You can open a US bank account from abroad, but the process depends on your citizenship and which bank you choose
US banks can open accounts for people living outside the country, but not all of them will, and the ones that do have different rules. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, most major banks will work with you remotely. If you are a foreign national without US residency, your options narrow significantly — some banks refuse entirely, while others require you to visit a branch in person or have a US address and Social Security number.
The core barrier is not geography; it is compliance. US banks must verify your identity and report foreign accounts to the IRS under rules called FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). This makes the process slower and more document-heavy than opening an account in the US, but it is not impossible.
Key Takeaways
- US citizens and permanent residents can open accounts remotely with most major banks by providing a passport, proof of address, and tax ID, though some banks still require a US address.
- Foreign nationals without US residency face stricter limits — many banks require a visit to a US branch, a US address, or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
- Online banks and smaller regional banks often have different policies than large national chains, so calling ahead to confirm is faster than applying and being rejected.
- You will need to provide a US address for mail delivery, even if you do not live there — a family member's address, a mail forwarding service, or a US business address can work.
- The entire process typically takes one to three weeks after you submit documents, because banks must verify identity and file FATCA reports before the account goes live.
What banks actually accept remote applications from abroad
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all state they can open accounts for US citizens living overseas, but their actual policies vary by account type and the specific country you are in. Chase requires a US address and will not open accounts for people in certain countries due to sanctions or money-laundering rules. Bank of America has a specific program for expats but requires you to have been a customer before you moved, or to have a family member who is currently a customer.
Smaller banks and credit unions are often more flexible. Charles Schwab, Wise, and Revolut all serve people abroad, though they are not traditional banks — Schwab is a brokerage, and Wise and Revolut are fintech platforms that function like banks for payment purposes. If you need a full checking account with a routing number and the ability to receive wire transfers, call the bank directly before you start the application. Their website may say they serve expats, but the fine print often requires a US address or prior relationship.
Foreign nationals without US residency should contact banks in advance rather than applying online. Many will reject the application automatically if you do not have a US address or Social Security number. Some regional banks and credit unions will work with you if you have a US sponsor (a family member or employer with an account there), but this varies widely by institution.
Documents you will need to provide
Every bank requires proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, a valid passport works for both US citizens and foreign nationals. If you are a US citizen, you can use your passport alone. If you are a foreign national, you will also need either a Social Security number or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
Proof of address is where the process gets complicated. Banks want a recent utility bill, lease, or government document showing your name and current address. If you are living abroad, you may have a foreign address on these documents. Some banks will accept a foreign address; others will not. If your bank will not accept a foreign address, you will need to provide a US address instead — this can be a family member's home, a mail forwarding service like UPS Store or iPostal2, or a business address. The bank will mail your debit card and statements there.
You will also need to provide your tax information. US citizens must give their Social Security number. Foreign nationals need an ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS by filing Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Getting an ITIN takes four to six weeks if you apply by mail from abroad, so start this process early if you do not already have one.
How to apply and what happens after you submit
Start by calling the bank's customer service line and asking whether they will open an account for someone in your specific country and situation. This takes ten minutes and saves you from filling out an application that will be rejected. If they say yes, ask which documents they need and whether they accept foreign addresses. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date.
Most banks will let you start the application online through their website. You will enter your personal information, address, and tax ID. Some banks then require you to upload documents (passport, proof of address, and sometimes a utility bill). Others will mail you a form to sign and return. A few still require you to visit a branch in person, even if you are a US citizen — this is rare but does happen with some regional banks.
After you submit, the bank will verify your identity, run a background check, and file your information with the IRS under FATCA rules. This takes one to three weeks. During this time, the bank may call or email you to ask follow-up questions about the source of your funds or your reason for opening the account — this is normal and required by law. Answer honestly and promptly; delays in responding can slow down approval.
Once approved, the bank will mail your debit card and welcome packet to the address you provided. If you gave a US address, ask the recipient to forward it to you or to scan it and email it to you. Your online banking access usually activates before the physical card arrives, so you can start using the account for transfers and bill pay within a few days of approval.
