You can open a US bank account from the UK, but most banks require you to be physically present or have a US address and Social Security number

Opening a US bank account as a UK resident is possible, but the path depends on why you need it and what documentation you have. Most mainstream US banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo—will not open an account for you online if you are abroad and lack a US address or Social Security number. Some banks will let you open an account in person during a US visit. Others require you to establish residency first. A smaller number of online banks and fintech services accept international applicants, though they often charge higher fees or impose restrictions on what you can do with the account.

The core issue is compliance: US banks must verify your identity under federal anti-money-laundering rules, and they treat non-residents differently. A UK address raises red flags for fraud detection systems. A US address and a Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) make the process straightforward. Without them, you are asking a bank to take on extra work and regulatory risk, and most decline.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major US banks require either a US address, a Social Security number, or both—or they require you to open the account in person at a branch during a US visit.
  • Online-only banks and some fintech platforms accept UK residents, but read the fine print: some freeze accounts if you do not maintain a US address, and some charge monthly fees for international customers.
  • If you have a US address (a relative's home, a business address, a mailbox service), you can open an account online from the UK using that address.
  • A Social Security number makes opening an account much easier; an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) works at some banks but not all.
  • Plan for 5 to 10 business days for account opening, plus additional time if the bank requests extra documents to verify your identity.

Banks that accept UK residents without a US address

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a bank but a money transfer and multi-currency account service. It lets you open a US dollar account from the UK, receive US bank transfers, and hold money in multiple currencies. You do not need a US address or Social Security number. The account comes with a US routing number and account number, so employers and other payers can send money to it as if it were a US bank account. Wise charges a small fee for transfers and currency conversion but no monthly account fee. This is the most straightforward option if you need to receive US payments or hold US dollars.

Revolut offers a US dollar account to UK residents. Like Wise, it is not a traditional bank but a fintech platform. You can receive US transfers and hold dollars. Revolut charges a monthly subscription for premium features, though a basic account is free. The main limitation is that Revolut's US dollar account is not FDIC-insured (Wise's is not either), so your money is not protected by the same deposit insurance that covers traditional US bank accounts.

Some online banks accept international applicants, but policies vary. Chime, for example, has accepted UK residents in the past, but does not advertise this and may require a US phone number or address. SoFi (Social Finance) has similar restrictions. Call or check the bank's website before you try to open an account; the rules change, and customer service can tell you whether they will accept your application.

Opening an account in person during a US visit

If you are planning a trip to the US, you can walk into a branch of any major bank and open a checking or savings account on the spot. Bring your UK passport, a proof of your UK address (a utility bill or bank statement), and your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN or ask the bank whether they will accept a passport alone.

The account will be opened under your UK address. Once it is open, you can use it from the UK: deposit checks by mail, receive transfers, pay bills online. The bank will mail your debit card and statements to your UK address. Some banks charge a monthly fee for international customers or require a minimum balance; ask about this before you open the account. After you leave the US, you can manage the account entirely online or by phone.

This route works well if you are already planning to visit the US. It takes 15 to 30 minutes in the branch, and you walk out with a working account.

Using a US address to open an account online

If you have access to a US address—a relative's home, a business address, a friend's apartment—you can use it as your mailing address when you open an account online. The bank will mail your debit card and statements there. You will need to arrange for someone at that address to receive the mail and forward it to you, or to pick it up yourself on a future visit.

When you apply online, enter the US address as your mailing address. Most banks will not ask whether you actually live there; they are checking that the address is real and that mail can reach you. You will still need a phone number (a US phone number is ideal, but some banks accept international numbers), and you will need to verify your identity during the application. This usually means answering security questions based on your credit history or providing a copy of your passport.

The advantage of this method is that you can open the account without traveling. The disadvantage is that you need someone you trust to handle your mail, and if the bank later discovers you do not live at the address you provided, they may freeze or close the account.

What you need: Social Security number, ITIN, or passport

A Social Security number (SSN) is the easiest path. If you have worked in the US or have a US visa, you may have one. With an SSN, most banks will open an account for you online, even from the UK, as long as you provide a US address or agree to open it in person.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You can apply for an ITIN from the UK by mail. The process takes several weeks: you fill out Form W-7, include a copy of your passport, and mail it to the IRS address for your country. Once you receive your ITIN, some banks will accept it in place of an SSN. Not all do—call ahead to confirm.

A UK passport alone is usually not enough for a traditional US bank, but it is the standard document for identity verification. Online banks and fintech services are more likely to accept a passport without an SSN or ITIN. Wise and Revolut both accept a passport.

Fees and restrictions for international customers

Banks treat international customers differently. Some charge a monthly maintenance fee ($5 to $15) if you do not maintain a minimum balance or do not have direct deposits. Some restrict what you can do: for example, they may not let you deposit checks by mail, or they may freeze your account if you do not log in for several months.

Read the account agreement before you open the account. Look for language about international customers, maintenance fees, and inactivity policies. If you are opening an account with a fintech service like Wise or Revolut, check whether your deposits are FDIC-insured. Traditional banks are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account type; fintech services often are not.

Some banks also require a US phone number for account management. If you do not have one, you may not be able to call customer service or verify your identity over the phone. Ask whether you can use an international number or whether you need to set up a US phone service (Google Voice offers free US numbers to international users).

Receiving money in your US account from the UK

Once your account is open, receiving money is straightforward. Your account will have a routing number and account number. Anyone in the US can send you money via ACH (bank transfer), and it will arrive in 1 to 3 business days. Your UK employer can pay you directly into the account if they support international transfers.

Sending money from the UK to your US account is also possible but costs money. You can use Wise, PayPal, or your UK bank's international transfer service. Wise is usually the cheapest option for GBP to USD transfers. Your UK bank may charge £10 to £30 per transfer. Plan for 2 to 5 business days and expect to lose 1 to 3 percent to exchange rates and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US phone number to open an account?

Most banks do not require a US phone number to open an account, but they may require one to manage it later—for example, to verify your identity over the phone or to set up two-factor authentication. Google Voice offers free US phone numbers to international users and forwards calls to your UK phone. This is a common workaround.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can apply for an ITIN from the UK, which takes 4 to 6 weeks. Alternatively, open an account in person during a US visit using your passport, or use a fintech service like Wise that does not require an SSN. Some banks accept a passport alone if you also provide a US address.

Can I keep the account open if I move back to the UK permanently?

Yes. Once the account is open, you can manage it from anywhere. You will receive statements by mail at the address on file, and you can access it online. Some banks may close the account if you do not use it for a long time (usually 12 months or more of inactivity), so log in occasionally or set up a small recurring transfer to keep it active.

Will opening a US bank account affect my UK taxes?

Opening an account does not affect your UK taxes, but you must report any interest earned on the account to HMRC if you are a UK resident. The interest is usually minimal. If you are a US citizen or green card holder, you may have US tax obligations as well; consult a tax professional if you are unsure.

Is my money safe in a US bank account opened from the UK?

Money in a traditional US bank is FDIC-insured up to $250,000, regardless of where you live. Money in a fintech service like Wise or Revolut may or may not be insured—check the terms. Your account is as safe as any other US bank account; the only difference is that you are managing it remotely.