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

Most US banks will open an account for a visitor, but they require proof of identity and a US address. A passport works as ID. For the address, you can use a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's house, or a temporary address — the bank needs somewhere to mail statements and tax forms. Some banks ask fewer questions than others, and some have specific programs for non-residents or international customers.

The real barrier is not whether banks will let you open an account. It is that you need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number to avoid tax complications later. Getting an ITIN takes time and requires you to file a form with the IRS. If you are staying only a few weeks, opening a bank account may not be worth the effort — a prepaid card or a money transfer service might serve you better.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major US banks will open a checking or savings account for a visitor with a valid passport and a US address, even if temporary.
  • You will need either a Social Security Number or an ITIN to open an account without triggering tax reporting issues later.
  • Getting an ITIN requires filing Form W-7 with the IRS and can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need one.
  • Some banks, including Bank of America and Citibank, have specific programs or lower barriers for international visitors.
  • If you are staying fewer than 30 days, a prepaid debit card or peer-to-peer transfer service may be simpler than a bank account.

What ID and address you need to bring

Bring your passport as your primary ID. US banks accept foreign passports without requiring a state ID or driver's license. Some banks may also ask for a second form of ID — a credit card from your home country, an international driver's license, or a student ID can work, though policies vary by bank and branch.

For the address, tell the bank where you are staying. If you are in a hotel, use the hotel's address. If you are renting an Airbnb or staying with a friend, use that address. The bank will mail statements and tax forms there, so make sure you can receive mail at that location or arrange to pick it up. Some banks now offer paperless statements, which removes this requirement.

Bring proof of your address if the bank asks. A hotel confirmation email, an Airbnb booking, or a utility bill in your name (if you have one) will do. If you are staying with someone, a letter from them on their letterhead stating you live there can work, though not all banks accept this.

Why you need an ITIN or Social Security Number

A bank account in the US generates tax documents. When you deposit money or earn interest, the bank reports it to the IRS using a tax ID number. If you do not have one, the bank cannot open the account — or it will flag your account for tax purposes later, which creates problems when you try to withdraw money or close the account.

If you have a Social Security Number (because you worked in the US or have a green card), use that. If you do not, you need an ITIN. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to non-residents and non-citizens who need to file taxes or report income. You do not need to be working to get one — you can get an ITIN simply to open a bank account.

To get an ITIN, file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file by mail or, in some cases, through an IRS-authorized agent in your country. Filing by mail takes four to six weeks. You will need to include your passport as proof of identity. Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN application is pending, but most will not — ask before you apply.

Which banks accept visitors and what they require

Bank of America has a program called Global Transfers that lets international visitors open accounts. You need a passport, a US address, and either a Social Security Number or ITIN. They do not require an ITIN application to be pending — you need the number in hand.

Citibank has a CitiGold account for international customers. Requirements are similar: passport, US address, and a tax ID. Citibank is more flexible about the address requirement than some competitors.

Chase will open accounts for visitors but requires a Social Security Number or ITIN. They do not have a dedicated international program, so the process is the same as for US residents. Some Chase branches are stricter than others about enforcing this rule.

Wells Fargo requires a Social Security Number or ITIN and a US address. They have fewer branches than Bank of America or Chase, so your options may be limited depending on where you are staying.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely. Some will open accounts for visitors with just a passport and address. Others require a Social Security Number or ITIN. Call ahead before you visit a branch.

Timeline: how long it takes from start to account open

If you already have a Social Security Number or ITIN, opening an account takes one to three business days. You walk into a branch, show your documents, sign paperwork, and the account is active the same day or the next business day. You can start using a debit card within a week.

If you need to get an ITIN first, add four to six weeks. File Form W-7 by mail, wait for the IRS to process it, receive your ITIN, then go to the bank. If you file through an IRS-authorized agent in your home country before you travel, you can have the ITIN before you arrive in the US.

Some banks will let you open an account with a pending ITIN application, but this is rare. Ask the bank directly before you file the form.

Alternatives if opening a bank account is too slow or complicated

If you are staying fewer than 30 days or do not want to deal with an ITIN, a prepaid debit card is faster. You can buy one at a drugstore or online, load it with money, and use it immediately. No ID beyond a passport is required at most retailers. The card works like a debit card at ATMs and stores, but you do not get a bank account or interest on your balance.

Peer-to-peer transfer services like PayPal, Wise, or Remitly let you send and receive money without a bank account. You create an account online using your passport, and money arrives in your home country bank account or to a card. These services are useful if you are receiving money from the US or paying bills back home, but they do not replace a bank account for daily spending.

Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram let you pick up cash at physical locations across the US. This is useful if someone is sending you money, but it is expensive and does not build a banking relationship.

What happens to your account when you leave the US

Your account does not close automatically when your visa expires or you leave the country. You can keep it open and use it remotely — deposit checks by phone, transfer money online, and withdraw from ATMs. However, the bank may freeze or close your account if you do not use it for a long time or if your address becomes invalid.

Tell the bank before you leave that you are moving abroad. Update your address to your home country address or a US address where you can still receive mail. Some banks charge monthly fees for accounts that are not actively used, so check your account agreement.

If you want to close the account, visit a branch or call the bank's customer service line. They will ask you to withdraw your balance or transfer it, then close the account. This takes a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no Social Security Number?

Most banks will not let you without a Social Security Number or ITIN. Some smaller banks or credit unions may make exceptions, but this is uncommon. Your best option is to get an ITIN before you apply, or ask the bank if they will let you open an account while your ITIN application is pending.

Do I need to be a US citizen or permanent resident to open an account?

No. Visitors on any visa status can open an account as long as they have a valid passport, a US address, and a tax ID number. The bank does not check your immigration status.

What if the bank asks for a state ID or driver's license?

Tell them you do not have one because you are a visitor. Offer your passport instead. If they refuse, try a different bank — most will accept a passport alone. Some branches of the same bank have different policies, so calling ahead can save you a trip.

Can I use a hotel address if I am only staying a few days?

Yes, but make sure the bank can mail statements there or that you have paperless statements set up. If you are moving to a different hotel, update your address with the bank before you leave the first one.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most banks require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100. Some accounts have no minimum. Ask the bank what their requirement is before you visit.