Yes, but the bank will ask for more documents than a US citizen would

A foreigner can open a US bank account, but the process depends on your visa status, whether you have a Social Security number, and which bank you choose. Most major banks will open an account for you if you have a valid passport, proof of a US address, and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks are stricter than others—large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have formal processes for non-citizens, while smaller regional banks and online banks vary widely in what they accept.

The main barrier is not citizenship; it is the bank's compliance with anti-money-laundering rules. Every bank must verify your identity and your source of funds under the Bank Secrecy Act. For a foreigner, this means more paperwork and sometimes a longer wait. You will likely need to show proof that you live in the US—a lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer—even if you are only staying temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport, proof of a US address, and either a Social Security number or ITIN to open most accounts.
  • Large national banks have formal non-citizen account processes; smaller banks and online banks have different rules, so call ahead before visiting.
  • An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open financial accounts, and you can request one by mail without a Social Security number.
  • Some banks require a minimum deposit or charge monthly fees for non-citizen accounts, so compare options before committing.
  • Your visa status matters: students, workers, and tourists can all open accounts, but the documents you bring will differ.

What documents you need to bring

Start with your passport—this is your primary ID and every bank will ask for it. Bring the original, not a copy. Next, bring proof that you have a US address. This can be a lease agreement, a utility bill in your name, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a statement from your landlord. If you are staying with a friend or family member, some banks will accept a notarized letter from that person saying you live there, though this is less common and you should call ahead to confirm.

You will also need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you are working in the US on an H-1B, L-1, or other work visa, your employer will have helped you get a Social Security number already. If you are a student, tourist, or on another visa type, you likely do not have one. In that case, you can request an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7 by mail. The process takes four to six weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you show them the receipt from the IRS, but this is not may provide—ask the bank first.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one: a driver's license, state ID, or visa stamp in your passport all help. Bring proof of your income or source of funds if the bank asks—this might be a job offer letter, a bank statement from your home country, or a letter from a family member saying they are funding your account. Banks are required to know where your money comes from, so be prepared to explain.

Which banks accept non-citizens and what they require

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have processes for opening accounts as a non-citizen. Chase requires a passport, proof of address, and either a Social Security number or ITIN. Bank of America has a similar process but will sometimes open an account for a non-citizen without an ITIN if you have a visa and a US address. Citibank, which has a global presence, is often more flexible with international customers. Call your local branch or visit the bank's website to confirm current requirements—these rules change and vary by branch.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab have different rules. Some will open accounts for non-citizens with an ITIN; others require a Social Security number. A few online banks do not accept non-citizens at all. Before you start the application, call their customer service line and ask directly. This saves you the frustration of being denied after you have filled out the form.

Credit unions are another option. Many credit unions have looser rules than national banks and will open accounts for non-citizens if you have a passport and proof of address. You may need to join the credit union first—some require you to live or work in a certain area, or to be a member of a particular organization. Ask your employer or your school if they have a credit union you can join.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number that the IRS issues to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open a bank account. You do not need to be working to get one. To request an ITIN, fill out Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and mail it to the IRS along with a copy of your passport and proof of your US address. You can find the form and the mailing address on the IRS website. Processing takes four to six weeks.

Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN is pending if you show them the IRS receipt you get when you mail the form. Others will not. Call the bank before you apply for the ITIN and ask whether they will accept a pending ITIN. If they will, keep that receipt—you will need it.

If you are in a hurry, some tax preparation services like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt can help you apply for an ITIN in person and may speed up the process slightly, though the IRS still takes the same amount of time to issue the number. This service costs money, so weigh whether the speed is worth it for your situation.

How your visa status affects the process

If you are on an H-1B work visa, you should have a Social Security number already, which makes opening an account straightforward. Bring your passport, proof of address, and your Social Security card or number. Your employer's letter confirming your employment helps too.

If you are a student on an F-1 visa, you can open an account with a passport, proof of address (your school housing or lease), and an ITIN. Some banks offer student accounts with lower fees or no minimum balance for F-1 visa holders. Ask your school's international student office—they often have a list of banks that work with students and may have negotiated better terms.

If you are a tourist or on a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, you can still open an account, but the bank may ask more questions about how long you are staying and what you plan to use the account for. Bring your passport, proof of address (even if it is temporary), and an ITIN. Some banks are hesitant to open accounts for people who are only in the country for a few weeks, so call ahead.

If you are on an L-1 visa (intracompany transfer), the process is similar to H-1B. If you are on an O-1 visa (extraordinary ability) or P-1 visa (athlete or entertainer), bring the same documents as an H-1B holder. The bank cares about your identity and source of funds, not the specific type of visa.

Minimum deposits, fees, and account types

Some banks charge higher monthly fees for non-citizen accounts or require a higher minimum deposit. Chase may require a $500 to $1,500 minimum deposit depending on the account type. Bank of America's minimum varies by account. Online banks often have no minimum deposit and lower fees, which can make them a better choice if you are opening an account temporarily.

Ask the bank about monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and whether you can waive fees by setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance. Some banks waive fees if you keep a certain amount in the account or have your paycheck deposited directly. If you are only in the US for a year or two, a no-fee online account might be smarter than a traditional bank account with ongoing costs.

Most banks offer a basic checking account, which is what you want for everyday payments and bill payments. Some also offer savings accounts, which earn a small amount of interest. As a non-citizen, you will not be able to open a credit card account until you have a Social Security number and a US credit history, so do not expect that option right away.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit checks, transfer money from abroad, and pay bills. Transferring money from your home country to your US account takes three to five business days if you use a wire transfer, or longer if you use a regular international transfer. Your bank will give you wire instructions—ask for them when you open the account.

You can set up direct deposit if your employer is in the US. You can also use your debit card to withdraw cash and make purchases. If you need to send money back to your home country, your bank can do that too, though there will be a fee and an exchange rate charge.

Keep your account active. Some banks close accounts that have no activity for a long time—usually six months to a year. If you are planning to leave the US, let the bank know and ask whether they will keep the account open. Some will; others will close it and send you any remaining balance by check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

No. You can use an ITIN instead. If you do not have either, you can request an ITIN from the IRS by mailing Form W-7 with your passport and proof of address. The process takes four to six weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN is pending if you show them the IRS receipt.

Can I open a bank account as a tourist?

Yes, but some banks are hesitant because you are only in the country temporarily. Bring your passport, proof of a US address (even if temporary), and an ITIN. Online banks are often more willing to open accounts for tourists than large national banks. Call ahead to confirm the bank will accept you before you visit.

What if my bank asks for a letter from my employer?

Provide it. Banks use employer letters to verify your income and your reason for being in the US. Ask your employer's HR or payroll department to write a letter on company letterhead stating your name, job title, start date, and salary. This usually takes one or two business days.

Can I open an account online if I am a foreigner?

Some online banks allow it; others do not. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they open accounts for non-citizens before you start the application. If they say yes, ask what documents they need and whether they will accept an ITIN or require a Social Security number.

What if I leave the US—what happens to my account?

Your account stays open as long as you keep it active. If you do not use it for six months to a year, the bank may close it and send any remaining balance by check to your last known address. Before you leave, tell your bank you are departing and ask whether they will keep the account open. You can also keep the account open and use it to receive money or pay bills remotely.