Yes, but the bank will ask for more documents than it asks a U.S. citizen

A foreigner can open a U.S. bank account at most major banks and credit unions, but the process is slower and requires proof of identity and address that a U.S. resident might not need. Banks are required by federal law to verify who you are and where you live before they open an account — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. For a foreigner, that verification is harder because your documents come from another country.

The real barrier is not whether banks will take you. It is that you need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of a U.S. address (even a temporary one), and often a U.S. tax identification number. Some banks will open an account for you in person at a branch. Others will not open accounts for non-residents online. A few banks have built processes specifically for foreigners and expats, but they are the exception.

Your status matters: whether you are a visa holder, a permanent resident, a student, or a tourist changes which documents you can provide and which banks will take you. A student with an F-1 visa has an easier path than a tourist on a visitor visa, because the student has a U.S. address and a reason to stay.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid passport, proof of a U.S. address, and a tax ID number (ITIN or SSN) — most banks will not open an account without all three.
  • In-person applications at a bank branch are more likely to succeed than online applications, because the bank can verify your identity face-to-face.
  • Some banks accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security Number, but you must request one from the IRS first.
  • A few banks and credit unions specialize in accounts for expats and visa holders; calling ahead to confirm they accept your visa type saves time.
  • Even after approval, your account may have lower limits on transfers and withdrawals until the bank has seen activity over several months.

What documents you need to bring

Every bank will ask for a valid passport or national ID card. This is your primary identity document. A driver's license from your home country is not enough on its own, though some banks will accept it as a secondary document. Your passport must not be expired, and the bank will photocopy it or scan it.

You also need proof of a U.S. address. A lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement works. If you are staying with a friend or family member, ask them for a letter on their letterhead stating that you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill or lease showing their name and address. Some banks will accept a hotel confirmation or an Airbnb receipt if you are still in transit, but this is less reliable — call the bank first to ask.

The third requirement is a U.S. tax ID. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), bring that. If you do not have an SSN and do not plan to work in the U.S., you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. An ITIN takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail after you submit Form W-7. Some banks will open an account while you are waiting for your ITIN if you show them your IRS receipt notice (the paper the IRS gives you when you submit the form). Others will not. Ask before you apply.

Which banks accept foreigners and which do not

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will open accounts for foreigners, but their policies vary by branch and by visa type. Some branches are stricter than others. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are often more flexible, especially if you have a local address or a connection to the community.

A few banks have built specific programs for expats and visa holders. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a bank but offers a U.S. account number and routing number to non-residents; you can receive direct deposits and ACH transfers, though you cannot withdraw cash at an ATM. Revolut and N26 are digital banks that accept some visa types. These are not traditional banks, so they have limits on what you can do, but they are faster to open than a brick-and-mortar account.

Credit unions sometimes have looser rules than banks because they are member-owned and can make decisions locally. If you have a job, a school enrollment, or a family member in the U.S., look for a credit union near your workplace or school — you may be able to join based on that connection, and then open an account more easily.

Call the bank or credit union before you go in. Tell them you are a foreigner with a specific visa type (student, work visa, tourist, etc.) and ask whether they will open an account for you. This saves you a trip if the answer is no.

How the application works in person versus online

In-person applications are faster and more likely to succeed. Bring your passport, proof of address, and tax ID (or IRS receipt if you are waiting for an ITIN). The bank will verify your identity on the spot, photocopy your documents, and often open the account the same day. You will leave with a debit card or a temporary card number, and your account will be active within hours.

Online applications are harder for foreigners because the bank cannot verify your identity in real time. Many banks will reject an online application from a non-U.S. address or will ask you to come to a branch anyway. If you try online, use a U.S. address (even if it is temporary) and be prepared to call the bank to complete the process by phone.

Some banks require you to make an initial deposit before they open the account. This is usually $25 to $100. Have a way to transfer money into the account — a wire transfer from your home bank, a transfer from Wise or another money transfer service, or a credit card deposit if the bank allows it.

