Yes, visitors can open a bank account in the US, but the process depends on your visa status and how long you plan to stay

A visitor on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2), student visa (F-1), or work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1) can open a checking or savings account at most US banks. The bank will ask for identification, proof of address, and a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have either yet, some banks will still open an account using your passport and visa, though this varies by institution and state.

The main barrier is not your visa status—it's documentation. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address before opening an account. This process, called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, applies to everyone, not just visitors. What changes for visitors is which documents banks will accept as proof.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major US banks will open an account for visitors on valid visas, but smaller regional banks may decline.
  • You will need a passport, visa, and either a Social Security Number, ITIN, or a letter from your employer or school as proof of US address.
  • Some banks require an ITIN before opening an account; others will open one with just your passport and visa, then ask you to provide an ITIN later.
  • Online banks are often stricter about requiring a US address and Social Security Number, so in-person banking at a physical branch is usually faster for visitors.
  • Once your account is open, you can use it to receive direct deposits, pay bills, and transfer money internationally, though wire fees and currency conversion rates vary by bank.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your passport and visa as primary identification. Banks will photocopy these and verify them against federal databases. If you have already received a Social Security Number, bring that card or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. If you don't have a Social Security Number yet, bring a letter from your employer, university, or visa sponsor stating your name, visa type, and expected length of stay in the US. This letter serves as proof of your US address and ties you to a legitimate reason for being in the country.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead. If you are staying with a host family or friend, ask them for a letter confirming your address and the dates you will be living there. Some banks will accept a hotel reservation or Airbnb confirmation as temporary proof of address, though this works better if you are opening the account in person at a branch in that city.

If you are applying for an ITIN because you don't yet have a Social Security Number, you can bring Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) along with your other documents. The bank may accept this as evidence that you have applied for an ITIN, even if you haven't received the number yet. Call the bank's main line before you visit to confirm what they will accept.

Banks that accept visitors without a Social Security Number

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have branches nationwide and generally open accounts for visitors. Chase and Bank of America are the most visitor-friendly; they will often open an account with just a passport, visa, and proof of address, then ask you to provide a Social Security Number or ITIN within 30 to 90 days. Citibank has a specific program for international customers and may waive certain fees for visa holders.

Regional banks vary widely. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks will not open accounts for anyone without a Social Security Number or ITIN. Before you visit a branch, call ahead and ask whether they open accounts for visitors on temporary visas. Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab almost always require a US Social Security Number or ITIN and a US address, so they are not a practical option if you don't have either yet.

If a bank declines to open an account, ask whether they have a waiting period or whether you can reapply once you have received your Social Security Number or ITIN. Some banks will put you on a list and contact you when you are may be able to access.

How to get a Social Security Number or ITIN before opening an account

If you are on an F-1 student visa or H-1B work visa, your school or employer can help you apply for a Social Security Number. Students should contact their international student office; workers should ask their HR department. The application is free and takes about two weeks to process once submitted. You will receive a card in the mail with your nine-digit number.

If you are on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or another visa type that does not automatically may have access to you for a Social Security Number, you can apply for an ITIN instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes and is accepted by most banks as a substitute for a Social Security Number. You apply by mailing Form W-7 to the IRS along with proof of identity (your passport) and proof of US address. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. Some tax preparation services and immigration attorneys can submit the form in person at an IRS office, which speeds up the process to one to two weeks.

You do not need to have filed taxes or owe taxes to get an ITIN. The IRS issues ITINs to anyone with a valid reason to be in the US and a need for a tax identification number. Once you have an ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account, apply for a credit card, or file taxes.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can use this card to withdraw cash, make purchases, and pay bills online. If you need to receive money from outside the US, you can provide your account number and routing number to the sender, or you can set up a wire transfer through your home bank.

Incoming wire transfers typically arrive within one to three business days and cost $0 to $15 depending on the bank. Outgoing wire transfers (sending money out of the US) cost $15 to $50 and may take two to five business days. If you need to send money home frequently, ask the bank about their international transfer options; some offer lower rates for regular transfers or partnerships with banks in your home country.

If the bank asks you to provide a Social Security Number or ITIN after opening the account, do so within the timeframe they give you—usually 30 to 90 days. If you don't, the bank may freeze the account or close it. If you are still waiting for your Social Security Number or ITIN, contact the bank and ask for an extension; most will grant one if you can show proof that you have applied.

Fees and account minimums for visitors

Most major banks do not charge monthly maintenance fees on basic checking accounts, though some require a minimum opening deposit (usually $25 to $100) or a minimum balance to avoid fees. Ask about this before you open the account. Some banks waive fees for students or employees of partner companies, so mention your visa type when you apply.

ATM fees vary. If you use an ATM outside your bank's network, you will typically pay $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees; others do not. If you plan to withdraw cash frequently, choose a bank with many branches or ATMs near where you live or work.

International wire transfer fees are higher than domestic transfers. Expect to pay $15 to $50 to send money out of the US and $0 to $15 to receive money. Some banks charge a percentage of the transfer amount (usually 1% to 2%) in addition to a flat fee. Before you open an account, ask about international transfer costs if you know you will need to send money home.

What to do if a bank declines to open an account

If a bank says no, ask why. The most common reasons are: you don't have a Social Security Number or ITIN, you don't have proof of a US address, or your visa type is not one the bank typically serves. If it is a Social Security Number or ITIN issue, ask whether you can reapply once you have one. If it is an address issue, provide a letter from your host, employer, or school. If it is a visa type issue, try a different bank—regional banks and credit unions have different policies.

If you are having trouble, contact your visa sponsor (your school, employer, or the visa issuing agency) and ask whether they have a list of banks that work with visitors. Many schools and large employers have relationships with specific banks and can fast-track your account opening. You can also search online for "banks that open accounts for international visitors" or "banks that accept ITIN" to find options in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa without a Social Security Number?

Yes, but it depends on the bank. Chase and Bank of America will usually open an account with just a passport, visa, and proof of address, then ask you to provide a Social Security Number or ITIN within 30 to 90 days. Smaller banks and online banks are stricter. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy before you visit.

How long does it take to open a bank account as a visitor?

In-person at a branch, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will walk out with a debit card number the same day, though the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Online applications take longer because the bank cannot verify your identity in person and may require additional documents.

Can I use my passport as proof of address?

No, your passport shows your home country address, not your US address. You need a separate document showing where you are living in the US—a lease, utility bill, hotel reservation, or letter from your host or employer. If you just arrived and don't have any of these yet, ask your host to write a letter confirming your address and the dates you will be staying.

What if I leave the US before my account is closed?

You can keep the account open and use it remotely. You can access it online, receive direct deposits, and pay bills from anywhere. If you need to close it, you can do so online or by calling the bank. Make sure to withdraw any remaining balance or arrange for the bank to send you a check.

Can I get a credit card as a visitor?

Most credit card companies require a Social Security Number or ITIN and a US credit history. Once you have opened a bank account and had it for a few months, you may be able to apply for a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit as collateral. This helps you build a US credit history before you leave.