What tourists can actually open
Yes, you can open a bank account as a tourist, but not every account type is available to you, and the process takes longer than it does for US residents. Most banks will open a checking or savings account for a visitor, but some require you to have a US address or a Social Security number, which you won't have. A few banks and credit unions specifically serve international visitors and don't require either.
The real constraint is that you need to be physically present in the US to open an account in person—no bank will do this remotely for a tourist. You also need a valid passport and proof of your current address (your home address outside the US). Some banks accept a hotel address or an address you'll be staying at during your visit, though policies vary widely.
If you're planning to stay in the US for months or years on a visa, the process is simpler than if you're here for two weeks. Banks treat these situations differently because the risk profile is different.
Key Takeaways
- You must open an account in person at a physical branch; no bank will open one for you remotely while you're abroad.
- You need a valid passport and proof of your current address (outside the US is fine), but a US address or Social Security number is not required at all banks.
- Bring your passport, a second form of ID if you have one, and proof of address—a utility bill, lease, or government document from your home country.
- Some banks and credit unions have no US address requirement; others will turn you away, so call ahead before you visit a branch.
- The account opens when ready, but you may not be able to use it fully (online banking, debit card) until the bank verifies your identity, which can take days or weeks.
Which banks accept tourists without a US address
Chase and Bank of America will open accounts for tourists at most branches, though individual branches sometimes refuse. Neither requires a US address or Social Security number. You'll need your passport and proof of your current address. Call the branch before you visit to confirm they accept tourists, because policies can vary by location.
Citibank has a specific program for international customers and is often the easiest option if you're visiting a major city where Citibank has branches. They explicitly market accounts to people without US addresses or Social Security numbers.
Credit unions vary dramatically. Some accept tourists; many don't. If you're staying with someone who is a US resident or citizen, ask whether their credit union accepts non-members. A few credit unions (particularly those in college towns or major cities) have opened accounts for tourists, but you have to ask directly.
Smaller regional banks almost never accept tourists. If you're in a rural area or a town without a major bank branch, your options shrink significantly. Your best bet is to find a Chase or Bank of America branch in a nearby city and travel there to open the account.
Documents you need to bring
Bring your valid passport—this is non-negotiable. Banks will not accept an expired passport or a passport card. If you have a second form of ID (driver's license from your home country, national ID card), bring it, though most banks will accept the passport alone.
Bring proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government document from your home country. It must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days (the window varies by bank). If you're staying at a hotel, bring your hotel confirmation or reservation. Some banks accept this; others don't, so call ahead.
Bring your phone number (your home country number is fine) and email address. You'll need these to set up online banking and receive account statements.
Do not bring cash as your only proof of funds. Banks will ask how much you want to deposit, and you can deposit cash, but they won't open an account with zero balance. Minimum opening deposits range from $0 to $300 depending on the bank and account type. Call ahead to ask what the minimum is.
What happens after you open the account
The account opens the same day you visit the branch. You'll receive a debit card, though it may not work when ready. Most banks put a hold on debit card set up for 7 to 10 business days while they verify your identity. During this time, you can withdraw cash at the branch or at an ATM using your temporary card number, but you cannot use the card to make purchases.
Online banking access also takes time. You may be able to set it up the same day, but some banks delay access for a few days. Ask the banker when you can expect to log in and transfer money.
If the bank cannot verify your identity through their normal process (because you're not in the US financial system), they may ask you to return to the branch in person with additional documents, or they may contact you by phone. This can add another week or two. Ask what the timeline is before you leave the branch.
Using the account while you're in the US
Once your debit card is active, you can use it to withdraw cash and make purchases anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted (depending on which card the bank issued). You can also write checks, though this is rare for tourists and most places won't accept a check from someone with a foreign address.
You can deposit checks at the branch or at an ATM, though checks from outside the US take much longer to clear—sometimes 3 to 4 weeks. Depositing cash at the branch is when ready.
Wire transfers into the account work normally. Wire transfers out of the account also work, but some banks flag outgoing international wires and may ask you to verify the transfer in person or by phone. Ask about this when you open the account if you know you'll need to send money out.
What happens to the account when you leave
You can keep the account open after you leave the US. Many tourists do this so they have a US bank account for future visits or for receiving payments from US sources. There are no special requirements to maintain it remotely.
However, some banks charge monthly fees if the account falls below a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500). Others waive fees if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Ask about this before you open the account, because you may end up paying fees for an account you're not using.
If you want to close the account, you can do it by phone or by visiting a branch. You'll need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. The bank will send you a final statement and close the account within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?
No. Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank will open accounts for tourists without a Social Security number. You'll use your passport number instead. Some smaller banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), so call ahead.
Can I open an account online before I arrive in the US?
No. No US bank will complete the account opening process remotely for a tourist. You must be present in person at a branch. However, some banks let you start the process online and finish it in the branch, which can speed things up slightly.
What if I don't have a US address yet?
Use your home address outside the US. If you're staying at a hotel, you can use the hotel address. Some banks accept either; a few require a permanent address. Call the branch and ask what they accept before you visit.
How long does it take to get a debit card?
You receive a temporary card or card number the day you open the account. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. set up for purchases usually happens within the same timeframe. Ask the banker for the exact timeline when you open the account.
Can I use my account to receive money from my home country?
Yes. You can receive wire transfers and direct deposits. International wire transfers take 3 to 5 business days. Ask your bank for the wire instructions (routing number, account number, SWIFT code) before you need them.