Yes, you can open a bank account with a foreign passport, but the process depends on your immigration status and which bank you choose

Most U.S. banks will accept a foreign passport as a primary form of identification. The catch is not whether they will take the passport itself—it is what else they need to verify you are who you say you are and that you are not a money-laundering or fraud risk. Banks use a process called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which means they must confirm your identity, your address, and your reason for opening the account. A foreign passport alone does not complete that verification.

The real barrier is usually your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). U.S. banks are required by federal law to collect a TIN from every account holder. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, that is your Social Security Number. If you are not, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to non-citizens who have a tax filing requirement or who need to open a bank account. Some banks will open an account while you are waiting for your ITIN, but most will not complete the account setup until you provide one.

Key Takeaways

  • A foreign passport is accepted as a primary ID at most major U.S. banks, but you will also need proof of a U.S. address and a Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS before most banks will fully set up your account.
  • Online banks and credit unions sometimes have different requirements than large national banks, so calling ahead to confirm what documents they need saves time.
  • Your immigration status matters: permanent residents, visa holders, and undocumented immigrants face different document requirements and bank policies.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with your foreign passport and a proof of U.S. address. Banks will accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A passport alone does not prove where you live, and banks cannot open an account without a U.S. address on file.

Next, you need a Taxpayer Identification Number. If you have a Social Security Number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it (like a tax return or W-2). If you do not have one, you will need to show either an ITIN approval letter from the IRS or documentation that you have applied for one. Some banks will proceed with a copy of your ITIN process (Form W-7) and a receipt showing the IRS received it, but this varies by bank.

Bring a second form of ID if possible—a driver's license, state ID, or visa stamp in your passport. Banks sometimes ask for this even though the passport is sufficient, and having it ready speeds up the process.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have one

You file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it with your foreign passport as proof of identity, or you can explore in person at an IRS office or through an Acceptance Agent—a tax professional or organization authorized by the IRS to verify identity for ITIN applications. The IRS website lists Acceptance Agents by location.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, sometimes longer during tax season. If you are in a hurry, explore through an Acceptance Agent in person can sometimes speed this up, though the IRS still takes the same time to process the form once submitted. Some banks will open a basic savings account while your ITIN is pending, but you will not be able to use the account until the number arrives.

You do not need to have filed taxes or earned income to get an ITIN. You straightforward need to show the IRS that you have a reason to file—opening a bank account counts. The IRS does not charge a fee for the ITIN itself, though an Acceptance Agent may charge a small fee for their service.

Which banks are most straightforward about foreign passports

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo accept foreign passports and have clear processes for non-citizens, but they also have strict verification requirements and may take longer to open your account. They will almost certainly require your ITIN before the account is active.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab sometimes have simpler processes because they do not require a physical visit. You can upload your documents and complete verification remotely. However, they still require a TIN and a U.S. address, and some will not open accounts for people without a Social Security Number or ITIN.

Credit unions vary widely. Some are very welcoming to non-citizens; others have stricter rules. Call your local credit union before you visit—ask specifically whether they accept foreign passports and whether they will open an account while you are waiting for an ITIN. Community banks also vary, so a quick phone call is worth your time.

What happens if you do not have a U.S. address yet

Banks will not open an account without a U.S. address. If you just arrived and are staying in a hotel or with friends, you have a few options. Some banks will accept a temporary address—a hotel address, an Airbnb address, or even a friend's address if you have written permission from them. Ask the bank whether they will accept a temporary address and whether you will need to update it later.

If you are moving soon and do not want to update your address multiple times, wait until you have a permanent address. The process of changing an address on file takes a few days to a week, and some banks charge a small fee or require you to visit in person.

A few banks offer a mail-hold service where they will hold your debit card and statements at a branch instead of mailing them to your address. This can help if your address situation is uncertain, but you will need to pick up your card in person.

Different rules for different immigration statuses

If you are a permanent resident, the process is straightforward: bring your green card, passport, proof of address, and you are done. You likely have a Social Security Number already.

If you are on a visa (student, work, tourist, etc.), banks treat you the same as any other non-citizen. You need a foreign passport, proof of U.S. address, and an ITIN. Your visa itself is not required for the bank account, though some banks ask to see it to confirm your legal status.

If you are undocumented, the situation is more complicated. Federal law does not prohibit banks from opening accounts for undocumented immigrants, but individual banks have different policies. Some banks will open accounts with a foreign passport and an ITIN; others will not. California, Illinois, and New York have laws that require banks to open accounts for undocumented immigrants, but these laws vary in scope. Call ahead and ask directly. If one bank refuses, try another—policy varies even within the same bank chain.

What to expect on the day you open the account

Bring your foreign passport, proof of address, your TIN or ITIN documentation, and a second form of ID if you have one. If you are opening the account in person, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will verify your identity, confirm your address, and run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check is routine and does not affect your credit score.

If you are opening the account online, upload clear photos of both sides of your passport and your proof of address. The bank will verify these documents, usually within 24 to 48 hours. You may receive a call or email asking you to confirm information or provide additional documents.

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card and online access within 5 to 10 business days. If you provided an ITIN process receipt instead of an approved ITIN, the bank will contact you once your ITIN arrives to update your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a foreign passport and no other ID?

No. Banks need a proof of U.S. address and a Taxpayer Identification Number in addition to your passport. A second form of ID is helpful but not always required. Call the bank before you visit to confirm exactly what they need.

How long does it take to open an account if I do not have an ITIN yet?

If you have an ITIN approval letter, the account opens the same day. If you are still waiting for your ITIN, some banks will open a basic account while you explore, but you cannot use it until your ITIN arrives. Others will not open the account at all until you have the number. Ask your bank which policy they follow.

Do I need a visa stamp in my passport to open a bank account?

No. A valid foreign passport is sufficient. Some banks ask to see your visa to confirm you are in the country legally, but it is not required to open the account. If you are on a visa, bring it anyway—it speeds up verification.

What if the bank says they cannot open an account for me?

Ask why. If it is because you do not have an ITIN, you know what to do next. If it is because of your immigration status, try another bank—policies vary. Credit unions and community banks are sometimes more flexible than large national chains. You can also contact your local immigrant services organization; many have relationships with banks that work with non-citizens.

Can I use a friend's address as my U.S. address?

Yes, if your friend gives you written permission. Some banks ask for a letter from the address owner confirming you live there. This is temporary—once you have your own address, you will need to update it with the bank.