Yes, but the bank must accept US clients and you'll need to prove your identity from overseas

US citizens living abroad can open bank accounts, but not every bank will do it. The barrier is not citizenship—it's that US banks face strict reporting requirements for accounts held by Americans anywhere in the world, and many banks have decided the compliance cost is not worth it. You have three realistic paths: open an account with a US bank that explicitly serves expats, use a digital bank designed for international customers, or open a local account in your country of residence and handle US tax reporting yourself.

The process differs sharply from opening an account in the US. You cannot walk into a branch. You will need to verify your identity remotely, prove your US address or show documentation of your move abroad, and often provide a US phone number or a US tax ID (your Social Security number). Some banks will video-call you; others accept notarized documents sent by mail. The timeline ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on the bank's verification process.

Key Takeaways

  • US banks that serve expats include Wise, Charles Schwab, and some online-only banks, but you must confirm they accept new accounts from your specific country.
  • You will need a valid US passport or state ID, proof of your current address abroad, and your Social Security number to open an account remotely.
  • Local bank accounts in your country of residence do not require US bank approval but do require you to report the account to the IRS if the balance exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year.
  • Video verification and notarized documents are the standard remote identity-proofing methods; in-person visits to a US branch are rarely an option.
  • Some banks will not serve customers in certain countries due to sanctions or regulatory risk, so you must check availability before starting the application.

US banks that accept expat customers

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the most accessible option for expats. It offers a multi-currency account, not a traditional checking account, but it includes a debit card, direct deposit capability, and the ability to hold and transfer money in multiple currencies. Wise accepts US citizens in most countries and has no minimum balance. You apply online, verify your identity with a photo ID and a selfie, and can usually start using the account within hours.

Charles Schwab offers a checking account to US citizens abroad and reimburses ATM fees worldwide. You can open the account online if you have a US address on file (a parent's address works), and Schwab will mail the debit card to an international address. The account requires no minimum balance and no monthly fees. Schwab's main limitation is that it does not offer savings accounts or credit products to expats, only checking.

HSBC

Other banks—including some regional US banks and credit unions—do serve expats, but policies vary widely. Before you start an application, call the bank directly and ask whether they accept new accounts from US citizens in your country. Do not assume an online application will work; many banks' websites do not clearly state country restrictions until you are deep in the process.

What documents and information you'll need

Every US bank will ask for your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is non-negotiable; it is how the bank reports the account to the IRS under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). You will also need a valid US passport or state-issued ID with a photo.

Proof of address is the second major requirement. If you still have a US address (a family member's home, a mail forwarding service), you can use that. If you do not, you will need to provide your foreign address. Acceptable documents vary by bank but typically include a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued ID showing your current address. Some banks will accept a notarized affidavit stating your address if you cannot obtain a utility bill quickly.

A US phone number helps but is not always required. If you do not have one, you can use a Google Voice number (free, US-based) or ask the bank whether they accept a foreign number. Some banks will proceed without a US number if you can verify your identity another way.

If you are opening a local account in your country of residence instead of a US account, requirements depend entirely on that country's banking rules. Most countries require a passport, proof of address, and a tax ID (which may be a local number, not your SSN). Some countries require a visa or proof of residency status.

How identity verification works from abroad

US banks verify your identity remotely using one of three methods: video call, notarized documents, or a combination of both. Wise and most online banks use video verification—you schedule a call, show your ID to the camera, answer security questions, and the process is complete in 10 to 15 minutes. The bank records the call for compliance purposes.

Traditional banks like HSBC or some regional banks may require notarized documents instead. You will need to have your passport or ID notarized by a notary public in your country of residence, then mail or email the notarized copy to the bank. This process takes longer—typically one to two weeks—because you have to find a notary, schedule an appointment, and then wait for the bank to receive and process the documents.

Some banks use a hybrid approach: they verify your identity via video, then ask you to mail in original documents or a notarized copy as a second step. This adds time but is more secure from the bank's perspective.

