applications just as you would a Social Security Number. The bank will verify it with the IRS.

Banks that work with foreigners and their typical requirements

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will open accounts for foreigners, but most require either a Social Security Number, ITIN, or both. Some branches are stricter than others, so if one branch turns you down, try another location or call the customer service line and ask which documents they accept for non-residents.

Online banks like Wise, Revolut, and some fintech companies have fewer restrictions and often do not require an ITIN. They typically ask for a passport, proof of address, and sometimes a phone number you can verify. The tradeoff is that online banks may not offer the same services as brick-and-mortar banks—no in-person deposits, no physical debit card in some cases, or limited customer service hours.

Credit unions sometimes have looser rules than banks, especially if you have a connection to the community they serve—through an employer, school, or neighborhood. Call ahead and ask whether they open accounts for non-residents and what documents they need.

Smaller regional banks vary widely. Some welcome international customers; others do not. Your best move is to call or visit in person and ask directly. Be honest about your visa status and how long you plan to stay—banks appreciate clarity and are more likely to work with you if you are straightforward.

How your visa status affects which banks will work with you

Banks care about whether you are a resident or non-resident for tax purposes, not just whether you have a visa. A resident is someone who lives in the U.S. for tax purposes, which usually means you have been here for more than 183 days in the past three years or you have a green card or visa that allows you to stay indefinitely. A non-resident is someone passing through—a tourist, short-term student, or temporary worker.

If you are on an F-1 student visa, H-1B work visa, or L-1 intracompany transfer visa, you are usually considered a resident for tax purposes after your first year, even if your visa is temporary. Banks treat you differently depending on this status. Some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all. Others will, but may charge higher fees or restrict what you can do with the account.

When you explore, be ready to explain your visa type and how long you plan to stay. Bring your visa or I-94 arrival record (you can print this from the CBP website). The bank will use this to determine your tax residency and what rules explore to your account.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up direct deposit, online banking, and bill pay right away. If you need a credit card, you will have to wait—most banks require a Social Security Number or ITIN and a credit history to issue one. Building credit as a foreigner takes time and usually requires a secured credit card first.

The bank will file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) if you deposit more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction or multiple transactions that add up to $10,000 within a short period. This is routine and not a sign of trouble—it is a federal requirement. The bank will also file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) if your account activity looks unusual, but again, this is standard procedure and does not mean you have done anything wrong.

If you leave the U.S., you can keep your account open as long as you want, as long as you maintain the minimum balance and pay any fees. Some banks will close accounts if they cannot reach you or if your address becomes invalid, so keep your contact information current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account?

No. Many banks will open an account with a passport, proof of address, and an ITIN instead. Some online banks and smaller institutions do not require either. Call ahead or check the bank's website to see what they accept before you go in.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS typically processes Form W-7 applications in four to six weeks. You cannot speed this up. Some tax preparers and nonprofit organizations offer free help filing the form, which can save you time if you are unsure how to complete it.

Can I open a bank account as a tourist?

Yes, but it depends on the bank. Some banks will open accounts for tourists with a passport and proof of address. Others will not. Online banks are more likely to accept tourists than brick-and-mortar banks. Be honest about your visa status when you explore.

What if a bank refuses to open an account for me?

Try another bank. Different banks have different policies. Online banks, credit unions, and smaller regional banks often have fewer restrictions than large national chains. You can also ask the bank why they refused and whether there is a document or step that would change their decision.

Can I use a foreign address instead of a U.S. address?

No. Banks require a U.S. address to open an account. If you do not have one yet, use a temporary address like a hotel, your employer's office, or a friend's place. Once you have a permanent address, update it with the bank.