Yes, foreigners can open U.S. bank accounts, but the process and requirements depend on your visa status and the bank you choose

A foreign national can open a checking or savings account at most U.S. banks without being a citizen or permanent resident. However, banks treat non-residents and residents differently, and some require a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before they will open an account. The easiest path is usually a bank that accepts an ITIN, a passport, and proof of a U.S. address—even if that address is temporary.

The real friction point is not citizenship but identification. U.S. banks must verify your identity under the Bank Secrecy Act and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. A foreign passport works, but you also need to prove you have a U.S. address. That can be a rental lease, a utility bill in your name, or a letter from your employer. Some banks will accept a hotel address or a friend's address if you provide a notarized statement explaining why you do not have a permanent address yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major U.S. banks will open accounts for foreigners if you have a valid passport, proof of a U.S. address, and either an SSN or ITIN.
  • An ITIN is a nine-digit tax ID issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open bank accounts; you can request one by mail or through a tax professional.
  • Some banks require a minimum deposit (often $25 to $300) and charge monthly fees unless you maintain a balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Online banks are often more flexible than brick-and-mortar branches and may not require an SSN or ITIN if you have a U.S. address and valid ID.
  • Once your account is open, you can receive direct deposits, wire transfers, and ACH payments just like a U.S. citizen, but international transfers out of the account may carry higher fees.

What identification you need to bring

Bring a valid passport—U.S. banks accept foreign passports as primary identification. Some banks also accept a national ID card if it has a photo and expiration date. You will also need proof of a U.S. address. A lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement works. If you are staying with family or friends, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the lease or bill, stating that you live there and giving the address.

If you have an SSN (because you work in the U.S. or have a visa that allows employment), bring that. If you do not have an SSN, you will need an ITIN. You can request an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7 by mail, or a tax professional can file it for you. The IRS typically issues an ITIN within four to six weeks of receiving your application. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide the receipt showing you have submitted Form W-7.

Which banks accept foreigners without an SSN

Online banks are generally more flexible than traditional branches. Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, and some neobanks accept foreign nationals with a passport and U.S. address but do not require an SSN or ITIN. However, these are not traditional banks—they are money transfer services or fintech platforms—and they do not offer the full range of services a bank account does (like check writing or overdraft protection).

Among traditional banks, Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will open accounts for foreigners with an ITIN or SSN. Smaller regional banks vary; some require an SSN, others accept an ITIN. Before you visit a branch, call ahead and ask whether they open accounts for non-residents without an SSN. Credit unions sometimes have looser rules than national banks, especially if you have a connection to the community (employment, family ties, or membership in an organization).

Some banks charge a higher fee or require a larger minimum deposit for non-resident accounts. Ask about this when you call. A few banks have closed accounts for non-residents in recent years due to compliance costs, so it is worth confirming the bank's current policy before you make a trip to a branch.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have an SSN

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file U.S. taxes or open a bank account. You request one by filing Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) with the IRS. You can mail the form with a copy of your passport and proof of U.S. address, or you can use a tax professional or Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) to file it for you.

If you mail it yourself, send Form W-7 and your documents to the IRS address listed on the form (it varies by state). Processing takes four to six weeks. If you use a tax professional or CAA, they can often file it electronically and you may receive your ITIN faster. Some tax preparation services (like H&R Block or local tax offices) offer this service for a fee, usually $50 to $150.

Once you have your ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account, file taxes, and apply for credit. It does not give you work authorization or any immigration status—it is purely for tax and banking purposes.

What happens when you open an account

Bring your passport, proof of address, and ITIN or SSN to a bank branch or apply online. The bank will ask you to complete a signature card and provide your contact information. They will run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database) to see if you have had accounts closed due to fraud or unpaid fees. If you are new to the U.S., you will likely pass this check.

The bank will also ask about the source of your funds and the purpose of the account. Be honest: say you are working in the U.S., studying, or relocating. Banks are required to ask these questions under anti-money-laundering rules, not because they suspect you of wrongdoing.

Most accounts open the same day. You will receive a debit card within 7 to 10 business days and can start using your account online or at ATMs immediately. Some banks offer a temporary card number you can use online while you wait for the physical card.

Fees and minimum balances to watch for

Most checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee ($5 to $15) unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $2,500), set up direct deposit, or use the bank's ATM a certain number of times per month. Savings accounts typically charge less or no fee, but pay very low interest (often under 0.5% annually).

Overdraft fees (charged when you spend more than your balance) range from $25 to $35 per transaction. Some banks allow you to opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will simply be declined instead of charging a fee. ATM fees vary: using your bank's ATM is free, but using another bank's ATM typically costs $2 to $3.

International wire transfers out of your account may carry a fee of $15 to $50, depending on the bank. If you plan to send money abroad regularly, ask about this fee before you open the account. Some online banks and money transfer services charge less for international transfers than traditional banks.

What you can and cannot do with a foreign account

Once your account is open, you can receive direct deposits from an employer, receive wire transfers, deposit checks (by mail or mobile app), and make ACH transfers to other U.S. bank accounts. You can also use your debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. You can write checks if you order a checkbook, though this takes 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot overdraw your account without paying a fee (unless you opt in to overdraft protection). You also cannot use the account to receive certain types of payments, like unemployment benefits or tax refunds, unless you have an SSN or ITIN—and even then, some government programs have restrictions for non-citizens.

If you plan to leave the U.S., you can keep the account open as long as you want. You can continue to receive transfers and make payments online. However, if the bank cannot reach you for several years or suspects the account is inactive, they may close it and send any remaining balance to your state's unclaimed property program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. address to open an account?

Yes, all banks require a U.S. address. If you do not have a permanent address yet, use a temporary one (hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's address with a notarized letter). Some banks accept a work address or a P.O. box, but this varies by bank—call ahead to confirm.

Can I open an account online if I am outside the U.S.?

Some online banks allow you to open an account remotely with a passport and proof of address, but most require you to verify your identity in person at a branch or through a video call. If you are already in the U.S., online banks are usually faster and easier than visiting a branch.

What if a bank denies my account?

Banks can deny an account if ChexSystems shows fraud or unpaid fees, if you cannot prove your identity, or if they do not serve non-residents. If denied, ask why and try a different bank. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are sometimes more flexible than national chains.

Will opening a U.S. bank account affect my visa or immigration status?

No. Opening a bank account does not change your immigration status or visa. Banks are required to verify identity and report certain transactions to the IRS, but this is routine and does not trigger immigration enforcement.

Can I use a U.S. bank account to send money to my home country?

Yes, you can wire money internationally from your U.S. account, but fees are typically $15 to $50 per transfer. Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly often charge less for international transfers than banks do. Compare rates before you choose a method.