What tourists can actually open

Yes, you can open a bank account as a tourist in the USA, but not every type of account is available to you, and the process depends on which state you're in and how long you're staying. 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 tourists typically don't have.

The accounts you can access are usually basic deposit accounts with limited features. You won't be turned away everywhere — some banks specifically serve international visitors — but you will face more documentation requirements than a US citizen or permanent resident would.

Key Takeaways

  • Tourist-friendly banks like Bank of America and Chase will open accounts for visitors using a passport and proof of a US address (even a hotel or Airbnb counts).
  • You do not need a Social Security number to open a basic checking or savings account, though some banks ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • Bring your original passport, proof of your current US address, and a second form of ID if you have one — a driver's license from your home country works.
  • The account opens the same day in most cases, and you can use it when ready for deposits and transfers, though some banks place holds on initial deposits.
  • Online-only banks are harder to use as a tourist because they require a US address and often won't accept foreign identification.

Which banks will open accounts for tourists

Large national banks are your best option. Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have policies allowing tourists to open accounts with a valid passport and proof of a US address. The proof of address can be a hotel confirmation, an Airbnb booking, a letter from a friend or family member you're staying with, or even a utility bill in someone else's name if you're listed as a resident.

Regional banks vary widely. Some will open accounts for tourists; others won't. Call ahead before you visit a branch — don't assume. Credit unions almost never open accounts for non-members who lack a US address or Social Security number, so skip those.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically require a US address and a Social Security number or ITIN, which makes them difficult for tourists. A few online banks will work with you if you have a US address, but the process is slower and you won't have a physical branch to visit if something goes wrong.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your original passport — a photocopy won't work. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity, and they need the document itself. You'll also need proof of your current US address. This is the biggest hurdle for tourists. A hotel confirmation with your name and the hotel's address, an Airbnb booking confirmation, or a letter from someone you're staying with (with their address and signature) all work. Some banks accept a utility bill or lease in someone else's name if you can show you're living there.

Bring a second form of identification if you have one — a driver's license from your home country, a national ID card, or an international student card. This speeds up the process, though it's not always required.

You do not need a Social Security number. If a bank asks for one and you don't have it, ask whether they accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You can request an ITIN from the IRS, but the process takes weeks, so this won't help you if you're leaving soon. Some banks will open the account without either number if you're a non-resident alien, though they may limit what you can do with the account.

What happens during the account opening

Walk into a branch during business hours and tell the banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They'll ask for your passport and proof of address, run a background check (usually when ready), and ask you to sign paperwork. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll choose a PIN for your debit card, and in most cases the card is ordered and arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Some banks will issue a temporary debit card on the spot or let you use your account number to withdraw cash when ready. Ask about this when you open the account — it matters if you're leaving the country soon.

The bank will ask how you want to fund the account. You can deposit cash, transfer money from another bank, or leave it empty. If you deposit a large amount of cash (over $10,000), the bank is required to file a report with the federal government — this is normal and not a problem, but be aware it happens.

Limits and restrictions on tourist accounts

Tourist accounts are real accounts, not restricted ones, but some banks place holds on your first deposit. A hold means the money is in your account but you can't withdraw it for a few days — usually three to five business days for checks, and sometimes one business day for cash deposits. Ask the banker about their hold policy before you deposit anything.

You can use online banking and mobile apps when ready. You can transfer money out of the account to another bank. You can set up direct deposit. The account works like any other checking or savings account once it's open.

If you're leaving the country within a few weeks, ask the bank whether you can keep the account open and manage it remotely. Most banks allow this. You can receive deposits, make transfers, and pay bills online from anywhere. Some banks will close the account if there's no activity for a long period (usually 12 months or more), so check their policy if you plan to keep it after you leave.

What to do if a bank refuses

If the first bank says no, try another one. Bank of America and Chase have the most consistent policies for tourists, so start there. If you're in a small town and the local bank won't open an account, drive to a larger city — the policies are the same, but the staff at busy branches are more used to handling tourist accounts.

If you have a US address (even a temporary one), your chances improve dramatically. If you don't, ask the banker specifically whether they can open an account without a Social Security number or ITIN. Some will; some won't. It depends on the bank's internal policy, not on federal law.

If you're staying in the US for several months, consider opening an account under a different visa category. A student visa, work visa, or exchange visitor status may give you access to accounts that tourist visas don't. Talk to your school or employer about this before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account as a tourist?

No. You need a valid passport and proof of a US address. Some banks ask for a Social Security number or ITIN, but if you don't have one, ask whether they'll open the account without it. Many will, especially the large national banks.

Can I open an account online if I'm a tourist?

Most online banks require a US address and a Social Security number or ITIN, which makes them difficult for tourists. A few will work with you if you have a US address, but the process is slower. In-person at a physical branch is faster and more reliable.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

The account opens the same day, but the debit card usually arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks issue a temporary card on the spot or let you withdraw cash using your account number when ready. Ask about this when you open the account.

Can I keep the account open after I leave the USA?

Yes. Most banks allow you to keep the account open and manage it remotely through online banking. You can receive deposits and make transfers from anywhere. Some banks close accounts after 12 months of no activity, so check the policy if you plan to keep it long-term.

What if I don't have a US address yet?

A hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from someone you're staying with works as proof of address. You don't need to own property or have a lease. The address just needs to be current and verifiable.