Non-US residents can open a bank account in the United States, but the process is slower and requires more documents than it is for citizens or permanent residents
Banks are allowed to serve non-residents, but they must follow strict rules set by the U.S. government to prevent money laundering and fraud. This means you will need to prove who you are, where you live outside the US, and why you want the account. Most major banks will do this, though some smaller banks or online-only banks may decline. The key is finding a bank that actively works with non-residents and being prepared with the right paperwork from the start.
The process typically takes longer than opening an account as a US resident — sometimes two to four weeks instead of a few days — because the bank has to verify your foreign address and may need to check additional background information. You will also face limits on what you can do: some banks restrict wire transfers out of the country, and you may not be able to open certain account types like investment accounts without a US tax ID number.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid passport, proof of your foreign address (such as a utility bill or lease), and often a US phone number or US mailing address to open an account.
- Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo accept non-residents, but you should call ahead to confirm the branch you plan to visit handles these accounts.
- Online banks and banks with international operations are often faster and more straightforward than traditional brick-and-mortar banks for non-residents.
- Some banks require a minimum deposit that is higher for non-residents than for US citizens, and fees may be higher as well.
- You may not be able to open certain account types or use all services until you have a US tax ID number or establish a US address.
What documents you will need to bring
Start with a valid passport — this is the document US banks trust most for non-residents because it is issued by a foreign government and is hard to forge. A driver's license from your home country works as a second form of ID, but the bank will want the passport as your primary one.
Next, you need proof of your foreign address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from your home country that shows your name and address will work. The document should be recent — usually dated within the last three months. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement is the next best option. Some banks will also accept a letter from your employer or a government agency that lists your address.
You will also need a way for the bank to contact you. If you have a US phone number (from a prepaid phone or a service like Google Voice), bring that. If not, bring a US mailing address where the bank can send statements and cards — this could be a friend's address, a mail forwarding service, or a business address. Some banks now accept foreign phone numbers, but having a US number speeds up the process.
Which banks are most straightforward for non-residents
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for non-residents, but the experience varies by branch. Call the branch you plan to visit before you go — do not just walk in. Ask specifically whether they open accounts for people without a US address or Social Security number. Some branches say yes when ready; others transfer you to a specialist who handles these cases. This one phone call can save you a wasted trip.
Online banks like Charles Schwab, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and some credit unions are often faster because they do not need you to visit a physical location. Wise in particular is built for people who move between countries and has streamlined the process for non-residents. Charles Schwab has a reputation for being welcoming to non-US customers and offers accounts without requiring a US address, though you will still need to provide your foreign address and passport.
Banks with strong international operations — HSBC, for example — sometimes have smoother processes for non-residents because they are used to handling cross-border customers. However, they may have higher minimum deposits or monthly fees. Check their website or call to ask about non-resident accounts before visiting.
Why you might need a US tax ID number
A US tax ID number is a nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues to people and businesses. If you are a non-resident, you do not automatically have one. Some banks will open a basic checking or savings account without it, but others will ask for one during the process process.
If the bank asks for a tax ID and you do not have one, you have two options. The first is to ask the bank whether they will open the account without one — many will, especially for a straightforward checking account. The second is to explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS before you open the account. This takes several weeks and requires you to fill out Form W-7. You can mail the form to the IRS with a copy of your passport, or you can explore in person at an IRS office if you are in the US. Some banks will let you open the account and add the tax ID later once you have it.
What happens after you open the account
Once the account is open, the bank will send you a debit card and checks to your US mailing address. This usually takes one to two weeks. You can set up online banking right away, often on the same day you open the account, so you can start moving money before the physical card arrives.
Wire transfers and international payments work, but they may be slower or more expensive for non-residents. Ask the bank about their fees for sending money out of the country before you open the account — some charge a flat fee per transfer, others charge a percentage of the amount. Wise and other money transfer services are often cheaper than banks for moving money internationally, so you may want to use the bank account mainly for receiving deposits and use a separate service for sending money abroad.
The bank will also send you tax forms if you earn income in the US or have interest on your account. As a non-resident, you may owe US taxes on that income depending on your home country's tax treaty with the United States. This is separate from what you owe your home country. Talk to a tax professional in your home country about whether you need to file US taxes.
Common reasons banks decline non-residents
Some banks will decline to open an account for you if your home country is on a US government sanctions list, if you cannot provide a valid passport, or if you do not have a way for them to contact you. A few banks have decided not to serve non-residents at all because of the extra compliance work involved, so if one bank says no, try another.
If a bank declines you, ask why. If it is because of your country of residence, you may have limited options in the US banking system, and you might consider opening an account with an international bank that has branches in both your home country and the US. If it is because you do not have the right documents, you can gather them and try again at a different bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account as a non-resident?
No. Banks can open accounts for non-residents using a passport and foreign address instead. Some banks will ask for a tax ID number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security number, but many will open a basic account without either one. Call ahead to ask what the specific branch requires.
Can I open an account online if I am a non-resident?
Some online banks will, but many require you to verify your identity in person or through a video call. Wise and Charles Schwab are known for handling non-resident accounts online. Traditional banks almost always require you to visit a branch in person to open an account as a non-resident.
How long does it take to open an account as a non-resident?
The account itself usually opens the same day or within a few days, but the bank's verification process can take two to four weeks. Your debit card and checks arrive one to two weeks after that. You can use online banking when ready, so you do not have to wait for the physical card to start using the account.
What if I move to the US after opening the account?
Tell the bank about your change of address. They will update your account and may remove restrictions that applied to non-residents. You may also become may be able to access for accounts or services you could not access before, like a credit card or investment account.
Can I open a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes, most banks offer savings accounts to non-residents on the same terms as checking accounts. Some banks require you to open a checking account first, so ask when you call. Savings accounts typically earn interest, though the rate is usually very low.