Yes, but only certain banks will do it, and you'll need proof of a US address or tax ID

You can open a US bank account from the UK, but not with every bank and not without meeting specific requirements. Most major US banks will not open an account for someone living abroad without a US address, a US phone number, or a US tax identification number (either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). A few banks—primarily online-only institutions and some that cater to expats—will work with UK residents, but the process is slower and the documentation demands are heavier than opening an account in person.

The core issue is compliance. US banks must verify your identity under the Bank Secrecy Act and know-your-customer (KYC) rules. When you're physically in the UK, the bank cannot easily confirm who you are through standard methods. This is why location matters more than citizenship: a US citizen living in London faces the same barriers as a UK citizen trying to open an account remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • Online banks like Wise, Revolut, and some US-based neobanks will open accounts for UK residents without requiring a US address, though they may not offer full checking accounts.
  • Traditional US banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) typically require either a US address, a US phone number, or an ITIN before they will open an account for someone abroad.
  • If you have a US address—even a mail forwarding service or a relative's address—your chances of opening an account improve significantly, though the bank may still verify the address.
  • The fastest route is usually a US-based online bank or a fintech app designed for expats, which can complete the process in days rather than weeks.
  • You will need to provide a UK passport or UK-issued ID, proof of your UK address, and possibly a reference from another bank.

Banks that will open accounts for UK residents

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a US bank account number and routing number to UK customers without requiring a US address. You get a real account with a US IBAN-style number that works for receiving direct deposits and ACH transfers. The account is held through Wise's US banking partners, and setup takes about 10 minutes online. However, Wise is primarily a money transfer service, not a full-service bank—you cannot write checks, and overdraft protection is limited.

Revolut offers a US account number to UK users on its paid plans (Premium and Metal). Like Wise, this is a virtual account number rather than a traditional checking account, but it works for receiving US payments and direct deposits. Setup is online and takes a few days for verification.

Mercury and Brex are US-based fintech banks that sometimes open accounts for non-US residents, though their primary focus is business accounts. If you have a US business entity or a US tax ID, they are worth contacting directly.

Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo do not have a standard remote account opening process for UK residents. Some branches may open an account if you visit in person or if you have a US address on file, but calling their customer service line from the UK will usually result in a referral to their international banking division, which handles only large deposits and wealth management.

What you need to provide

Every bank or fintech will ask for a valid passport or national ID card. A UK passport is standard; a UK driving license alone is usually not sufficient. You will also need to prove your UK address—a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement showing your name and current address typically works.

Some banks will ask for a reference from another financial institution. This can be your UK bank, a credit card issuer, or even a building society. The bank is checking that you have a history of managing money responsibly and that you are not on any sanctions lists.

If you have a US tax ID (Social Security Number or ITIN), provide it. If you do not have one, most online banks will still open an account, but you may face restrictions on certain features or higher scrutiny during the verification process. You can apply for an ITIN through the US IRS if you plan to work for a US employer or have US income, but that process takes several weeks.

If you have a US address

If you have access to a US address—a relative's home, a mail forwarding service, or a temporary address where you will be staying—your options expand significantly. With a US address, you can open an account at most major US banks online, and the process is much faster. Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank all allow online account opening with a US address.

Be aware that banks may verify the address by sending a confirmation letter or by calling the number on file. If you use a mail forwarding service, choose one that accepts mail on your behalf and can confirm your identity to the bank if asked. Some mail forwarding services (like UPS Store locations) are recognized by banks; others are not.

Using a relative's address is simpler if that relative is willing to confirm the address with the bank if needed, but be clear with the bank about whether mail should go there or to your UK address. Some banks will not send statements or cards to a different address than the one you registered.

Timeline and what happens after you open the account

Online banks and fintechs like Wise and Revolut can verify your identity and issue an account number within hours to a few days. Traditional banks, even online, typically take 5 to 10 business days if you have a US address, and longer if you are applying from abroad.

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card. If you are in the UK, the card will be mailed to your UK address, which takes 7 to 14 days from the US. Some banks allow you to request expedited shipping for a fee. You can usually start using the account number for direct deposits and ACH transfers before the physical card arrives.

If you plan to deposit checks, be aware that remote deposit capture (taking a photo of a check and uploading it) is available at most banks, but the funds may take 5 to 10 business days to clear. Mailing a check from the UK to the US adds another 7 to 14 days.

Tax reporting and ongoing compliance

Opening a US bank account as a UK resident does not change your tax obligations. If you are a UK resident, you report your worldwide income to HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), including any interest earned in a US account. If you are a US citizen living in the UK, you must file US tax returns and report the account to the IRS, even if you owe no tax.

The bank will send you a 1099-INT form if you earn more than $10 in interest during the tax year. Keep this for your records. If you are a US citizen abroad, you may also need to file a Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) if your total foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year—a US bank account does not count as a foreign account for this purpose, but any UK accounts do.

Alternatives if you cannot open a US account

If you need to receive US payments but cannot open a US bank account, consider a US payment forwarding service like Payoneer or Skrill. These services give you a US bank account number that you can use to receive direct deposits and ACH transfers, and they convert the money to GBP and send it to your UK bank account. Fees are higher than a traditional bank, but setup is fast and requires no US address.

Another option is to ask your US employer or client to pay you through an international wire transfer to your UK bank account. This is slower (3 to 5 business days) and more expensive (your UK bank may charge a receiving fee), but it requires no US account at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US Social Security Number to open a US bank account from the UK?

No. Most online banks and fintechs will open an account without a Social Security Number or ITIN. However, if you have one, providing it speeds up verification. If you do not have one and plan to work for a US employer, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS, but the process takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I use a mail forwarding service as my US address?

Yes, but choose carefully. Banks recognize major mail forwarding services like UPS Store and some private mailbox companies, but they may call to verify. Avoid services that do not allow the bank to confirm your identity. Always check the bank's policy before registering.

Will opening a US bank account affect my UK credit score?

No. UK credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) do not track US bank accounts. However, if you apply for credit in the US, lenders will see the account on your US credit report, which starts at zero and builds over time as you use the account.

How long does it take to receive a debit card in the UK?

Typically 7 to 14 business days from the US. Some banks offer expedited shipping for $15 to $25. You can use the account number for online payments and direct deposits before the card arrives.

What if the bank asks for proof of a US phone number?

Some banks require a US phone number for verification calls. You can obtain a temporary US phone number through services like Google Voice (free) or Skype (paid), though some banks do not accept VOIP numbers. If the bank rejects a VOIP number, ask whether you can provide an alternative contact method, such as email or a UK phone number with country code.