Why some countries are harder than others
US banks refuse to serve customers in certain countries due to US government sanctions, money-laundering concerns, or lack of banking relationships. Countries like Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Crimea are off-limits. Banks are also cautious about high-risk jurisdictions like some parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, though the rules change and vary by bank.
If you are in a country that is not explicitly sanctioned, you may still face delays or extra scrutiny. The bank may ask for additional documentation about your employment, income, or reason for needing a US account. This is not personal — it is compliance. Answering these questions truthfully and providing the documents they ask for is the fastest way forward.
If a major bank refuses you, try smaller regional banks, credit unions, or fintech platforms. Wise and Revolut, for example, serve customers in over 190 countries and can issue US account numbers for receiving wire transfers, though they are not full banks and do not offer all the services a traditional checking account does.
Getting a US address if you do not have one
If you do not have a family member or friend in the US, you can use a mail forwarding service. UPS Store, iPostal2, and similar services rent you a US address and will forward mail to you internationally. This costs between $10 and $30 per month. Banks accept these addresses, though some may flag them as commercial addresses and ask follow-up questions. Be honest about why you are using one — banks understand that expats need mail delivery options.
Another option is to use your employer's US office address if you work for a US company. This works if your employer is willing to receive your bank mail. A third option is to ask a family member or trusted friend to let you use their address temporarily, just for the account opening. Once the account is open and you have online access, you can update the address to your current location abroad, and the bank will stop mailing physical statements if you switch to paperless.
Alternatives if US banks will not work with you
If you cannot open a traditional US bank account, you have other options depending on what you need the account for. If you need to receive wire transfers or direct deposits from a US employer, Wise and Revolut both provide US account numbers and routing numbers without requiring you to be in the US. If you need to send money to the US, these platforms are often cheaper than banks anyway.
If you need a full checking account with a debit card and the ability to write checks, some online banks like Chime or LendingClub may work, though they also have restrictions on foreign addresses. Your best bet is to contact them directly and ask. If you are a US citizen, you can also open an account with a US bank that has a strong online presence and then move abroad — many banks will let you keep the account open as long as you maintain it and report your foreign address to the IRS.
If none of these work, consider opening an account with a bank in your current country that has US correspondent relationships. This lets you receive wire transfers from the US, though you will not have a US account number. Your employer or the person sending you money will need to use your foreign bank details and may pay a higher wire fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open a US bank account from abroad?
If you are a US citizen, yes — you need your Social Security number. If you are a foreign national, you need either a Social Security number (if you have worked in the US) or an ITIN. Getting an ITIN takes four to six weeks by mail from abroad, so apply early if you do not have one. Some banks will let you apply with a pending ITIN application, but most require the number before they open the account.
Can I use a foreign address on my bank account application?
Some banks accept foreign addresses; others do not. Call the bank first and ask. If they will not accept a foreign address, you will need to provide a US address for mail delivery — this can be a family member's home, a mail forwarding service, or a business address. Once the account is open, you can often update your address to your current location abroad.
How long does it take to open an account from abroad?
After you submit all documents, expect one to three weeks for the bank to verify your identity and file FATCA reports. Online banking access usually activates within a few days, but your physical debit card takes longer to arrive if it is being mailed internationally. If you are using a US mail forwarding address, add another week or two for forwarding time.
What if the bank asks about the source of my funds?
This is a standard compliance question, not a sign of trouble. Answer honestly — whether your money comes from employment, savings, investments, or family support. Provide documentation if the bank asks (pay stubs, bank statements, or a letter from your employer). Delays in responding slow down approval, so answer promptly.
Can I keep a US bank account if I move abroad after opening it?
Yes. Most banks let you keep your account open as long as you maintain it and update your address to your current location. You must report your foreign account to the IRS if you are a US citizen. You do not need to close the account when you move — just notify the bank of your new address and switch to paperless statements if you want to avoid mail delays.