Yes, you can open a bank account on a tourist visa, but the process is more limited than for residents
Banks in the United States will open a checking or savings account for someone on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2), but you will face real restrictions. Most major banks require a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and getting either one takes time you may not have. Some banks will open an account without one, but those banks are fewer, charge higher fees, and offer fewer features. The account itself will work normally once it is open — you can deposit money, write checks, use a debit card — but you cannot open it online, and you will need to bring specific documents to a branch in person.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks require either an SSN or ITIN before opening an account, and getting an ITIN takes four to six weeks through the IRS.
- A handful of banks and credit unions will open accounts for tourists without an SSN or ITIN, but you must visit a branch in person with your passport and visa.
- You will need a U.S. address to open an account, even if it is a temporary one like a hotel or an Airbnb.
- Some banks charge monthly fees or require minimum balances for non-resident accounts, so compare terms before you choose.
- If you plan to stay longer than your visa allows, opening an account now will not protect it — you must leave the country or change your status before your visa expires.
What documents you need to bring to a bank branch
You will need to bring your passport, your visa stamp (the B-1/B-2 page), and proof of a U.S. address. The address does not have to be permanent — a hotel reservation confirmation, an Airbnb booking, or a letter from someone letting you stay with them will work. Some banks also ask for a phone number, which can be a U.S. cell phone you buy or a number from a service like Google Voice.
If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that issued it. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN yet and the bank will accept you without one, they will ask you to sign a form stating that you do not have either. Do not lie on this form — banks report false statements to federal authorities.
Getting an ITIN if you want to open an account at a major bank
An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have an SSN. You can use it to open a bank account at most major banks, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. To get one, you file Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or through an ITIN Acceptance Agent — a tax professional or organization authorized by the IRS to take applications in person.
Filing by mail takes four to six weeks. Filing through an Acceptance Agent can be faster — sometimes the same day — but you will pay a fee (usually $50 to $150) and you need to find one near you. Search for "ITIN Acceptance Agent near me" or visit the IRS website to find one in your area. You will need your passport, visa, and proof of address to explore.
If you are leaving the country before your ITIN arrives, you can still open an account — some banks will hold your process and set up it once the ITIN is issued. Ask the bank whether they offer this before you explore.
Banks and credit unions that accept tourists without an SSN or ITIN
A smaller number of banks will open accounts for tourists on a visa without requiring an SSN or ITIN. These include some regional banks and credit unions, and a few online banks that have physical branches. The catch is that these accounts often come with higher monthly fees, lower interest rates on savings, or minimum balance requirements.
Chime, an online bank, will open accounts for non-U.S. residents without an SSN, though you will need a U.S. address and a phone number. LendingClub also accepts non-residents. Some local credit unions, especially in states with large immigrant populations, will open accounts for tourists — call ahead to ask, because policies vary by branch and by state.
Before you open an account, ask the bank or credit union directly: "Will you open a checking account for someone on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa without an SSN or ITIN?" Write down the answer and the name of the person who told you. This protects you if the account is later closed or if there is a dispute about what you were told.
What happens to your account when your visa expires
Your bank account does not automatically close when your tourist visa expires. However, you are required by U.S. law to leave the country or change your immigration status before your visa expires. If you stay past the expiration date, you are in the country illegally, and banks can and do close accounts held by people who are no longer in legal status.
If you want to keep the account open after your visa expires, you will need to change your status — for example, by getting a work visa, a student visa, or a green card. This is a legal question, not a banking one, and you should speak with an immigration attorney before your visa expires if you think you might stay longer.
If you are leaving the country, you can keep the account open and use it remotely — you can deposit checks by phone, transfer money online, and receive direct deposits. You will need to tell the bank you are moving and update your address to your home country address. Some banks will close the account if you move abroad, so ask before you leave.
Comparing fees and features for non-resident accounts
| Bank or Credit Union | SSN/ITIN Required | Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance | Debit Card Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | Yes (SSN or ITIN) | $0 to $15 | $0 to $500 | Yes |
| Bank of America | Yes (SSN or ITIN) | $0 to $12 | $0 to $500 | Yes |
| Chime | No | $0 | $0 | Yes |
| Local credit unions | Varies | $0 to $10 | $25 to $100 | Yes |
The table above shows typical terms, but they change by location and by the specific account type. Call the bank or visit a branch to confirm current fees before you open an account. Some banks waive fees if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance, so ask what options are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account online if I am on a tourist visa?
No. Banks that accept tourists require you to visit a branch in person and show your passport and visa. Online banks like Chime may accept you, but you still need to verify your identity through their app using your passport, and you may need to visit a branch later to set up a debit card or resolve issues.
Do I need a Social Security Number to open an account?
Most major banks require either an SSN or an ITIN. A few banks and credit unions will open accounts without either, but they are less common and often charge higher fees. Getting an ITIN takes four to six weeks, so if you need an account quickly, look for banks that do not require one.
What address do I use if I am staying in a hotel?
Use your hotel address. Bring your hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from the hotel on their letterhead with your name and dates of stay. If you are staying with someone, get a letter from them stating your name, their name, their address, and the dates you are staying there. Banks accept both.
Can I use my account after I leave the United States?
Yes. You can use your account remotely — deposit checks by mail or phone, transfer money online, and receive direct deposits. However, some banks close accounts held by people living abroad, so contact your bank before you leave and ask whether they allow non-resident accounts. Update your address to your home country address so the bank knows where to send statements.
What if the bank closes my account because I am on a tourist visa?
Banks can close accounts for any reason, including because the account holder is not a U.S. resident. If this happens, the bank will send you a notice and give you time to withdraw your money — usually 30 days. Move your money to another bank or have it sent to you before the important date. Keep records of the closure in case you need to prove the account existed for tax or legal reasons later.