Yes, non-US citizens can open a bank account, but the process and requirements depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose

Most banks in the United States will open a checking or savings account for a non-US citizen, but you will need to prove your identity and provide a tax identification number. The specific documents required vary by bank and by your visa status. Some banks ask for a passport and visa; others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number. A few banks have made this easier by removing the Social Security Number requirement altogether, though most still prefer one.

The barrier is not citizenship—it is documentation. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and determine your tax status before opening an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. For a non-US citizen, this means showing who you are and proving you have a legitimate reason to be in the country or to conduct business here.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-US citizens can open bank accounts at most major banks and credit unions, but you will need a valid passport, visa, or travel document plus either a Social Security Number or an ITIN.
  • An ITIN is a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file taxes or conduct business in the US; you can request one even if you are not working.
  • Some banks (including Charles Schwab, Wise, and certain credit unions) have streamlined processes for non-citizens and do not require a Social Security Number.
  • You may need to provide proof of a US address, which can be a temporary address, a work address, or a friend's address where you receive mail.
  • Online banks often have fewer documentation requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, though verification can take longer.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with a valid passport. This is your primary identity document and every bank will ask for it. If you also have a US visa (student visa, work visa, tourist visa), bring that too—it shows your legal status in the country. Some banks will accept a travel document or national ID card if you do not have a passport, but a passport is the safest choice.

Next, you need a tax identification number. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), bring it. If you do not, you will need an ITIN. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to non-citizens who need to file taxes or conduct business in the US. You do not have to be working to get one—you can request an ITIN simply to open a bank account or invest money. The IRS issues ITINs by mail; the process takes about two to three weeks after you submit Form W-7 to the IRS.

You will also need proof of a US address. This can be a temporary address—a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's apartment, or a work address. Some banks accept a lease or a utility bill; others accept a letter from your employer or a bank statement. If you do not have any of these yet, call the bank before you visit and ask what they will accept. Many will work with you if you explain you just arrived.

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

An ITIN takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail. You request one by filling out Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and mailing it to the IRS with a copy of your passport or visa. You can download the form from irs.gov. The IRS will send your ITIN to you by mail at the US address you provide on the form.

Some banks will open an account while you are waiting for your ITIN to arrive, especially if you show them the receipt from your IRS submission. Others will not. If the bank you want to use will not wait, you have two options: choose a different bank that is more flexible, or wait for the ITIN to arrive before opening the account. Online banks tend to be more flexible about this than branches.

If you are in the US on a work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), your employer may have already applied for a Social Security Number on your behalf. Check with your HR department before you request an ITIN—you may already have an SSN and not know it.

Banks and credit unions that work with non-US citizens

Major national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase will open accounts for non-citizens, but they usually require either an SSN or an ITIN, and they may ask more questions about your visa status. Bring all your documents and be prepared to explain why you are opening the account.

Some banks have made the process simpler. Charles Schwab does not require a Social Security Number and will open accounts for non-US citizens with a valid passport and ITIN. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is an online bank that specializes in international transfers and has a streamlined process for non-citizens. Chime and other online-only banks often have fewer documentation requirements, though they still need identity verification.

Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. Many local and regional credit unions will work with non-citizens if you can show a valid passport and either an SSN or ITIN. Some credit unions do not require an address at all if you can provide an alternative form of identification. Call ahead and ask—credit unions vary widely by location.

What happens if you do not have a US address yet

If you just arrived and do not have a permanent address, you have several options. You can use a temporary address—a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's address, or your workplace. Banks understand that people move, and they will accept a temporary address as long as you can show proof that you receive mail there. A hotel confirmation, a lease, or a letter from your employer all work.

Some banks will let you update your address later once you have found a permanent place. Others require you to provide an address at the time you open the account. If you are staying with a friend, ask them if you can use their address for mail. Many banks send statements by email now, so the physical address matters less than it used to.

If you cannot provide any US address, some online banks and credit unions will work with you if you have a valid passport and ITIN. Call the bank directly and explain your situation—many have workarounds for people who are new to the country.

Online banks versus brick-and-mortar branches

Online banks are often easier for non-citizens because they do not require you to visit a branch in person. You can upload photos of your documents, and verification happens by email or video call. The downside is that the process can take longer—sometimes a week or more—because everything is done remotely. If you need the account quickly, a branch visit may be faster.

Brick-and-mortar banks can open an account in person the same day, but you have to visit a branch with all your documents. The staff can answer questions on the spot and help you if something is missing. If you are new to the country and unsure what you need, a branch visit may be less stressful than uploading documents online.

A practical approach: call the bank or credit union you want to use and ask what they need from you. Tell them you are a non-US citizen and ask whether they prefer online or in-person applications. Most will tell you exactly what to bring.

What to do if a bank refuses to open an account

If a bank turns you down, ask why. The most common reasons are: you do not have an ITIN or SSN, you cannot prove your identity, or you cannot provide a US address. If it is one of these, you now know what to fix. Get an ITIN, gather your documents, or find a temporary address, and try again.

If a bank refuses without explaining, try a different bank. Some banks are stricter about non-citizen accounts than others, and there is no single rule across the industry. Credit unions and online banks tend to be more flexible. If you are in a major city, you may have dozens of options.

If you have a work visa or student visa, your employer or school may have a relationship with a specific bank and can help you open an account. Many universities and large employers have banking partners who understand visa holders and can speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account as a non-US citizen?

No. You can use an ITIN instead. However, most banks prefer an SSN if you have one. If you are on a work visa, check with your employer first—they may have already applied for an SSN on your behalf. If not, you can request an ITIN from the IRS using Form W-7.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS typically processes ITIN requests in two to three weeks after you mail Form W-7. You can mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Some banks will open an account while you wait if you show them your submission receipt; others will not. Call ahead and ask.

Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?

Yes, most banks will open an account for someone on a tourist visa. You will need your passport, visa, and either an SSN or ITIN. Some banks may ask why you are opening an account (to receive a paycheck, to invest, to hold money while traveling), so be prepared to explain. Online banks are often more flexible about short-term visitors.

What if I do not have a US address?

Use a temporary address—a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's address, or your workplace. You will need to show proof that you receive mail there (a confirmation email, a lease, or a letter from your employer). Some online banks and credit unions will work with you if you have a valid passport and ITIN, even without a US address. Call ahead and ask.

Can I open a joint account with someone who is a US citizen?

Yes. Many banks allow joint accounts between a non-citizen and a US citizen. Both people will need to provide identification and sign the account agreement. This can actually make the process easier because the US citizen can help with documentation and address requirements.