Yes, you can open a bank account on a tourist visa, but the process and what you can do with it depend on which bank you choose and what documents you have

Most major US banks will open a checking or savings account for a tourist visa holder. The catch is not whether they will do it — it is what identification they will accept and whether you can keep the account open after your visa expires. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address, which creates friction when you do not have a US driver's license or Social Security number.

The fastest route is a bank that accepts a passport and an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or one that does not require an ITIN at all. Some banks will open an account with just a passport and proof of your US address — even a hotel confirmation or an Airbnb booking. Others will turn you away if you cannot produce a Social Security number. The difference between banks matters more than the difference between visa types.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid passport and proof of a US address (hotel confirmation, lease, or mail from a US institution) to open an account at most banks.
  • Some banks accept an ITIN instead of a Social Security number; others do not require either if you have a passport and address proof.
  • Your account will remain open after your tourist visa expires as long as you keep it in good standing and do not withdraw all funds.
  • You cannot open a business account or access credit products like loans or credit cards on a tourist visa, regardless of which bank you use.
  • Online banks often have simpler identity verification than brick-and-mortar branches, though they may not accept all forms of foreign identification.

What documents you will need to bring

A valid passport is the baseline. Every bank will ask for it. The second piece is proof of a US address — this is where tourists often get stuck. A hotel confirmation with your name and the address works. So does a lease, a utility bill, a bank statement, or even a letter from your employer if you are working remotely from a US location. If you are staying with a friend or family member, some banks will accept a notarized letter from that person confirming you live there, though this is less common and varies by branch.

The third piece is trickier. Banks are required by the Bank Secrecy Act to verify your identity against government records. For US citizens and permanent residents, this is straightforward — they check your Social Security number. For tourists, the bank has options. Some will accept an ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS even without a Social Security number. Others will accept a passport number alone and verify it against State Department records. A few will ask for a reference from another US bank or financial institution you already use.

Bring your passport, proof of address, and any ITIN documentation you have. If you do not have an ITIN, ask the bank whether they require one before you sit down with a banker. This single question can save you a trip.

Which banks are most likely to accept you

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for tourists, but their willingness varies by branch and by what documents you have. Chase is generally the most flexible — many branches will open a basic checking account with a passport and proof of address, without requiring an ITIN or Social Security number. Bank of America requires an ITIN or Social Security number at most branches, though some will make exceptions. Citibank has a specific program for international customers and is worth calling ahead about.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab often have simpler verification processes because they do not need to match you to a physical branch. Chime, for example, will open an account with a passport and a US phone number, though you will need to verify your address within 30 days. Ally requires an ITIN or Social Security number. Charles Schwab accepts foreign identification and does not require an ITIN, making it one of the easiest options if you are comfortable with online banking.

Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than national banks because they have fewer federal compliance requirements, though this varies widely. If you have a US employer or a family member who belongs to a credit union, ask whether they will sponsor you as a member. Some will open accounts for non-members who have a US address.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You do not need to be working to get one — you can request one if you have US-source income of any kind, or if you are a dependent of a US citizen. The process is Form W-7, which you file by mail with the IRS along with your passport and proof of address.

The process takes four to six weeks by mail. If you need an account faster, you can explore in person at an IRS office, which can be processed the same day, though availability varies by location. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to find the nearest office and confirm they are accepting in-person applications. You will need an appointment.

An ITIN is not a work permit and does not change your visa status. It is purely a tax identification number. Once you have one, you can use it to open a bank account, file taxes, and in some cases obtain a credit card or loan — though most lenders will still be reluctant to extend credit to someone on a tourist visa.

What happens to your account after your tourist visa expires

Your bank account does not close when your visa expires. The bank does not monitor visa status — they only care that the account is in good standing and that you follow their terms of service. You can keep the account open indefinitely, deposit money, and withdraw money, as long as you do not violate the bank's rules.

What you cannot do is use the account to work in the United States or to conduct business if you are no longer authorized to be in the country. If you overstay your visa, the bank will not report you, but you will be in violation of immigration law. If you leave the country and want to keep the account, you can do that — many banks allow you to manage accounts remotely and will mail statements or debit cards to a foreign address.

If you plan to stay longer than your visa allows, you will need to change your immigration status through proper channels — explore for a work visa, a student visa, or permanent residency — before your current visa expires. A bank account does not help with this and does not change your legal status.

What you cannot do with a tourist visa account

You cannot open a business account, even as a sole proprietor. You cannot obtain a credit card, personal loan, or mortgage. You cannot set up a business line of credit. These restrictions exist because lenders and the IRS want to know that you have legal authorization to work and earn income in the United States. A tourist visa does not provide that authorization.

You can receive wire transfers, direct deposits, and payments from other people. You can pay bills and make purchases. You can hold money in savings. But you cannot borrow against the account or use it to establish credit history that would help you later when you change your visa status.

If you are planning to stay in the US long-term, opening a bank account now is still worth doing — it gives you a foothold in the financial system and a record of address and identity that can help later when you explore for a work visa or permanent residency. But understand that the account itself does not change what you are legally allowed to do.

The step-by-step process at a physical branch

Call the bank ahead of time and ask whether they open accounts for tourists on visitor visas. Ask specifically what documents they need. This one call can prevent a wasted trip. When you go to the branch, bring your passport, proof of address, and any ITIN documentation you have.

Sit down with a banker and tell them you want to open a checking account. They will ask for your identification and address proof, then run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. If you have never had a US bank account, this will come back clean. They will then ask you to sign account opening documents and deposit an initial amount — usually $25 to $100, depending on the bank.

The account opens when ready. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using the account online or by phone before the card arrives. If you are leaving the country soon, ask the bank to mail the card to your home address abroad, or ask whether you can pick it up in person at the branch.

Online banks and what they require

Opening an account online is often faster than going to a branch, but the verification process is stricter because the bank cannot see you in person. Most online banks will ask you to upload a photo of your passport and proof of address. Some will ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a banker.

Charles Schwab is the most tourist-friendly online option — they accept foreign passports, do not require an ITIN, and will open an account in about 10 minutes. Chime is also straightforward if you have a US phone number. Ally requires an ITIN or Social Security number, so it is not a good option for tourists.

The advantage of online banks is that you can open an account from anywhere, even before you arrive in the US. The disadvantage is that you cannot deposit cash — you will need to transfer money from another account or have someone send you a wire transfer. If you need when ready access to cash, a physical bank branch is better.

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. Some banks prefer an ITIN or Social Security number, but others will not ask for either. Call ahead and ask what the specific branch requires.

Can I keep my account open if I leave the United States?

Yes. Your account stays open as long as you keep it in good standing. You can manage it online, receive deposits, and withdraw money from ATMs anywhere in the world. The bank will not close it because you left the country.

What if a bank refuses to open an account for me?

Try a different bank or an online bank. If you have an ITIN, mention it upfront — some banks are more willing to open accounts once they know you have one. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than national banks. If you are staying with a US employer or family member, ask whether they can help you open an account at their bank or credit union.

Can I use my bank account to work remotely for a foreign company?

Yes. Receiving payments for work done outside the US is not illegal. However, if you are physically in the US and working for a US company, or if you are working for anyone while physically in the US, you need proper work authorization. A tourist visa does not provide that, and a bank account does not change your legal status.

How long does it take to open an account?

At a physical branch, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, 10 to 20 minutes. You can use the account when ready, though your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash right away, ask the branch for a temporary card or ask how to access funds before the card arrives.