Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in the US, but the process depends on your visa status and which bank you choose

Banks in the United States will open accounts for non-citizens, but they treat you differently depending on whether you have a visa, a green card, or neither. A visa holder with a valid passport and visa can open an account at most major banks. A green card holder faces almost no restrictions. Someone on a tourist visa or with no visa at all will find fewer options, and some banks will turn them away entirely.

The core requirement is proof of identity and address. A US bank needs to know who you are and where you live — this is federal law under the Bank Secrecy Act. For foreigners, this means a valid passport, a visa or green card, and proof of a US address. That address can be temporary: a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's house where you are staying, or a mailbox service. You do not need to own property or have a permanent residence.

The second barrier is ITIN or SSN. Most banks will ask for a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An SSN is issued to people authorized to work in the US. An ITIN is issued to non-citizens who need to file taxes. If you have neither, some banks will still open an account, but fewer will, and you may face higher fees or account restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa holders and green card holders can open accounts at most major US banks using a valid passport, visa or green card, and proof of a US address.
  • Tourist visa holders and people with no visa can open accounts at some banks, but options are limited and you may need an ITIN or SSN.
  • You will need to provide a US address, which can be temporary — a hotel, rental, or friend's address counts.
  • Some banks require an ITIN or SSN; others will open an account without one but may charge higher fees or limit features.
  • Large national banks are more likely to accept foreigners than small regional banks, which often have stricter policies.

What documents you need to bring

Walk into a bank with your passport, your visa or green card, and proof of your US address. The address proof can be a lease, a utility bill, a hotel receipt, or a letter from someone who lives at that address confirming you are staying there. Banks vary on what they accept, so call ahead and ask what counts as address proof in their system.

If you have an ITIN or SSN, bring that too. If you do not have one yet, tell the bank representative. Some banks will open the account anyway and let you add the number later. Others will not. This is why calling ahead matters — you can find out whether a specific branch will work with you before you go in.

Bring your original documents, not copies. Banks need to see the actual passport and visa to verify they are real. Some banks will photocopy them for their records; others will just look and hand them back.

Which banks accept foreigners without an SSN or ITIN

Large national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — generally accept foreigners with a visa or green card, even without an SSN or ITIN. They have systems in place for this because they serve international customers regularly. You may face a higher minimum balance requirement or monthly fee, but the account will work.

Online banks like Wise, Revolut, and Chime have different rules. Some will open accounts for visa holders; others will not. Their policies change, so check their website or contact them directly. Online banks often have lower fees and no minimum balance, which makes them attractive, but they are pickier about who they accept.

Small regional banks and credit unions are less predictable. Some welcome foreigners; others have a blanket policy against opening accounts for non-citizens. Call first. Do not assume a small bank will turn you down — some are very accommodating — but do not assume they will accept you either.

The ITIN: what it is and how to get one

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who need to file US taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. If you are working in the US on an H-1B visa, you may have an SSN instead. If you are a student, a tourist, or a temporary resident, you may need an ITIN.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can do this by mail or in person at an IRS office or an authorized acceptance agent — usually a tax preparation service like H&R Block. The process takes four to six weeks by mail, sometimes faster in person. You need to provide your passport, visa, and proof of address, plus documentation of why you need the ITIN (a job offer letter, a school enrollment letter, or a tax return you are filing).

Some banks will open an account before you have an ITIN. Others will not. If you are planning to stay in the US for more than a few months, getting an ITIN early makes the banking process smoother. If you are here for a short trip, you may be able to open an account without one.

Visa status and what it means for your account

A visa holder — F-1 student, H-1B worker, L-1 intracompany transfer, or tourist on a B-1/B-2 — can open a bank account. The bank will verify that your visa is valid and that you are in the US legally. Your account will stay open as long as you maintain it, even if your visa expires, as long as you keep the account active and follow the bank's rules.

A green card holder faces almost no restrictions. You are a permanent resident, and banks treat you nearly the same as a US citizen. You will need an SSN (which you should have received with your green card), and the account process is straightforward.

A tourist with no visa (if you are from a visa-waiver country) or someone on a tourist visa can open an account at some banks, but it is harder. Some banks will not do it. Those that will may require an ITIN, a higher minimum balance, or proof that you have a reason to be in the US (a hotel reservation, a job offer, a school enrollment letter). Call ahead and ask.

How long the process takes and what happens next

Opening an account in person at a bank branch takes 20 to 45 minutes. The bank will verify your identity, check your address, run a background check (ChexSystems or Early Warning Services), and ask you what you plan to use the account for. They will ask whether you want a checking account, a savings account, or both. They will explain fees and minimum balances. Then they will open the account on the spot.

You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account when ready — the bank will give you a temporary card or let you set up online banking right away so you can transfer money or pay bills before your physical card arrives.

If you open an account online, the process is faster but requires more documentation. You will upload photos of your passport and visa, provide your address, and answer questions about your employment and income. The bank will verify everything and either approve or deny you within a few days. If approved, they will mail your debit card and any other materials.

What to do if banks turn you down

If a major bank rejects you, try a different bank. Chase may say no while Bank of America says yes. Do not assume all banks have the same policy. Call three or four banks and ask their specific requirements for foreigners before you go in.

If you are rejected everywhere, consider a prepaid card or a money transfer service like Wise or Remitly. These are not bank accounts, but they let you hold US dollars, receive transfers, and spend money using a card. They have lower barriers to entry and often accept foreigners with just a passport and address.

Another option is to open an account at a bank in your home country that has a US branch or partnership. If your bank in India, Mexico, or the UK has a relationship with a US bank, you may be able to open a US account through them. Ask your home bank whether they offer this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account as a tourist visiting the US?

Yes, but it depends on the bank. Major banks like Chase and Bank of America will often open an account for a tourist with a valid passport and visa, though some may require an ITIN or proof of why you are in the US. Small banks and credit unions are less predictable. Call ahead to ask whether they accept tourists before you visit a branch.

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

No, but it helps. Many banks will open an account without an SSN or ITIN, especially if you have a valid visa or green card. Some banks require one. Call the bank first and ask whether you can open an account without an SSN, and if not, whether you can add one later after you get an ITIN.

What if my visa expires while I have a bank account?

Your account stays open. The bank does not close accounts just because a visa expires. As long as you keep the account active and follow the bank's rules, you can keep using it. If you leave the US, you can keep the account open and use it to receive transfers or pay bills remotely, though some banks may close inactive accounts after a long period.

Can I open a bank account online as a foreigner?

Yes, but online banks have stricter verification requirements. You will need to upload clear photos of your passport and visa, provide a US address, and answer detailed questions about your income and employment. The process is faster than going to a branch, but approval is not may provide. Check the bank's website first to see whether they accept foreigners.

What is the difference between an ITIN and an SSN?

An SSN is issued to people authorized to work in the US. An ITIN is issued to non-citizens who need to file taxes but do not have an SSN. If you are working on an H-1B visa, you will have an SSN. If you are a student or temporary resident, you may need an ITIN. Both work for opening a bank account, but banks may prefer an SSN.