What a visitor can and cannot do at a US bank

A visitor to the US can open a bank account, but only if you have a valid passport and a US address. Most banks will not open an account for someone without a physical address in the country, even if you are staying temporarily. The address can be a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's house, or a relative's address — it does not have to be permanent, but it has to be real and verifiable.

The catch is that banks treat visitors differently depending on your visa status and how long you plan to stay. A tourist on a B-1/B-2 visa, a student on an F-1 visa, and a temporary worker on an H-1B visa each face different rules. Some banks will open accounts for any of these groups; others will only work with students or work visa holders. A few will refuse anyone without a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

You will need to bring your passport, proof of your US address, and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. If you do not have either, you can request an ITIN from the IRS before you open the account, though this adds time. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending; most will not.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport, a US address (temporary is fine), and either a Social Security Number or ITIN to open a bank account as a visitor.
  • Banks have different policies for tourists, students, and temporary workers — call ahead to confirm the bank will accept your visa type before you visit.
  • If you do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN, you can request an ITIN from the IRS, but the process takes several weeks and some banks will not wait.
  • Online banks are sometimes more flexible than brick-and-mortar banks, but they still require a US address and identification number.
  • A basic checking or savings account is the easiest option; credit products like credit cards require a longer US history and a credit score.

Which banks accept visitors without a Social Security Number

Not all banks have the same rules. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo each have their own policies, and policies can vary by branch. Some branches will open an account for a visitor with an ITIN; others will turn you away. The only way to know is to call the branch directly or visit in person.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible, especially if you have a local connection — a job offer, a relative who banks there, or an address in their service area. Credit unions in particular often have looser rules for non-members who are moving to the area or studying locally.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab generally require a Social Security Number or ITIN, but some will open an account while your ITIN application is in progress if you provide your ITIN application receipt. This is rare, so check the bank's website or call customer service before you apply.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. Visitors, temporary workers, and students often use an ITIN to open bank accounts, file taxes, or get a driver's license.

To request an ITIN, you fill out Form W-7 and send it to the IRS with your passport and a copy of your visa or travel documents. You do not need to be in the US to apply, though the process is faster if you apply in person at an IRS office or an IRS-authorized acceptance agent. The IRS typically issues an ITIN within two to four weeks if you apply by mail, or sometimes the same day if you apply in person.

Some IRS-authorized acceptance agents (tax preparers, accountants, and community organizations) can submit your W-7 application on your behalf. This costs money — usually $50 to $200 — but it can speed up the process. Search "ITIN acceptance agent near me" to find one in your area.

What to bring when you open the account

Bring your passport and one additional form of ID if you have it — a driver's license from your home country, a student ID, or a work visa. Bring proof of your US address: a lease, a hotel confirmation, a utility bill in someone else's name with a note from them saying you live there, or a letter from your employer or school on letterhead confirming your address.

Bring your Social Security Number or ITIN if you have one. If you are waiting for an ITIN, bring your IRS application receipt (the Form W-7 with the IRS date stamp). Some banks will accept this as proof that you have applied; most will not open an account until the ITIN is issued.

Bring a small initial deposit — usually $25 to $100, depending on the bank. Some banks waive this for students or workers on certain visa types. Ask when you call to confirm the bank will work with you.

Differences between tourist, student, and work visa holders

Tourists on a B-1/B-2 visa have the hardest time opening accounts. Banks see a short stay and no income, and many will refuse. Your best option is a bank that has a branch in your home country — HSBC, Barclays, or Deutsche Bank, for example — because they may let you open an account based on your existing relationship with them abroad. Otherwise, try smaller regional banks or credit unions in the area where you are staying.

Students on an F-1 visa have an easier time. Most banks recognize F-1 students as a stable group and will open accounts for them. Many universities have a bank branch on campus or a partnership with a local bank that streamlines the process. Check your school's website or ask the international student office which banks they recommend.

Temporary workers on an H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visa are treated like residents by most banks. You have a job, an employer, and a longer stay, so banks are more willing to work with you. You may even be able to open a credit card or get a small loan once you have an account and a few months of US banking history.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online banks are faster and do not require you to visit a branch, but they have stricter identity verification. You will upload photos of your passport and visa, and the bank will verify your address electronically. This works well if your documents are clear and your address is verifiable, but it can fail if the bank's system does not recognize your passport format or if your address does not match any US database.

Opening an account in person at a branch takes longer — you may wait 30 minutes to an hour — but the banker can see your documents directly and make a judgment call if something does not fit the standard rules. If you are a visitor without an ITIN, in-person is usually your better bet.

Some banks let you start the application online and finish it in person. This can save time: you fill out the form and upload documents at home, then visit a branch to verify your identity and sign the final paperwork.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money, write checks, and use a debit card. The bank will mail a debit card to your US address within 7 to 10 business days. If you are leaving the US before the card arrives, ask the bank to hold it for pickup at the branch, or have it mailed to a friend's address.

You can set up direct deposit if your employer is in the US. You can also transfer money from your home country using a wire transfer, though this usually costs $15 to $50 and takes one to three business days. Some banks offer cheaper international transfers through partnerships with banks abroad.

If you leave the US before your account is closed, you can keep the account open and manage it remotely. Most banks let you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills online. Some will close your account if there is no activity for a certain period — usually 12 months — so check your bank's policy if you plan to leave and return later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US phone number to open a bank account?

No, but most banks will ask for one. If you do not have a US phone number, give them your home country number or a temporary US number from a service like Google Voice. Some banks will accept an email address instead. Call ahead to confirm what the bank will accept.

Can I open an account if I am staying in a hotel?

Yes. Use the hotel's address as your US address. Bring your hotel confirmation or a recent hotel bill as proof. Some banks may call the hotel to verify you are staying there, so make sure the address and dates match your reservation.

What if the bank says no because I do not have an ITIN?

Ask if they will open an account while your ITIN application is pending, or if they have a waiting list. If they refuse, try a different bank or a credit union. You can also apply for an ITIN before you arrive in the US and have the number ready when you visit the bank.

Can I get a credit card as a visitor?

Not immediately. Credit card companies want to see a credit history, and you will not have one as a new visitor. After three to six months of banking history in the US, you may be able to get a secured credit card (you deposit money as collateral) or a card designed for people building credit. Some banks offer these to international students and workers.

What if I need to close my account before I leave?

Call or visit the bank and ask to close the account. They will give you the remaining balance as a check or transfer it to another account. Make sure there are no pending transactions or automatic payments before you close it. If you have a debit card, ask the bank to deactivate it or destroy it.