Yes, but you will need to be physically present and have the right documents
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can open a U.S. bank account, but the process is stricter than opening one in Canada. Most U.S. banks require you to be in the country in person, have a U.S. address (even a temporary one), and provide a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. A few banks will work with you remotely if you have a U.S. address already, but this is uncommon.
The main barrier is not citizenship — it is the address and tax identification requirement. U.S. banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and tax status before opening an account. They cannot do this reliably by mail or video call alone, which is why most insist on an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You must be physically present in the United States to open most bank accounts, or already have a U.S. address on file.
- You will need either a Social Security Number (if you work in the U.S.) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which you can request from the IRS before your trip.
- A valid passport is your primary form of ID; a Canadian driver's license alone is usually not enough.
- Some banks accept a Canadian address temporarily if you are opening the account during a U.S. visit, but you will need to update it to a U.S. address within a set time frame.
- Online-only banks and some credit unions are more flexible than large national banks, though they still require a U.S. address eventually.
What documents you need to bring
Start with your passport. U.S. banks will not accept a Canadian driver's license as your primary ID, even though it is government-issued. Your passport is the standard document they recognize and trust.
Next, you need a tax identification number. If you work in the U.S. or plan to, you may already have a Social Security Number. If not, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) before you travel. You do not need to be in the U.S. to request one — you can mail Form W-7 to the IRS with your passport copy and supporting documents. Processing takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you know you will need one.
Bring proof of a U.S. address if you have one. This can be a lease, a utility bill, a mortgage statement, or a letter from someone who will let you use their address. If you do not have one yet, tell the bank you are visiting or relocating and ask what temporary options they accept. Some will let you use a hotel address or a friend's address for the initial opening, with the understanding that you will provide a permanent address within 30 to 60 days.
Where to open an account as a Canadian
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have thousands of branches and will open accounts for non-U.S. residents, but they require an in-person visit and a U.S. address. If you are moving to the U.S. or visiting for an extended period, this is usually your most straightforward option because you can walk into any branch.
Online-only banks like Charles Schwab, Ally, and Chime are sometimes more flexible about address requirements and do not require a branch visit. However, they still need a U.S. address on file before or shortly after opening. Charles Schwab, in particular, is known for working with people who do not yet have a permanent U.S. address, though policies change and you should confirm directly.
Credit unions can be another route. Some credit unions, particularly those in border states or those affiliated with employers that hire Canadians, will work with Canadian citizens. You will still need a U.S. address and tax ID, but the process may be less rigid than at a national bank. Search for credit unions in the state where you plan to live or work.
Getting a Social Security Number or ITIN before you arrive
If you will be working in the U.S., your employer will help you get a Social Security Number once you are hired. You do not need one before you arrive. However, if you want to open a bank account before starting work, or if you will not be working, you will need an ITIN.
To request an ITIN, fill out IRS Form W-7 and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Include a copy of your passport and any supporting documents that show your reason for needing the number (such as a job offer letter or proof of U.S. property ownership). The IRS will mail your ITIN to you, which usually takes four to six weeks. You can then use this number when opening your bank account.
Some banks will open an account without a tax ID if you are a temporary visitor, but they will ask you to provide one within a certain time frame. This is less common and depends on the bank's policy.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can use it like any U.S. resident would. You will receive a debit card, checks, and online access. Transfers between your Canadian and U.S. accounts will cost money — most banks charge a wire transfer fee of $15 to $50 per transaction, and exchange rates will explore. Some people use services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or OFX to move money between countries at a lower cost, though these are separate from your bank account.
If you move back to Canada, you can usually keep the account open as long as you maintain the minimum balance and follow the bank's rules for non-resident accounts. Some banks will close accounts if you do not use them for a long time, so check your account agreement or call the bank if you plan to keep it inactive.
If you cannot visit the United States in person
If you cannot travel to the U.S. to open an account, your options are limited. Most banks will not open accounts remotely for non-residents. However, a few alternatives exist.
Some Canadian banks have partnerships with U.S. banks that make it easier to open a linked account. For example, if you bank with TD Canada Trust, you may be able to open a TD Bank account in the U.S. through their system without traveling. Check with your Canadian bank to see if they offer this.
Another option is to use a U.S. address service. Some companies will provide you with a U.S. mailing address that you can use to open accounts. This is legal, but banks are increasingly skeptical of address services, and some will reject applications that use them. If you go this route, be prepared to provide additional proof that you have a legitimate reason for needing the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a U.S. Social Security Number to open a bank account?
No, but you need either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security Number because you do not work in the U.S., you can request an ITIN from the IRS before your trip. Some banks will temporarily waive this requirement if you are opening an account during a visit, but you will need to provide a tax ID within a set time frame.
Can I use my Canadian address when opening the account?
Most banks will not accept a Canadian address as your permanent address. Some will let you use it temporarily during your visit, with the understanding that you will update it to a U.S. address within 30 to 60 days. Call the bank before you visit to confirm their policy.
What if I do not have a U.S. address yet?
Tell the bank you are relocating or visiting and ask what temporary options they accept. Some will let you use a hotel address, a friend's address, or a future address. Others require you to have an address before opening the account. Online-only banks are sometimes more flexible, but policies vary.
How long does it take to open a U.S. bank account as a Canadian?
If you visit in person with all required documents, you can usually open an account the same day. If you are requesting an ITIN by mail first, add four to six weeks for the IRS to process and mail it to you.
Can I keep my U.S. bank account if I move back to Canada?
Yes, most banks allow non-resident accounts as long as you maintain the minimum balance and follow their rules. However, some banks close accounts that are inactive for a long time, so contact your bank if you plan to keep it dormant.