How Non-US Residents Can Open a US Bank Account

Yes, but the bank will ask for more documents and may limit what you can do

A non-US resident can open a US bank account, but not at every bank and not always with the same account types available to citizens. Most major banks will open a checking or savings account for you if you have a valid passport, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and a US address — even if that address is temporary or belongs to someone else. The real barrier is not whether you can open the account; it is that banks treat non-residents as higher risk for money laundering and tax evasion, so they ask more questions and sometimes refuse outright.

The process takes longer than it does for a US citizen or permanent resident. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of address, and tax documentation. Some banks require you to visit a branch in person; others let you open online but may freeze the account until they verify your information by mail. A few large banks have specific programs for non-residents. Most regional and community banks will turn you away or require you to come to a branch with original documents.

Key Takeaways

• You will need a valid passport, an ITIN, and a US address to open most accounts, though the address does not have to be your permanent home.
• Many banks require an in-person visit to a branch for non-residents, even if US citizens can open accounts online.
• Banks may place a hold on your account for several weeks while they verify your identity and tax status.
• Some account features — like wire transfers, credit cards, or overdraft protection — may not be available to non-residents at all banks.
• Larger banks with international operations are more likely to accept non-residents than smaller regional banks.

What documents you will need to bring or upload

Start with a valid passport. This is your primary form of identification and the one most banks will accept without question. If your passport is expired, most banks will not take it. A national ID card from your home country may work at some banks, but do not count on it — call ahead and ask.

You will also need an ITIN, which is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to non-residents who need to file US taxes or open a bank account. You do not need to have worked in the US or owe taxes to get one. You can request an ITIN by mail using Form W-7, which takes four to six weeks to process. Some banks will let you open an account with an ITIN application in progress, but most will not. If you do not have an ITIN yet, apply for one before you visit the bank.

Third, you need a US address. This can be your own apartment or house, a hotel, a friend's address, or even a mailbox service — banks do not verify that you actually live there. What matters is that the address is a real street address, not a PO box. If you are moving to the US soon, use the address where you will be living. If you are opening the account remotely, use any valid US address where mail can reach you.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID, such as a driver's license from your home country, or proof of address like a utility bill or lease. If you cannot provide a utility bill in your name, a bank statement, credit card statement, or letter from your employer will usually work. A few banks ask for a reference letter from your home country bank confirming you have an account in good standing.

Which banks accept non-residents and what their process looks like

Chase accepts non-residents at most branches, but requires an in-person visit. Bring your passport, ITIN, and proof of address. Processing takes one to two weeks. Chase will not open accounts for residents of certain countries due to US sanctions; check their website or call ahead if you are from Iran, North Korea, Syria, or Cuba.

Bank of America has a specific program for non-residents called the Global Transfers Account. You can open it online if you have a US address and an ITIN, but the bank will mail you a verification code and may freeze the account for up to two weeks. Some branches will also open accounts in person for non-residents without requiring an online application first.

Wells Fargo accepts non-residents but requires an in-person visit to a branch. Bring your passport, ITIN, and proof of address. The bank may ask additional questions about the source of your funds and the purpose of the account.

Citibank accepts non-residents and has experience with international customers. You can open an account online or in person, though online applications may take longer to verify. Citibank is more likely than other major banks to approve wire transfers and international transactions for non-residents.

Regional and community banks vary widely. Some will not open accounts for non-residents at all. Others will, but only in person and only if you bring original documents. Call your local bank and ask directly — do not assume they will turn you down.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will likely place a temporary hold on certain features. You may not be able to wire money internationally, set up automatic bill pay, or link the account to a third-party payment service for the first 30 to 90 days. This is standard practice and not a sign that something is wrong with your account.

The bank will also send you a verification letter or code by mail, usually within one to two weeks. You will need to confirm receipt of this letter, either by logging into your online account or by calling the bank. Until you do, some features may remain locked. If you are opening the account from outside the US, this step can take longer because mail delivery is slower.

After verification is complete, your account will function like any other checking or savings account. You can deposit checks, transfer money between accounts, and use a debit card. However, some banks do not issue debit cards to non-residents, or they issue cards that work only in the US. Ask about this when you open the account.

Wire transfers and international transactions

If you plan to send money out of the US or receive money from abroad, tell the bank this when you open the account. Some banks will not allow non-residents to wire money internationally, or they will only allow it after a waiting period. Others require you to provide documentation of the source of the funds before approving a wire.

Incoming wire transfers are usually less restricted. Most banks will accept a wire from a foreign bank to your US account without additional questions, though the receiving bank may hold the money for a few business days while they verify the sender.

If international transactions are important to you, open your account at a bank that has a strong international presence, such as Citibank, HSBC, or Bank of America. These banks are more familiar with non-resident customers and less likely to freeze your account when you send or receive money from abroad.

Tax reporting and FATCA compliance

When you open a US bank account as a non-resident, the bank will ask you to certify your tax residency status. This is required by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), a US law that requires banks to report accounts held by foreign nationals to the IRS.

You will fill out a form called the W-8BEN or W-9, depending on your citizenship and tax status. The W-8BEN is for foreign nationals who do not have a US tax identification number. The W-9 is for people with an ITIN or Social Security Number. Do not lie on this form — the bank reports it to the IRS, and false statements can result in penalties.

If you are a resident of a country with a tax treaty with the US, you may be able to claim treaty benefits on your interest income, which could reduce the amount of tax withheld. Ask the bank about this when you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An ITIN works just as well. You get an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, which takes four to six weeks. Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide the application receipt, but most will not. Apply for your ITIN before you visit the bank.

Can I open a US bank account without visiting a branch in person?

Some banks let you open accounts online, but most require non-residents to visit a branch at least once. Even if you open online, the bank may mail you a verification code or ask you to confirm your identity in person before the account is fully active. Check with the specific bank before you assume you can do everything remotely.

What if I do not have a US address yet?

You can use a temporary address, such as a hotel, an Airbnb, or a friend's address. The bank does not verify that you live there. If you are moving to the US soon, use your future address. If you do not have one yet, use any valid US street address where mail can reach you, such as a mailbox service.

Can I get a credit card as a non-resident?

Most banks will not issue a credit card to a non-resident, even if you have a checking account with them. A few banks, such as Citibank and Bank of America, may issue a secured credit card or a card linked to your deposit account, but this varies by branch and by your credit history. Ask when you open your account.

What if a bank refuses to open an account for me?

Banks can refuse to open accounts for any reason that is not discriminatory. If one bank turns you down, try another. Larger banks with international operations are more likely to accept non-residents than smaller regional banks. If you are from a country under US sanctions, you will not be able to open an account at any US bank.