Yes, non-citizens can open a US bank account, but the process and requirements depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose

Most US banks will open a checking or savings account for a non-citizen, but you will need to prove your identity and provide a tax identification number. The specific documents required vary by bank and by your visa status. Some banks ask for a passport and visa; others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number (SSN). A few banks have streamlined processes for non-citizens, while others treat each application individually.

The biggest barrier is not citizenship—it is documentation. Banks must comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) rules set by the US Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This means they need to verify who you are and confirm you are not on a sanctions list. For non-citizens, this verification takes longer and requires more paperwork than it does for US citizens with a Social Security Number.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-citizens with valid visas (F-1, H-1B, L-1, and others) can open bank accounts at most major banks using a passport, visa, and either an ITIN or SSN.
  • You will need a tax identification number: either an SSN (if you have a work visa or green card) or an ITIN (if you do not have an SSN but need to file taxes or open an account).
  • Some banks have faster processes for non-citizens; others require in-person visits and additional documentation like proof of address or a letter from your employer or school.
  • Undocumented immigrants face the most restrictions; some banks will not open accounts for them, though a few community banks and credit unions do.
  • Once your account is open, you can use it like any other account—deposit checks, receive direct deposits, pay bills, and transfer money.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with a valid passport and your current visa or immigration document. If you have a Social Security Number, bring that. If you do not, you will need to obtain an ITIN before opening the account, or the bank will direct you to apply for one as part of the process.

Many banks also ask for proof of address in the United States. This can be a lease, utility bill, or a letter from your employer or school stating your US address. Some banks accept a letter from your visa sponsor (your employer, university, or family member) instead. A few banks will waive the address requirement if you open the account online and use a US mailing address.

Have your passport number, visa number, and any employment or school identification ready. If the bank asks for a reference, your employer or school can usually provide one by email or phone.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. Non-citizens on most visa types can get one, including F-1 students, H-1B workers, and visitors who earn US income.

You apply for an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file by mail or, in some cases, through an IRS-authorized agent. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide proof that you submitted the form, but most require the ITIN to be issued first.

If you are on an F-1 student visa, your school's international student office can help you apply. If you are on a work visa, your employer's HR department usually handles this. You do not need an ITIN to open an account if you already have a Social Security Number.

Which banks accept non-citizens most easily

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for non-citizens, but their processes vary. Chase and Citibank tend to be faster for visa holders with an ITIN or SSN. Bank of America requires in-person verification at a branch for non-citizens in most states. Wells Fargo has stricter address verification requirements.

Online banks like Charles Schwab, Ally, and SoFi have fewer physical branches, which can make the process slower for non-citizens because they cannot verify you in person. Some online banks will not open accounts for non-citizens at all.

Community banks and credit unions often have more flexible processes. If you are affiliated with a university or employer, check whether they have a credit union—many university credit unions and employer credit unions welcome international students and workers. Local community banks in areas with large immigrant populations often have experience with non-citizen accounts and may ask for fewer documents.

Opening an account online versus in person

Opening an account in person at a bank branch is usually faster for non-citizens because the teller can verify your identity and documents on the spot. Bring your passport, visa, ITIN or SSN, and proof of address. The account is often open the same day or within 24 hours.

Opening online is slower. You will upload photos of your documents, and the bank's compliance team reviews them. This can take three to ten business days. Some banks use video verification, where you speak to a representative on camera to confirm your identity. If the bank cannot verify your documents online, they will ask you to visit a branch or mail in certified copies.

If you are in the US on a visa, in-person is usually your faster option. If you are applying from outside the US before you arrive, online is your only choice—but confirm with the bank that they will open an account for someone not yet in the country.

What happens if you are undocumented

Most major banks will not open an account for someone without a valid visa or passport. They are required by law to verify immigration status, and they interpret this strictly.

Some community banks and credit unions do open accounts for undocumented immigrants, particularly in states and cities with policies supporting financial inclusion. These banks typically ask for an ITIN, a passport or consular ID from your home country, and proof of address. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy before you visit.

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, a prepaid card or money services business (like Western Union or MoneyGram) can receive transfers and deposits, but these come with higher fees and fewer protections than a bank account.

What you can do once your account is open

Once your account is open, you can deposit checks, receive direct deposits from your employer or school, pay bills online, transfer money to other accounts, and use a debit card. You can also set up automatic transfers and receive wire transfers from outside the US.

Some banks limit the number of transfers you can make from a savings account (usually six per month), but checking accounts have no limit. If you need to send money to your home country, your bank can process an outgoing wire transfer, though fees vary by bank—typically $15 to $50 per transfer.

You can also apply for a credit card once your account has been open for a few months and you have established a deposit history. Credit card approval for non-citizens is harder than for citizens, but it is possible, especially if you have a US co-signer or a larger deposit balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you do not have an SSN, you can use an ITIN instead. Most banks accept either one. Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you show proof that you filed Form W-7 with the IRS.

How long does it take to open an account as a non-citizen?

In person at a branch: usually same day or next business day. Online: three to ten business days. If the bank needs to verify documents by mail or video, add another week. Have all your documents ready before you start.

Can I open an account if I am on an F-1 student visa?

Yes. Bring your passport, I-20 form, and either an SSN or ITIN. Many universities have credit unions on campus that specialize in student accounts. Your school's international student office can direct you to banks that work with F-1 students.

What if a bank rejects my application?

Ask why. Common reasons are missing documents, address verification failure, or a compliance hold. If you are missing documents, get them and try again. If the bank says your address cannot be verified, try a different bank or provide a letter from your employer or school. You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe you were denied unfairly.

Can I open a joint account with someone who is a US citizen?

Yes. A US citizen co-owner can simplify the process because the bank can verify at least one person on the account easily. Both of you will need to be present in person or provide notarized documents, depending on the bank's policy.