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

A foreigner can open a US bank account. 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 are stricter than others — large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have formal programs for non-residents, while smaller regional banks may turn you away or require additional documentation.

The main barrier is not citizenship but proof of identity and address. Banks must verify both under federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you do not have a US address yet, some banks will accept a hotel address, an employer address, or a friend's address where mail can reach you. You will need to show this address with a document dated within the last 90 days — a utility bill, lease, or letter from your employer.

The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or one to three business days online. You will not be able to open an account by phone or mail alone; you must appear in person at a branch or complete the application through the bank's website with video verification.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport or national ID, a US address, and either an SSN or ITIN — most banks will not open an account without all three.
  • Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have formal non-resident account programs; smaller banks may have stricter rules or refuse entirely.
  • A temporary US address (hotel, employer, or friend's address) counts as long as you can show a recent document proving it.
  • You must open the account in person at a branch or through video verification online — phone and mail applications are not an option.
  • An ITIN takes four to six weeks to obtain from the IRS and requires a tax return or Form W-7; an SSN is only available to work-authorized visa holders.

What ID and documents you need to bring

Bring your passport or national ID — this is non-negotiable. The bank will scan or photocopy it and verify it is valid. If your passport is expired, most banks will still accept it for opening an account, but call ahead to confirm. A driver's license from your home country is not enough on its own; it must be paired with a passport or national ID.

Bring proof of your US address. This must be a document dated within the last 90 days and show your name and the address where you will receive mail. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your work address and employment dates. A hotel confirmation or Airbnb receipt usually does not count, but some banks will accept a letter from the hotel or property manager on official letterhead.

Bring your SSN or ITIN if you have one. If you do not have either, tell the bank when you call or arrive. Some banks will open a basic account without one and issue you a temporary number for tax reporting; others will require you to obtain an ITIN before they proceed. Ask before you go in.

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 to non-citizens who need to file taxes or open a bank account. It is not the same as an SSN and does not give you work authorization. Most banks accept an ITIN the same way they accept an SSN for account opening.

To get an ITIN, you must file a tax return or submit Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to the IRS. The fastest route is to file a tax return through a tax preparer or software that supports ITIN filers — TurboTax and H&R Block both do. You will need your passport, proof of US address, and either income documentation (W-2, 1099, pay stubs) or a letter from your employer. The IRS will mail your ITIN to you within four to six weeks of receiving your return.

If you have no US income and do not need to file taxes, you can submit Form W-7 alone, but processing takes longer — six to eight weeks. You will need to mail the form with your passport copy and proof of address to the IRS address listed on the form. Some banks will not wait this long; if you need an account urgently, file a tax return instead, even if you owe nothing.

Which banks accept foreign nationals most easily

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have formal programs for non-residents and international customers. They expect foreign applicants and have staff trained to handle passport verification and ITIN documentation. You can walk into any branch and ask for the international banking desk, or call ahead to confirm they have someone available. These banks typically open accounts the same day or within one business day.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely. Some welcome foreign nationals; others have policies against it. Call the branch nearest you and ask directly: "Can I open a checking account if I am a foreign national with a passport and ITIN?" Do not assume the answer is no — many smaller banks say yes, but only if you ask.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime have different rules. Some accept foreign nationals with an ITIN; others do not. Check the bank's website or call customer service before you start the application. If the website does not say, assume you need to call and verify.

What happens if you do not have a US address yet

If you are arriving soon but do not have a permanent address, use a temporary one. A hotel address, an Airbnb address, or your employer's business address will work. The bank needs somewhere to mail your debit card and statements. Tell the bank this is temporary and ask if they can update your address once you move — most will allow one address change without closing the account.

Some banks will not open an account without a US address at all. If you hit this wall, wait until you have an address, or ask the bank if they accept a foreign address temporarily. A few large banks will, but it is rare. The safest move is to secure housing or an employer address before you apply.

If you are moving to the US for work, ask your employer if they will provide an address letter. Many will write a letter on company letterhead confirming your employment and work address, which counts as proof of address for banking purposes.

Account types and what you can do with them

Most banks offer a basic checking account to foreign nationals. This account lets you deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and transfer funds online. Some banks restrict certain features — for example, they may not allow you to set up automatic bill pay or wire money internationally until you have been a customer for 30 days. Ask what restrictions apply before you open the account.

Savings accounts are usually available at the same time as checking. Credit cards are harder to get as a foreign national; most banks will not issue one until you have been a customer for at least six months and have a US credit history. Some banks will issue a secured credit card (backed by a deposit) sooner.

Money transfers and wire transfers may be limited. Sending money out of the US to another country usually works from day one, but receiving international wire transfers sometimes requires a waiting period. Ask the bank about this if you plan to receive money from abroad.

What to expect after you open the account

Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. The bank will mail it to the address you provided. Activate it by calling the number on the card or logging into your online banking account. You can use it immediately at ATMs and stores once it is activated.

Your online banking login will be available the same day you open the account, or within one business day. You can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills online right away. Some banks require you to set up two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone) before you can transfer money for the first time.

You will receive statements by mail or email, depending on what you choose. Most banks default to email. If you need paper statements, ask the bank to mail them to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to open a bank account?

No. A visa is not required. You need a valid passport or national ID, a US address, and an SSN or ITIN. The bank does not check your visa status or immigration status — they only verify your identity and address under federal law.

Can I open an account online if I am outside the US?

Most banks require you to be in the US or use video verification. Some large banks offer video verification for foreign nationals, but you will need to schedule an appointment and verify your identity on camera. Call the bank's international banking line to ask if this option is available. Online-only banks sometimes allow it; traditional banks rarely do.

What if the bank asks for a US phone number?

Get a US phone number before you apply. You can use a service like Google Voice (free, works from outside the US), Skype, or a prepaid SIM card from a US carrier. The bank needs a number where they can reach you. A foreign number may cause delays or rejection.

Can I open an account with a tourist visa or no visa at all?

Yes. The bank does not check your visa status. You can open an account on a tourist visa, a work visa, or even without a visa if you have a valid passport and a US address. However, some banks may ask why you are in the US — be honest. If you say you are a tourist but provide an employer address, the bank may ask questions.

What if I do not have an ITIN yet and the bank will not wait?

Ask the bank if they will open the account with your passport number temporarily and let you add an ITIN later. Some will. If not, file a tax return to get your ITIN faster (four to six weeks) rather than submitting Form W-7 alone (six to eight weeks). If you have no US income, file a return anyway with zero income — the IRS will still issue an ITIN.