You can open some US bank accounts from the UK, but not all, and the process depends on which bank and what type of account you need

Most major US banks will not open a checking or savings account for you if you are physically in the UK and do not have a US address or Social Security number. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo require a US residential address at account opening, and they verify it against their address databases. Some will close accounts if they discover the account holder has moved abroad.

A few banks and fintech services do accept UK residents, but they typically require either a US address (even a temporary one, like a mail forwarding service), a US phone number, or proof of US citizenship or a visa. The account types available are usually limited — often savings only, not checking with a debit card.

If you have a US address you can use — a parent's home, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service — your options expand significantly. If you do not, you will need to look at specialist banks or consider alternatives like international money transfer services.

Key Takeaways

  • Most US banks require a US residential address at the time you open the account, which you cannot provide from the UK.
  • You will need either a Social Security number, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or proof of US citizenship to open any account.
  • Some fintech banks and online-only services accept UK residents if you have a US phone number and a forwarding address or mail service.
  • If you have access to a real US address (family home, friend's address), you can open accounts at major banks and then manage them from abroad.
  • International money transfer services and multi-currency accounts may be faster alternatives if you only need to move money between the US and UK.

What US banks actually require at account opening

When you open an account at a US bank, the bank runs a check against the address you provide. They use systems like Early Warning Services and ChexSystems to verify your identity and address history. If the address does not match utility bills, lease agreements, or other records on file, the application can be rejected or flagged for manual review.

You will also need to provide a tax identification number. A Social Security number is the standard; if you do not have one, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the US Internal Revenue Service. The ITIN process takes several weeks and requires you to submit Form W-7 along with proof of identity and residency. From the UK, you can apply by mail to the IRS, but you will need to include certified copies of your documents.

Banks also use the Customer Identification Program (CIP) to verify who you are. They will ask for a government-issued photo ID — a passport works — and may ask follow-up questions about your employment, income, or the purpose of the account. If you are a UK resident, some banks will ask why you need a US account, and the answer matters: legitimate reasons include maintaining a US credit history, receiving US income, or managing US property. Banks are more cautious with accounts opened from abroad.

Banks and services that accept UK residents

Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a US bank account number and routing number to UK residents without requiring a US address. You can receive US dollar transfers and pay US bills. However, this is not a full checking account — you cannot deposit checks or use a debit card in the traditional sense. It is designed for international money movement, not daily banking.

Revolut offers a US account number to UK users, again for receiving transfers rather than full banking. You can hold US dollars and convert between currencies, but you cannot write checks or use a US debit card.

Mercury (a business banking platform) has accepted some UK residents for business accounts, but this requires you to have a US business entity registered with the IRS. Personal accounts are not available to non-US residents.

Stripe Atlas can help you set up a US business and open a business bank account, but this is aimed at entrepreneurs and requires you to register a company. The cost is several hundred dollars, and you will need to maintain the business to keep the account active.

Some smaller online banks and credit unions have looser address requirements, but they are the exception. Before applying anywhere, contact the bank directly and ask whether they accept applications from UK residents; the answer often depends on the specific branch or the person handling your application.

Using a US address to open an account

If you have access to a real US address — a family home, a friend's address, or a temporary address where you will be staying — you can use it to open an account at any major US bank. The bank will verify the address, but they do not verify that you currently live there. Once the account is open, you can update the mailing address to a UK address, and most banks will allow you to manage the account online from abroad.

Mail forwarding services like UPS Store, iPostal1, or Traveling Mailbox provide a real US street address (not a PO box) that you can use for account opening. These services cost between $10 and $30 per month and forward your mail to your UK address or hold it for you to collect. Banks will accept these addresses, though some may flag them if they recognize them as commercial mail services. The key is that the address is real and verifiable.

Once your account is open, you can typically manage it entirely online. You can set up direct deposit, pay bills, transfer money, and check your balance from the UK. The main limitation is that you cannot deposit physical checks from abroad — you would need to mail them to the bank or use mobile deposit if the bank offers it.

What happens if a bank discovers you are in the UK

If you open an account using a US address and then the bank discovers you are living in the UK, the outcome depends on the bank and the account type. Some banks have no issue with customers living abroad and will simply update your address. Others may freeze the account, require you to close it, or ask you to return to the US to verify your identity in person.

Banks are required to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and know-your-customer rules, which means they must verify where their customers actually live. If there is a mismatch between the address on file and where you are actually receiving mail or conducting transactions, the bank may investigate. This is not automatic — many people maintain US accounts from abroad without issue — but it is a risk.

To minimize this risk, update your address to your UK address as soon as you move, rather than hiding it. Be transparent about your location. If the bank asks why you need a US account from abroad, explain clearly: you may be a US citizen, you may have US income or property, or you may need to maintain a US credit history. Banks are more likely to keep accounts open when customers are honest about their situation.

Alternatives if you cannot open a US bank account

If opening a US bank account is not possible, you have other options depending on what you need to do. If you need to receive money from the US, services like Wise, Revolut, or PayPal offer US account numbers and routing numbers. If you need to pay US bills or make US purchases, a US-based credit card or a multi-currency debit card may work. If you need to move large amounts of money between the US and UK, international money transfer services like OFX, Remitly, or Wise are faster and cheaper than banks.

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you may also be able to open an account at a bank that specializes in expat banking, such as HSBC (which has branches in both the US and UK) or Citibank. These banks sometimes have more flexible policies for customers living abroad, though they may charge higher fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS by mail. The process takes several weeks. Some banks will accept a passport and other forms of ID instead, but this is rare.

Can I use a mail forwarding service address to open a bank account?

Yes. Services like UPS Store and iPostal1 provide real street addresses that banks will accept. The bank may recognize it as a mail service, but most will still open the account. Once it is open, you can usually update your address to your UK location.

What if I am a UK citizen with no US ties — can I still open an account?

It is much harder. Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN, which you would need to apply for. You would also need a US address. Services like Wise or Revolut are better options if you only need to receive or hold US dollars.

Will my US bank account stay open if I move to the UK after opening it?

Usually yes, but it depends on the bank. Some banks have no issue with customers abroad. Others may freeze or close the account if they discover you are not in the US. Update your address to your UK location when you move, and contact the bank if you have concerns about keeping the account active.

Is it legal to open a US bank account from the UK?

Yes, as long as you provide truthful information and meet the bank's requirements. You are not breaking any law by opening an account from abroad. However, if you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must report the account to the IRS and comply with FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) rules.