If you are in a country where notaries do not exist or are difficult to access, ask the bank whether they accept an apostille (an international certification of a document's authenticity) or whether they will accept documents verified by your country's US embassy or consulate. Some banks will; others will not.

Opening a local bank account in your country of residence

You do not need a US bank account. Many expats open accounts with local banks in their country of residence and manage their US tax obligations separately. This is often simpler and faster than trying to open a US account remotely.

Local banks typically require a passport, proof of address (a lease, utility bill, or government letter), and a local tax ID if one exists in that country. Some countries require proof of income or employment. The process is usually in-person, though some countries now offer remote opening for residents.

The critical step is reporting the account to the US government. If the total balance in all foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the calendar year, you must file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by April 15 of the following year. You file this separately from your tax return, using FinCEN Form 114. If you also have foreign income, you may owe US taxes on that income as well.

Failure to file an FBAR when required can result in penalties of $10,000 or more per violation, even if the omission was unintentional. If you are unsure whether your accounts trigger the FBAR requirement, consult a tax professional who specializes in expat taxes.

Transfers and deposits from abroad

Once your account is open, moving money into it depends on the account type. If you have a US bank account, you can receive direct deposits from a US employer or transfer money from another US account via ACH (which takes one to three business days). International wire transfers are slower and more expensive—typically three to five business days and $15 to $50 in fees, depending on the bank.

If you use Wise, you can receive money from other Wise users instantly and at the mid-market exchange rate. You can also receive international wire transfers, though Wise charges a fee for incoming wires. Wise's main advantage is that it handles currency conversion more cheaply than traditional banks.

If you have a local account in your country of residence, deposits depend on your local bank's capabilities. Most local banks can receive international wire transfers, but the fees and timing vary. Some countries have local payment systems (like SEPA in Europe) that are faster and cheaper than international wires.

Tax reporting and FATCA compliance

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires US banks to report accounts held by US citizens to the IRS. When you open an account, the bank will ask you to sign a W-9 form (for US residents) or a W-8BEN form (for non-residents). This tells the bank your tax status and ensures they report the account correctly.

If you earn interest on a US bank account, the bank will send you a 1099-INT form at the end of the year showing the interest earned. You must report this on your US tax return. If you have a foreign account, you may owe US taxes on the interest as well, depending on your residency status and tax treaty between the US and your country.

If you are a US citizen abroad, you are required to file a US tax return every year, even if you owe no tax. You may be able to exclude foreign earned income using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (up to $120,000 in 2023, adjusted annually), but you must file to claim it. Consult a tax professional to understand your specific obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a family member's US address to open a bank account if I don't have one?

Yes, many banks accept a family member's address as your mailing address. However, you should be honest with the bank about where you actually live. If the bank discovers you provided a false address, they may close the account. Some banks ask you to confirm your actual residence separately from your mailing address.

What if the bank rejects my application because of my country?

Some countries are considered high-risk for money laundering or sanctions compliance, and US banks may refuse to serve customers there. If this happens, try Wise (which serves more countries than most traditional banks) or open a local account instead. You can also contact smaller regional banks or credit unions, which sometimes have more flexible policies than large national banks.

Do I need to report a local bank account to the US government?

Only if the balance exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year. If it does, you must file an FBAR (Form 114) by April 15 of the following year. If you have multiple foreign accounts, you add up the balances to determine whether you cross the $10,000 threshold.

Can I open a US bank account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. US banks require an SSN or ITIN to open an account. If you are a US citizen without an SSN, you can apply for one at the Social Security Administration. If you are a non-citizen, you may be able to obtain an ITIN, but you should contact the bank first to confirm they accept ITINs.

How long does it take to open an account from abroad?

Video verification typically takes one to three business days from the time you complete the application. Notarized document verification takes one to three weeks, depending on how quickly you can get documents notarized and mailed to the bank. Wise is usually the fastest, often completing verification within hours.