Yes, you can open a US bank account as a UK citizen, but you will need an ITIN or SSN and proof of a US address

Most US banks will open an account for a non-citizen if you have a valid passport, proof of a current US address, and either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks ask for a US phone number as well. The address requirement is the biggest barrier for UK citizens living abroad — you cannot use a UK address, and you cannot use a mail forwarding service at most major banks.

If you are moving to the US or have a US address (even temporarily), opening an account is straightforward. If you are staying in the UK, you have fewer options: some online banks and smaller regional banks will work with a UK address if you have an ITIN, but the major chains (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) will not. A few banks will open accounts for UK citizens who are US tax residents or have US employment, even without a physical US address.

Key Takeaways

  • You need either an SSN (if you work in the US) or an ITIN (if you do not), plus a valid passport and proof of a current US address.
  • Most major banks require a physical US address and will not accept mail forwarding services or UK addresses.
  • Online banks and some regional banks are more flexible about address requirements than national chains.
  • Getting an ITIN takes four to six weeks if you apply by mail, so plan ahead if you need one before opening an account.
  • Some banks will verify your identity by video call or in person at a branch, but others require you to visit in person to complete the account opening.

Getting an SSN or ITIN before you apply

An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration to people who work in the US or have a visa that permits employment. If you are moving to the US for a job, your employer will usually help you apply. You will need your passport, your visa, and a completed Form SS-5. You can apply in person at a Social Security office, and you will receive your number within two weeks.

An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file US taxes or open a bank account. You do not need a visa or work permission to get one. You apply using Form W-7, which you mail to the IRS along with a copy of your passport and proof of your US address (a utility bill, lease, or letter from your bank works). Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. Some accountants and tax preparation services can submit your application on your behalf, but this costs money and does not speed up the IRS processing time.

If you are in the UK and do not have a US address yet, you cannot get an ITIN. You will need to arrange temporary accommodation first — even a short-term rental or an Airbnb lease counts as proof of address for ITIN purposes.

Which banks will work with a UK citizen and a UK address

Most major US banks will not open an account if you are living in the UK, even with an ITIN. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all require a US address. However, a small number of online banks and credit unions will open accounts for UK residents if you have an ITIN and a valid reason to need a US account (such as US employment, rental income, or investment accounts).

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a US bank account number and routing number to UK residents without requiring a US address. You receive a real account with Chase, but you manage it through Wise's app. This works well for receiving US payments or holding US dollars, but it is not a full checking account — you cannot write checks or use a debit card in the US.

Revolut offers a similar service: a US account number and routing number for UK residents, with no address requirement. Like Wise, it is designed for receiving payments and currency exchange rather than everyday banking.

If you need a traditional checking account with a debit card and check-writing ability, you will likely need a US address. Some smaller regional banks and credit unions are more flexible than national chains, but you will need to contact them directly to ask whether they work with UK residents.

Opening an account if you have a US address

If you have a US address (whether permanent or temporary), opening an account is much simpler. Bring your passport, proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your SSN or ITIN to any branch. Most banks will open the account on the spot. Some banks also allow you to open an account online if you have an address and can verify your identity by uploading a photo of your passport.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover are often faster and more flexible than branches. You can open an account entirely online, upload your documents, and receive your debit card within five to ten business days. Charles Schwab is particularly popular with expats because it reimburses ATM fees worldwide and does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Some banks will ask for a second form of ID (a driver's license or UK passport card) or proof of income. If you are unemployed or a student, bring a letter from your school or university, or a bank statement showing regular deposits. Banks are checking that you are a real person and not opening the account for fraud, not that you have a specific income level.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card within seven to fourteen business days. You can use it immediately to withdraw cash at ATMs, even before the physical card arrives, if you set up a PIN online. Checks take longer — order them through your bank's website, and they will arrive within one to two weeks.

Your bank will send statements and tax documents (like 1099 forms if you earn interest) to your US address on file. If you move back to the UK, update your address with the bank. Most banks will accept a UK address for statements, though some will not. Check your bank's policy before you move.

You will need to file a US tax return each year if you have US income or if you are a US citizen or green card holder. The IRS uses your ITIN or SSN to track your account and cross-reference your tax filings. If you do not file when required, the IRS may freeze your account or send notices to your address on file.

Common reasons banks reject UK citizens

Banks reject applications for three main reasons: no US address, no SSN or ITIN, or a mismatch between your name on your passport and your name on your address proof. If your lease or utility bill is under a different name (a spouse's name, for example), bring a marriage certificate or a letter from the landlord confirming you live there.

Some banks also run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts in the past, this may show up and cause a rejection. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report online to see what is on file.

If a bank rejects you, ask why. If it is the address, try an online bank. If it is the SSN or ITIN, apply for one before trying again. If it is ChexSystems, you can dispute inaccurate information or wait — most negative items fall off after five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US visa to open a bank account?

No. You need an SSN (which requires work permission) or an ITIN (which does not). An ITIN is available to any non-citizen who needs to file US taxes or open a bank account, regardless of visa status. However, you do need proof of a current US address to get an ITIN.

Can I use a friend's or family member's address?

Technically yes, but the bank may ask you to confirm you live there. If you are not actually living at that address, you risk the bank closing your account later if they discover the discrepancy. Use an address where you actually receive mail.

How long does it take to open an account?

If you have all your documents (passport, address proof, SSN or ITIN), you can open an account in person in one day. Online applications take three to five business days. Getting an ITIN takes four to six weeks, so that is usually the longest part of the process.

Can I open a US bank account while I am still in the UK?

Only if you use a service like Wise or Revolut, which do not require a US address. Traditional banks require a US address. If you are moving to the US, wait until you have your address and then open an account in person or online.

What if my bank closes my account after I move back to the UK?

Some banks will keep your account open if you update your address to the UK. Others will close it. Contact your bank before you move and ask their policy on international customers. If they close it, you can reopen an account with a different bank if you return to the US.