Yes, but the bank and your location determine what you can actually do

You can open an international bank account, but not every bank will open one for you, and what "international" means varies widely. Some banks let you open an account online from another country. Others require you to be physically present. Some will not open accounts for people living outside their home country at all. The real constraint is not whether international accounts exist — they do — but whether a specific bank will take you as a customer given where you live and what citizenship or residency status you hold.

The banks most likely to work with you are those that explicitly market themselves as serving expats and international customers. These include HSBC, Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, and N26, though each has different rules about which countries they serve and what documents they need. Traditional banks like Citibank and Bank of America also offer international accounts, but usually only if you already have a relationship with them in your home country or if you meet specific criteria like maintaining a high balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks that serve expats and international customers — Wise, Revolut, HSBC, N26 — are more likely to open accounts for people living abroad than traditional banks.
  • You will need a valid passport, proof of address in your current country, and sometimes proof of income or employment to open an account remotely.
  • Some banks require you to visit a physical branch in person, which means you may need to open the account during a trip home or through a relative.
  • The account you open may have limits on how much you can transfer, deposit, or hold, depending on the bank's risk assessment of your location.
  • Opening an account does not automatically let you use it for all purposes — some banks restrict what you can do with an international account compared to a domestic one.

What documents you need to open an account remotely

Most banks that accept remote applications ask for the same core set of documents: a valid passport, proof of your current address, and sometimes proof of income. The address proof is usually a utility bill, rental agreement, or government-issued ID from your current country. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a bank statement, mobile phone bill, or lease agreement often works instead.

Proof of income varies by bank and by the country where you are explore. Some banks ask for recent pay stubs or an employment letter. Others accept tax returns, bank statements showing regular deposits, or a letter from your employer. A few banks, particularly those targeting digital nomads, may not require proof of income at all if you meet other criteria like maintaining a minimum balance.

You will also need to provide your tax identification number — usually a Social Security Number if you are a US citizen, or a Tax File Number if you are Australian, or the equivalent in your country. Some banks ask for this during the process. Others ask for it later, once the account is open. Be prepared to answer questions about the source of your funds and the purpose of the account, especially if you are moving money between countries regularly.

Banks that let you open accounts online from abroad

Wise is one of the most straightforward options if you want to hold money in multiple currencies. You can open a Wise account entirely online from almost any country, and the process takes about 10 minutes. Wise does not call itself a bank — it is a money transfer service — but it functions like one for holding and spending money. You get a debit card, a local bank account number in several countries, and the ability to hold balances in over 40 currencies. The catch is that Wise is designed for moving money between countries, not for everyday banking in a single location.

Revolut and N26 are digital banks that also accept online applications from many countries. Both let you open an account, get a debit card, and start spending within days. Revolut offers accounts in multiple currencies and is available in more countries than N26. N26 is more limited geographically but is a fully licensed bank in Europe, which means your deposits are protected by deposit insurance in some jurisdictions. Both have restrictions on which countries they serve, so check their website to see if your location is supported.

HSBC Expat is designed specifically for people moving abroad. You can open an account online if you are moving to a country where HSBC operates, but you typically need to have had an HSBC account in your home country first, or you need to meet specific criteria like being employed by a multinational company. The advantage is that HSBC has branches worldwide, so you can access your account in person if you need to.

Banks that require you to open an account in person

Many traditional banks, including local banks in your new country, will not let you open an account remotely if you are a foreigner. They require you to visit a branch in person with your passport and proof of address. This is common in countries where banking regulations are strict or where banks want to verify your identity face-to-face.

If you cannot travel back to your home country and your new country's banks require in-person visits, you have a few options. Some banks will let a family member or authorized representative open an account on your behalf, though this is less common. Others will accept a video call with a bank officer as a substitute for an in-person visit. A third option is to open an account with an online-only bank first, then use that account to meet the minimum balance or other requirements that local banks might have.