What happens after your account opens

Your account will open, but it may have restrictions. The bank may set a daily withdrawal limit of $500 or $1,000 and a daily transfer limit of $2,500 or $5,000. These limits usually lift after 30 to 90 days of normal activity, once the bank has seen that you are using the account as expected.

You will receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or ACH transfers. You cannot withdraw cash at an ATM until your card arrives.

If you are a visa holder, your account will stay open as long as you maintain it, even if your visa expires. However, if you leave the U.S. and do not use the account for a long time (usually 12 months or more), the bank may close it for inactivity. Keep the account active by making at least one transaction every few months, or let the bank know you are abroad and plan to return.

Moving money into and out of your U.S. account

Once your account is open, you can receive money from abroad through a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or a money transfer service. Wire transfers are fastest (usually 1 to 3 business days) but cost $15 to $50. ACH transfers are cheaper (often free) but take 3 to 5 business days. Money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly are often cheaper than wire transfers for large amounts and faster than ACH.

Sending money out of the U.S. works the same way in reverse. You can wire money to your home country, use a money transfer service, or set up an ACH transfer if your home bank accepts it. The bank will ask you to provide the recipient's bank details and may ask why you are sending the money (this is anti-money-laundering compliance, not suspicion of wrongdoing).

ATM withdrawals are straightforward once your debit card arrives. You can use any ATM in the U.S., though your bank may charge a fee if it is not one of their ATMs ($2 to $3 is typical). Some banks offer fee-free ATM networks — ask about this when you open the account.

Visa types and what they mean for your account

Your visa type affects which banks will take you and what documents you can provide. A student visa (F-1) is the easiest because you have a U.S. address (your school) and a clear reason to stay. Most banks will open an account for an F-1 student with a passport, proof of enrollment, and proof of address at the school or nearby.

A work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1) is also straightforward because your employer is sponsoring you and you have a U.S. address and an SSN (or will get one). Bring your passport, visa, employment letter, and proof of address.

A visitor visa (B-1/B-2) is harder because you have no fixed address and no clear reason to stay long-term. Some banks will still open an account if you have a U.S. address (even a temporary one) and a tax ID, but others will refuse. Call ahead.

A permanent resident (green card) is treated almost like a U.S. citizen. You have an SSN and a U.S. address, so the process is the same as for anyone else.

What to do if a bank refuses you

If a bank says no, ask why. The answer will usually be one of these: you do not have a U.S. address, you do not have a tax ID, your visa type is not one they accept, or you cannot verify your identity. Each of these has a workaround.

If you do not have a U.S. address, get one. This might mean staying with a friend or family member, renting a room, or using a mail forwarding service (though some banks will not accept a mail forwarding address). A temporary address is better than no address.

If you do not have a tax ID, request an ITIN from the IRS. This takes time, but it opens doors at banks that require one.

If your visa type is the problem, try a different bank or a credit union. Some are more flexible than others.

If you cannot verify your identity, go in person. A bank teller can verify you face-to-face in ways an online system cannot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Request Form W-7 from the IRS, and they will mail you an ITIN in four to six weeks. Some banks will open an account while you wait if you show them your IRS receipt notice. Others will not, so call first.

Can I open a bank account online if I am a foreigner?

It is harder online than in person. Many banks will reject an online application from a non-U.S. address or will ask you to visit a branch to verify your identity. Your best bet is to go to a branch in person with your passport, proof of address, and tax ID.

What if I do not have a permanent U.S. address yet?

Use a temporary address: a hotel, Airbnb, friend's house, or mail forwarding service. Ask the bank first whether they accept temporary addresses. Once you have a permanent address, you can update it online or at a branch.

Can I keep my account open if I leave the U.S.?

Yes. Your account will stay open as long as you keep it active. If you do not use it for 12 months or more, the bank may close it for inactivity. Make at least one transaction every few months, or contact the bank to let them know you are abroad.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, usually the same day. Online, it can take several days to a week, and the bank may ask you to call or visit a branch to complete the process. Have your documents ready and call the bank first to confirm they accept your visa type.