What you need to open a U.S. bank account without citizenship
Most U.S. banks will open an account for you if you have a valid passport, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and a U.S. address. You do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident. The real barrier is not may be able to access—it is that banks have different rules about which documents they accept and how they verify your identity, so calling ahead saves you a trip.
The process takes between one and three weeks from the day you walk in or submit your process online. Some banks finish in days; others hold your account pending verification of your foreign address. The speed depends on the bank's internal review process and whether they need to contact your home country to confirm your identity.
You will need a U.S. address to list on the account. This can be a residential address, a work address, or even a friend's address where you receive mail. Banks verify this address by sending a letter or checking it against public records, so it must be a real place where mail can reach you.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid passport, an ITIN (which you can obtain before opening the account), and a U.S. mailing address to open most bank accounts.
- Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have clearer processes for foreign nationals than smaller regional banks, though policies vary by branch.
- Some banks require you to visit in person; others let you open accounts online if you have an ITIN and can verify your identity through a video call.
- Banks use your ITIN to report interest income to the IRS, so you will need one even if you do not work in the U.S.
- Bring original documents (not copies) to your first visit, because banks must physically inspect your passport and other ID.
Getting an ITIN before you explore for a bank account
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who do not have a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or open financial accounts. Most banks now require one before they will open an account for a foreign national. You do not need a job to get an ITIN—you need it straightforward because you are opening a U.S. bank account and the bank must report interest income to the IRS.
You can obtain an ITIN by mail without leaving your home country. Fill out Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), include a certified copy of your passport, and mail both to the IRS address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks. Some tax preparation services and immigration attorneys can submit the form on your behalf and may speed up the process, though you will pay a fee.
Once you have your ITIN, keep the letter the IRS sends you. Banks will ask for it, and you will need it again if you file U.S. taxes or open other financial accounts. The ITIN itself does not expire, but the IRS may deactivate it if you do not file taxes for three consecutive years.
Which banks accept foreign nationals and what they require
Large national banks are more likely to have clear policies for foreign nationals than small regional banks. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for foreigners, though the specific documents and process vary by branch and by whether you explore online or in person.
Chase requires a valid passport, an ITIN, and a U.S. address. You can open an account online if you have these documents and can complete a video identity verification call. Some Chase branches will also open accounts in person on the same day. Bank of America requires similar documents but may ask for additional proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from your home country). Wells Fargo requires a passport and ITIN but has stricter rules about which countries it serves; if you are from a country on its restricted list, you may be turned away.
Before you visit a branch or start an online process, call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they open accounts for foreign nationals with an ITIN. This takes five minutes and tells you whether to proceed. If the answer is no, move to another bank rather than wasting time at a branch.
Online banks like Wise, Revolut, and Mercury also serve foreign nationals, though they operate differently from traditional banks. Wise and Revolut are not banks themselves—they are money transfer and payment platforms that hold your money in a pooled account. Mercury is a fintech bank that opens accounts for foreign nationals with an ITIN and a U.S. address, and the process is entirely online.
Documents to bring or upload
You will need originals of the following documents. Banks must physically inspect your passport, so copies alone will not work if you explore in person.
| Document | Why the bank needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Primary form of identity verification | Must be current and not expired. Bring the original. |
| ITIN letter from the IRS | Proof you have a tax ID and can be reported to the IRS | The letter the IRS mailed you when you received your ITIN. If you do not have it, you can request a replacement from the IRS. |
| Proof of U.S. address | Confirms where you receive mail and where the bank can contact you | A lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer. If you do not have one yet, some banks accept a friend's address with a signed letter from them confirming you live there. |
| Secondary ID (optional but helpful) | Strengthens your identity verification | A driver's license from your home country, national ID card, or student ID. Not required, but speeds up the process. |
If you explore online, you will upload scans or photos of these documents. Make sure the images are clear, show the full document, and are in color. Banks reject blurry or partial photos and ask you to resubmit.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening an account in person is faster if you already have your ITIN and proof of address. You walk into a branch, show your documents, and the account opens the same day or within one business day. The teller will verify your identity on the spot and can answer questions about account types, fees, and how to set up online banking.
Opening online takes longer but is more convenient if you do not live near a branch or prefer not to visit in person. You upload your documents, complete a video call with a bank representative (some banks require this; others do not), and then wait for the bank to verify your information. This process takes three to ten business days. During this time, the bank may contact you by phone or email to confirm details or ask for additional documents.
If you are still outside the U.S., opening online is your only option. Some banks will not open accounts for people outside the country, even online, so confirm this before you start the process. Once you arrive in the U.S. and have a physical address, you can visit a branch in person to complete any remaining steps or to set up additional services.
What happens after your account opens
Once the bank approves your account, you will receive a debit card by mail within seven to ten business days. Your online banking login credentials will be sent to your email address when ready. You can start transferring money into your account before the card arrives by using your account number and routing number.
The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and information about fees, minimum balances, and how to set up direct deposit. Read this carefully, because some accounts have monthly maintenance fees if you do not maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Many banks waive these fees for accounts opened online or for customers under a certain age.
You will also receive a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your debit card. Change this PIN as soon as you receive the card and set up it by calling the number on the back or using the bank's mobile app. Some banks require you to set up the card before you can use it; others set up it automatically.
Common reasons banks deny accounts and what to do
Banks may deny your account if you do not have an ITIN, if your passport is expired, if your address cannot be verified, or if you are from a country the bank has restricted due to sanctions or compliance rules. Some banks also check ChexSystems, a database of banking history, and may deny you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from previous accounts.
If a bank denies you, ask why. The reason matters. If it is because you do not have an ITIN, get one and reapply. If it is because your address cannot be verified, bring a different form of proof (a lease instead of a utility bill, or a letter from your employer). If the bank says it does not serve your country, move to another bank—not all banks have the same restrictions.
If you have a ChexSystems flag from a previous account in the U.S., you can dispute it or wait for it to age off the system (usually after five years). In the meantime, some banks that do not use ChexSystems may still open accounts for you. Ask the bank directly whether they check ChexSystems before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account?
No. An ITIN works instead. You do not need to have worked in the U.S. or have a job offer to get an ITIN—you need it because you are opening a financial account and the bank must report interest income to the IRS.
Can I open a bank account before I arrive in the U.S.?
Some banks allow it, but most require you to have a U.S. address first. If you have a friend or family member in the U.S., you can use their address temporarily. Once you arrive and get your own address, you can update it with the bank.
What if my passport is expiring soon?
Most banks require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the date you open the account. If your passport expires within six months, renew it before you explore. A passport that is about to expire may be rejected.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most banks have no minimum opening deposit. You can open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later. However, some accounts have monthly maintenance fees if you do not maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), so ask about this before you choose an account type.
Can I open a business account as a foreigner?
Yes, but the process is more complex. You will need an ITIN, a U.S. address, and proof that your business is registered in the U.S. (an EIN from the IRS, articles of incorporation, or a business license). Some banks require you to visit in person for a business account, even if they allow online applications for personal accounts.