What limits explore to international accounts

An international account is not the same as a domestic account, and banks often impose restrictions on what you can do with it. You might have daily transfer limits, monthly deposit caps, or restrictions on which countries you can send money to. Some banks limit how much you can hold in the account at any one time. Others restrict whether you can use the account for business purposes or only for personal use.

These limits exist because banks assess the risk of serving customers in different countries. A bank may be comfortable holding $10,000 for someone in Canada but only $2,000 for someone in a country where the bank has less experience or where regulations are less clear. The limits may change over time as you build a history with the bank and as the bank's policies shift.

Before you open an account, ask the bank directly what limits explore to your situation. Do not assume that an account marketed as "international" will let you do everything a domestic account does. Some banks will not let you receive wire transfers into an international account, or they will only let you receive them from certain countries. Others will not let you pay bills or set up automatic payments.

Tax reporting and compliance when you hold an international account

If you are a US citizen or US resident, you must report all foreign bank accounts to the IRS, even if they are in your name and you are living abroad. This is done through the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR), which is filed separately from your tax return. If the total balance in all your foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file an FBAR. The important date is typically April 15, though it can be extended.

You may also need to report the account on your tax return itself, depending on your income and the type of account. Some countries have tax treaties with the US that affect how the account is taxed. If you are not a US citizen but are a resident of another country, your home country's tax authority may have similar reporting requirements.

Different countries have different rules about what counts as a reportable foreign account and what the penalties are for not reporting. Before you open an account, research the tax reporting requirements in both your home country and the country where you are opening the account. Many banks will ask you to confirm that you understand your tax obligations, and some will refuse to open an account if you cannot demonstrate that you will comply with local tax law.

Alternatives if banks will not open an account for you

If you cannot open a traditional bank account because of where you live or your immigration status, you have other options. Digital payment services like PayPal, Stripe, or Square let you hold money and make transfers, though they are not banks and your money is not protected the same way. Some of these services are available in more countries than traditional banks are.

Money transfer services like Wise, Remitly, or OFX let you hold money in multiple currencies and send it between countries, even if you cannot open a full bank account. These services are faster and cheaper than banks for international transfers, though they may not offer all the features of a bank account, like a debit card or the ability to receive deposits.

If you are planning to stay in a new country long-term, opening a local bank account in that country is usually easier than opening an international account. Local banks know the regulatory environment, and they are more willing to serve residents. You may need a work permit, a lease, or a letter from your employer, but these are usually easier to provide than the documentation required for an international account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a US bank account if I live outside the United States?

Some US banks will let you open an account remotely if you are a US citizen or permanent resident living abroad. Citibank and Bank of America both have programs for expats. However, many regional and community banks will not. You will need a US address — often a relative's address or a mail forwarding service — and a US phone number. Some banks require you to have had an account with them before you moved.

What if I do not have a permanent address in my new country?

If you are moving frequently or living temporarily, some banks will accept a hotel address, a co-working space address, or a mail forwarding service address as proof of residence. Digital banks like Wise and Revolut are more flexible about this than traditional banks. You may also be able to use a relative's address if you are staying with them, though you will need to provide documentation showing that you live there.

Do I need to be a resident or citizen of a country to open a bank account there?

No, but it makes it easier. Many banks will open accounts for non-residents and non-citizens, especially if you have a work visa or a long-term lease. However, some banks restrict accounts to residents or citizens only. Local banks are more likely to have this restriction than international banks. Always check the bank's requirements before you explore.

How long does it take to open an international account?

Online applications with digital banks like Wise or Revolut can be completed in minutes to hours. Traditional banks typically take 5 to 10 business days to process an process and send you a debit card. If you need to open an account in person, the process can be completed the same day, but you will need to visit a branch.

Can I use an international account to receive my salary?

Yes, but check with your bank first. Some international accounts can receive wire transfers and direct deposits. Others cannot. If your employer needs to send you a wire transfer, ask your bank for the specific routing number and SWIFT code for your account. Some banks charge fees for incoming international transfers, so factor that into your decision.