Bank of America will open a checking account for a foreign national, but you need a U.S. tax ID and proof of address

Bank of America does open checking accounts for people who are not U.S. citizens. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but the requirements are stricter than they are for U.S. citizens. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN), a valid passport or government-issued ID, and proof of a U.S. address.

The account itself works the same way as any other Bank of America checking account once it is open. You get a debit card, online banking, and access to ATMs. The difference is in what you have to show before they will let you open it. Bank of America does not require you to be a permanent resident or have a visa—you can be a visitor, a student, or someone on a work visa. What matters is that you can prove who you are and that you have a reason to have a U.S. address.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America requires an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or SSN, a valid passport, and proof of a U.S. address to open a checking account as a foreign national.
  • You can apply in person at a Bank of America branch or online, depending on your visa status and the documents you have available.
  • If you do not yet have an ITIN, you can apply through the IRS before opening the account, or ask the bank whether they will hold your application while you obtain one.
  • Bank of America may place a hold on deposits or flag international transfers for review, which is standard practice and not specific to foreign nationals.

What documents you need to bring

Start with a valid passport or government-issued ID from your home country. Bank of America will not accept an expired ID, and the ID must have your photograph on it. If you have a U.S. visa, bring that too—it helps, though it is not required.

Next, you need proof of a U.S. address. A lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and address will work. The document should be recent—usually within the last 60 days. If you are staying with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, ask the person you are staying with for a letter on their letterhead confirming that you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease.

The third piece is a tax ID. If you have a Social Security Number, bring that. If you do not, you will need an ITIN. The ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for an SSN. You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7, which takes several weeks. Some Bank of America branches will open an account while your ITIN application is pending, but this varies by location—call ahead to ask.

How to open the account in person or online

The easiest route is to walk into a Bank of America branch with your documents and ask to open a checking account. Bring your passport, proof of address, and your SSN or ITIN. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The banker will verify your information, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and set up your account on the spot. You will leave with a debit card or a temporary card number you can use immediately.

If you want to open an account online, Bank of America's website will ask for your SSN or ITIN during signup. If you do not have one yet, the online process will stop. In that case, you have two choices: go to a branch in person, or apply for an ITIN first and then return to open the account online. Some branches are more flexible about this than others, so calling ahead saves a trip.

When you go to the branch, bring all your documents in originals, not copies. Bank of America will make copies for their file, but they need to see the originals to verify they are real.

What happens if you do not have an ITIN yet

If you are new to the United States and do not have an ITIN or SSN, you have two paths. The first is to apply for an ITIN before you open the account. You file Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or in person at an IRS office or an authorized acceptance agent. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail, sometimes faster in person. Once you have the ITIN, you can open the account.

The second path is to ask the Bank of America branch whether they will hold your application while you get an ITIN. Not all branches do this, and it is not a formal Bank of America policy—it depends on the manager. If they agree, they will take your information and documents, and you will come back with your ITIN once you receive it. This can save you a trip if the branch is willing.

Do not try to open an account without a tax ID. Bank of America will not do it, and providing false information on the application is a federal crime.

Deposits, transfers, and how the bank treats foreign nationals

Once your account is open, deposits and withdrawals work the same way as they do for any customer. You can use the debit card at any ATM, deposit checks through the mobile app, and transfer money between your own accounts online.

International transfers—money coming in from outside the United States—may be held for review. Bank of America flags large or unusual transfers as part of federal anti-money-laundering rules. This is not because you are a foreign national; the bank does this for all customers. A hold usually lasts one to three business days. If you are expecting a large transfer, call the bank ahead of time and let them know it is coming. That can speed up the process.

Some deposits may also be held if they are large or if the bank has not seen activity on your account before. Again, this is standard. The hold does not mean the money is gone—it means the bank is verifying the source before making it available to you.

Fees and account types

Bank of America offers several checking account types. The most common are the Basic Checking account and the Preferred Rewards Checking account. Basic Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Preferred Rewards Checking requires a higher balance but waives fees for customers who have other Bank of America products or meet certain balance thresholds.

Both accounts charge overdraft fees if you spend more than you have, and both charge fees for things like wire transfers or stopping a check. These fees are the same for foreign nationals as they are for U.S. citizens. Read the fee schedule on the Bank of America website or ask at the branch before you open the account so you know what to expect.

What to do if the bank says no

Bank of America may decline to open an account if you fail the ChexSystems check—that is, if you have a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank. They may also decline if they cannot verify your identity or address. If this happens, ask the banker why. Get the specific reason in writing if you can.

If the reason is a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute it. ChexSystems has a process for challenging inaccurate information. If the reason is that you do not have enough documentation, ask what additional documents would help. Sometimes a letter from your employer or your school can substitute for a utility bill.

If Bank of America will not open an account, other banks may be more flexible. Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes have fewer restrictions for foreign nationals. You can also ask whether Bank of America will reconsider after you have been in the country for a few months and have more documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. visa to open a Bank of America checking account?

No. Bank of America does not require a visa. You need a valid passport, proof of a U.S. address, and a tax ID (SSN or ITIN). A visa helps prove your legal status, but the bank's main concern is verifying who you are and that you have a reason to have a U.S. address.

Can I open an account if I am visiting the U.S. for just a few weeks?

Yes, if you have a U.S. address during your stay. The address does not have to be permanent. If you are staying in a hotel or with a friend, that counts. You will still need a tax ID, which is harder to get quickly if you do not already have one.

What if my passport is expiring soon?

Bank of America will still accept it as long as it is not expired on the day you apply. If it expires within a few months, the bank may ask for a second form of ID. Bring your visa or any other government-issued ID you have.

Will the bank report my account to my home country?

No. Bank of America reports to U.S. tax authorities only. However, if you are a citizen of certain countries, you may have tax obligations in your home country as well. That is a question for a tax professional, not the bank.

How long does it take to open the account?

In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Online, a few minutes if you already have an ITIN or SSN. If you need to apply for an ITIN first, add four to six weeks for that process.