Non-US residents can open a bank account in the United States, but the process is slower and the requirements are stricter than for citizens or permanent residents

Most major US banks will open an account for a non-resident if you have a valid passport, a US address (even a temporary one), and a tax identification number. The catch: you'll need to visit a branch in person—no online-only banks accept non-residents—and you may face higher minimum balances, monthly fees, or account restrictions. Some banks simply refuse non-residents entirely, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

The real barrier is the tax ID. If you don't have a Social Security Number, you'll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but aren't may be able to access for an SSN. Getting an ITIN takes weeks or months and requires filing a tax return or Form W-7 with the IRS. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you have a receipt showing you've applied, but not all.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a bank branch in person with a valid passport and proof of a US address; no online banks accept non-residents.
  • You need either a Social Security Number or an ITIN; getting an ITIN requires filing with the IRS and can take several weeks.
  • Banks that accept non-residents include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, but policies vary by branch and change frequently.
  • Non-resident accounts often carry higher fees, lower limits on transfers, and restrictions on who can access the account remotely.
  • If you're in the US temporarily, a prepaid card or money transfer service may be faster than opening a full bank account.

Which banks accept non-US residents

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have stated policies allowing non-residents to open accounts, but acceptance varies by branch and by the specific visa or immigration status you hold. Call the branch directly before visiting—policies change, and some branches refuse non-residents even when the bank's official policy says yes.

Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than national banks, especially if you have a connection to the area (work, school, family). Some credit unions have no residency requirement at all; others require proof of employment or enrollment. Call your local credit union and ask whether they accept non-residents and what documents they need.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and SoFi do not open accounts for non-residents, period. If a bank advertises "no branch visits needed," they will not work for you.

What documents you'll need to bring

Bring your valid passport (or national ID card if your country's passport is expired), proof of your US address, and your tax ID number or proof that you've applied for one. Proof of address can be a lease, utility bill, hotel confirmation, or a letter from your employer or school on letterhead. Some banks accept a bank statement from your home country as a secondary form of ID.

If you don't yet have an ITIN, bring the IRS receipt notice showing you've filed Form W-7 or a tax return. Many banks will hold your application while your ITIN is being processed, then finalize it once the number arrives. Ask the bank how long they'll wait—most give you 30 to 60 days.

Bring two forms of ID if possible. A passport alone sometimes isn't enough; a second document (driver's license from your home country, national ID, or student ID) strengthens your application.

Getting an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to non-residents and others who need to file taxes but aren't may be able to access for an SSN. You apply by mailing Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to the IRS, along with your passport copy and proof of your US address. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks under normal circumstances, longer during tax season (January through April).

You don't have to file a full tax return to get an ITIN—Form W-7 alone is enough—but many people file a return anyway because they're may have access to to refunds. If you worked in the US or earned US income, filing a return can recover taxes withheld from your paychecks.

Some tax preparation services (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt) will file Form W-7 for you for a fee, usually $100 to $200. The IRS itself does not charge for an ITIN. Do not pay anyone claiming to "expedite" an ITIN—the IRS does not offer expedited processing, and scammers use this pitch.

Account restrictions and fees for non-residents

Banks often place limits on non-resident accounts that don't apply to citizens or permanent residents. You may face a higher minimum balance (sometimes $1,000 or more), monthly maintenance fees ($10 to $25), limits on the number of transfers per month, or restrictions on wire transfers and international payments. Some banks won't let you open a savings account as a non-resident, only checking.

Ask the bank upfront what restrictions apply to your account. Get the answer in writing if possible—policies vary by branch, and a written confirmation protects you if a different employee later claims a different rule applies.

If you're only in the US temporarily, these fees and restrictions may make a bank account impractical. A prepaid card or money transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram, Wise) may be cheaper and faster to set up.

Alternatives if you can't open a bank account

If no bank will accept you, or if the fees and restrictions make it not worth it, consider a prepaid debit card. You can buy one at most drugstores and supermarkets with just a passport and no US address required. You load money onto it and use it like a debit card. The downside: fees are high (often $5 to $10 per month plus per-transaction fees), and you can't deposit checks or receive direct deposits.

A money transfer service like Wise, OFX, or Remitly lets you move money from your home country bank account to a US account (or vice versa) without opening a US bank account yourself. These services are designed for international transfers and often have better exchange rates than banks. Setup takes a few days and requires identity verification, but no US address is required.

If you're working in the US, ask your employer whether they can deposit your paycheck into a prepaid card or transfer it directly to your home country bank account. Many employers offer this option and it bypasses the need for a US bank account entirely.

Visa status and account opening

Your visa status affects which banks will accept you and how quickly. Holders of work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1) and student visas (F-1, J-1) are generally accepted by major banks. Visitors on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) face more resistance—some banks see you as too temporary and won't open an account. Undocumented residents cannot open a bank account without an ITIN, and even with one, many banks refuse them.

Be honest about your visa status when you apply. Banks verify immigration status through E-Verify or similar systems, and lying can result in account closure and a report to immigration authorities. If a bank asks about your status, answer truthfully.

Timeline and next steps

If you have an ITIN already, opening an account takes one visit to a branch—usually 30 minutes to an hour. If you need an ITIN first, add 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to process your application. Some banks will open your account conditionally while you're waiting for your ITIN number, then finalize it once it arrives.

Start by calling the branch nearest you and asking: "Do you open accounts for non-US residents? What documents do I need? Do you accept ITINs that are still pending?" Write down the name of the person you speak to and the date. If they say yes, schedule an appointment if the bank offers them—walk-ins sometimes get turned away.

Bring everything listed above, plus one extra document you think might help (a letter from your employer, a utility bill, anything with your name and US address). Banks are inconsistent, and having extra proof can overcome a hesitant employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online as a non-resident?

No. Every online bank in the US requires proof of residency or citizenship, and they verify it through systems that check your address against government databases. You must visit a physical branch in person with your passport and proof of a US address.

Do I need a Social Security Number to open an account?

No. An ITIN works just as well. If you don't have either, you can apply for an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks. Some banks will open your account while your ITIN application is pending if you show them the IRS receipt.

What if the bank says they won't accept non-residents?

Try a different branch of the same bank—policies vary. Call a credit union in your area and ask their policy. If you're in the US temporarily, a prepaid debit card or money transfer service like Wise may be faster and cheaper than fighting to open a bank account.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. Banks require the account holder to appear in person with a valid ID. Power of attorney does not work for account opening. You must visit the branch yourself.

Will my non-resident account be closed if I leave the US?

Not automatically, but some banks close accounts if they detect you've moved out of the country. Keep your address current with the bank. If you're leaving, tell the bank in advance and ask whether your account will remain open. Many banks allow non-residents to keep accounts as long as they maintain the minimum balance and pay any fees.