You can open a US bank account from abroad, but most banks require you to be physically present or already have a US address

The short answer is yes, but with real limits. Most traditional US banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo—will not let you open a checking or savings account online if you are outside the country and have no US address. Some will let you open an account if you have a US mailing address (even if you do not live there), and a smaller group of banks and fintech companies will work with you entirely remotely if you have a valid US tax ID number, like an ITIN or SSN.

The barrier is not legal; it is compliance. Banks must verify your identity and address under the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money-laundering rules. A US address is easier to verify than a foreign one. If you have a US address—a family member's home, a UPS mailbox, a registered agent—you have more options. If you do not, you are limited to a smaller set of banks and online-only services.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major US banks require either a US address or an in-person visit to open an account from abroad.
  • If you have a US mailing address (even a family member's), you can open an account with many traditional banks online.
  • Fintech banks like Wise, Revolut, and some online-only US banks will open accounts for people abroad if you have a US tax ID (SSN or ITIN).
  • You will need a valid passport or government ID, proof of address (yours, not a US one), and sometimes a US phone number to complete the process.
  • Transfers into a US account from abroad typically move through SWIFT or ACH, which can take 3 to 7 business days and may carry fees.

Banks that will work with you from abroad

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the most straightforward option. You can open a Wise account from anywhere with a valid passport, and Wise will assign you a US bank account number and routing number. You do not need a US address or a US tax ID. The account is real—money moves through the US banking system—but Wise is not a traditional bank; it is a money transfer service. Wise charges for transfers in and out, but the exchange rates are typically lower than what a traditional bank charges.

Revolut also opens accounts for people abroad and provides a US account number if you have a valid ID. Like Wise, Revolut is a fintech service, not a bank, and charges fees for certain transactions.

Some online-only US banks, including Ally and Charles Schwab, have opened accounts for people abroad in the past, but their policies change. Charles Schwab historically allowed account opening from abroad if you had a US tax ID; Ally's policy is stricter. Call or check their current website before you try, because policies shift and depend on your country of residence.

If you have a US address—even a temporary one, a family member's address, or a virtual mailbox service—you can open an account with almost any US bank online. The bank will mail a debit card and statements to that address. You will need to verify the address, usually by providing a utility bill or lease in that name, or by letting the bank mail you a verification code.

What you need to open an account

A valid passport or government-issued ID is required by every bank. Some banks will also accept a national ID card if it is current and has a photo. The ID must match the name you use to open the account.

Proof of your current address is the second requirement. This is your actual address abroad, not a US address. Banks ask for a utility bill, lease, government letter, or bank statement dated within the last three months. If you live abroad and rent, a lease in your name works. If you own property, a property tax statement works. Some banks accept a mobile phone bill or internet bill if it shows your name and address.

A US tax ID—either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)—is required by most traditional banks and many fintech services. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you have an SSN. If you are a foreign national working in the US or filing US taxes, you may have an ITIN. If you have neither, some fintech services will still open an account, but traditional banks will not.

A US phone number is sometimes required for two-factor authentication and account recovery. If you do not have one, you can use a Google Voice number (which you can set up from abroad) or ask the bank whether they accept a foreign number.

How long it takes and what happens next

Opening an account online typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. The bank will ask you to verify your identity, usually by uploading a photo of your ID and a selfie. Some banks use automated verification; others review your documents by hand. Approval usually comes within 24 to 48 hours, though some banks take up to a week.

Once approved, the bank will issue you an account number and routing number immediately. You can use these to receive transfers right away. If you ordered a debit card, it will be mailed to the address you provided. If that address is abroad, delivery takes 2 to 4 weeks. If it is a US address, delivery is usually 5 to 10 business days.

Some banks will let you use your account before the card arrives by setting up online bill pay or linking the account to a payment app. Check your bank's website or call to ask what you can do while you wait for the card.

Receiving money into your US account from abroad

Once your account is open, you can receive money through SWIFT transfers (international wire transfers) or, if the sender is also in the US banking system, through ACH. SWIFT transfers take 3 to 7 business days and typically cost $15 to $50, depending on the sending bank. ACH transfers take 1 to 3 business days and are usually free if the sender initiates them from a US bank account.

To receive a SWIFT transfer, you will need to give the sender your account number, routing number, bank name, and bank address. Your bank will provide all of this once your account is open. Some banks charge a fee to receive international transfers; others do not. Check your account agreement or call your bank to confirm.

If you are sending money from your home country to your new US account, ask your bank at home whether they offer international transfers to the US. Many banks in Europe, Canada, Australia, and other developed countries have direct relationships with US banks and can send money cheaply. Fintech services like Wise, Remitly, and OFX often charge less than traditional banks for this route.

Taxes and reporting requirements

Opening a US bank account does not create a tax obligation by itself. However, if you are a US citizen or permanent resident living abroad, you must report the account to the IRS and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) if the account balance exceeds certain thresholds. The Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) is required if you have more than $10,000 in foreign accounts at any time during the year. A US account is not a foreign account, so you do not report it on the FBAR.

If you are a foreign national opening a US account, you do not have a US tax reporting requirement unless you are earning US-source income or have other US tax obligations. Check with a tax professional in your country to understand whether the US account triggers any reporting requirements where you live.

Why some banks will not work with you

Large banks like Chase and Bank of America have strict policies about opening accounts for people abroad because of compliance costs. Verifying a foreign address is more expensive and slower than verifying a US one. Some banks have also reduced their international customer base because of regulatory pressure and the cost of monitoring cross-border transactions.

If a bank says no, it is usually because you do not have a US address and do not have a US tax ID, or because your country of residence is on a higher-risk list for sanctions or money-laundering concerns. There is no appeal process; the bank's decision is final. Your options are to find a US address, get a US tax ID if you are may be able to access, or use a fintech service instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most traditional banks require one, but some fintech services do not. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you have an SSN. If you are a foreign national, you can get an ITIN from the IRS if you file US taxes or have other US tax obligations. If you have neither, Wise and Revolut may still open an account for you, but Chase, Bank of America, and similar banks will not.

Can I use a family member's US address to open an account?

Yes. If your family member agrees, you can use their address as your mailing address. The bank will mail your debit card and statements there. You will need to provide proof that the address is valid—usually a utility bill or lease in your family member's name. Make sure your family member is comfortable receiving mail for your account.

What if my country is not supported by the bank?

Some banks and fintech services restrict accounts based on country of residence for compliance reasons. If your country is not supported, you cannot open an account with that provider. Wise and Revolut support more countries than traditional banks, but not all. Check their website to see if your country is listed before you start the process.

How much money can I keep in a US account if I live abroad?

There is no legal limit on how much money you can keep in a US account. However, if you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must report the account to FinCEN if the balance exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year. If you are a foreign national, check the laws in your country to see whether you must report foreign accounts to your own government.

Can I use a US account to pay bills in the US?

Yes. Once your account is open, you can set up online bill pay to pay US utilities, credit cards, loans, and other bills. You can also give your account number and routing number to creditors so they can withdraw payments directly. This works the same way as it does for someone living in the US.