What you need to know before you start
Opening a bank account from overseas is harder than opening one in the US, but it is possible. Most US banks will not do it — they require you to be physically present or already be a customer. A few banks do accept overseas applicants, but they have strict requirements and the process takes longer. Your best options are banks that specialize in serving Americans abroad, online banks with fewer physical location requirements, and international banks with US branches.
The main barrier is something called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. Banks must verify who you are and where your money comes from before they open an account. When you are overseas, they cannot easily check your identity against US government records, so they ask for more documents and take more time to verify them.
Key Takeaways
- Most traditional US banks require you to open an account in person at a branch, which means you cannot do it from overseas.
- Online banks and banks that serve expats can open accounts remotely, but they need a US address, a valid passport, and proof of your current address abroad.
- The process typically takes two to four weeks because the bank must verify your identity through international channels.
- You will need a US tax identification number (your Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and may need to file US tax forms even if you do not live in the US.
Banks that accept overseas applicants
A small number of banks will open accounts for people living outside the US. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a traditional bank but offers a multi-currency account and debit card to people anywhere in the world. HSBC has branches worldwide and will open accounts for US citizens abroad if you have an existing relationship with HSBC or meet their wealth requirements. Citibank has a similar policy in some countries.
Some online banks like Charles Schwab and Fidelity will open brokerage accounts for overseas applicants, though these are investment accounts rather than checking accounts. Interactive Brokers serves international clients. If you need a traditional checking account, your options are narrower — you may need to work with a bank that specializes in serving expats, such as CIBC Bank USA (if you have Canadian ties) or a US bank with a strong international presence.
Before you contact any bank, check their website for their specific policy on overseas applicants. Policies change, and some banks will only open accounts for people in certain countries.
Documents you will need to gather
Every bank will ask for proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, you will need a valid passport — a driver's license alone is not enough. For proof of your current address, you will need a recent document showing your name and overseas address, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or government-issued ID from your country of residence.
You will also need a US address. If you do not have one, you can use a mail forwarding service, a family member's address, or in some cases the address of a US business associate. The bank needs this because US tax law requires them to have a US address on file for US citizens.
Have your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ready. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain one before opening the account — the bank cannot proceed without it. You may also need to provide information about your employment, income source, and the purpose of the account.
The process process and timeline
Most banks that accept overseas applicants will let you start the process online. You will upload scans or photos of your passport, proof of address, and any other documents they request. The bank will then verify your identity, which usually involves checking your documents against international databases and sometimes contacting you by phone or email to confirm details.
This verification step takes time — typically two to four weeks. Some banks are faster, but do not expect an answer in a few days. During this time, the bank may ask follow-up questions or request additional documents. Respond as quickly as you can, because delays on your end will push back the timeline.
Once the bank approves your process, they will send you account details and instructions for funding the account. Many overseas applicants fund their accounts by wire transfer from another bank, which carries a fee (usually $15 to $50) and takes three to five business days.
Tax reporting requirements for overseas accounts
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident living overseas, you must report your bank accounts to the US government. This is true even if you do not owe US taxes. The requirement is called FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), and it applies to any foreign financial account with more than $10,000 at any point during the year.
You report this information on Form FinCEN 114, also called the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report). You file it electronically with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, not with the IRS. The important date is April 15 of the following year, with an automatic extension to October 15. If you do not file when required, the penalties are steep — up to $10,000 per violation, and potentially more if the violation is deemed willful.
You may also need to file US income tax returns even if you do not owe taxes, depending on your income level and citizenship status. A tax professional who works with expats can advise you on your specific situation.
Alternatives if you cannot open an account overseas
If no bank will open an account for you remotely, you have other options. The simplest is to wait until you return to the US and open an account in person. If you need access to US banking before then, you can ask a family member or trusted friend to open an account in their name and give you power of attorney to manage it — though this creates legal and financial risk for both of you and many banks now prohibit it.
Another option is to use a money transfer service like Wise, OFX, or Remitly to move money between your overseas account and the US. These services are not banks, so they have fewer regulatory barriers, though they charge fees for each transfer. They work well if you need to send money to the US occasionally but do not need a full US checking account.
If you are moving back to the US soon, you can also open an account as soon as you arrive. Most banks will open an account the same day if you bring your passport and proof of address.
Common problems and how to avoid them
The most common problem is providing an incomplete or unclear process. Banks reject applications when documents are blurry, partially cut off, or missing information. Before you upload anything, make sure the document is fully visible, the text is readable, and all four corners are in the frame. If you are photographing a document with your phone, use good lighting and take the photo straight on, not at an angle.
Another frequent issue is using an address that the bank cannot verify. If you use a mail forwarding service, make sure it is a real address that appears in public records — some banks will reject PO boxes or virtual addresses. If you use a family member's address, tell the bank in advance that you do not live there but are using it as a mailing address.
Some applicants are rejected because their country of residence is on a sanctions list or because the bank does not serve that country. There is nothing you can do about this except try a different bank. Before you spend time on an process, confirm that the bank serves your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a US bank account if I am not a US citizen?
Yes, but it is harder. You will need a valid passport, proof of address, and a US tax identification number (which may require an ITIN process). Some banks accept non-citizens; others do not. Call ahead to ask about their policy before you explore.
Do I need a US phone number to open an account?
Most banks will accept an international phone number, but some require a US number. If you do not have one, you can use a virtual phone service like Google Voice (which requires a US address to set up) or ask a family member for their number. Tell the bank which number is yours so they reach you at the right place.
What if the bank rejects my process?
Ask the bank why. Common reasons are incomplete documents, an address they cannot verify, or a country they do not serve. If you can fix the problem, ask if you can reapply. If the bank straightforward does not serve your country, try a different bank or a money transfer service instead.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Once your account is open, the bank will mail your debit card to your US address. This usually takes one to two weeks. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use online while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Can I use my overseas account to pay US bills?
Yes, once you have a US checking account and routing number, you can set up automatic bill payments and online transfers just like someone living in the US. You can also use your debit card to pay online or in person when you visit the US.