Yes, you can open a bank account as a foreigner, but the process depends on your visa status and the bank you choose
Most US banks will open a checking or savings account for you if you have a valid passport and a US address. You do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident. What you do need varies by bank — some require a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), others do not. A few banks have specific programs for international customers; most treat you the same as any other customer once you walk in with the right documents.
The real barrier is usually not the bank but the paperwork. You will need to prove who you are, where you live, and sometimes why you are in the country. If you do not have a US address yet, some banks will let you use a temporary one — a hotel, an employer's office, or a friend's address. If you do not have an ITIN or Social Security Number, you have options, but they narrow your choices.
Key Takeaways
- Most major US banks will open an account for you with a valid passport and a US address, regardless of citizenship status.
- You will need either a Social Security Number, an ITIN, or a passport and visa to open an account; requirements vary by bank.
- Some banks specialize in serving international customers and have faster, simpler processes than traditional banks.
- Online banks generally have fewer document requirements than brick-and-mortar banks, though they may not accept all visa types.
- If you cannot get a traditional bank account, a prepaid card or money transfer service can hold and move money while you work on other options.
What documents you need to bring
Start with a valid passport — this is the one document every bank will accept. Bring the original, not a copy. Some banks will also want to see your visa or entry stamp to confirm your legal status in the US. If you have a US address, bring proof of it: a lease, a utility bill, a letter from your employer, or a hotel confirmation. If you do not have one yet, call the bank before you go in and ask whether they will accept a temporary address.
Next, the tax ID question. If you have a Social Security Number, bring the card or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), bring the IRS letter that assigned it to you. If you have neither, tell the bank upfront — some will still open an account, others will not. Banks are required to verify your identity under federal law, but the method they use to do that is up to them.
Bring a second form of ID if you have one: a driver's license from your home country, an international student ID, or a work permit. This is not always required, but it speeds things up. Have your home address written down too, even though you will not use it for the account — some banks ask for it as part of their verification process.
Banks that work with international customers
Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will open accounts for foreigners, but each has different rules. Chase requires an ITIN or Social Security Number and a US address; they do not have a special international program. Bank of America has an International Student Account that does not require an ITIN if you have a valid student visa and a US address. Wells Fargo requires an ITIN or Social Security Number.
Citibank has a Global Transfers program specifically for people moving to the US from countries where Citibank operates. If you have an account with Citibank in your home country, you can transfer it to the US without an ITIN, though you will still need a US address and a valid visa. This is the fastest route if it is available to you.
Online banks like Chime, SoFi, and Ally generally have simpler requirements than traditional banks. Many do not require an ITIN if you have a valid visa and passport. However, some online banks do not accept certain visa types — H-1B holders usually have no problem, but tourist visas can be trickier. Call or check the bank's website before you start the process.
Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number
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 do not need to be working to get one — you can get an ITIN just to open a bank account. The process takes four to six weeks if you apply by mail, or one day if you apply in person at an IRS office.
To apply by mail, fill out Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and mail it to the IRS with a copy of your passport and visa. The IRS will send you a letter with your ITIN. To apply in person, find your nearest IRS office using the IRS locator tool on irs.gov, bring your original passport and visa, and they will issue the number on the spot. Some IRS offices require an appointment; others take walk-ins. Call ahead to check.
Once you have an ITIN, you can open a bank account at almost any US bank. The ITIN stays with you as long as you are in the country and is tied to your tax filings, not your immigration status. If you leave the US, you do not need to close the account or cancel the ITIN — you can keep the account open and use it remotely.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online banks are faster — you can open an account in 10 to 15 minutes from your phone or computer. You upload a photo of your passport, answer questions about your address and income, and the account is usually active within one business day. In-person banks take longer but give you a chance to ask questions and confirm what documents you need before you hand anything over.
The trade-off is flexibility. Online banks have stricter rules about what they will accept. If your visa type is unusual or your address situation is temporary, an in-person bank is more likely to work with you. In-person banks also let you deposit cash immediately, whereas online banks usually require a transfer from another account to fund your first deposit.
If you are in a hurry, start with an online bank. If you need to deposit cash or have questions about your specific situation, go to a branch. You can always open both — many people do, using the online bank for everyday spending and the branch bank for cash deposits.
What to do if a bank turns you down
If a bank says no, ask why. The most common reasons are: no ITIN or Social Security Number, no US address, or visa type not accepted. If it is the ITIN, you now know to get one and try again. If it is the address, ask whether they will accept a temporary one or a letter from your employer. If it is the visa type, try a different bank — not all banks have the same rules.
If you cannot get a traditional bank account, you have other options. Prepaid cards like Chime, NetSpend, or Wise do not require an ITIN and can be loaded with money from a transfer or a direct deposit. They work like a debit card and let you spend money, but they do not build credit and do not earn interest. Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly let you send money to and from your home country and hold it in a US account, though they are not full banks.
Once you have a Social Security Number or ITIN, or once your visa situation changes, you can move to a traditional bank. Many people start with a prepaid card or money transfer service and upgrade later.
Building credit as a foreigner
Opening a bank account does not build credit — credit is separate. To build a US credit history, you need a credit card or a loan. Many banks will not issue a credit card to someone without a Social Security Number or ITIN, and some will not issue one to someone on a temporary visa.
If you have an ITIN, you can get a secured credit card from most banks. You deposit money as collateral, and the bank issues you a card with a credit limit equal to your deposit. You use the card like a normal card, pay the bill on time, and after six to twelve months the bank converts it to a regular card and returns your deposit. This builds credit history that will help you later if you want to rent an apartment, buy a car, or get a mortgage.
If you do not have an ITIN yet, some credit unions will issue a card to someone with just a passport and visa. Credit unions are smaller, member-owned banks that sometimes have more flexible rules than big banks. Search for credit unions in your area and call to ask whether they offer cards to international customers.
Keeping your account open if you leave the US
Most US banks will let you keep your account open after you leave the country. You can still use it to receive money, pay bills, and make transfers. You cannot usually deposit cash or use a debit card at a branch, but online transfers work fine. Some banks charge a monthly fee if your account is inactive for a long time — usually six months to a year — so log in occasionally or set up a small automatic transfer to keep it active.
If you want to close the account, you can do it online or by calling the bank. They will send any remaining balance to an address you provide, usually by check. If you are moving back to your home country, ask the bank whether they can transfer the money to an international account or send it by wire transfer — this is faster than waiting for a check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account?
No. You can open an account with an ITIN, a valid passport and visa, or sometimes just a passport. Requirements vary by bank. Some banks require an ITIN or Social Security Number; others do not. Call the bank before you go in to confirm what they need.
Can I open an account with a tourist visa?
Yes, most banks will open an account for someone on a tourist visa as long as you have a US address and a valid passport. Some online banks are stricter about visa type and may decline tourist visas. Traditional banks are usually more flexible. Call ahead to ask.
How long does it take to open an account?
Online banks take 10 to 15 minutes to apply and one business day to activate. In-person banks take 30 minutes to an hour in the branch. If you need an ITIN first, add four to six weeks by mail or one day if you apply in person at an IRS office.
Can I use someone else's address if I do not have my own?
Yes, many banks will accept a temporary address like a hotel, an employer's office, or a friend's address. Call the bank first to confirm they will accept it. You may need to update the address later once you have a permanent one.
What happens to my account if my visa expires?
Your account stays open. The bank does not close it based on visa status. However, if you leave the country and the account becomes inactive, some banks may charge a monthly fee or close it after a long period of no activity. Log in occasionally or set up a small transfer to keep it active.