You can open a US bank account from the UK, but the process depends on your citizenship and the bank's policies

Most major US banks will open an account for a UK resident if you are a US citizen or have a US tax ID number (ITIN). Some banks require you to be physically present in the US to sign documents in person; others allow remote opening through video verification or mail. The catch is that post-9/11 anti-money-laundering rules make banks cautious about customers abroad, so you will need to prove your identity and address clearly, and some banks simply refuse to serve non-residents at all.

The fastest route is usually a bank that has an international presence or explicit policies for overseas customers. If you are a US citizen living abroad temporarily, your best options are online banks, banks with UK branches, or your existing US bank if you already have an account. If you are a UK citizen wanting a US account, the path is narrower and depends on whether you have a US tax ID or business reason for the account.

Key Takeaways

  • US banks will open accounts for UK residents who are US citizens or hold an ITIN, but many require in-person verification or video ID checks.
  • Online banks and banks with international operations are more likely to accept remote applications than regional US banks.
  • You will need a US address (yours, a relative's, or a mail forwarding service) and proof of UK residence to satisfy anti-money-laundering requirements.
  • Processing times vary from same-day (online banks) to several weeks (banks requiring mailed documents), and some banks will not serve non-residents at all.
  • UK citizens without a US tax ID or business presence face the most restrictions and may need to explore alternatives like international money transfer services.

What US banks require from UK residents

Banks use the Customer Identification Program (CIP) to verify who you are before opening an account. From the UK, this typically means providing a passport or national ID, proof of your UK address (a utility bill or council tax letter), and a US address where mail can be sent. The US address does not have to be where you live — it can be a relative's home, a US mail forwarding service like UPS Store or iPostal2, or a business address if you have one.

Beyond identity, banks want to know why you need the account and whether you have ties to the US. If you are a US citizen, this is straightforward. If you are a UK citizen, you will need to explain the purpose — for example, you work for a US company, you own a US business, or you receive income from US sources. Banks are less likely to open accounts for UK citizens who simply want a US account for convenience or currency reasons.

Some banks also require a minimum deposit to open an account, typically between $25 and $300. A few online banks have no minimum, but they are the exception. Check the specific bank's requirements before you start the process, because they vary widely.

Which banks accept applications from the UK

Online banks are your most reliable option. Charles Schwab, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and some online-only banks like Ally or Discover accept applications from UK residents without requiring you to visit a US branch. Charles Schwab is particularly popular with expats because it reimburses ATM fees worldwide and has no foreign transaction fees. Wise is designed specifically for international transfers and multi-currency accounts, though it functions more as a money transfer service than a traditional bank.

Banks with UK branches sometimes allow you to open a US account through their UK office. Citibank, HSBC, and Bank of America have UK operations, and if you are already a customer, they may open a linked US account remotely. This is faster than starting from scratch, but availability depends on your specific bank and account type.

Your existing US bank is the easiest route if you already have an account. Call the customer service number on your card or statement and ask whether they can add accounts or services while you are abroad. Many banks will, especially if you have been a customer for years.

Regional US banks — smaller banks tied to specific states — almost never accept remote applications from abroad. If you need a local bank account in a particular state, you will likely need to visit in person or use a mail-based process that takes weeks.

How to apply from the UK

Start by visiting the bank's website and looking for an online application. Most banks have a button for "open an account" or "new customer". You will be asked for your name, date of birth, Social Security Number (if you have one) or ITIN, and your UK address. At this point, the system will either approve you to continue or flag you for manual review.

If the bank requires video verification, you will be asked to schedule a call with a representative who will ask you to show your passport and proof of address on camera. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Have both documents ready and make sure you are in a well-lit space.

If the bank requires in-person verification, you have three options: visit a US branch yourself, ask a US relative to sign on your behalf (some banks allow this), or use a notarized power of attorney (expensive and slow). A few banks will accept a notarized copy of your ID and address proof mailed to them, but this takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Once approved, the bank will mail a debit card and account information to your US address. If you used a mail forwarding service, the card will arrive there, and you will need to arrange to pick it up or have it forwarded to the UK. Some banks allow you to request expedited shipping for a fee.

Timing and what to expect

Online banks with video verification are fastest: you can open an account and receive a temporary card number within 24 hours, though the physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. Banks requiring mailed documents take 2 to 4 weeks. Regional banks or those requiring in-person verification can take 4 to 8 weeks or longer.

Once your account is open, you can transfer money into it from the UK using an international wire transfer (usually $15 to $50 in fees and takes 2 to 5 business days) or a service like Wise (lower fees, faster for smaller amounts). You can also set up direct deposit if you receive a US paycheck.

Be aware that some banks will freeze or close your account if they detect suspicious activity or if you do not maintain contact. If you move back to the US, update your address immediately. If you stay in the UK long-term, log into your account regularly and respond to any emails from the bank asking you to verify your information.

What UK citizens without a US tax ID should know

If you are a UK citizen and do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN, opening a US bank account is harder but not impossible. You will need to explain why you need the account — a job offer, a business, rental income, or investment income from the US. Banks want documentation of this reason: a job contract, a business registration, a lease agreement, or tax forms.

Some banks will issue you an ITIN during the account opening process if you have a legitimate US income source. Others will refuse to open an account without one. If you are self-employed or have US business income, you can apply for an ITIN through the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) before you apply for the bank account. This takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail from the UK.

If you cannot get a US account, consider alternatives: a UK bank account that offers US dollar transfers, a service like Wise for moving money between the UK and US, or a US business bank account if you own a US company (which has different requirements and may be easier to open remotely).

Avoiding delays and common problems

The most common reason applications are rejected or delayed is a mismatch between the address you provide and the address on your ID. Make sure your passport or ID shows your current UK address, or provide a recent utility bill or council tax letter that matches what you enter in the application.

If the bank asks for a US address and you do not have one, do not make one up. Use a real mail forwarding service or a relative's address. Banks verify addresses, and a fake one will trigger a fraud alert and kill your application.

If your application is denied, ask the bank why. Common reasons are: you do not meet the minimum deposit, the bank does not serve non-residents, or there was a problem with your identity verification. If it is the latter, you can usually reapply with corrected information. If it is the former two, try a different bank.

Once your account is open, do not ignore emails or letters from the bank. Banks are required to update customer information regularly, especially for overseas customers. If you do not respond, they may freeze your account or close it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US address to open an account?

Yes, banks require a US mailing address. This can be a relative's home, a mail forwarding service, or a business address. It does not have to be where you live. If you do not have one, services like UPS Store or iPostal2 provide virtual mailbox addresses for $10 to $30 per month.

Can I open a US bank account if I am a UK citizen with no US income?

Most banks will not. You need either a US tax ID (ITIN or SSN) or a documented reason for the account, such as a job, business, or investment income from the US. If you have neither, try online banks or money transfer services like Wise instead.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Physical cards take 7 to 14 business days to arrive at your US address after approval. Online banks often provide a temporary card number you can use immediately. If you used a mail forwarding service, add another 5 to 10 days for the service to forward the card to you in the UK.

What if the bank closes my account because I am abroad?

Some banks do this if they detect inactivity or cannot verify your information. To prevent it, log in every few months, respond to any emails from the bank, and keep your address updated. If your account is closed, ask the bank to reopen it and explain your situation. If they refuse, move your money to another bank.

Is it cheaper to use a money transfer service instead of opening a bank account?

It depends on how often you transfer money and how much. For one-time transfers, Wise or a wire transfer may be cheaper. For regular transfers or if you need a US debit card for online shopping or ATM withdrawals, a bank account is usually better value over time.