Yes, but the bank has to accept you first

A US citizen living abroad can open a bank account in the United States, but you will face real constraints that a resident does not. Most US banks will open an account for you if you have a US address on file — even if you do not live there — and a valid US passport or ID. The harder part is that many banks have stopped accepting customers who live outside the country, regardless of citizenship. This is not because of law; it is because of cost and compliance. Banks that do accept non-resident customers often charge higher fees or require higher minimum balances.

The banks most likely to work with you are large national banks with established international operations, online banks with minimal physical footprint, and banks that specifically market to expats. Regional banks and credit unions are less likely to open accounts for people living abroad, though some will if you have an existing relationship or a US address you can use.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a US address (yours, a family member's, or a mail forwarding service) and a valid US passport or state ID to open an account from abroad.
  • Many large banks accept non-resident US citizens, but some require video verification or in-person visits, which complicates the process from overseas.
  • Online banks and banks with international divisions are more likely to accept you than regional banks or credit unions.
  • Once the account is open, you can manage it entirely online, but wire transfers, deposits, and withdrawals have different rules depending on where you are.
  • Some banks will close your account if you move abroad after opening it, so confirm the bank's policy on non-resident accounts before you start.

What documents you need to open the account

You will need a valid US passport or state-issued ID, proof of your US address, and proof of your current address abroad. The US address does not have to be where you live — it can be a family member's home, a mail forwarding service, or even an address you used in the past, as long as you can verify it. Banks use the US address for tax reporting and regulatory purposes.

For proof of your current address abroad, banks typically accept a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued ID from your country of residence. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution. The specific documents vary by bank, so contact the one you are interested in before you gather everything.

You will also need to provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have an ITIN and cannot get one before opening the account, some banks will issue you one during the process, though this is less common now.

Banks that accept non-resident US citizens

Large national banks with international operations — including Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Wells Fargo — generally accept non-resident US citizens, though policies vary by branch and account type. Chase and Bank of America are often the easiest to work with because they have established processes for remote account opening and do not require you to visit a branch in person.

Online banks including Charles Schwab, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and Revolut have built their entire model around serving customers who are not in one place. Charles Schwab is particularly popular with expats because it reimburses ATM fees worldwide and does not charge for international transfers. Wise is designed specifically for moving money across borders and holds accounts in multiple currencies.

Some credit unions and regional banks will open accounts for non-residents, but you usually need an existing relationship — a family member who is a member, or a previous account you held. Call ahead rather than explore online; a person can often override the system if you have a legitimate connection.

How the verification process works from abroad

Most banks now use video verification instead of requiring you to visit a branch in person. You will schedule a call with a bank representative, show your passport and proof of address on camera, and answer questions about your identity and the source of funds you plan to deposit. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some banks will do this via Zoom or their own video platform; others use a third-party verification service.

A few banks still require an in-person visit to a US branch, which means you will need to travel back to the country or find someone to act on your behalf. This is becoming less common, but it happens with some credit unions and smaller regional banks. Always ask about this before you start the process.

After verification, account opening usually takes one to three business days. The bank will mail a debit card and PIN to your US address, which means you need to arrange for someone to receive it or use a mail forwarding service that can redirect it to you abroad.

Depositing money and moving it across borders

Once your account is open, you have several ways to deposit money. Wire transfers from a bank abroad are the most straightforward but also the most expensive — expect to pay $15 to $50 per transfer depending on the banks involved. International ACH transfers (also called IBAN transfers) are slower but cheaper, usually $5 to $15, and take three to five business days.

Some banks let you deposit checks by photograph through their mobile app, but only if the check is drawn on a US bank. If you receive checks from abroad, you will need to deposit them through a US address or use a service like Wise or PayPal as an intermediary.

Transferring money out of the account to pay bills or move funds to your country of residence works the same way in reverse. Wire transfers are fast but expensive. ACH transfers are cheaper but only work if the receiving bank is in the US. If you are sending money to a bank account outside the US, you will almost always use a wire transfer or a service like Wise that specializes in cross-border payments.

Tax reporting and FATCA compliance

As a US citizen, you are required to report all foreign financial accounts to the IRS if the combined balance exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year. This is done through the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR), filed with FinCEN, not the IRS directly. You file it electronically through the BSA E-Filing System.

Your US bank account does not count as a foreign account for FBAR purposes — it is a US account. However, if you also hold accounts in banks outside the US, those do count, and you must report them. The important date for FBAR filing is April 15 of the following year, with an automatic extension to October 15.

Banks are required by law to report US account holders to the IRS under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). This means the bank will ask you to confirm your US tax residency status and may ask for a W-9 form. This is routine and does not mean you are under investigation; it is how banks comply with federal law.

What happens if the bank closes your account

Some banks have policies that allow them to close accounts held by non-residents without notice. This is rare but it happens, particularly with smaller banks or if you do not use the account regularly. Before you open an account, ask the bank directly: "What is your policy on accounts held by customers living outside the United States?" Get the answer in writing if possible.

If a bank does close your account, they must give you time to withdraw your funds — usually 30 days — but they do not have to tell you why. If this happens, you will need to arrange a wire transfer to another account or have someone in the US withdraw the funds on your behalf.

To reduce the risk of closure, use the account regularly, keep a reasonable balance, and maintain your US address on file. Some expats keep a small balance in a US account specifically for this reason, even if they do most of their banking elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a US address on file, but it does not have to be your current residence. You can use a family member's address, a mail forwarding service, or even an address where you previously lived. Some mail forwarding services are designed specifically for expats and cost $10 to $20 per month. Call the bank first to confirm they will accept a forwarding address.

What if I do not have a US passport?

A state-issued ID or driver's license works for most banks. If you do not have either, you will need to get one before opening an account. You can renew or replace a driver's license through your state's DMV, often by mail or online, even if you are living abroad.

How long does it take to open an account from abroad?

The verification call usually happens within a few days of your process. Account opening takes one to three business days after that. The longest part is waiting for your debit card to arrive at your US address and then be forwarded to you, which can take two to four weeks depending on your mail forwarding setup.

Can I use my US bank account to pay bills in my country?

Not directly. You will need to transfer money from your US account to a local account in your country, or use a service like Wise that can pay bills on your behalf. Wire transfers work but are expensive. ACH transfers only work between US banks. Wise and similar services are usually cheaper for regular bill payments.

Do I have to report my US bank account to my country of residence?

That depends on the country. Many countries require residents to report foreign financial accounts, similar to how the US requires reporting of foreign accounts. Check your country's tax authority website or consult a tax professional familiar with expat taxes in your location.