Yes, but you need an ITIN or passport and proof of address

A foreigner can open a bank account in the United States. Most banks will accept you if you have a valid passport, a taxpayer identification number (ITIN) or Social Security number, and proof of a U.S. address. Some banks are stricter than others — large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have formal programs for non-citizens, while smaller regional banks may turn you away or require additional documents.

The main barrier is not citizenship but documentation. Banks need to verify your identity and comply with anti-money-laundering rules, which means they must confirm who you are and where you live. A passport works for identity. An ITIN (which you can get from the IRS even without a Social Security number) works for tax purposes. A utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency works for address.

Your visa status does not automatically disqualify you. Tourist, student, work, and temporary resident visas all work. Undocumented immigrants face the most difficulty — some banks will not serve them at all, though a few community banks and credit unions do.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport, an ITIN or Social Security number, and proof of a current U.S. address to open an account.
  • Large national banks have formal non-citizen account programs; smaller banks vary widely in what they accept.
  • An ITIN is easier to obtain than a Social Security number and works for banking purposes even if you are not working.
  • Your visa status matters less than your ability to prove identity and address — tourist and student visas both work.
  • Some banks require an in-person visit; others allow online opening if you can verify your identity through video or document upload.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes. You do not need to be working or a resident to get one. Many banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for account opening.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it with a copy of your passport and proof of address, or you can apply in person at an IRS office or through a certified acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service). Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. In-person application is faster but requires finding an agent near you.

You do not need to file taxes to get an ITIN, though the IRS will ask why you are requesting one. "Opening a bank account" is a valid reason. Once you have an ITIN, it does not expire, and you can use it for any future banking or tax needs.

Which banks accept foreigners and what they require

Chase has a formal program called "Chase Bank Account for Non-U.S. Residents." You need a valid passport, ITIN or Social Security number, and proof of address. You can start online, but you must complete the account in a branch with a banker present. Branches are in most U.S. cities.

Bank of America accepts non-citizens with a passport, ITIN, and address proof. You can open online if you have a U.S. phone number and email. Some branches require an in-person visit; call ahead to confirm.

Citibank accepts non-citizens but requires an in-person visit at a branch. Bring your passport, ITIN, and proof of address.

Smaller banks and credit unions vary. Some welcome foreigners; others do not. Call or visit in person before you apply — a phone call asking "Do you open accounts for non-citizens?" saves you a wasted trip. Community banks in college towns and major cities are more likely to say yes than rural banks.

Online-only banks like Ally and Charles Schwab have stricter rules. Most require a Social Security number or ITIN and a U.S. address, but some do not accept non-citizens at all. Check their website or call customer service before you start an application.

Proof of address: what counts and what does not

Banks need to verify you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the strongest proof. A lease agreement or rental contract works if it is signed and current. A mortgage statement works if you own property.

Mail from a government agency — a tax notice, driver's license, or state ID — also counts. If you are staying with a friend or family member, some banks accept a notarized letter from the homeowner confirming you live there, plus a utility bill in their name. This varies by bank, so ask first.

A hotel reservation or Airbnb confirmation does not count as proof of permanent address. If you are new to the country and do not have a lease yet, ask the bank what temporary proof they accept. Some will hold your application for 30 days while you arrange a lease.

In-person versus online account opening

Most banks require at least one in-person visit to open an account as a non-citizen. Chase and Citibank require you to complete the account in a branch with a banker present, even if you start online. Bank of America sometimes allows full online opening, but call your local branch first.

The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Bring your passport, ITIN, proof of address, and a second form of ID if you have one (driver's license, state ID, or another passport). The banker will verify your documents, ask why you are opening the account, and set up your account on the spot. You can usually start using it the same day or within 24 hours.

A few credit unions and smaller banks allow full online opening with video verification. They will ask you to hold your passport up to the camera, answer security questions, and confirm your address. This is faster but less common. Ask before you apply.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money, set up direct deposit, pay bills, and transfer funds like any other customer. You will receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 days. Online banking access usually starts the same day or within 24 hours.

Some banks place a hold on your account for the first 30 days — you can withdraw cash and use your debit card, but you cannot transfer large amounts out or close the account. This is a fraud-prevention measure and is normal.

If you are working in the U.S., your employer can set up direct deposit to your account. If you are a student or on a temporary visa, you can still receive transfers from family abroad using wire transfer or services like Wise or OFX. Ask your bank which international transfer methods they support.

Undocumented immigrants and alternative banking

If you do not have legal immigration status, most mainstream banks will not open an account for you. They are required by law to verify identity and cannot accept an ITIN without a valid visa or work authorization.

Some community banks and credit unions in major cities do serve undocumented immigrants. They may accept an ITIN alone, or they may use an alternative identification process. Call local credit unions or community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in your area and ask directly. Organizations like the National Immigration Law Center maintain lists of banks that serve undocumented immigrants.

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, a prepaid debit card is an alternative. You can load money onto it and use it to pay bills and make purchases, though you cannot deposit checks or receive direct deposit. This is not ideal, but it is better than carrying cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. address before I arrive, or can I open an account after I get here?

You need an address to open an account, but it does not have to be permanent. A hotel address, Airbnb, or temporary rental works for the application. Once you have a lease or permanent address, you can update it. Some banks allow you to apply online with a temporary address and complete the account in a branch once you have settled.

Can I open an account on a tourist visa?

Yes. A valid passport and tourist visa are enough. You still need an ITIN or Social Security number and proof of address. Tourist visas do not disqualify you — banks care about identity and address, not visa type.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

By mail, four to six weeks. In person at an IRS office or certified acceptance agent, usually one to two weeks. Once you have it, you can use it immediately for banking. The ITIN does not expire.

What if a bank rejects my application?

Ask why. If they say you need a Social Security number, explain you have an ITIN and ask if that works. If they refuse non-citizens entirely, try another bank — policies vary. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. If you are rejected multiple times, a community bank or CDFI may be your best option.

Can I open an account online without visiting a branch?

Some banks allow it, but most require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity as a non-citizen. Call the bank's customer service line and ask about their non-citizen account process before you apply online.