Yes, but you'll need an ITIN or passport, proof of address, and a bank willing to serve non-residents

An Israeli citizen can open a U.S. checking account, but the process is more complicated than it is for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. You will need to provide a tax identification number (either an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid passport), proof of a U.S. address, and documentation that satisfies the bank's anti-money-laundering requirements. Not all banks accept non-residents, so you cannot walk into any branch and expect the same experience a U.S. citizen would have.

The core obstacle is that U.S. banks must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, which require them to verify your identity and understand the source of your funds. For a foreign national, this means extra documentation and scrutiny. Some large banks have stopped serving non-residents altogether because the compliance cost outweighs the account revenue. Your best options are smaller regional banks, online banks that explicitly accept non-residents, and banks in states with significant Israeli populations.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have either a valid passport or an ITIN; a passport alone is often easier than obtaining an ITIN first.
  • You need a U.S. address on file, which can be a temporary address, a relative's address, or a mail forwarding service.
  • Online banks and smaller regional banks are more likely to accept non-resident accounts than major national chains.
  • Expect to provide additional documentation such as proof of employment, bank statements from Israel, or a letter explaining the purpose of the account.
  • The process typically takes two to four weeks once you submit all required documents.

What identification you need to bring

A valid Israeli passport is the simplest form of identification to use. You do not need to obtain a U.S. tax identification number before opening the account; most banks will accept your passport as your primary ID. Bring the original passport, not a photocopy, and be prepared to show it in person if you are opening the account at a physical branch.

If you are opening the account remotely (by mail or online), the bank will ask you to upload a clear photo or scan of your passport's biographical page. Some banks also accept an Israeli national ID card, though this is less common in the U.S. banking system. If you already have an ITIN, you can provide that instead of a passport, but obtaining an ITIN takes several months and requires filing IRS Form W-7, so most people find it easier to use their passport.

Proof of address requirements

U.S. banks require a domestic address to open a checking account. If you are living in Israel and do not have a U.S. address, you have several options. You can use a relative's or friend's address if they are willing to let you use it and can confirm it if the bank calls. You can also use a mail forwarding service such as UPS Store, FedEx Office, or a private mailbox service; these services provide you with a street address (not a P.O. box) that banks will accept.

The address does not need to be permanent. If you are planning to move to the U.S. within a few months, you can use a temporary address and update it once you arrive. Some banks allow you to update your address online after the account is open. If you use a mail forwarding service, budget $10 to $30 per month for that service, and make sure the bank will accept a commercial mailbox address (most do, but some do not).

Which banks accept non-resident accounts

Large national banks such as Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have largely stopped opening accounts for non-residents due to compliance costs. Your options are online banks, smaller regional banks, and banks that have explicit policies welcoming international customers.

Online banks that have historically accepted non-residents include Wise (formerly TransferWise), which offers U.S. checking accounts to non-residents, and some online-only banks such as Chime or SoFi, though their policies change frequently. Call or check their website before you start the application, because policies shift and vary by country. Regional banks in states with large Israeli communities—such as California, New York, and Florida—are more likely to have experience with Israeli customers and may have streamlined processes for non-residents. Credit unions sometimes accept non-residents as well, particularly if you have a connection to the community they serve.

Before you apply anywhere, call the bank directly and ask whether they open accounts for Israeli nationals who are not U.S. residents. This saves you the time of filling out an application only to be rejected.

Documents the bank will ask for

Beyond your passport and proof of address, banks typically request additional documentation to satisfy anti-money-laundering rules. Have these items ready before you apply: a recent bank statement from your Israeli bank (usually from the past three months), proof of employment or income (such as a letter from your employer or recent pay stubs), and a statement explaining the purpose of the account (for example, "I am opening this account to receive salary payments from a U.S. employer" or "I am opening this account to manage investments in U.S. securities").

Some banks ask for a utility bill or other proof of your Israeli address as well, to confirm where you actually live. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, you may need to provide business registration documents or tax returns. The bank may also ask for a reference from your Israeli bank or a letter from your employer. These requirements vary by bank, so ask what they need before you submit anything.

Timeline and what to expect after you apply

Once you submit a complete application with all required documents, the bank typically takes two to four weeks to review and approve it. During this time, the bank's compliance team will verify your identity, check anti-money-laundering databases, and confirm your address. You may receive a phone call or email asking follow-up questions about your employment, the source of your funds, or the purpose of the account.

If the bank approves your application, they will send you account details and a debit card. The debit card is usually mailed to your U.S. address, so if you are using a mail forwarding service, allow an extra week for it to arrive. Some banks offer temporary digital card numbers that you can use immediately while you wait for the physical card. Once your account is open, you can deposit money by wire transfer from your Israeli bank, which typically costs $15 to $50 and takes one to three business days.

Alternatives if banks reject you

If you apply to several banks and are rejected, you have other options. Wise (the money transfer service) offers a borderless account that functions like a checking account for non-residents and is specifically designed for people in your situation. You can hold U.S. dollars, receive wire transfers, and spend money using a debit card. The fees are lower than traditional banks, though the account has some limitations compared to a full checking account.

You can also open a U.S. brokerage account with firms such as Interactive Brokers or Fidelity, which accept non-residents and allow you to hold cash in U.S. dollars. These are not checking accounts, but they serve a similar purpose if your main goal is to hold and transfer money in U.S. dollars. Another option is to wait until you move to the U.S. and obtain a Social Security number or ITIN; at that point, opening a checking account becomes much simpler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account?

No. You can use your passport or ITIN instead. Most banks will accept a passport from a non-resident. If you do not have an ITIN and do not want to apply for one, your passport is sufficient.

Can I open an account entirely online without visiting a U.S. branch?

Yes, many online banks and some regional banks allow you to open an account entirely online by uploading a photo of your passport and proof of address. You will not need to visit a physical branch. However, some banks still require an in-person visit or a video call with a bank representative.

What if the bank asks where my money is coming from?

Be honest and specific. If you are receiving a salary from a U.S. employer, say that. If you are transferring savings from your Israeli bank, explain that. Banks ask this question to comply with anti-money-laundering law, not to judge you. Vague or evasive answers raise red flags and may cause the bank to reject your application.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most banks require an opening deposit of $0 to $100, though some online banks have no minimum. Check the bank's website or call to confirm. The opening deposit is not a fee; it is money that goes into your account.

Can I use a P.O. box as my address?

No. Banks require a street address, not a P.O. box. If you do not have a U.S. street address, use a mail forwarding service that provides a street address, or use a relative's address.