Yes, visitors can open a bank account in the USA, but the process and your options depend on your visa status and how long you plan to stay

Most banks will open a checking or savings account for a visitor on a valid passport and visa, though some require a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The real constraint is not whether banks will let you—many will—but which banks will, what documents they accept, and whether you can keep the account open after you leave. A tourist on a B-1/B-2 visa faces different rules than a student on an F-1 visa or a work visa holder.

The short answer: major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will usually open accounts for visitors with a valid passport and visa. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely. Some require an ITIN or a U.S. address; others do not. The account stays open as long as you maintain it, even after you return home, though you may face limits on what you can do remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • Visitors on tourist visas (B-1/B-2) can open bank accounts at major chains, but many require either a Social Security Number, an ITIN, or proof of a U.S. address.
  • Students (F-1 visa) and work visa holders often have an easier time because their visa status itself serves as proof of intent to stay for a defined period.
  • You will need a valid passport, your visa, and either a U.S. address or the bank's willingness to accept a foreign address—policies vary by bank and branch.
  • Once opened, your account remains active after you leave the USA, but you may not be able to perform all transactions remotely, and some banks may eventually close inactive accounts.

What documents you need to bring

Start with your passport and the visa page showing your entry status. This is non-negotiable. Beyond that, requirements split into two paths: banks that require a Social Security Number or ITIN, and banks that do not.

If the bank requires an ITIN, you can obtain one from the IRS before opening the account. The process takes about two weeks by mail or can be done in person at an IRS office in some cities. You do not need a job to get an ITIN—it exists specifically for people who need a tax ID but are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number. Bring your passport, visa, and a completed Form W-7 to the IRS office, or mail the form with certified copies of your documents.

If the bank accepts a foreign address, you can use your home country address on the process. If it requires a U.S. address, you have three options: provide a temporary address (a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's house), open the account at a bank branch in the city where you are staying, or ask whether the bank will accept a U.S. address you plan to use later. Some banks will; others will not.

Which banks actually accept visitors

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have stated policies allowing visitors to open accounts with a valid passport and visa. However, individual branches enforce these policies differently. A Chase branch in New York may accept a foreign address while another in Florida does not. Call ahead or visit in person to confirm what the specific branch requires.

Credit unions are more restrictive. Most require membership in a specific group (employees of a company, residents of a county, members of an organization) and will not open accounts for visitors. Some exceptions exist—certain credit unions in college towns or major cities will open accounts for international students or temporary residents—but you have to ask each one.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Wise (formerly TransferWise) are often easier for visitors because they do not require a U.S. address and can complete the process entirely remotely. Wise, in particular, is designed for people who move between countries and will open accounts for visitors on valid visas. However, online banks typically do not offer physical debit cards on the same day, so if you need cash when ready, a brick-and-mortar bank is faster.

Differences by visa type

Tourist visas (B-1/B-2): Banks treat tourists as the highest-risk category because there is no assumption you will stay. Many require an ITIN or a U.S. address. Some will not open accounts at all for tourists, particularly if you cannot provide a clear reason for needing one (a job offer letter, a lease, or enrollment at a school helps). If a major bank turns you down, try an online bank or a bank in the city where you are staying.

Student visas (F-1): Banks view students favorably because your visa has a defined duration and your school is a known entity. Most banks will open accounts for F-1 visa holders with just a passport, visa, and proof of enrollment (a letter from your school). You can use your school address or a dorm address. This is usually the easiest path.

Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1): Similar to students—your employer is a known entity and your visa has a defined term. Bring your passport, visa, and an employment letter. Most banks will open an account without requiring an ITIN, though some still ask for one.

What happens to your account after you leave

Your account does not close when your visa expires or you return home. The bank has no automatic trigger to shut it down. You can keep it open indefinitely, deposit money into it from abroad, and access it online. However, some transactions become difficult or impossible remotely.

Withdrawing cash is the main problem. You cannot withdraw money from an ATM outside the USA using a debit card issued to a foreign address without a U.S. phone number linked to the account. Some banks will not allow you to change your address back to your home country without closing the account. Others will, but then flag transactions as suspicious if you try to use the card abroad.

If your account sits inactive (no deposits, withdrawals, or transfers) for a long period—usually 12 to 24 months, depending on the bank—the bank may close it and send any remaining balance to the state's unclaimed property program. Check your bank's dormancy policy before you leave.

The ITIN question: do you actually need one?

An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS. You do not need one to open a bank account, but many banks ask for one anyway. If a bank requires it and you do not have one, you have two choices: get an ITIN from the IRS (takes two weeks to a month), or find a different bank that does not require one.

You need an ITIN only if you will have U.S. income (a job, rental income, investment income) and need to file taxes. If you are a tourist with no U.S. income, you do not need an ITIN for tax purposes. But if a bank insists on one as a condition of opening an account, you will have to get one or use a different bank.

Practical steps to open an account as a visitor

First, decide whether you need a physical bank or an online one. If you need cash when ready (within days), go to a major bank branch in the city where you are staying. If you can wait a week or two for a debit card to arrive, an online bank is simpler.

Call the bank or visit the website and confirm what documents the specific branch or bank requires. Do not assume the national policy applies to your local branch. Ask explicitly: "I am a visitor on a [visa type]. What do I need to open a checking account?" Write down the name of the person who answers and what they say.

Gather your documents: passport, visa page, and either a U.S. address or proof that the bank accepts foreign addresses. If you are a student or work visa holder, bring your enrollment letter or employment letter. If you plan to get an ITIN, do that before you visit the bank.

Visit the bank in person or complete the process online, depending on what the bank offers. In-person is faster for getting a debit card the same day. Online takes longer but is easier if you do not have a U.S. address yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no visa?

No. Banks require proof of your legal status in the USA, which means a valid visa. A passport alone does not prove you are allowed to be in the country or for how long. You must have an active visa stamp or a valid I-94 arrival record.

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

Try a different bank. Major chains have different policies by branch, and online banks often have fewer restrictions. If multiple banks refuse, it may be because you cannot provide a U.S. address or an ITIN. In that case, get an ITIN from the IRS first, or find a bank that explicitly states it accepts foreign addresses.

Can I use my account to send money back to my home country?

Yes. Most banks offer wire transfers and international transfers through services like Wise or OFX. Fees and exchange rates vary. Online banks and services like Wise often have better rates than traditional banks for international transfers.

Will my account close if I do not use it for a year?

Possibly. Most banks close accounts after 12 to 24 months of inactivity. Check your bank's policy before you leave. If you want to keep the account open, make at least one transaction (a small transfer or deposit) every year.

Do I need a Social Security Number to open an account?

No, but many banks ask for one. If you do not have one, you can get an ITIN from the IRS instead, or find a bank that accepts a foreign tax ID or no tax ID at all. Online banks are more flexible on this requirement than traditional banks.