Yes, but most banks require you to be physically present or have a U.S. address

Non-residents can open U.S. bank accounts, but the process is narrower than it is for citizens and permanent residents. Most mainstream banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo—require either a U.S. address or an in-person visit to a branch. Some will accept a temporary address, a work address, or a relative's address if you can document it. A few banks have adapted their rules for remote workers and international clients, but they are the exception.

The core issue is Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. U.S. banks must verify your identity and address under federal anti-money-laundering rules. For non-residents, this means they cannot straightforward accept a foreign address and move forward—they need either proof you are physically in the country or documentation that ties you to a U.S. location. The stricter the bank's internal policy, the fewer options you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major U.S. banks require either a U.S. address or an in-person visit to open an account as a non-resident.
  • Online banks and fintech companies are more likely to accept non-residents, but they still require a U.S. address or tax identification number.
  • You will need a valid passport, proof of address (U.S. or foreign), and often an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security Number.
  • Some banks accept temporary addresses, work addresses, or a U.S. relative's address, but policies vary widely by institution.
  • Remote workers and visa holders may have better luck than tourists or people with no U.S. connection.

What documents you need to bring or submit

The baseline documents are a valid passport and proof of U.S. address. If you do not have a U.S. address, some banks will accept a work address, a hotel address, or a relative's address if you can provide a utility bill, lease, or letter from the address holder confirming you live there. A few will accept a foreign address paired with a letter from your employer stating you work in the U.S., though this is less common.

If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can request one from the IRS using Form W-7, but the process takes several weeks. Some banks will open an account pending ITIN approval if you have applied; others will not. A few banks accept a foreign tax identification number or passport number as a substitute, but this varies by institution and by the bank's compliance department.

Bring or upload proof of income if the bank asks—a recent pay stub, employment letter, or tax return. Some banks skip this step for non-residents; others treat it as mandatory. Call ahead to confirm what the specific branch or online portal will accept.

Banks and services that accept non-residents

Online banks and fintech services are your most flexible option. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a U.S. bank account number and routing number to non-residents without requiring a U.S. address, though you do need to verify your identity and pass their KYC checks. Revolut and N26 have U.S. products but with geographic restrictions—Revolut does not currently serve all states, and N26 has limited availability. Mercury and Brex cater to business owners and remote workers and may accept non-residents with a U.S. tax ID.

Traditional banks with international programs include HSBC, which has branches worldwide and sometimes offers accounts to non-residents if you have an existing relationship with HSBC in another country. Citibank has similar policies in select locations. These banks are slower and more expensive, but they understand international clients.

Regional and community banks vary widely. Some are stricter than national chains; others are more flexible, especially if you have a job offer, a lease, or a relative in the area. Call the branch directly rather than using the online portal—a manager can sometimes override standard rules.

Do not assume a bank's website tells you the full story. Many banks list "non-resident" as ineligible online but will open an account in person if you show up with the right documents. The online system is often more rigid than the actual policy.

The difference between opening in person and opening remotely

Opening in person at a branch is almost always easier. A teller or account manager can verify your identity on the spot, accept documents that the online system would reject, and override address requirements if you are standing in front of them with a passport. If you are in the U.S. temporarily or planning to visit, this is your fastest path.

Opening remotely requires the bank to accept a scanned or uploaded passport and address proof. Many banks will do this, but they are more cautious. They may place holds on your account, limit your initial deposit, or require you to verify your address in writing before you can withdraw funds. The process takes longer—sometimes two to three weeks instead of same-day.

If you are opening remotely, start with banks that explicitly market to non-residents or remote workers. Trying to open an account at Chase or Bank of America online as a non-resident often results in a rejection email after several days, which wastes time.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, you can deposit money by wire transfer, ACH transfer from another U.S. bank, or check deposit (if the bank offers mobile check deposit). You can use a debit card if the bank issues one to non-residents—some do, some do not. You can set up direct deposit if you have a U.S. employer.

The account itself does not expire if you leave the U.S. You can keep it open indefinitely, though some banks charge monthly fees for non-resident accounts or require a minimum balance. Read the fee schedule carefully. Online banks often have no monthly fee; traditional banks sometimes charge $10 to $15 per month for non-resident accounts.

If you later move to the U.S. and get a Social Security Number, you can update your account information. If you stay outside the U.S., you may face restrictions on certain services—some banks limit wire transfers, credit card applications, or investment products for non-residents. Ask the bank what restrictions explore to your account type before you open it.

Tax and reporting requirements for non-resident account holders

Opening a U.S. bank account does not make you a U.S. taxpayer. However, if you earn U.S. income (wages, freelance work, rental income), you must file a U.S. tax return and report the account to the IRS. The bank will send you a 1099 form if you earn interest or have other taxable income tied to the account.

If you are a citizen of another country and hold a U.S. bank account, you may also have to report the account to your home country's tax authority, depending on your country's laws. This is separate from U.S. requirements. Check with a tax professional in your home country before opening the account.

The U.S. does not require non-residents to report foreign bank accounts to the IRS unless they are U.S. citizens or green card holders. But if you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, you must report all foreign accounts over $10,000 using the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR), even if the account is in your home country.

Common reasons banks reject non-residents and what to do instead

Banks reject non-resident applications for a few specific reasons. The most common is no U.S. address—if you cannot provide one, many banks will not proceed. The second is inability to verify identity; if your passport does not scan clearly or the bank cannot match it to their system, they may ask for additional documents or reject the process. The third is country-based restrictions; some banks do not serve certain countries due to sanctions or compliance rules.

If a bank rejects you, try a different institution rather than reapplying to the same one. Each bank has different rules, and rejection at one does not mean rejection everywhere. If you have a U.S. relative or employer, ask them to help you establish a U.S. address—even a temporary one can unlock options. If you are in the U.S. on a visa, bring your visa documentation and employment letter; many banks treat visa holders differently than tourists.

If no traditional bank will accept you, fintech services like Wise or Revolut may still work. These services are not banks, so they operate under different rules and sometimes have more flexibility. They offer U.S. account numbers and routing numbers, which is often enough for direct deposit or receiving wire transfers, even if the account is not a traditional checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a U.S. bank account as a non-resident?

No. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which you can request from the IRS using Form W-7. Some banks accept a foreign tax ID or passport number. Call the bank before you explore to confirm what they accept.

Can I open an account online if I do not have a U.S. address?

Some online banks and fintech services will, but most traditional banks will not. Wise, Revolut, and a few others accept non-residents without a U.S. address. For traditional banks, opening in person at a branch is much more likely to succeed.

What if I use a relative's address to open the account?

Many banks accept this if you can provide proof—a utility bill, lease, or a letter from your relative confirming you live there. Be honest about the arrangement; do not claim to live there if you do not. Some banks ask follow-up questions to verify the address is real.

Will the bank close my account if I move back to my home country?

Usually not. Most banks allow non-residents to keep accounts open indefinitely. However, some may restrict certain services or charge higher fees for non-resident accounts. Check the account agreement and fee schedule before opening.

How long does it take to open an account as a non-resident?

In person, often same-day or within one business day. Online, typically three to ten business days, depending on how quickly the bank can verify your documents and process your process. Some banks take longer if they need additional information.