Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in the US, but the process is different from what US citizens face

Banks in the United States will open accounts for non-citizens and people without a Social Security number. However, you will need to provide more documentation than a US resident typically does, and your options may be narrower. Most major banks can do this, though some smaller banks or credit unions have stricter policies. The key is understanding what documents work as proof of identity and what banks are willing to accept.

The main barrier is not citizenship — it is proof of identity and address. US banks are required by federal law to verify who you are before opening an account. For US citizens, a driver's license or passport does this quickly. For foreigners, banks accept a passport as your primary ID, but they still need to confirm your US address, which is where the process gets more complicated.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport is the standard ID that US banks accept from foreigners, and most major banks will open an account with a passport alone.
  • You will need a US address — a temporary one like a hotel or an address where you are staying with a friend counts, but you must provide proof such as a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency.
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS can replace a Social Security number on your account, though some banks ask for one and others do not.
  • Bring your passport, proof of US address, and contact information; some banks may ask for a second form of ID or a letter from your employer.
  • Online banks often have simpler processes than brick-and-mortar branches, but they may not accept all forms of foreign ID.

What documents you need to bring

Start with your passport. This is your primary ID and every US bank will accept it. Make sure it is not expired — banks will not open an account with an expired passport, even if your country still considers it valid for travel.

Next, you need proof of a US address. This is the step that trips up most foreigners. Banks need to see that you actually live somewhere in the United States, not just that you are visiting. Acceptable documents include a lease or rental agreement with your name on it, a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name, a bank statement from another US bank, or mail from a government agency like the IRS or a state tax authority. A hotel bill or an Airbnb confirmation usually does not work because banks see these as temporary. If you are staying with a friend or family member, ask them for a notarized letter stating that you live at their address, and bring a utility bill or lease in their name as supporting proof.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN if you have one. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You can get an ITIN by filing a tax return with Form W-7. If you do not have an ITIN and do not plan to get one, tell the bank — many will still open an account without it, though some require it.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one. This might be a driver's license from your home country, a national ID card, or a state ID from the US if you have obtained one. This is not always required, but it speeds up the process.

Which banks are most likely to say yes

Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have experience opening accounts for foreigners and have clear policies in place. They are used to seeing passports and understand the ITIN process. Walk into any branch with your documents and ask to open a checking account — most will be able to do it the same day or within a few days.

Regional banks vary widely. Some have the same process as national banks; others are more cautious. Call ahead or visit a branch and ask whether they open accounts for people with a passport and ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Do not assume they will say no — many will, but you need to ask.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime often have simpler processes because they do not require you to visit a branch. However, some online banks have restrictions on which countries' passports they accept, or they may require a US phone number and address before you even start the process. Read the requirements on their website before you try to open an account.

Credit unions are hit or miss. Some credit unions are very welcoming to foreigners; others have policies that make it difficult. If you have a connection to a credit union — through an employer, a school, or a family member who is a member — ask whether they will open an account for you. Otherwise, start with a national bank.

The step-by-step process at a bank branch

Walk into a branch during business hours with your passport, proof of address, and a second form of ID if you have one. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask for your ID and address proof, and they will ask whether you have a Social Security number. Say no, and tell them whether you have an ITIN. If you do not have either, they will note that on your account.

The banker will run a check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This is routine and takes a few minutes. They will also ask for your contact information — phone number, email, and mailing address. Give them the US address you just proved.

You will be asked to choose a type of account. For a first account, a basic checking account is the simplest. You will also choose a debit card design and set up online banking access. Some banks will issue a debit card on the spot; others will mail it to you within a week.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will leave with a debit card or a card number, online banking access, and a checkbook if you requested one. Your account is active when ready, though some banks hold the first deposit for a day or two.

Opening an account online if you cannot visit a branch

If you are outside the US or cannot reach a branch, some banks let you open an account online. Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank all offer this option. You will upload a photo of your passport, answer questions about your address, and verify your identity through a video call with a banker. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours.

Online-only banks like Ally and Charles Schwab also offer remote account opening. The process is similar: upload your ID, confirm your address, and wait for approval. Some online banks are faster — approval can happen within hours — but they may have stricter rules about which documents they accept.

The main risk with opening an account online is that the bank may ask follow-up questions after you submit your process. If they cannot reach you by phone or email, they may close your process. Make sure you provide a phone number you check regularly and an email address you monitor.

What happens if a bank says no

If a bank refuses to open an account, ask why. The most common reasons are that your passport is expired, your proof of address is not acceptable to them, or they do not have a process for people without a Social Security number or ITIN. If it is the address, ask what documents they do accept and whether a notarized letter from someone you are staying with would work.

If the issue is the lack of a Social Security number or ITIN, ask whether they will open an account if you get an ITIN. Getting an ITIN takes time — you have to file a tax return — but it may open doors at banks that otherwise will not work with you.

If a bank straightforward will not work with foreigners, move to another bank. Do not waste time trying to convince them. National banks are more likely to say yes than small local banks, and online banks are often more flexible than branches. You will find a bank that will take you.

Using your account once it is open

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other US bank account. You can deposit checks, transfer money, set up direct deposit, and use your debit card at stores and ATMs. You can also send money internationally through your bank, though the fees are usually high — look into services like Wise or OFX if you need to send money home regularly.

If you plan to stay in the US long-term, consider getting a Social Security number once you are may be able to access. This will make banking easier and will open up credit-building options like credit cards and loans. If you are only here temporarily, your account will work fine without one.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can open an account with a passport and proof of US address. If you have an ITIN, bring it, but it is not required. Some banks ask for one or the other, but most will open an account without either.

Can I use a hotel address as proof of residence?

Most banks will not accept a hotel bill as proof of address because they see it as temporary. If you are staying with a friend or family member, ask them for a notarized letter saying you live there, and bring a utility bill or lease in their name. This usually works.

How long does it take to open an account?

At a branch, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, 24 to 48 hours, though some banks are faster. You can use your account when ready in most cases, though some banks hold the first deposit for a day.

What if my passport is about to expire?

Banks will not open an account with an expired passport. If yours expires soon, renew it before you try to open an account. Some banks may also ask you to renew it if it expires within six months, though this varies.

Can I open a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes, but a checking account is more useful when you are new to the US because it comes with a debit card and online banking. You can open both at the same time, or open a checking account first and add a savings account later.