Yes, non-US citizens can open a bank account, but the process and requirements depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose
Banks in the United States are required by federal law to verify the identity of anyone opening an account. For non-US citizens, this means providing a valid passport or national ID, proof of a US address, and documentation of your immigration status. Some banks will open accounts for people on valid visas; others require a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN); still others will not open accounts for non-citizens at all. The specific rules vary by bank and by your visa category.
The most common path is through a bank that explicitly accepts non-citizens with an ITIN or valid visa. Larger national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have published policies on this, though individual branches may interpret them differently. Credit unions often have more flexible rules than national banks, particularly if you have a local connection—a job, a school enrollment, or a family member who is a member. Some online banks will open accounts for non-citizens, but they typically require either an ITIN or a US address tied to a visa.
Key Takeaways
- Non-citizens can open bank accounts in the US, but banks must verify your identity and immigration status before opening one.
- You will need either a valid passport, a Social Security Number, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to satisfy federal identification requirements.
- Credit unions and some online banks are often more flexible than national banks about accepting non-citizens without a Social Security Number.
- Your visa status matters: student visas, work visas, and temporary resident status are generally accepted, but the rules vary by bank and by visa type.
What documents you need to bring
Every bank will ask for proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, bring your valid passport or national ID card. If you have a US visa, bring that as well—it shows your legal status in the country. Some banks will accept a driver's license from your home country if it is current and has a photo.
For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a US street address. This can be a lease, a utility bill, a phone bill, or a letter from your employer or school. If you are staying with a family member or friend, a notarized letter from them stating your address, along with their proof of residence, sometimes works—but call the bank first to confirm they accept this.
If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need an ITIN. You can request one from the Internal Revenue Service using Form W-7. The process takes several weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN process is pending if you provide the receipt showing you have submitted the form, but this is not may provide. A few banks will open accounts using only your passport number and visa, without requiring an ITIN or Social Security Number—ask the bank directly whether they offer this option.
Which banks accept non-citizens and what they require
Different types of banks have different policies for non-citizens. National banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically require a valid passport, US address, ITIN or Social Security Number, and visa documentation, though policies vary by branch and some branches are stricter than others. It is worth calling ahead or visiting in person to confirm what a specific branch will accept.
Credit unions often accept non-citizens without an ITIN if you have a local connection—employment, school enrollment, or a family member who is a member. Community banks vary widely in their rules; some are more flexible than national chains, while others are equally strict. Online banks like Wise and Revolut can open accounts faster, but they typically require either an ITIN or Social Security Number and may have limited services compared to traditional banks.
| Bank Type | Typical Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | Valid passport, US address, ITIN or Social Security Number, visa documentation | Policies vary by branch. Call ahead or visit in person to confirm. Some branches are stricter than others. |
| Credit unions | Valid passport, US address, proof of local connection (job, school, family member who is a member) | Often accept non-citizens without ITIN. Membership rules vary by credit union. |
| Online banks (Wise, Revolut, some neobanks) | Valid passport, US address, ITIN or Social Security Number | Faster account opening, but limited services. Not all online banks accept non-citizens. |
| Community banks | Valid passport, US address, ITIN or Social Security Number, sometimes visa documentation | Rules vary widely. Local banks may be more flexible than national chains. |
How visa status affects your options
Your visa category determines which banks will accept you. Student visas (F-1, M-1, J-1) are widely accepted by banks, especially banks near universities. Work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1) are also generally accepted. Temporary resident status (TPS, VAWA, U visa, T visa) is accepted by most banks, though you may need to provide additional documentation showing your status.
Tourist visas (B-1/B-2) are more difficult. Some banks will not open accounts for people on tourist visas because the visa is temporary and does not establish long-term residency intent. If you are on a tourist visa and need a bank account, try credit unions first, or ask the bank whether they will accept you if you provide proof of employment or school enrollment in the US.
If you are undocumented, most banks will not open an account for you. Some states and cities have programs or banks that work with undocumented residents, but these are not standard. Your best option is to contact a local immigrant advocacy organization or community bank to ask what is available in your area.
The ITIN process and timeline
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open a bank account. You request one by submitting Form W-7 to the IRS, along with proof of identity and proof of US address. You can submit it by mail or in person at an IRS office.
Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, sometimes longer during tax season. Some banks will open an account while your process is pending if you show them the IRS receipt (Form 7202-C) proving you have submitted the form. Others will not. If you need an account quickly, call banks in advance and ask which ones accept pending ITIN applications.
You do not need an ITIN to open an account at every bank. Some credit unions and a few online banks will open accounts using only your passport and visa. If you are in a hurry, this is worth exploring before you explore for an ITIN.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening an account in person at a branch is usually more straightforward for non-citizens because a bank employee can review your documents on the spot and answer questions about your specific situation. Bring all your documents—passport, visa, proof of address, and ITIN or Social Security Number if you have one—and ask the bank manager whether they can open an account for you that day.
Online account opening is faster if the bank accepts it, but the verification process is stricter because the bank cannot see your documents in person. You will upload photos of your documents, and the bank's system will verify them electronically. This works well if you have a clear, current passport and a valid ITIN or Social Security Number. If your documents are unclear or if you do not have an ITIN yet, opening in person is more reliable.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can deposit money, receive direct deposits, and make transfers just like any other account holder. You will receive a debit card and online banking access. Some banks may place temporary holds on large deposits or international transfers while they verify the source of the funds—this is normal and does not mean there is a problem with your account.
If your visa expires or your immigration status changes, tell your bank. You are not required to close the account, but the bank may freeze it or ask you to update your information. If you leave the US, you can keep the account open and continue to use it for transfers and online payments, though you may not be able to use the debit card outside the US depending on the bank's policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?
Some banks will, but many will not because a tourist visa is temporary. Credit unions are more likely to accept you than national banks. Call ahead and ask, or visit a branch in person with your passport and proof of address. If the bank declines, try a community bank or credit union in your area.
Do I need a Social Security Number to open an account?
No. An ITIN or a valid passport and visa are acceptable at many banks. Some credit unions and online banks will open accounts using only your passport. Call the bank and ask what they accept before you visit or explore online.
How long does it take to open an account as a non-citizen?
In person, it can happen the same day if you bring all required documents and the bank accepts non-citizens. Online, it usually takes 1 to 3 business days for verification. If you need an ITIN first, add 4 to 6 weeks to the timeline.
What if my bank account is frozen because my visa expired?
Contact the bank and explain your situation. If you have renewed your visa or changed your status, provide the updated documentation. If your visa has expired and you have not renewed it, the bank may require you to close the account or may freeze it indefinitely. Act quickly if this happens.
Can I open a joint account with a US citizen?
Yes. Many banks are more willing to open a joint account for a non-citizen if a US citizen is also on the account. The US citizen will need to bring their ID and proof of address, and you will bring your passport and visa. This can be a faster path than opening an account on your own.