Yes, but you need an ITIN or passport and proof of address

A foreigner can open a bank account in the United States. Most banks will accept you if you have a valid passport, a U.S. address (even a temporary one), and either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks are stricter than others, and a few will turn you away entirely, but the major national banks and many regional banks do open accounts for non-citizens.

The real barrier is not citizenship—it is proof of identity and address. Banks must verify who you are under federal law, and they need to know where to send statements and contact you. A passport works for identity. For address, a lease, utility bill, or even a letter from your employer stating your U.S. location will do. You do not need a driver's license, though having one makes the process faster.

The timeline is usually the same as for a U.S. citizen: you can walk into a branch and leave with a debit card the same day, or open online in 10 to 15 minutes. Some banks will mail you a card within 5 to 7 business days if you open remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport, a U.S. address, and either an SSN or ITIN to open an account at most major U.S. banks.
  • Proof of address can be a lease, utility bill, employment letter, or bank statement—it does not have to be in your name if you can explain the connection.
  • Online banks and credit unions often have fewer restrictions than large national banks and may not require an ITIN.
  • Some banks will refuse you based on your country of origin or immigration status, so call ahead or ask in person before spending time on an application.
  • Once you have an account, you can receive direct deposits, pay bills, and transfer money internationally, though international wire fees vary widely.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your passport—it is the standard form of ID for non-citizens. A national ID card from your home country works at some banks, but passport is safest. You will also need proof of your U.S. address. This can be a lease, a utility bill in your name, a mortgage statement, a credit card statement, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead stating your address and employment or enrollment dates. The document does not have to be recent—banks usually accept anything from the past 90 days, but older documents sometimes work if you can explain the gap.

If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some banks will accept a hotel confirmation or an Airbnb booking as temporary proof. Others will not. Call the bank's customer service line before you go in, or ask the teller directly: "I have a passport and a hotel confirmation. Can I open an account?" This saves you a wasted trip.

Bring your ITIN or SSN if you have one. If you do not, tell the bank. Many will issue you an account number and let you apply for an ITIN later. Some will ask you to come back once you have one. A few will refuse outright. Again, calling ahead prevents frustration.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open a bank account. You do not need a work visa or green card to get one. You apply using IRS Form W-7, which you can download from irs.gov or pick up at an IRS office.

You will need to submit Form W-7 along with proof of identity (your passport) and proof of U.S. residency (lease, utility bill, or employment letter). You can mail it to the IRS, or you can apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Processing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks. In-person applications are faster—sometimes same-day or within a few days—but you need an appointment, which you can schedule on irs.gov.

Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending. Others will not. If you are in a hurry, ask the bank whether they will hold your account open during the ITIN process, or whether you need the number before they finalize the account.

Which banks are most likely to accept you

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for foreigners, though their policies vary by branch and by the teller you speak to. Some branches are stricter than others. If one branch turns you down, try another branch of the same bank in a different neighborhood—you may have better luck.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab often have fewer restrictions and do not require an ITIN upfront. They will open an account with a passport and U.S. address, and you can add an ITIN later. Credit unions are also generally more flexible than large banks, especially if you have a connection to the union (employer, school, or neighborhood).

Some banks will refuse you based on your country of citizenship or immigration status. This is legal under U.S. banking law. If a bank says no, do not argue—move to the next one. Trying multiple banks is normal and not a sign that anything is wrong with your application.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can receive direct deposits from an employer, transfer money from another U.S. bank account, and deposit checks. You can also send money internationally using a wire transfer, though fees range from $15 to $50 depending on the bank and the destination country. Some banks charge extra for international transfers; others include them for free with certain account types.

You can pay bills online, set up automatic payments, and use your debit card at ATMs and stores. You cannot overdraft (spend more than you have) unless you opt into overdraft protection, which most banks offer for a fee. Your account is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000, the same as any U.S. citizen's account.

If you plan to stay in the U.S. for more than a few months, opening a bank account early makes everything else easier: getting a phone plan, renting an apartment, and building a credit history all depend on having a U.S. bank account and address.

Visa status and banking: what matters and what does not

Your visa status does not prevent you from opening a bank account. Banks do not ask whether you are on an F-1 student visa, H-1B work visa, or tourist visa. They ask for identity and address. A valid passport and U.S. address are enough, regardless of your immigration status.

However, some banks do ask whether you are a U.S. resident for tax purposes. This is different from immigration status. If you have been in the U.S. for more than 183 days in the past year, or if you have a green card or visa that allows you to stay indefinitely, you are a tax resident. If you are a tourist or on a short-term visa, you are not. This matters for tax reporting, not for opening the account—but tell the bank the truth. Lying about tax residency can cause problems later when you file taxes or close the account.

If you are undocumented, some banks will still open an account for you using an ITIN. Others will not. This varies by bank and by state. California, Illinois, and New York have laws protecting undocumented immigrants' right to bank. Other states do not. Call ahead or ask in person.

International wire transfers and moving money out

Once you have a U.S. bank account, you can send money to your home country using an international wire transfer. Your bank will ask for the recipient's bank account number, the bank's SWIFT code (an international identifier), and sometimes the recipient's address. The transfer usually takes 3 to 5 business days, though some banks offer faster options for an extra fee.

Wire transfer fees vary widely. Some banks charge $15 to $25 for outgoing international wires. Others charge $40 to $50. A few charge based on the amount you are sending (usually 1 to 2 percent). Ask your bank for the fee before you send, or check their website. If the fee is high, you can also use a money transfer service like Wise, OFX, or Remitly, which often charge less and give you a better exchange rate than the bank.

Your bank will also ask you to declare the purpose of the transfer (personal, business, education, etc.). This is routine and not a sign of suspicion. Answer honestly. If you are sending more than $10,000, the bank must report it to the U.S. government under federal law. This is also routine and does not mean you have done anything wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. phone number to open a bank account?

No. A phone number helps, but it is not required. If you do not have a U.S. phone number yet, give the bank your home country number or a temporary number. They will use it to contact you about your account. You can update it later.

What if my passport is expiring soon?

Banks accept passports that are expiring within the next few months. If your passport expires within 30 days, some banks may ask you to renew it first. If it expires within 60 to 90 days, most banks will still open the account. Ask the teller before you apply.

Can I open an account if I am only staying in the U.S. for three months?

Yes. Banks do not ask how long you are staying. A temporary address (hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's address with their permission) works. You can close the account whenever you leave, or keep it open and use it for international transfers later.

Will opening a U.S. bank account affect my visa status or taxes?

Opening a bank account does not affect your visa status. It may affect your taxes if you are a U.S. tax resident, but that depends on how long you have been in the country, not on whether you have a bank account. Talk to a tax professional if you are unsure whether you owe U.S. taxes.

What if a bank refuses to open an account for me?

Try another bank. Refusals happen for reasons that vary by bank and branch—sometimes it is policy, sometimes it is a mistake. Online banks and credit unions are often easier than large national banks. If multiple banks refuse you, call the IRS or a local immigrant services organization to ask whether there are banks in your area that work with foreigners.