Non-U.S. residents can open a bank account in the United States, but the process is slower and requires more documentation than it is for citizens or permanent residents

Banks in the U.S. are required by federal law to verify the identity and tax status of everyone who opens an account, regardless of citizenship. For non-residents, this means providing a passport or national ID, proof of a U.S. address (even a temporary one), and often a tax identification number. Some banks will open accounts for non-residents; others will not. The ones that do typically charge higher fees, impose lower account limits, and take longer to process the application—sometimes two to four weeks instead of the same-day or next-day approval citizens often receive.

Your options depend on what you need the account for, how long you will be in the country, and which bank you approach. A tourist or short-term visitor has fewer options than someone relocating for work or school. A non-resident with a U.S. employer or a U.S. address has more options than someone with neither.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks require a U.S. address and a tax ID number (ITIN or SSN) to open an account as a non-resident, and many will not open accounts for non-residents at all.
  • Online banks and credit unions are more likely to accept non-residents than traditional brick-and-mortar banks, though policies vary widely.
  • You will need a passport or national ID, proof of U.S. address, and documentation of your immigration status or reason for being in the country.
  • Some banks require a minimum deposit that is higher for non-residents, and monthly fees may be higher or waived only if you maintain a larger balance.

Which banks accept non-residents and what they require

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have stated policies on non-resident accounts, but the rules vary by branch and by the type of visa or status you hold. Chase requires a U.S. address and either an SSN or ITIN; some branches will open accounts for visa holders, others will not. Citibank has a specific program for non-residents called Citibank Global Packages, which requires a minimum deposit of $15,000 to $25,000 depending on the account type. Bank of America and Wells Fargo generally do not open accounts for non-residents unless they have a U.S. employer or are permanent residents.

Online banks such as Charles Schwab, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and some regional credit unions are more flexible. Charles Schwab accepts non-residents with a valid visa and U.S. address; Wise is designed for international transfers and accepts non-residents in most countries. Credit unions vary by location and membership rules—some require you to live or work in their service area, others do not.

Before you visit a branch or apply online, call the bank's customer service line and ask directly whether they open accounts for your visa type. The answer from one branch may not match the answer from another, and policies change. Getting a yes or no before you spend time on an application saves frustration.

Documents you will need to bring or upload

Every bank will ask for a valid passport or national ID. If your passport is from outside the U.S., that is what they want. Some banks will also accept a national ID card if it includes a photo and expiration date.

You will need proof of a U.S. address. A lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency with your name and address works. If you have just arrived and do not have a lease yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or school on letterhead confirming your address, or a temporary address such as a hotel or Airbnb with a booking confirmation. A few banks will accept a P.O. box, but most will not.

You will need a tax identification number. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), bring it. If you do not, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-residents who need to file taxes or open a bank account. You apply for an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS; the process takes four to six weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide a receipt showing you have filed; others will not.

Bring documentation of your immigration status: a valid visa, an I-94 arrival/departure record (available at cbp.gov), or a letter from your employer or school confirming your status and expected length of stay. Some banks also ask for a reason for opening the account—whether you are working, studying, or visiting.

The ITIN application if you do not have a Social Security Number

If you are a non-resident and do not have an SSN, you will need to apply for an ITIN before most banks will open an account. You do this by mailing Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to the IRS, along with proof of identity and proof of a U.S. address.

The IRS accepts Form W-7 by mail only; you cannot apply online. You must include an original or certified copy of your passport or national ID, and a copy of your proof of address. The IRS processes the application in four to six weeks. You can check the status online using the IRS ITIN tracker at irs.gov.

Some banks will open an account while your ITIN is pending if you provide the IRS receipt (Form W-7-R) showing you have filed. Others will wait until the ITIN is issued. Ask the bank before you file the form so you know what to expect.

Online banks versus in-person banks for non-residents

Online banks are generally faster and more willing to work with non-residents because they do not have the same branch-by-branch variation that traditional banks do. Charles Schwab, Wise, and some online credit unions have clear policies for non-residents and process applications in one to three business days. You upload your documents, they verify them, and you receive account details by email.

In-person banks require you to visit a branch, which means you need to be physically present in the U.S. and have time to go to the bank. The advantage is that a banker can answer questions on the spot and may be more flexible about documentation if you explain your situation. The disadvantage is that policies vary by branch, and you may be turned away even if the bank's website says it accepts non-residents.

If you are in the U.S. temporarily and need an account quickly, an online bank is usually the faster choice. If you plan to stay long-term and want a relationship with a local bank, an in-person visit may be worth the time.

Fees, minimum deposits, and account limits for non-residents

Banks often charge higher fees for non-resident accounts or require higher minimum deposits. Citibank's Global Packages start at $15,000 minimum. Charles Schwab has no minimum deposit but charges a monthly fee unless you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit. Wise charges no monthly fee but takes a small percentage on transfers and currency exchanges.

Some banks impose lower daily withdrawal limits or transaction limits for non-residents. Chase, for example, may limit non-resident accounts to $500 per day in ATM withdrawals for the first 30 days. These limits usually increase after you have held the account for a few months and the bank has verified your activity.

Ask about fees and limits before you open the account. A bank that charges $15 per month in fees is more expensive than one that charges $5 per month, even if both have the same minimum deposit.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money, receive direct deposits from a U.S. employer, and use a debit card. You can also set up online bill pay and transfers to other accounts. Some banks will issue a credit card to non-residents, but most will not until you have held the account for six months to a year and built a credit history in the U.S.

If you leave the U.S. before your visa expires, you can keep the account open as long as you want, as long as you maintain any minimum balance the bank requires. If your visa expires and you do not renew it, the bank may close the account or restrict it, depending on the bank's policy. Some banks require you to update your address if you move outside the U.S.; others do not. Check with your bank about what happens to your account if you leave the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account as a tourist on a visitor visa?

Some banks will open accounts for tourists, but most require you to have a U.S. address and a reason to stay in the country (work, school, family). A tourist visa alone is usually not enough. Online banks like Wise are more likely to accept tourists than traditional banks. You will still need a passport, proof of address, and a tax ID number.

What if I do not have a U.S. address yet?

Some banks will accept a temporary address such as a hotel, Airbnb, or employer address with a confirmation letter. Others require a lease or utility bill. Call the bank before you apply and ask what they accept. You may also be able to use a mail forwarding service address, though not all banks allow this.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS processes Form W-7 in four to six weeks by mail. You can check the status online at irs.gov using the ITIN tracker. Some banks will open an account while your application is pending if you provide the IRS receipt; others will wait until the ITIN is issued.

Can I use a bank account opened as a non-resident after I become a permanent resident?

Yes. Once you receive a green card or become a permanent resident, you can keep the account open and convert it to a standard resident account if the bank offers that option. You may be able to remove restrictions or lower fees at that time.

What if a bank denies my application?

Banks are not required to open accounts for non-residents, and they can deny your application without explaining why. If one bank says no, try another. Online banks, credit unions, and banks with international programs are more likely to say yes. You can also ask the bank what specific requirement you did not meet and whether you can reapply after meeting it.