Yes, but the bank will ask for more documents than it asks U.S. citizens

A foreign national can open a U.S. bank account. Most major banks and many regional banks will do it. What changes is the paperwork: you will need a valid passport or national ID, proof of a U.S. address, and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN). Some banks also ask for a visa, employment authorization document, or letter from your employer or school.

The reason for the extra documents is federal law. Banks must verify your identity and determine whether you are a U.S. person for tax purposes under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). This is not a barrier unique to you—it is how U.S. banks comply with anti-money-laundering rules and tax reporting requirements. The process usually takes one to three business days once you submit everything.

The type of account you can open depends on your immigration status and the bank's own rules. A tourist on a visitor visa can usually open a basic checking or savings account. Someone on a work visa, student visa, or permanent residency can open the same accounts plus investment accounts at some banks. A few banks have restrictions on certain visa types, so calling ahead saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid passport, proof of a U.S. address, and either an ITIN or SSN to open an account at most U.S. banks.
  • Banks verify your identity and tax status under federal law, which is why foreign nationals provide more documents than U.S. citizens do.
  • Your immigration status (visitor, student, worker, permanent resident) determines which account types you can open, and rules vary by bank.
  • Online banks often have simpler processes than branch banks, though some do not accept foreign applicants at all.
  • An ITIN takes four to six weeks to receive by mail, so plan ahead if you do not yet have one.

What documents you need to bring or upload

Start with a valid passport or national ID card. This is non-negotiable—banks will not open an account without it. If your passport is expired but your national ID is current, some banks accept the ID alone, but call first to confirm.

Next, you need proof of a U.S. address. A lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and a current U.S. address works. If you just arrived and do not have one yet, some banks accept a letter from your employer, school, or a host (like a friend or family member) stating your address and your relationship to them. The letter should be dated within the last 30 days.

Third, you need a tax identification number. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), bring that. If not, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open a bank account. You request one on Form W-7 at an IRS office, through a certified acceptance agent, or by mail. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail, so do not wait until you are ready to open the account.

Some banks also ask for your visa, work permit, or student ID to confirm your immigration status. A few ask for a letter from your employer or school. These are less common but not unusual, so have them ready.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is issued by the IRS to foreign nationals and other non-citizens who need a tax ID. You do not need to be working or earning income to request one—banks often require it straightforward to open an account.

You have three ways to request an ITIN. The fastest is in person at an IRS office or through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), a private tax professional authorized by the IRS. You bring your passport, proof of address, and Form W-7, and you get a receipt the same day. Processing still takes four to six weeks, but you have confirmation when ready. The second way is by mail: you send Form W-7, a copy of your passport, and proof of address to the IRS address listed on the form. The third way is through a tax professional or accountant who can submit it on your behalf.

The IRS website lists CAAs by location. Fees vary—some charge $50 to $150 to submit the form for you. If you are in a major city, you can usually find one within a few miles. If you are in a rural area or small town, mail submission may be your only option.

Which banks accept foreign nationals and what they require

Most large U.S. banks accept foreign nationals. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all do, though their exact requirements vary slightly. Chase requires a passport and ITIN or SSN but does not require a visa. Bank of America asks for a passport, ITIN or SSN, and proof of address. Citibank has a specific program for international customers and may ask for additional documents depending on your country of origin.

Online banks vary widely. Some, like Charles Schwab and Wise (formerly TransferWise), have explicit programs for foreign nationals and non-residents. Others, like Ally Bank or Marcus, do not accept applicants without a U.S. address or SSN. A few online banks do not accept any foreign nationals. Call or check the bank's website before you start the process—it saves time.

Regional and community banks often have fewer restrictions than national banks, but they also have less consistent policies. Some welcome international customers; others do not. Your best move is to call the branch where you want to open the account and ask what documents they need for a foreign national with your visa type.

