Yes, tourists can open a bank account in the US, but the process is slower and more restrictive than it is for residents

Most US banks will open an account for a tourist, but they require proof of identity and a US address. Since you don't have a permanent address, you'll need to provide either a temporary address (like a hotel or Airbnb) or use the address of someone you know in the US. Some banks accept a foreign address if you're opening the account online, though this is less common. The real barrier isn't whether banks will do it—it's that many banks now require a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and getting either one takes time you may not have.

The timeline matters. If you're in the US for a few weeks, opening a traditional bank account probably isn't worth the effort. If you're staying for months or planning to return regularly, it becomes more practical. Online banks are generally faster and more flexible than brick-and-mortar branches, and some don't require a US address at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid passport or other government-issued ID, plus either a US address or proof of your foreign address, depending on the bank.
  • Most banks now require a Social Security Number or ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS but the process takes several weeks.
  • Online banks like Wise, Revolut, and some US-based digital banks are faster and more tourist-friendly than traditional banks.
  • If you're staying less than a month, a prepaid card or money transfer service may be simpler than opening a full bank account.

What ID and address you'll need to provide

Bring your passport—that's your primary form of ID. Banks will scan or photocopy it. Some banks also accept a national ID card, driver's license from your home country, or visa documentation if your passport alone doesn't show your current status clearly.

For the address field, you have three options. First, provide a temporary US address where you're actually staying—a hotel, Airbnb, friend's house, or hostel address works. Second, some banks will accept your home address abroad, especially if you're opening the account online. Third, a few banks will let you leave the address field blank temporarily and update it later, though this is rare and usually only for online accounts. Call ahead or check the bank's website to see which approach they accept, because policies vary by bank and by branch.

If you're opening an account in person at a branch, bring two forms of ID if possible. One should be your passport. The second can be a credit card, travel insurance card, or any document with your name and signature. Online applications are usually more lenient about this.

The Social Security Number and ITIN requirement

This is the biggest hurdle. Most major US banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—now require either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking or savings account. If you don't have an SSN because you're not a US resident or worker, you'll need to apply for an ITIN.

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes. You apply using Form W-7 at an IRS office, a tax professional, or through a certified acceptance agent. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, or sometimes faster in person at an IRS office if you have an appointment. You'll need your passport, proof of your identity, and proof of your reason for needing the number (for a bank account, a letter from the bank stating they require it helps). Some banks will accept a letter from the IRS showing you've applied, even if you haven't received the number yet, but this is not may provide.

A few online banks and smaller regional banks don't require an SSN or ITIN, or they've relaxed this requirement in recent years. Wise, for example, allows non-residents to open accounts without an SSN if they provide a passport and address. Check directly with the bank before you start the process.

Which banks are easiest for tourists

Online banks are your fastest option. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is designed for people who move between countries and doesn't require an SSN or ITIN if you provide a valid passport and address. Revolut also serves tourists and travelers, though it's technically a fintech company rather than a bank, so it functions more like a digital wallet with a card attached. Both let you open an account in minutes from your phone.

If you want a traditional US bank account, regional banks and credit unions are often more flexible than national chains. Community banks in the area where you're staying may not require an ITIN if you open an account in person and show your passport. Call ahead and ask specifically: "Do you require an SSN or ITIN for a tourist to open a checking account?" The answer varies by branch and by policy changes, so don't assume the website tells the whole story.

Charles Schwab and some other investment-focused banks have checking accounts that don't require an SSN if you're a non-resident alien, though they may require other documentation. Again, call first.

What happens if you can't get an SSN or ITIN in time

If you're leaving before you can complete the ITIN process, you have other options. A prepaid card—available at most drugstores and online—works like a debit card but doesn't require a bank account or SSN. You load money onto it and spend it like a regular card. Fees vary, but most charge $5 to $15 per month plus transaction fees.

Money transfer services like PayPal, Wise, or Remitly let you receive money from abroad and spend it using a card, without a full bank account. These are faster to set up than a bank account and don't require an SSN. The tradeoff is that fees are higher for frequent transactions, and you can't deposit cash into these accounts the way you can at a bank.

If you're staying with someone in the US, you could also ask them to receive money on your behalf and withdraw cash for you, though this creates a paper trail and isn't practical for large amounts.

How to open an account step by step

If you've decided to open a full bank account, here's the order: First, decide whether you'll apply online or in person. Online is faster if the bank accepts your foreign address or a temporary US address. In person is slower but sometimes more flexible about the SSN requirement.

Second, gather your documents: passport, proof of address (a hotel confirmation email, Airbnb booking, or a letter from a friend stating you're staying at their address), and if you have it, your ITIN or a letter from the IRS showing you've applied for one. Third, go to the bank's website or visit a branch and start the application. Answer honestly about your residency status—don't claim to be a US resident if you're not. Fourth, expect the bank to verify your identity, which may take a few days. Fifth, once approved, you'll receive a debit card by mail, which may take 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card before you leave, ask the bank if they can expedite it or issue a temporary card in branch.

If you're applying online and the bank asks for a US phone number, use your US cell phone if you have one, or ask the bank if they accept a number from your home country. Some do, some don't.

What to expect after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money by transferring it from abroad using a wire transfer or a service like Wise. Wire transfers take 1 to 3 business days and cost $15 to $50 depending on the bank. Wise and similar services are cheaper (usually 1 to 2 percent of the amount) and sometimes faster.

You can also deposit cash at an ATM or branch if you have a debit card. Some banks charge a fee for out-of-network ATM use, so check your account terms. If you're leaving the US before your debit card arrives, ask the bank if they can mail it to your home address abroad, or if you can pick it up in person before you leave.

If you're not a US resident, the bank may ask you to close the account when you leave, or they may allow you to keep it open as long as you maintain a minimum balance (often $100 to $500). Ask about this when you open the account so there are no surprises later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US phone number to open a bank account?

Most banks ask for a phone number during the application, but not all require it to be a US number. If you have a US cell phone, use it. If not, ask the bank before you apply whether they accept international numbers. Some online banks are more flexible about this than traditional banks.

Can I open an account if I'm on a tourist visa?

Yes. Your visa status doesn't disqualify you. You'll still need to provide ID and address information, and most banks will still ask for an SSN or ITIN. Being on a valid visa actually makes the process easier because it proves you're in the country legally.

What if the bank asks why I'm opening an account as a tourist?

Be honest. Say you're staying in the US for a specific period and need a way to access money. Banks ask this to comply with anti-money-laundering rules, not to judge you. If you're vague or evasive, it raises red flags and slows the process down.

Can I use a hotel address if I'm moving to a different hotel?

Yes, but update your address with the bank once you move. Use your current hotel or accommodation address on the application. You can change it online or by calling the bank once you settle somewhere else. Banks track address changes for compliance reasons, so keeping it current matters.

What's the difference between Wise and a regular US bank account?

Wise is a fintech company, not a bank, so it functions more like a digital wallet with a card. You can hold money in multiple currencies and spend it worldwide, but you can't write checks or deposit cash the way you can at a bank. For a short stay, Wise is simpler. For a longer stay where you need full banking services, a traditional account is better.