Visitors can open a bank account in the USA, but the process and account type depend on your visa status and how long you plan to stay

Yes, you can open a bank account as a visitor to the United States. Most banks will open an account for you if you have a valid passport and a visa that shows you are legally in the country. The specific requirements vary by bank and by your immigration status — a tourist on an ESTA or visa waiver faces different rules than someone on a student visa or work visa.

The main barrier is not your visitor status itself, but proof of identity and a U.S. address. Banks need both to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you do not yet have a permanent address, you can use your hotel, hostel, or the address of a friend or family member you are staying with. Some banks will also accept a temporary address and update it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks will open a checking or savings account for visitors with a valid passport and visa, though some require an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or SSN (Social Security Number).
  • You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of a U.S. address (which can be temporary), and often a second form of ID such as a driver's license from your home country.
  • Tourist visas and visa waivers make opening an account harder than student or work visas, because banks see you as higher-risk; some banks refuse tourists entirely.
  • Online banks often have fewer address and ID requirements than brick-and-mortar banks, but may not let you open an account without a U.S. phone number or SSN.
  • If a bank refuses you, try credit unions or online banks; if you cannot open a traditional account, prepaid debit cards and money transfer services are alternatives.

What banks need from you to open an account

Every bank will ask for a valid passport and proof of your U.S. address. The address does not have to be permanent — it can be a hotel, an Airbnb, a hostel, or the home of someone you are staying with. Write down the full address, including the zip code, before you go to the bank.

Most banks will also ask for a second form of ID. A driver's license from your home country works. If you do not have one, bring any government-issued ID with your photo on it. Some banks will accept a visa stamp in your passport as your second ID.

Many banks will ask for a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they will open an account without it. Some will; others will not. If the bank requires one and you do not have it, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS, but the process takes several weeks.

Which banks are most likely to accept visitors

Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will open accounts for visitors, but their policies vary by branch and by your visa type. Call ahead or visit a branch in person to ask whether they accept tourists. Some branches refuse; others do not.

Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. They may have fewer federal compliance requirements and may be willing to work with you on the address and ID questions. Search for a credit union near you using the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union's branch locator.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab have lower overhead and sometimes fewer address requirements, but many require a U.S. phone number and an SSN or ITIN to open an account online. Some will let you open an account by phone or video call if you do not have an SSN yet.

Tourist visas versus work and student visas

Banks treat tourists differently from people on work or student visas. A tourist on an ESTA (visa waiver) or a B-1/B-2 tourist visa is seen as higher-risk because you are not staying long and have no employer or school to verify. A student on an F-1 visa or a worker on an H-1B visa has a sponsor and a longer stay, which makes banks more comfortable.

If you are on a student or work visa, bring your visa and your I-20 form (for students) or I-797 form (for workers). These documents show the bank that you have a legitimate reason to be in the country and a known address through your school or employer. This makes the account approval much faster.

If you are a tourist, be prepared for more questions and a longer process. Some banks will ask why you need an account, how long you are staying, and what you plan to use it for. Answer honestly. If you say you are staying three weeks and need to receive a wire transfer, that is a normal reason and banks will accept it.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have an SSN

An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. You can use it to open a bank account even if you are not planning to work or file taxes in the United States.

To apply for an ITIN, you fill out Form W-7 and send it to the IRS by mail with copies of your passport and visa. The IRS will mail you a letter with your ITIN within four to six weeks. You cannot apply online, and you cannot get one in person at a bank or IRS office.

If you need a bank account before your ITIN arrives, ask the bank whether they will open an account and add the ITIN later. Some will; some will not. If they will not, you may have to wait or try a different bank.

Alternatives if banks refuse you

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, you have other options for receiving and spending money in the United States.

Prepaid debit cards do not require an SSN or ITIN and can be loaded with money from your home country. You can buy them at drugstores and supermarkets. They work like a debit card but do not give you a bank account. You cannot deposit checks or receive wire transfers to a prepaid card, but you can use it to pay for things and withdraw cash at ATMs.

Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram let you receive money from abroad without a bank account. Someone in your home country sends money, and you pick it up in cash at a Western Union or MoneyGram location in the United States. The fees are high, but it works if you only need to receive money a few times.

Digital wallets like PayPal and Google Pay do not require a bank account to set up, though you will need to link a payment method (a credit card from your home country, for example) to use them. You can receive money to a PayPal account and withdraw it to a debit card or bank account later.

What happens after you open the account

Once the bank approves you, they will give you a debit card, a checkbook (if you opened a checking account), and online banking access. Your debit card usually arrives in five to seven business days. You can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs and pay for things at stores and online.

If you change your address before you leave the country, update it with the bank. If you leave the country and want to keep the account open, you can. Most banks will let you keep a U.S. bank account even if you move abroad, though some charge a fee for inactive accounts or accounts held by non-residents. Ask the bank about their policy before you leave.

If you plan to close the account before you leave, do it in person at a branch or by phone. The bank will give you any remaining balance as a check or transfer it to another account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account as a visitor?

No, but many banks require one. If a bank asks for an SSN and you do not have one, ask whether they will accept an ITIN instead. Some banks will; some will not. If no bank in your area will work with you, try a credit union or online bank, or use a prepaid debit card as a temporary solution.

Can I open a bank account with just a hotel address?

Yes. Write down the full hotel address, including the zip code, and bring it with you. The bank does not verify that you actually live there — they just need a U.S. address for their records. If you move to a different hotel, you can update the address later online or by phone.

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

If you go to a branch in person with all your documents, you can usually open an account the same day. Online applications take longer because the bank has to verify your identity by mail or video call, which can take three to five business days. Call the bank first to ask what they need from you.

What if I need to receive a wire transfer before my debit card arrives?

Tell the bank you need to receive a wire transfer and ask whether they can process it before your debit card arrives. Most banks can deposit a wire transfer to your account immediately, even if your card has not arrived yet. You can then withdraw the money at an ATM or ask the bank to issue you a temporary card.

Can I keep my U.S. bank account after I leave the country?

Yes, most banks will let you keep the account open. However, some charge a monthly fee for accounts held by non-residents, and some close accounts that have no activity for a long time. Ask the bank about their policy before you leave, and keep making small transactions if you want to keep the account active.