What tourists can actually open in the US

A tourist can open a bank account in America, but not every bank will do it, and the account you get will have limits. Most major banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a US address, and a government-issued ID. If you don't have these yet, some banks will still take you—but they'll restrict what you can do with the account until you provide them.

The real constraint is that you need to be physically present in the US to open an account in person. No bank will let you open one remotely from another country. You'll walk into a branch, bring your documents, and complete the process on the spot—usually in 15 to 30 minutes.

The account itself works like any other checking or savings account once it's open. You can deposit money, withdraw it, use a debit card, and set up direct deposit. The difference is what happens when you leave: if you don't maintain the account or if the bank can't verify your identity later, they may freeze or close it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be in the US in person to open a bank account; no bank will do it remotely from abroad.
  • Most banks require a government-issued ID, proof of a US address, and either a Social Security number or ITIN—but some will open an account without the ITIN if you provide other identity documents.
  • Banks that cater to tourists and immigrants, including some credit unions and online banks, are more likely to accept you without a US address or SSN.
  • Once the account is open, you can use it normally while you're in the country, but the bank may close it if you don't use it or if they can't verify your identity later.

What documents you need to bring

Bring a valid government-issued ID—a passport works. Bring the original, not a copy. The bank will scan or photograph it and keep a record.

You'll also need proof of a US address. This is where tourists often get stuck. A hotel reservation, an Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from a friend saying you're staying with them can work at some banks, but not all. Call the branch before you go and ask what they accept. Some banks will take a hotel address; others won't. A few will open an account without a US address at all if you explain you're a tourist.

If you have a Social Security number or ITIN, bring that. If you don't, tell the bank when you arrive. Some will still open the account and ask you to provide the number later. Others will refuse. This is the biggest variable between banks.

Which banks are most likely to accept you

Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have thousands of branches, but they're stricter about requiring a US address and SSN or ITIN. If you're staying in a major city, they may work—but call ahead.

Credit unions are often more flexible. They're smaller, locally run, and more willing to work with tourists and recent arrivals. If you're staying near a college or military base, the credit union there may accept you even without an SSN.

Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Wise have different rules. Some will open accounts for tourists; others won't. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is designed for people who move between countries and is more likely to accept you without a US address. Check their website or call before you try.

Some banks market themselves to immigrants and international visitors. HSBC, for example, has a program for people new to the US. Citibank also works with international customers in some locations. These are worth calling if you're in a city where they have branches.

The process from start to finish

Walk into a branch with your ID and proof of address. Tell them you're a tourist and want to open a checking or savings account. They'll hand you an process—usually one or two pages—and ask you to fill it out with your name, date of birth, contact information, and the address where you're staying.

They'll ask whether you have a Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't, say so. They may ask why you're opening the account and how long you're staying. Answer honestly. Banks are required to verify your identity under federal law, and they're more likely to help you if you're straightforward.

They'll scan your passport and take a copy of your proof of address. They'll run a background check—this is standard and takes a few minutes. Then they'll tell you whether the account is open. If it is, they'll give you a debit card number (the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days), a temporary check number, and online banking login details.

The whole thing takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can deposit money the same day using the temporary check number or by asking the teller to deposit cash.

What happens to the account after you leave

Once you leave the US, the account stays open as long as you keep it active. "Active" usually means at least one transaction every 90 to 180 days, depending on the bank. If you don't use it, the bank may close it and send any remaining balance to your address on file.

If the bank tries to verify your identity later and can't reach you, they may freeze the account. This is rare but happens. To avoid it, keep your contact information current and use the account occasionally—even a small transfer or a debit card purchase counts.

If you plan to use the account from abroad, set up online banking before you leave. You'll be able to check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from anywhere. Some banks block certain transactions from outside the US for security reasons, but basic account access usually works.

Alternatives if a bank won't take you

If you can't open a traditional bank account, a prepaid debit card is the fastest backup. You can buy one at a drugstore or convenience store with just your passport. It works like a debit card but isn't connected to a bank account. You load money onto it, and you can spend it anywhere that takes cards. The downside is that fees are higher and you can't earn interest.

A money transfer service like Wise or MoneyGram lets you send money to the US and pick it up in person at a branch. This works if you need cash but don't want a bank account. It's slower and more expensive than a bank transfer, but it's an option.

If you're staying long enough to get an ITIN, that opens more doors. An ITIN takes about two weeks to get from the IRS if you explore in person at a local office. With an ITIN, most banks will take you. This is worth doing if you're staying more than a month or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Some banks will open an account without one if you have a valid passport and proof of address. Others require an SSN or ITIN. Call the bank before you go and ask. If you don't have either, ask whether they'll let you provide it later.

Can I open an account with just a hotel address?

Maybe. Some banks accept hotel addresses; others don't. A few will open an account without any US address if you explain you're a tourist. Call the branch and ask what they accept. A hotel confirmation email usually counts as proof.

How long does it take to get the debit card?

The bank gives you a temporary card number on the day you open the account. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days. If you're leaving before then, ask the bank to mail it to an address where you'll be staying or to a friend's address in the US.

What if the bank closes my account after I leave?

The bank will send any remaining balance to the address on file. If you want to keep the account active, use it occasionally—even a small transaction every few months counts. Set up online banking so you can monitor it from abroad.

Can I open an account online from my home country?

No. All US banks require you to be in the country in person to open an account. Some online banks have different rules, but most still require you to verify your identity in person or through a video call with a US address on file. Check with the specific bank before you travel.