Yes, you can open a bank account with a foreign passport
Most U.S. banks will open a checking or savings account for you using a foreign passport as your primary ID. The passport must be valid and current — expired passports do not work. You will also need a second form of identification or proof of address, which varies by bank, and you may need to provide a U.S. tax ID number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The process is straightforward at most major banks, though some smaller or regional banks have stricter rules. The main barrier is usually not the passport itself but proving your address and tax status. If you do not yet have a U.S. address or tax ID, the bank will tell you what documents they accept instead.
Key Takeaways
- A valid foreign passport is accepted as primary identification at most U.S. banks, but it must not be expired.
- You will need a second form of ID or proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease, or government-issued ID from your home country.
- Banks typically ask for a U.S. tax ID number (ITIN) or Social Security Number (SSN); if you do not have one, ask the bank what documents they will accept instead.
- Online banks and large national banks tend to have clearer processes for foreign passport holders than smaller regional banks.
- Some banks may place temporary holds on your account or require a video call to verify your identity before you can use the account.
What documents you will need to bring
Bring your valid foreign passport and at least one additional form of identification or proof of address. A second government-issued ID from your home country works well — a driver's license, national ID card, or residence permit. If you do not have a second ID, a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address will work at most banks.
You will also need to provide a tax identification number. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), bring that. If not, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS before opening the account, or ask the bank whether they will open the account while you are in the process of getting an ITIN. Some banks will proceed if you provide your passport number and home country tax ID instead, though this varies.
Have your current address ready, even if it is temporary. If you are staying in a hotel or with friends, most banks will accept that. Some banks ask for a phone number and email address as well.
Which banks are easiest to work with
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have standardized processes for foreign passport holders and are used to working with people who do not yet have a U.S. tax ID. They have branches nationwide, so you can walk in with your documents and open an account the same day in many cases.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime also accept foreign passports and often have simpler processes because they do not require an in-person visit. You can upload photos of your documents and complete the process from your computer or phone. However, some online banks may take longer to verify your identity or may place temporary holds on deposits while they confirm your information.
Smaller regional or community banks vary widely. Some welcome foreign passport holders; others require a U.S. address or SSN before they will open an account. Call ahead or visit in person to ask before you gather your documents.
What happens if you do not have a U.S. tax ID yet
You do not have to have a tax ID before opening a bank account. Tell the bank you are in the process of getting an ITIN or that you do not yet have one. Most will open the account and ask you to provide the number later — usually within 30 days, though this important date varies by bank.
If the bank insists on a tax ID before opening the account, you can request an ITIN from the IRS. You will need to fill out Form W-7 and provide documents proving your identity and foreign status. This process takes several weeks. Alternatively, you can provide your passport number and home country tax ID number as a temporary identifier, and many banks will accept this while you wait for your ITIN.
Some banks may place a temporary hold on your account or limit what you can do with it until they receive your tax ID. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong — the bank is following federal reporting rules.
In-person versus online account opening
Opening an account in person at a bank branch is usually faster and simpler if you have a foreign passport. You can hand the bank employee your documents, answer questions on the spot, and walk out with a debit card and account number the same day. The employee can also tell you when ready if any of your documents are missing or if the bank needs something else.
Opening online takes longer because the bank has to verify your identity through photos and documents you upload. Some online banks use video calls to confirm your identity, which adds a step but can speed things up. Online opening is useful if you do not live near a bank branch or prefer not to visit in person, but expect the process to take a few days to a week rather than an hour.
If you choose to open online, upload clear photos of both sides of your passport and your second form of ID. Make sure the photos are well-lit and the text is readable. Banks reject blurry or dark photos and will ask you to resubmit.
What to expect after you open the account
Your account will be active when ready or within one business day. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer temporary digital debit cards you can use right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
The bank may place a temporary hold on large deposits or flag your account for additional verification if the deposit looks unusual. This is standard practice and does not mean you did anything wrong. The hold usually lifts within a few business days once the bank confirms the source of the money.
If the bank asks for additional documents after you open the account — such as proof of your address or your tax ID — respond quickly. Banks are required by law to verify certain information, and delays in providing documents can result in your account being frozen temporarily.
Common reasons banks decline foreign passport holders
Some banks will decline to open an account if you cannot provide a U.S. address. If you are living abroad and do not have a U.S. address yet, ask the bank if they will accept a temporary address, such as a hotel, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service. Many will.
A few banks decline accounts for people who cannot provide a tax ID number and are not willing to wait while you get one. If this happens, try a different bank — most large national banks will work with you on this.
Banks may also decline if your passport is expired, damaged, or if the name on your passport does not match other documents you provide. Make sure all your documents show the same legal name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account?
No. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can request an ITIN from the IRS, or you can ask the bank whether they will open the account using your passport number and home country tax ID while you wait for an ITIN. Most banks will do this.
Can I open an account if I am visiting the U.S. on a visa?
Yes. Your visa status does not prevent you from opening a bank account. Bring your valid passport, visa, and a second form of ID or proof of address. The bank may ask how long you plan to stay in the U.S., but this does not usually affect whether they will open the account.
What if my passport is about to expire?
Banks require a valid, non-expired passport. If your passport expires within the next few months, it is still valid now, so you can open the account. However, when your passport expires, you will need to update your ID information with the bank. Contact them to find out whether you can do this online or need to visit a branch.
Will the bank report my account to my home country?
U.S. banks report account information to the IRS and other U.S. government agencies as required by law. They do not automatically report to your home country's tax authority, though some countries have agreements with the U.S. to exchange financial information. This is a tax matter, not a banking matter — speak with a tax professional in your home country if you have concerns.
How long does it take to open an account with a foreign passport?
In person at a branch, usually the same day. Online, typically 3 to 7 business days. The bank will tell you when your account is active and when you can start using it. You may receive a temporary digital debit card when ready and a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 days.