What tourists can actually open

A tourist on a visitor visa can open a bank account in the USA, but only certain types. Most banks will let you open a savings account or checking account if you have a valid passport and a US address. The catch: you need to be physically present in the country, and many banks now require a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — something most tourists do not have.

Some banks are stricter than others. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have tightened rules since 2010 and often turn away tourists entirely. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to work with you, especially if you can show proof of a temporary US address — a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's place where mail can reach you.

The real limitation is not whether you can open the account; it is what you can do with it once you leave. Most banks will freeze or close an account if you stop using it or if they cannot verify your identity after you go home. If you plan to stay longer than a few months, the process becomes easier because you may be able to get an ITIN.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a checking or savings account as a tourist, but you must be physically present in the US and have a valid passport.
  • Most large national banks require a Social Security Number or ITIN; credit unions and smaller regional banks are more flexible.
  • You need a US mailing address — a hotel, rental, or friend's address works — because banks send statements and verification mail there.
  • Banks may close your account if you leave the country and stop using it, so plan to keep it active or close it before you go.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with your passport — this is non-negotiable. Every US bank will ask for it as your primary form of ID. Bring the physical passport, not a copy, because the bank needs to verify it in person.

Next, bring proof of a US address. This can be a hotel confirmation email, an Airbnb booking, a lease agreement, or even a letter from a friend saying you are staying at their place. The bank needs somewhere to mail your debit card and statements. If you do not have a US address yet, some banks will let you use their branch address temporarily, but call ahead to confirm.

If you have a Social Security Number or ITIN, bring that too — it makes the process faster and removes a major barrier. If you do not have one and the bank requires it, you may need to apply for an ITIN through the IRS before opening the account. This takes several weeks and requires you to fill out Form W-7 at an IRS office or through an authorized agent.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one — a driver's license from your home country, an international driver's permit, or a national ID card. Some banks ask for it; most do not, but it speeds things up.

Which banks actually accept tourists

Call before you go to the branch. This is the single most important step because policies vary by location and change frequently. A Chase branch in New York might accept tourists while another Chase branch in the same city turns them away.

Credit unions are your best bet. They have looser rules than national banks and often do not require an SSN or ITIN. You will need to join the credit union first — membership usually costs nothing and requires only a small deposit ($5 to $25). Once you are a member, opening an account is straightforward. Find one near your hotel or rental using CO-OP or Allpoint, which are credit union networks that let you find branches nationwide.

Online banks like Chime, Revolut, or Wise (formerly TransferWise) are easier for tourists because they do not require you to visit a branch. However, they still need an address and often require an SSN or ITIN. Wise is popular with travelers because it specializes in international transfers and does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Regional banks in the state where you are staying often have more flexible policies than national chains. Ask your hotel concierge or search online for "banks near me" and call the smaller ones first. Explain that you are a tourist and ask if they accept visitors. Many will say yes if you have a passport and a local address.

How long the process takes and what happens next

If you walk into a branch with all your documents, the account can be open in 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will verify your passport, take your information, and give you a temporary debit card on the spot or mail one to your US address within 5 to 10 business days.

Once the account is open, you can deposit money immediately using the debit card at ATMs or by transferring funds from a bank account in your home country. International transfers usually take 3 to 5 business days and may cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank and the amount.

The problem comes when you leave. If you do not close the account before you go, the bank may freeze it after 6 to 12 months of inactivity. Some banks will send warning letters to your US address; others will simply close it without notice. If the account is closed, any remaining balance will be mailed to you as a check, which can take weeks to arrive internationally.

Before you leave the country, log into your account online and close it yourself, or call the bank and ask them to close it. This prevents surprises and ensures any remaining balance is handled the way you want.

Why banks ask for an SSN or ITIN

The US government requires banks to verify the identity of anyone opening an account under a law called the USA PATRIOT Act. For US citizens and permanent residents, a Social Security Number does this. For tourists and temporary visitors, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) serves the same purpose.

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not have an SSN but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You do not need to be working or earning money in the US to get one — you just need to apply. The process involves filling out Form W-7 and submitting it to an IRS office or an authorized agent (often a tax preparation service or accounting firm). Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Some banks will open an account without an SSN or ITIN if you are a tourist, but they may limit what you can do — no wire transfers, no online bill pay, or lower withdrawal limits. Ask the bank what restrictions apply before you open the account.

What to do if a bank turns you down

If a large bank says no, do not assume all banks will. Try a credit union or a smaller regional bank in the same area. Call first and specifically ask if they accept tourists with a passport and a temporary US address. Many will say yes.

If you are staying in the US for more than a few months, consider getting an ITIN before you try to open an account. This removes the biggest barrier and makes most banks willing to work with you. The IRS has offices in every state, and the application is free.

If you only need access to money for a short trip, consider alternatives: a prepaid travel card loaded before you leave home, a digital wallet like PayPal or Wise, or simply using your home bank's ATM card and accepting the foreign transaction fees. These options avoid the hassle of opening a US account you will not use after you leave.

Keeping your account active after you leave

If you plan to return to the US regularly or want to keep the account open for future trips, you need to use it. Make at least one transaction every 6 to 12 months — a small transfer, a debit card purchase, or a deposit. Banks close accounts that sit dormant, and reactivating a closed account is harder than keeping it open.

Set up online banking before you leave so you can monitor the account and make transfers from home. Most US banks let you log in from anywhere in the world. You can also set up automatic transfers or bill payments to keep the account active without doing anything manually.

If you move back to the US permanently, you can convert your tourist account into a regular account once you have a permanent address and an SSN. The bank will update your information, and you will have full access to all services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no address?

No. Every US bank requires a mailing address because they need to send your debit card and statements somewhere. Use a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend's address. Some banks will temporarily use their branch address, but call ahead to confirm.

What if I do not have a Social Security Number?

You can still open an account at many credit unions and smaller banks with just a passport. If a bank requires an SSN or ITIN and you do not have one, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7, which takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Will my bank account close when I leave the country?

Not immediately, but it will close if you do not use it for 6 to 12 months. Before you leave, either close the account yourself or make a plan to keep it active with occasional transfers or purchases. Check your bank's policy on dormant accounts.

Can I use a tourist bank account to receive paychecks?

Technically yes, but most employers will not deposit into an account opened by a non-resident. If you are working in the US on a visa, you will need to get an SSN first, which requires work authorization. Ask your employer what they need before you open the account.

Is it cheaper to just use my home bank's debit card?

Depends on your bank and how much you withdraw. Most US ATMs charge $2 to $5 per withdrawal if you use a foreign card, plus your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee. If you plan to withdraw cash multiple times, opening a US account might save money. For a short trip with few withdrawals, your home card may be cheaper.