Non-US residents can open a US bank account, but the process is slower and the options are narrower than for citizens

A non-US resident can open a checking or savings account at a US bank, but you will face extra verification steps and fewer choices of where to bank. Most traditional banks require a US address, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a government-issued ID. Some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all. Online banks and fintech companies are more likely to work with you, though they still need proof of identity and often a US address or phone number.

The core issue is that US banks must follow anti-money-laundering rules under the Bank Secrecy Act. This means they need to verify who you are and where you live. For a non-resident, that verification takes longer and costs the bank more. Many banks have decided the cost is not worth it and straightforward do not serve non-residents. The banks that do serve you will ask for more documents than they would ask a US citizen.

Key Takeaways

  • Online banks and fintech companies are more likely to open accounts for non-US residents than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, proof of your foreign address, and either a US address or a US phone number to open most accounts.
  • An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS can substitute for a Social Security number if you do not have one.
  • The account opening process takes two to four weeks for non-residents because the bank must verify your identity through additional channels.
  • Some banks require a minimum deposit or monthly fee, and non-residents may face limits on wire transfers or international transactions.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with a government-issued ID from your home country — a passport is the most common choice. The bank will scan or photograph this and verify it is genuine. You will also need proof of your current address, which means a recent utility bill, lease, or government document from your home country showing your name and address.

If you do not have a US Social Security number, you will need to request an ITIN from the IRS before you open the account. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who are not US citizens but need to file taxes or open financial accounts. You request one by mail using Form W-7, and it takes four to six weeks. Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN process is pending, but most will not. Plan ahead.

You will also need either a US address or a US phone number. If you are staying with a friend or family member, you can use their address. If you are not in the US, some banks will accept a US phone number you obtain through a service like Google Voice or Skype. Call the bank before you explore to confirm they will accept this.

Which banks actually open accounts for non-residents

Online banks are your best option. Wise (formerly TransferWise) opens accounts for non-residents and specializes in international transfers. Revolut also serves non-residents in most countries. Both require identity verification but do not require a US address — a US phone number is usually enough. The account opening process is faster online because the bank can verify your identity through digital channels.

Traditional banks vary widely. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally do not open accounts for non-residents, though some branches may make exceptions if you have a US address or a US employer. Smaller regional banks are sometimes more flexible. Call ahead and ask whether they serve non-residents before you visit a branch or explore online.

Fintech companies like Chime, SoFi, and Varo are designed for online account opening and often have fewer restrictions than traditional banks. However, they still require identity verification and may ask for a US phone number or address. Check their website for the specific requirements before you start the process.

The timeline and what happens after you explore

For a US citizen, a bank account usually opens within one to three business days. For a non-resident, expect two to four weeks. The delay happens because the bank must verify your identity through channels outside the US. They may contact your home country's government or use a third-party verification service. Some banks will call you to confirm your information before they open the account.

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card and online banking access. If you applied in person, the card arrives by mail within five to ten business days. If you applied online, the bank may issue a temporary card number you can use when ready while the physical card is in transit. You can usually set up direct deposit or wire transfers as soon as the account is active, though some banks place temporary limits on non-resident accounts — for example, a maximum of $5,000 in outgoing wire transfers per day for the first 30 days.

Why some banks refuse non-residents and what to do if you hit a wall

Banks refuse non-residents because of compliance costs. Verifying a foreign address and identity takes staff time and third-party services. The bank also faces higher regulatory risk if something goes wrong. For a bank that processes millions of accounts, the cost of serving a few hundred non-residents is not worth the risk. This is a business decision, not a legal requirement — the law allows banks to serve non-residents, but does not require them to.

If a bank turns you down, your options are to try an online bank or fintech company, or to wait until you have a US address. If you are moving to the US soon, it may be faster to open the account after you arrive. If you need a US bank account now and cannot get one, consider whether you actually need it. Many non-residents use international transfer services like Wise or Remitly instead of a US bank account. These services let you hold US dollars and receive wire transfers without a bank account.

Limits and restrictions on non-resident accounts

Even after your account opens, some banks place restrictions on non-residents. You may face daily limits on ATM withdrawals, caps on wire transfer amounts, or requirements to maintain a higher minimum balance. Some banks do not allow non-residents to open savings accounts, only checking accounts. A few banks will not let you use your debit card outside the US.

Read the account agreement carefully before you open the account. Call the bank and ask specifically what restrictions explore to non-residents. If the restrictions are too tight for your needs, try a different bank. Online banks tend to have fewer restrictions than traditional banks, though they may charge higher fees if you fall below a minimum balance.

How to use your account once it is open

Once your account is open, you can receive wire transfers, direct deposits, and ACH transfers just like any other account holder. You can use your debit card at ATMs and stores in the US. If you are outside the US, you can still access your account online and make transfers, but ATM withdrawals and card purchases may trigger fraud alerts because the bank sees activity from a foreign location. Call the bank before you travel and let them know where you will be.

If you need to send money out of the account to your home country, a wire transfer is the most direct route but also the most expensive — most banks charge $15 to $50 per outgoing wire. A cheaper option is to use a service like Wise, which lets you transfer money from your US bank account to a bank account in your home country at a lower cost. This takes one to three business days instead of the same-day or next-day speed of a wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US Social Security number to open an account?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an ITIN from the IRS using Form W-7. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN process is pending, but most will not. Check with the bank first.

Can I open an account if I do not have a US address?

Online banks and fintech companies often accept a US phone number instead of a US address. Traditional banks almost always require a US address. If you do not have either, ask whether you can use the address of a friend or family member in the US.

How long does it take to open an account as a non-resident?

Online banks and fintech companies usually take five to ten business days. Traditional banks take two to four weeks because they verify your identity through additional channels. The exact timeline depends on how quickly you provide documents and how quickly the bank can verify your foreign address.

What if the bank asks for a letter from my employer or landlord?

Some banks ask for additional proof of identity or address, especially if your government ID is expired or if your address is hard to verify. A letter from your employer or landlord on official letterhead, dated within the last three months, usually satisfies this requirement. Ask the bank what format they need before you request the letter.

Can I open a business account as a non-resident?

Most banks do not open business accounts for non-residents. The verification process is even more complex for business accounts because the bank must verify both your identity and the business itself. If you need a business account, consult a tax professional or accountant in the US who can advise you on the specific requirements for your situation.