Non-US residents can open a bank account in the United States, but the process is more restrictive than it is for citizens and permanent residents

Banks in the US are required by federal law to verify the identity and tax status of everyone who opens an account, regardless of citizenship. For non-residents, this means you will need a valid passport, proof of a US address (even a temporary one), and often a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks will open accounts for non-residents; others will not. The ones that do typically charge higher fees, require larger minimum balances, or limit the types of accounts available to you.

Your options depend on why you need the account. If you are working in the US temporarily, have a US business, or are studying here, your path is clearer than if you straightforward want to hold money in a US bank from abroad. The timeline also varies: some banks can open your account in a single visit, while others require documentation to be mailed and verified, which can take two to four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major US banks will not open accounts for non-residents without a US address, so you will need to provide proof of where you are staying.
  • You must bring a valid passport and either a Social Security Number, ITIN, or in some cases a foreign tax ID number to verify your identity.
  • Online-only banks and some regional banks are more likely to accept non-residents than large national chains, though policies vary by institution.
  • If you are working or studying in the US, your employer or school may have partnerships with banks that streamline the process for visa holders.
  • Expect to pay higher monthly fees and maintain a higher minimum balance than US residents do for the same account type.

What documents you will need to bring

A valid passport is non-negotiable. It is your primary form of identification and proof of citizenship or residency status. Banks will photocopy it and keep a record on file.

You will also need proof of a US address. This can be a lease agreement, a utility bill in your name, a letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your address, or even a hotel confirmation if you are staying short-term. Some banks accept a notarized letter from someone who lives at the address confirming you are staying there. The address does not have to be permanent—it just has to be verifiable.

For tax identification, you have three options. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN) because you work in the US, bring that. If you do not have an SSN but plan to work or earn income in the US, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before opening the account, though this adds time to your process. If you have neither and do not plan to earn US income, some banks will accept your foreign tax ID number or passport number as a substitute, though this is less common and depends on the bank's policy.

Which banks are most likely to accept non-residents

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have inconsistent policies. Some branches will open accounts for non-residents with an ITIN or SSN; others will refuse. Your best approach is to call the specific branch where you plan to open the account and ask directly whether they accept non-residents, rather than relying on the bank's general website.

Online-only banks such as Ally, Charles Schwab, and some others are often more flexible because they do not rely on in-person verification. However, they still require a US address and valid identification. Call or check their website for their specific non-resident policy before you attempt to open an account.

Regional and community banks vary widely. Some actively seek international customers; others do not. If you are in a specific city or state, searching for "banks that accept non-residents" plus your location may surface local options. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than banks, though they typically require you to live or work in their service area.

If you are a student or employee of a US university or company, ask your institution whether they have a banking partnership. Many schools and large employers have relationships with specific banks that make it easier for international students and workers to open accounts.

The role of an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to individuals who need to file taxes or report income but are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number. If you are a non-resident who plans to work or earn income in the US, you should explore for an ITIN before opening a bank account. The process takes four to six weeks through the mail.

To explore, you will need to file Form W-7 with the IRS, along with a copy of your passport and proof of your US address. You can mail this directly to the IRS, or in some cases you can explore in person at an IRS office or through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA). Once you receive your ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account just as you would use a Social Security Number.

If you do not plan to earn income in the US and straightforward want to hold money in a US account, an ITIN is not necessary. However, some banks will still ask for one or will require you to sign a form stating that you do not have US income. Be prepared to explain your reason for opening the account.

What happens if you cannot get a US address before opening the account

This is a genuine barrier. Most banks will not open an account without a US address on file. If you are arriving in the US soon but do not yet have a lease or permanent address, you have a few options.

First, if you are staying in a hotel or short-term rental, use that address. Many banks accept hotel addresses as long as you can show a confirmation or receipt. Second, if you have a friend or family member in the US, ask whether you can use their address temporarily. Some banks will allow this if you provide a notarized letter from that person confirming you are staying there. Third, some employers or universities will provide a temporary address or a letter confirming your arrival date, which some banks will accept in lieu of a current address.

If none of these options work, you may need to wait until you arrive in the US and have a confirmed address before opening the account. This is frustrating but common. Once you are here and have an address, the process typically moves quickly—often same-day if you visit in person with all required documents.

Fees and account restrictions for non-residents

Banks often charge higher monthly maintenance fees for non-resident accounts. Where a US resident might pay $0 to $12 per month, a non-resident account might cost $15 to $25 or more. Some banks waive these fees if you maintain a higher minimum balance—often $5,000 to $25,000 rather than the $500 to $1,500 required for residents.

You may also face restrictions on the types of accounts available. Some banks will only open a basic checking account for non-residents and will not offer savings accounts, money market accounts, or credit products. International wire transfers may have higher fees or longer processing times. Overdraft protection and debit card features may be limited.

Read the account agreement carefully before you sign. Ask the bank representative to explain any fees or restrictions specific to non-resident accounts. If the terms are not acceptable, try another bank before committing.

Timeline and next steps after you open the account

If you open the account in person with all required documents, you can usually begin using it the same day or within 24 hours. The bank will issue you a debit card, which may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You will receive online banking credentials when ready or within a few hours.

If you open the account online or by mail, verification can take 2 to 4 weeks. The bank will contact you if they need additional documentation. During this time, your account may be frozen or limited to certain transactions.

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, and use your debit card like any other account holder. However, if your visa status changes or you leave the US, inform the bank. Some banks will close non-resident accounts if the account holder is no longer in the country, though policies vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a US bank account if I am visiting on a tourist visa?

Yes, but it is difficult. Most banks require proof of a US address, and a hotel stay or Airbnb may not be accepted by all institutions. You will need a valid passport and either an ITIN, SSN, or foreign tax ID. Call ahead to confirm the specific branch will accept a tourist before you visit.

What if the bank asks for a US phone number and I only have an international one?

Provide your international number. Banks are required to have a way to contact you, and they will accept international numbers. You can also provide an email address as an alternative contact method. Some banks will allow you to add a US phone number later if you obtain one.

Do I need to be physically present in the US to open the account?

Not always. Some online banks and a few regional banks will open accounts for non-residents remotely using video verification and mailed documents. However, most major banks require you to visit a branch in person. Check with the specific bank before you travel.

What if I am a non-resident but I have a US employer or am married to a US citizen?

This may make the process easier. Bring documentation from your employer (a job offer letter or employment contract) or your spouse (a marriage certificate). Some banks treat these situations more favorably and may waive certain restrictions or fees. Call ahead and explain your situation.

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

This depends on the bank and your visa status. Some banks will keep accounts open for non-residents who have left the country; others will close them. Ask the bank about their policy for account holders who are no longer in the US. If you plan to leave, inform the bank in advance so they do not freeze your account unexpectedly.