Yes, expats can open US bank accounts, but the process and ongoing requirements depend on your visa status and where you live

A non-citizen living abroad can open a checking or savings account at a US bank, but not all banks will do it, and the rules change based on whether you have a US address, a Social Security number, and your immigration status. Some banks require you to be physically present to open an account; others allow online applications if you have the right documentation. The real barrier is not citizenship—it is that US banks must verify your identity and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules, which are stricter for foreign nationals without US tax identification.

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident living abroad, opening an account is straightforward. If you are on a visa (H-1B, L-1, F-1, etc.) and have a US address, most major banks will open an account for you. If you are a foreign national with no US address and no Social Security number, your options narrow significantly, and you may need to work with banks that specialize in expat accounts or have international branches.

Key Takeaways

  • US citizens and permanent residents abroad can open accounts at most major banks online or by mail, though some banks require a US address on file.
  • Visa holders with a US address (such as H-1B or L-1 workers) can open accounts at major banks using their visa documentation and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they lack a Social Security number.
  • Foreign nationals without a US address or tax ID face the most restrictions and may need to use international banks, online banks that accept expats, or banks in their home country with US branches.
  • All expat account holders must report US bank accounts to the IRS if they meet income thresholds, and US citizens abroad must file the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) if accounts exceed $10,000.
  • Some US banks have closed expat accounts or stopped accepting new expat customers due to compliance costs, so calling ahead to confirm acceptance is essential.

What documentation you need to open an account as an expat

The documents required depend on your status and the bank's policy. If you are a US citizen abroad, you need a valid passport or state ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from your home country), and your Social Security number. If you do not have a recent US address, some banks will accept a foreign address; others will not.

If you are a visa holder with a US address, bring your passport, visa, I-94 arrival/departure record (available at cbp.gov), proof of your US address, and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open accounts; you can request one by mail using Form W-7, though the process takes four to six weeks.

If you are a foreign national without a US address, documentation becomes harder. You will need a valid passport, proof of identity from your home country, and often a letter from your employer or a reference from an existing customer at that bank. Some banks will not open accounts for foreign nationals under any circumstances; others require a minimum deposit of $5,000 to $25,000.

Which banks accept expats and which do not

Major banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have varying policies. Chase allows US citizens and permanent residents to open accounts online if they have a US address; it does not accept new customers who are foreign nationals without a US address. Bank of America has similar restrictions. Wells Fargo is more restrictive and has reduced its expat services in recent years.

Online banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut accept expats more readily, though they operate differently from traditional banks. Wise offers a multi-currency account and a US account number for expats, but it is not a full bank account—it is a payment account designed for transfers and spending abroad. Revolut offers similar services but availability varies by country.

If you are abroad and need a full US bank account, consider banks with international operations: HSBC, Citibank, and Bank of America have branches worldwide and may allow you to open or maintain accounts through their international divisions. Some credit unions also accept expats if you have a family member who is a US citizen or if you meet other membership criteria. Always call the bank directly before applying, because policies change and branches may have different rules.

Opening an account in person versus online

If you are in the United States, opening an account in person at a branch is the fastest and most reliable route. Bring your documents, and the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank verifies your identity on the spot and can answer questions about your specific situation.

If you are abroad, online applications are possible but come with friction. Many banks require you to verify your identity through a video call with a bank representative, which means scheduling around time zones and having a clear photo ID and proof of address ready. Some banks will mail you a debit card and account materials, but delivery to a foreign address can take three to six weeks. A few banks require you to visit a US branch in person to activate the account, which defeats the purpose if you are not planning to return soon.

An alternative is to ask a trusted family member or friend in the US to help you open an account in your name, then transfer it to your control once you have the account number and online access. This is legal as long as you are the beneficial owner and the account is in your name.

Tax reporting and compliance requirements for expat accounts

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident living abroad, you must report your US bank accounts to the IRS if your total foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year. This is done through the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR), filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by April 15 (or October 15 with extension). The FBAR is separate from your tax return and is required even if you owe no US taxes.

You must also report the accounts on Form 8938 (Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets) if you meet the threshold, which varies based on your filing status and whether you are married filing jointly. Failure to file the FBAR can result in penalties of $10,000 per violation, and willful violations carry much higher penalties.

If you are a foreign national with a US bank account, you may need to report it to your home country's tax authority, depending on local law. Some countries have automatic information exchange agreements with the US, meaning the IRS shares account data with foreign tax agencies. Check with a tax professional in your home country to understand your obligations.

Keeping your account open while abroad

Once your account is open, keeping it active requires regular use. Banks close dormant accounts—typically those with no deposits, withdrawals, or transfers for 12 months or more. If your account is closed, you will receive a notice by mail, and any remaining balance will be sent to you, but the process can take weeks.

To keep your account active, make at least one transaction every few months: a small transfer, a bill payment, or a deposit. If you are not using the account regularly, consider setting up a small automatic transfer or subscription payment to maintain activity.

Update your address with the bank whenever you move. If mail is returned as undeliverable, the bank may freeze or close your account. You can update your address online through your bank's website, by phone, or by mail. Some banks allow you to opt into paperless statements, which reduces the risk of mail delivery problems.

If your bank closes your account or stops accepting expat customers, you will have 30 to 60 days to withdraw your funds. Plan ahead: if you know you are moving abroad or your bank has announced it is restricting expat services, open a new account before the old one closes.

Alternatives if you cannot open a traditional US bank account

If major banks reject your application, consider these options: a US-based online bank that accepts expats (though availability is limited), a credit union with looser membership requirements, a bank in your home country that has a US subsidiary or correspondent banking relationship, or a fintech payment service like Wise or Revolut for transfers and spending rather than savings.

Another option is to ask a family member or trusted friend in the US to hold an account in their name on your behalf, though this creates legal and tax complications and is not recommended. The account would technically belong to them, and they would be responsible for reporting it to the IRS.

If you need a US address to open an account, some expats use a mail forwarding service (such as Traveling Mailbox or iPostal1) that provides a real US street address. Banks vary in whether they accept these addresses; call ahead to confirm. The service typically costs $10 to $20 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a US bank account as an expat?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an ITIN from the IRS using Form W-7. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide the application receipt, but policies vary. Call the bank first to confirm.

Can I open a US bank account if I am on a tourist visa or have no visa?

It is difficult. Most banks require either a visa, a Social Security number, or an ITIN. If you are on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2), you may be able to open an account if you have a US address and can prove you are in the country legally, but many banks will decline. Foreign nationals with no visa status have almost no options at major banks.

What happens if my bank finds out I am living abroad?

Banks do not actively monitor where you live, but if they discover you are abroad and your account was opened under the assumption you were in the US, they may close it. To avoid this, update your address with the bank when you move. If you opened the account as a US resident and later moved abroad, most banks will allow you to keep it as long as you maintain activity and comply with tax reporting rules.

Can I use a US bank account to receive wire transfers from abroad?

Yes. Your US bank account has a routing number and account number that you can share with anyone sending you money from abroad. Wire transfers typically arrive within one to three business days. Your bank may charge a fee ($15 to $25) for incoming international wires, so confirm the cost before providing your account details.

Do I have to close my US bank account if I move back to my home country permanently?

No, but you should update your address and tax information with the bank. If you are no longer a US citizen or permanent resident, you may face restrictions on certain account types or services. Some banks will close accounts for customers who no longer have US tax residency, so contact your bank to confirm your account can remain open.