Yes, you can open a bank account in the USA, but the process depends on your immigration status and the bank you choose

Banks in the United States will open accounts for non-citizens, but they require different documents depending on whether you have a Social Security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or neither. Some banks ask only for a passport and proof of address. Others require a U.S. tax ID number. A few will not open accounts for non-citizens at all. The fastest path is to call the bank directly and ask what documents they need before you visit a branch.

The main barrier is not citizenship—it is the bank's own policy and your ability to prove who you are and where you live. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have different rules than smaller regional banks or credit unions. Some banks have stopped accepting ITINs altogether, while others actively market accounts to non-citizens. Your immigration status matters less than having the right paperwork for the specific bank you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to open a bank account, but you do need a valid form of identification and proof of address.
  • A Social Security number makes the process simpler, but banks will also accept an ITIN, a passport, or a consular ID card depending on the bank's policy.
  • Call the bank before visiting to confirm they accept non-citizens and ask which documents they require, because policies vary widely.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks often have fewer restrictions than large national chains and may be faster to work with.
  • You will need to provide proof of address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or letter from a government agency—not all banks accept the same documents.

What documents you need to bring

The core documents are an ID and proof of address. For ID, banks accept a passport, a state driver's license, a consular ID card (issued by your country's embassy or consulate), or a national ID card from your home country. Some banks will also accept a visa or travel document. The ID must be valid and have your photograph on it.

For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept mail from a bank or credit card company. A few will accept a letter from an employer or landlord if it is on letterhead and includes your name and address. Call ahead to ask what the bank accepts, because this is where applications often stall.

If you have a Social Security number, bring it. If you have an ITIN, bring that instead. If you have neither, tell the bank when you call—some will still open an account, and others will ask you to return once you have obtained one of these numbers.

Banks that accept non-citizens without a Social Security number

Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have policies that allow non-citizens to open accounts, but the rules differ by branch and change over time. Chase generally accepts an ITIN or a passport with an unexpired visa. Bank of America requires either a Social Security number or an ITIN. Wells Fargo's policy varies by state. None of these banks will tell you their exact requirements over the phone—you have to visit a branch or call the specific branch you plan to visit.

Smaller banks and credit unions are often simpler. Many regional banks and local credit unions will open accounts for non-citizens with just a passport and proof of address, no tax ID number required. Credit unions in particular tend to have fewer restrictions because they are member-owned and serve their local community. If you have a job or attend school, ask whether your employer or school has a credit union—those are often the easiest entry point.

Online banks like Chime, Wise, and Revolut have different rules. Some accept non-citizens with a passport and ITIN. Others require a U.S. address and a Social Security number. Check the bank's website or call customer service before you try to open an account online, because the process will reject you if you do not meet their requirements.

How to get a Social Security number or ITIN if you do not have one

A Social Security number is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to people who are authorized to work in the United States. If you have a work visa, a green card, or are a refugee or asylee, you can request one. You will need to visit a local Social Security office in person with your passport, visa, and proof of address. The SSA will issue a number on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks. There is no fee.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You can request one even if you are not authorized to work. You will need to file Form W-7 with the IRS, along with a copy of your passport and proof of address. You can mail the form or submit it in person at an IRS office or through a tax professional. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail, or sometimes faster if you submit it in person at an IRS Taxpayer information Center.

If you are in the United States on a visa but do not yet have a work permit, an ITIN is usually the faster path to opening a bank account. If you have a work visa or green card, a Social Security number will open more doors and is worth the trip to the SSA office.

What happens after you open the account

Once the bank approves your process, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using your account online or by phone before the card arrives. The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking and direct deposit.

Some banks will place a hold on your account for the first 30 days, meaning you can deposit money but cannot withdraw large amounts until the hold lifts. This is a fraud prevention measure and is normal. Ask the bank what their hold policy is when you open the account.

You will need to maintain a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees. This varies by bank—some require $0, others require $500 or more. Ask about the minimum balance and any monthly fees before you open the account. If you cannot meet the minimum, ask whether the bank offers a second account type with lower requirements.

If a bank rejects you

If a bank says no, ask why. The most common reasons are: you do not have a valid ID, your proof of address is not acceptable, you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN and the bank requires one, or the bank has a policy against opening accounts for people on certain visa types. If the reason is a missing document, you can fix it and try again at the same bank or a different one.

If the reason is that you do not have a tax ID number, get an ITIN before trying again. If the reason is your visa type, try a credit union or a smaller regional bank—their policies are often more flexible. If you have been rejected multiple times, it may be worth paying a tax professional or immigration attorney to help you understand what document you are missing.

Do not open multiple accounts at different banks in a short time to try to get around a rejection. Banks share information through ChexSystems, a checking account verification system. Multiple applications in a short period can flag your name and make it harder to open an account elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. address to open a bank account?

Yes, banks require proof of address, and most will not accept a foreign address. If you do not yet have a U.S. address, you can use a temporary one—a friend's address, a shelter, a mail forwarding service, or even a workplace address if the bank accepts it. Call the bank first to ask what they accept as proof of address.

Can I open an account if I am here on a tourist visa?

Yes, but it depends on the bank. Some banks will open accounts for tourists with a valid passport and proof of address. Others require a Social Security number or ITIN. Call the bank you want to use and ask whether they accept tourists. If they do not, try a credit union or a smaller regional bank.

What if my passport is about to expire?

Most banks will accept a passport that is still valid, even if it expires soon. However, some banks require at least six months of validity remaining. Call the bank before you visit and ask about their passport requirements. If your passport is expiring within weeks, it may be worth renewing it first.

How long does it take to open an account?

If you have all the right documents, you can open an account in a single visit to a branch, usually in 15 to 30 minutes. Online applications can take longer because the bank may ask for additional documents by mail. Plan for one to two weeks from process to receiving your debit card in the mail.

Can I open a business account as a non-citizen?

Yes, but the requirements are stricter. You will need a business license or EIN (Employer Identification Number), proof of business address, and personal identification. Some banks will not open business accounts for non-citizens at all. Call the bank's business banking department and ask what they require before you visit.