A few banks ask about the source of your funds or your reason for opening the account. This is normal and required by law. Be straightforward: "I am here on a work visa and need an account to receive my salary" or "I am a student and need an account for living expenses." Banks are not trying to be difficult—they are documenting compliance with anti-money-laundering rules.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening in person at a branch is usually simpler for a foreign national. You bring your documents, the bank verifies them on the spot, and you walk out with a debit card and account number the same day. The bank can also ask clarifying questions about your address or visa status and resolve them when ready. If something is missing, they can tell you right then.

Opening online is faster if the bank accepts you, but it is riskier. You upload photos of your documents, and the bank's system verifies them automatically. If the system rejects your passport format, your address proof, or your ITIN, you may not know why until you call customer service. Some banks then require you to visit a branch anyway to complete verification in person. If you are in a city with a branch, opening in person saves the back-and-forth.

If you are opening an account before you arrive in the U.S., online is your only option. Some banks allow this—Citibank and Charles Schwab both do—but you will need to provide documents by upload and may need to visit a branch once you arrive to set up the account or receive your debit card.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, you can use it like any other U.S. bank account. You can deposit checks, transfer money, set up direct deposit, and use your debit card. If you are receiving a salary, your employer can deposit it directly into your account using your routing number and account number.

If you are sending money to or from another country, your bank can do that through wire transfer or international ACH, though fees are usually higher than domestic transfers. Some banks charge $15 to $50 per outgoing wire. If you send money regularly, a service like Wise or OFX may be cheaper.

The bank will report your account to the IRS if you are a foreign national with an ITIN. This is normal and required by law. You may be asked to file a U.S. tax return even if you did not earn U.S. income, depending on your visa status and how long you are in the country. A tax professional or your school's international student office can advise you on this.

Common reasons banks deny accounts to foreign nationals

Banks sometimes deny accounts to foreign nationals, though it is not common. The most frequent reason is that you cannot provide proof of a U.S. address. If you just arrived and are staying in a hotel or with a friend, the bank may not accept a hotel receipt or a letter from your friend as proof. Solution: ask your employer or school for a letter on letterhead stating your address, or wait until you have a lease or utility bill.

A second reason is that your country of origin triggers additional scrutiny under U.S. sanctions or anti-money-laundering rules. Banks are required to deny accounts to people from certain countries or with certain visa types. This is rare and determined by federal law, not the bank's choice. If this happens, the bank will tell you which rule applies.

A third reason is that your documents do not match. Your passport name, your address proof, and your ITIN process must all show the same name and spelling. If your passport says "Maria Garcia" and your lease says "Maria G. Garcia," the bank may ask for clarification. Bring documents that match exactly, or bring a letter from your employer or school explaining the discrepancy.

A fourth reason is that you do not have an ITIN or SSN and the bank requires one. Some banks will not open an account without it. If this happens, you will need to request an ITIN before you can open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a U.S. bank account if I am on a tourist visa?

Yes. Most banks will open a checking or savings account for someone on a visitor visa. You will need a valid passport, proof of a U.S. address (which can be a hotel, a friend's address with a letter, or an Airbnb), and an ITIN or SSN. Some banks ask how long you are staying; be honest. A tourist account is the same as any other account once it is open.

Do I need a Social Security Number or can I use an ITIN?

An ITIN works just as well as an SSN for opening a bank account. You do not need an SSN unless your visa type makes you may be able to access for one (like an H-1B work visa). An ITIN takes four to six weeks to receive, so request it early if you do not have an SSN.

What if I do not have a U.S. address yet?

Bring a letter from your employer, school, or a host stating your U.S. address and your relationship to them. The letter should be on letterhead or signed and dated within the last 30 days. Some banks also accept a hotel receipt or Airbnb confirmation. Call the bank first to ask what they accept.

Can I open an account online if I am outside the U.S.?

Some banks allow it—Citibank and Charles Schwab both do—but you will upload documents for verification and may need to visit a branch once you arrive to set up the account or receive your debit card. Most banks require you to be in the U.S. to open an account online.

Will the bank report my account to my home country?

No. The bank reports to the U.S. IRS, not to your home country's tax authority. Your home country may have its own rules about reporting foreign accounts, but that is between you and your home country's tax authority, not the U.S. bank.