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

A foreigner can open a bank account in the US. Most banks will accept you if you have a valid passport or national ID, a US address (even a temporary one), and either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks ask for an ITIN specifically; others accept a passport alone. The real barrier is not citizenship—it is documentation and the bank's own policy on non-residents.

The process varies by bank. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have established procedures for foreign nationals. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may have stricter rules or require you to visit in person. Online-only banks often have the loosest requirements because they do not verify documents face-to-face, though some will not open accounts for non-residents at all.

You do not need a US driver's license or Social Security Number to start. What you need is proof that you exist, proof that you have a US address, and proof that you are not on a sanctions list or wanted for financial crimes. The address can be temporary—a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's place, or a mail forwarding service. Some banks will accept a lease or utility bill; others will accept a letter from your employer or school.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport or national ID and a US address are the minimum requirements; an SSN or ITIN makes the process faster but is not always required.
  • Large national banks have clearer procedures for foreign nationals than small banks or credit unions, which may refuse you outright.
  • You can use a temporary address—hotel, Airbnb, mail forwarding service, or employer letter—as proof of US residence.
  • Online banks often have fewer restrictions on non-residents, but some will not open accounts for anyone without a US address or SSN.
  • ITIN applications take four to six weeks through the IRS; if you need a bank account faster, bring your passport and ask the bank if they will accept it alone.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with your passport or national ID. This is non-negotiable. The bank will copy it and verify it is genuine. If your passport is expired, some banks will still accept it as proof of identity, but call ahead to confirm.

Bring proof of your US address. This can be a lease, a utility bill in your name, a bank statement, a letter from your employer or school on letterhead, or a mail forwarding receipt. If you are staying in a hotel or Airbnb, bring your reservation confirmation. If you are staying with a friend, some banks will accept a notarized letter from that person stating you live there, though this is less common and slower to process.

If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you (Form CP-565 or a similar notice). If you do not have an ITIN and the bank requires one, you will need to apply through the IRS before opening the account. If you have a US employer, they may have already applied for an ITIN on your behalf; ask them for the number.

Bring your passport number, date of birth, and the address where you want statements mailed. Some banks will also ask for your country of residence, your visa status (if you have one), and the purpose of the account. Answer honestly. Banks are required by law to ask these questions under anti-money-laundering rules.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have an SSN

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You do not need to be a resident or have a visa. You do not need a job. You apply by mail using Form W-7 and submitting your passport or national ID as proof of identity.

The application takes four to six weeks. You send Form W-7, a copy of your passport, and a completed IRS Form 8233 (if applicable) to the IRS office in Philadelphia. The IRS will mail you back a letter with your ITIN. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you show them the receipt proving you submitted it, but this is rare and depends on the bank's policy.

If you need a bank account before your ITIN arrives, ask the bank directly whether they will accept your passport number instead. Many will, especially if you are opening a checking account for direct deposit or bill payment. Some will not. There is no way to know without asking.

Which banks are most likely to accept you

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have international customer bases and clear procedures for foreign nationals. They will ask for a passport, an address, and either an SSN or ITIN. Processing usually takes one to three business days if you visit a branch in person with all documents. Online applications may take longer because the bank has to verify your identity by mail or phone.

Credit unions are less predictable. Some will open accounts for anyone with a passport and address. Others have rules that limit membership to people who live or work in a specific area, or who have a US Social Security Number. Call your local credit union and ask directly about their policy for foreign nationals before you visit.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab have fewer restrictions on non-residents than brick-and-mortar banks, but they vary. Chime will open an account with a passport and US address. Ally requires an SSN or ITIN. Charles Schwab accepts foreign nationals but requires a US address and will not open accounts for people on certain visa types. Read the fine print on their website or call their customer service line before you apply.

Community banks and smaller regional banks are a gamble. Some are very welcoming to foreign nationals; others refuse on principle. Your best move is to call and ask whether they open accounts for people without a US Social Security Number. If they say no, move on.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money, set up direct deposit, pay bills, and use a debit card. The bank will send you a debit card by mail, usually within five to ten business days. You can request expedited delivery for a fee, or pick it up in person at a branch.

You will need to set up online banking to access your account remotely. The bank will send you login credentials by mail or email. Some banks require you to verify your identity a second time before you can log in—they may call you, send you a code by text, or ask you to answer security questions.

If you plan to send money to another country or receive large transfers, tell the bank when you open the account. Banks are required to ask where your money is coming from and where it is going. This is not a problem if you are honest, but it can slow down transfers if the bank has to investigate. International wire transfers typically take three to five business days and cost between $15 and $50 depending on the bank and the destination country.

Visa status and tax obligations

Your visa status does not prevent you from opening a bank account. Tourists, students, temporary workers, and people on any visa type can open accounts. The bank will ask what your visa status is; answer truthfully. They are not going to report you to immigration—they are filling out a form required by federal law.

Opening a bank account does not change your tax status. If you are a nonresident alien for tax purposes, you still file taxes the same way. If you are a resident alien, you file like a US citizen. The IRS determines your status based on how long you have been in the US and your visa type, not on whether you have a bank account. If you are unsure whether you are a resident or nonresident alien, ask a tax professional or read IRS Publication 519.

Some banks will ask you to sign a W-9 form (if you are a US resident or citizen) or a W-8BEN form (if you are a foreign national). These forms tell the bank how to report interest income to the IRS. Sign whichever one the bank asks for. If you do not, the bank may withhold taxes on your interest or close your account.

If a bank refuses you

If one bank says no, try another. There is no central database of rejected applicants, and each bank has its own rules. A bank that refuses you might be following a policy specific to your country of origin, your visa type, or your address. Another bank may have no such policy.

If you are refused repeatedly, the problem may be your address. Some banks will not open accounts for people using mail forwarding services or temporary addresses. If that is your situation, try to get a lease or utility bill in your name, even if it is for a short-term rental. A lease carries more weight than a forwarding address.

If you have a US employer or attend a US school, ask them for a letter on letterhead confirming your employment or enrollment and your US address. Banks often accept this as proof of address when they will not accept other documents. Some employers and schools will also help you open an account at a specific bank they work with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to open a bank account?

No. You can open an account on a tourist visa, a student visa, a work visa, or no visa at all if you have a valid passport and a US address. The bank will ask what your visa status is, but they will not refuse you based on it. Some banks may refuse people on certain visa types, but this is rare and usually depends on the bank's internal policy, not US law.

Can I open an account online if I do not live in the US?

It depends on the bank. Most online banks require a US address to open an account, even if you are not a resident. Some will not open accounts for people outside the US at all. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they open accounts for foreign nationals without a US address. If they say no, you will need to visit a branch in person or use a different bank.

What if I do not have a passport?

A national ID card from your country is usually acceptable if it has your photo, date of birth, and an expiration date. Some banks will accept a driver's license from your home country. Call the bank and ask what forms of ID they accept before you visit. If your ID is in a language other than English, bring a certified translation or ask the bank whether they will accept it without one.

How long does it take to open an account?

If you visit a branch in person with all required documents, you can open an account in 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will give you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately. Your physical card will arrive by mail in five to ten business days. If you apply online, processing takes one to five business days depending on the bank.

Can I use a hotel address or Airbnb reservation as proof of address?

Yes, many banks will accept a hotel or Airbnb reservation confirmation as proof of address. Bring the confirmation email or printout showing your name, the address, and the dates you are staying. Some banks prefer a lease or utility bill, so call ahead and ask what they will accept. If they refuse a hotel address, a mail forwarding service or a letter from your employer may work instead.