What tourists can actually open

You can open a bank account as a tourist in the United States, but not every bank will do it, and the account type matters. Most major banks will open a checking or savings account for a visitor, but they require a U.S. address and a valid form of identification. Some banks accept a passport; others want an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or an SSN (Social Security Number). A few banks have specific programs for international visitors, but these are not common.

The real constraint is the address requirement. Banks need a physical U.S. address to open an account—your hotel address, an Airbnb, or a friend's address will work. A P.O. box will not. If you do not have a U.S. address at all, opening an account becomes much harder, and some banks will turn you away.

Key Takeaways

  • Most U.S. banks require a valid passport, a U.S. address, and either an ITIN or SSN to open an account as a tourist.
  • A hotel address, Airbnb, or friend's address counts as a U.S. address; a P.O. box does not.
  • You will need to bring your passport in person to the bank branch—you cannot open an account online as a foreign visitor.
  • Some banks charge monthly fees for accounts, and fees vary widely, so ask before you open.
  • If you do not have an ITIN or SSN, you can still open an account at some banks, but the process takes longer and requires more paperwork.

What identification you need to bring

A valid passport is the standard document U.S. banks accept from tourists. Bring the original passport, not a copy. The bank will scan or photograph it during the account opening process. Some banks also accept a national ID card from your home country, but a passport is the safest choice because it is universally recognized.

You will also need to provide either an ITIN or an SSN. If you do not have either, the bank may still open an account, but it will ask you to apply for an ITIN through the IRS. This adds time to the process—sometimes weeks. If you are staying in the U.S. for work or school, you may already have an SSN or ITIN; if not, you can request one from the IRS before you arrive, though this requires planning ahead.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one—a driver's license from your home country, for example. Banks sometimes ask for it, and having it ready speeds up the process.

Which banks accept tourists and what they require

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will open accounts for tourists, but policies vary by branch. Some branches are stricter than others. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible, but they may not have branches in the city where you are staying.

Before you visit a branch, call ahead and ask whether they open accounts for tourists without an SSN or ITIN. This saves a wasted trip. When you call, ask specifically: "Can I open an account with a passport and a U.S. address?" and "Do I need an SSN or ITIN?" The answers will tell you whether that branch is worth visiting.

Some banks have higher minimum deposits for tourists—sometimes $100 to $500 to open. Ask about this when you call. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit, but as a tourist you may not have a U.S. employer, so this may not apply to you.

The in-person visit: what to expect

You must open the account in person at a branch. No U.S. bank will open an account for a tourist online. Bring your passport, your U.S. address, and your ITIN or SSN (or be prepared to apply for an ITIN if you do not have one). The process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

The bank will ask you standard questions: your full name, date of birth, your home address (outside the U.S.), your phone number, and your employment status. They will ask why you are opening the account—tell them the truth: you are visiting and need a place to deposit money or pay bills while you are here. Banks are used to this.

You will sign paperwork and receive a debit card on the spot or within a few business days. Some banks mail the card to your U.S. address; others hand it to you immediately. Ask which applies before you leave the branch.

Fees and account maintenance

U.S. bank accounts charge monthly maintenance fees, and these vary widely—from $0 to $15 per month depending on the bank and account type. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. As a tourist, you may not meet these conditions, so you could pay a fee every month you keep the account open.

Ask about the fee structure before you open. If the fee is $10 per month and you are only staying for two weeks, you will pay $10 for an account you barely use. Some banks offer no-fee checking accounts; if you find one, that is the better choice.

ATM fees also matter. If you withdraw cash from an ATM that is not owned by your bank, you will pay a fee—usually $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Ask the bank where their ATMs are located and whether they have a network of partner ATMs you can use for free.

What happens when you leave the country

You can keep the account open after you leave the U.S., but the bank may close it if you do not use it. Most banks close inactive accounts after 12 months of no deposits or withdrawals. If you think you will return to the U.S., ask the bank what their inactivity policy is before you open the account.

If you want to keep the account active from abroad, you can set up online banking and make small transfers or deposits periodically. Some banks allow you to deposit checks remotely using their mobile app. This keeps the account active without requiring you to visit a branch.

When you close the account, the bank will mail any remaining balance to your home address. This takes one to two weeks. Make sure the address you provided is current before you leave.

Alternatives if a bank turns you down

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, you have other options. Prepaid debit cards do not require a bank account and can be loaded with cash at many retailers. You can use them to pay online or withdraw cash from ATMs. The downside is that prepaid cards charge fees for each transaction, and these add up quickly.

Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram let you send money to yourself or receive money from home, but they charge high fees and are meant for one-time transfers, not ongoing banking.

If you are staying with a friend or family member, you could ask them to let you use their account to receive money or pay bills. This is informal and carries risk, so only do this if you trust the person completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an SSN to open a bank account as a tourist?

No, but you need either an SSN or an ITIN. If you have neither, some banks will let you open an account and apply for an ITIN afterward, though this delays the process. Call the bank first to confirm they will do this.

Can I open an account online if I am outside the U.S.?

No. U.S. banks require tourists to open accounts in person at a branch. You must be physically present with your passport. Once the account is open, you can manage it online from anywhere.

What if my hotel will not give me a permanent address?

Use the hotel's address anyway—it is a valid U.S. address. The bank does not verify that you actually live there; they just need a physical address on file. If you are moving hotels, use the address of the hotel where you are staying when you open the account.

Will the bank report my account to my home country's tax authority?

U.S. banks report foreign accounts to the IRS, not to your home country. Whether your home country taxes the account depends on your country's laws. Check with a tax professional in your home country if you are concerned.

Can I use a tourist account to receive money from my employer back home?

Yes. Once the account is open, you can receive wire transfers or ACH deposits from abroad. Ask the bank for your account number and routing number, and give these to your employer. Wire transfers usually arrive within one to three business days.