Yes, non-residents can open a bank account, but the process is slower and the options are narrower than for US citizens

A non-resident — someone without a US address or Social Security number — can open a checking or savings account at many US banks. The bank will not turn you away because you live abroad. What changes is the paperwork, the time it takes, and which banks will accept you. Some require you to visit a branch in person. Others will work with you by mail or video call. A few will not work with non-residents at all, no matter how you ask.

The main barrier is not law — it is the bank's own policy. US banks are required to verify your identity and check you against terrorism and money-laundering watchlists. That verification is harder when you have no US address and no US tax ID. So banks handle it differently. Some have streamlined the process. Others have decided it is not worth the effort and straightforward do not offer accounts to people living outside the US.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-residents can open accounts at major banks like Citibank, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, but you will need a valid passport and proof of your foreign address.
  • You will likely need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number, which you can request from the IRS before you open the account.
  • Some banks require you to visit a US branch in person; others accept video verification or notarized documents mailed from abroad.
  • The process typically takes two to four weeks longer than opening an account as a US resident, and some banks may ask for additional documents like a letter from your employer or proof of income.
  • Online-only banks and neobanks often have stricter rules about non-resident accounts and may not offer them at all, so call ahead before you start the process.

What documents you will need to bring or send

Every bank will ask for a valid passport. This is your primary identity document when you have no US driver's license. Bring the original or a certified copy, depending on whether you are visiting a branch or mailing documents.

You will also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued ID from your home country all work. The document must show your name and address clearly. If you are mailing it, send a certified copy or a notarized copy — a regular photocopy is usually not enough.

Most banks will ask for a tax ID. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can request one from the IRS before you open the account. The process takes about two weeks by mail. Some banks will let you open the account with an ITIN process in progress; others will wait until you have the actual number. Ask the bank before you explore.

A few banks ask for a reference letter from your employer, proof of income, or a letter from another bank where you hold an account. This is less common but more likely if you are opening a business account or if the bank's system flags your process for manual review.

Which banks accept non-residents and how they do it

Citibank has a specific program for non-residents called the Citibank Global Checking Account. You can open it online if you have a US address to use (such as a relative's home or a mail forwarding service), or you can visit a Citibank branch in person with your passport and ITIN.

Bank of America accepts non-residents at many of its branches, though policy varies by location. Call the branch nearest to where you will be in the US, or contact their customer service line to ask which branches handle non-resident accounts. You will likely need to visit in person.

Wells Fargo also opens accounts for non-residents, but requires a visit to a branch. Some branches are more experienced with the process than others — ask for the international services team when you call.

Chase, TD Bank, and PNC have stricter policies. Chase generally does not open accounts for non-residents without a US address. TD Bank and PNC vary by branch and account type. Call ahead to confirm before you make a trip or send documents.

Online-only banks like Chime, Ally, and Marcus typically do not offer accounts to non-residents, because they cannot verify your identity without a US address and Social Security number. A few exceptions exist, but they are rare. Always call to confirm before you start the process.

The step-by-step process if you are visiting the US

If you are in the US temporarily, the fastest route is to visit a branch in person. Bring your passport, proof of address from your home country, and your ITIN or ITIN process receipt. Some banks will open the account on the spot. Others will take your documents and mail you a debit card and PIN within one to two weeks.

Before you go, call the branch and ask whether they accept non-residents and whether you need an appointment. Ask what documents they want you to bring. Some branches will tell you to come back with additional paperwork; others will accept what you have. Calling first saves a wasted trip.

Bring extra copies of everything. Bring your passport, a copy of your passport, and a certified copy of your passport. Bring your proof of address, and a copy. Banks sometimes lose documents or ask for duplicates. Having them with you means you do not have to mail them later.

The step-by-step process if you are opening from abroad

If you are not in the US, the process is longer and depends on the bank's policy. Start by calling the bank's international services line or visiting their website to find the non-resident account page. Ask whether they accept applications from your country and what documents they need.

Gather your documents: passport, proof of address, and ITIN (or ITIN process receipt). Have them notarized by a notary public in your country. A notarized copy is a certified photocopy that a notary has signed and stamped, confirming it matches the original. This is usually required when you are mailing documents across borders.

Mail the documents to the bank's address for international accounts. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. Keep copies of everything you send. The bank will contact you by phone or email to confirm receipt and ask any follow-up questions.

Expect the process to take four to eight weeks from the time you mail documents to the time you receive your debit card and can use the account. Some banks are faster; some are slower. Ask for an estimated timeline when you first contact them.

What to do if a bank says no

If your first choice bank will not open an account for you, try another. Citibank is usually the most flexible for non-residents. If you have a relative or friend in the US, ask whether they will let you use their address temporarily. Some banks will open an account if you provide a US address, even if you do not live there. You can then update the address later once you have the account open.

Another option is a mail forwarding service. Companies like UPS Store and iShip will give you a US address for a monthly fee. Some banks accept these addresses; others do not. Ask the bank before you pay for the service.

If you need a US bank account for a specific reason — to receive a wire transfer, to pay US bills, or to hold money while you move — ask the bank whether they offer a limited account that does not require a US address. Some banks have special accounts for this purpose.

How long it takes and what happens next

If you open the account in person at a branch, you may be able to use it the same day. The bank will give you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use online. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

If you open the account by mail from abroad, expect four to eight weeks. The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and temporary access information. Your debit card arrives separately, usually one to two weeks after that.

Once the account is open, you can deposit money by wire transfer, ACH transfer from another bank, or check deposit (if the bank offers mobile check deposit). You can withdraw money at ATMs that are part of the bank's network. Some banks charge a fee for international wire transfers; ask about this when you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

No. You can use an ITIN instead. If you do not have either, you can request an ITIN from the IRS before you open the account. The process takes about two weeks by mail. Some banks will let you open the account while your ITIN process is pending; others will wait until you have the number.

Can I open an account if I am in the US on a visa?

Yes. Visa holders can open accounts the same way as other non-residents. Bring your passport, visa, proof of your US address (even if it is temporary), and your ITIN or Social Security number. The process is usually faster if you visit a branch in person.

What if the bank asks for proof of income?

Provide a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, or a bank statement showing regular deposits. If you are self-employed, provide tax returns or business bank statements from the past two years. If you cannot provide these, ask the bank whether they will accept a reference letter from another bank where you hold an account.

Can I use a mail forwarding service address instead of my real address?

Some banks accept mail forwarding addresses; others do not. Call the bank and ask before you pay for the service. If they say yes, make sure the address is in your name and that you can receive mail there reliably.

What if I move to the US after opening the account?

Contact the bank and update your address. You may be able to do this online, by phone, or by visiting a branch. Once your address is updated, you can use the account like any other US resident account.