Yes, non-US citizens can open a bank account, but the process and requirements vary by bank and by your immigration status

Most US banks will open a checking or savings account for a non-US citizen, but you will need to prove your identity and your legal presence in the country. The exact documents required depend on whether you have a Social Security number, a work visa, a green card, or another form of legal status. Some banks are more flexible than others — large national banks tend to have stricter policies, while smaller regional banks and credit unions often have more options for people without a US address or SSN.

The biggest barrier is usually the identification requirement. Banks must verify who you are under federal anti-money-laundering rules, which means you cannot simply walk in with a passport. You will need either a US government-issued ID (like a state driver's license or passport card), an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), or proof of legal status such as a work visa or green card. If you have none of these, some banks will still work with you, but the process takes longer and may require additional steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Most US banks will open an account for a non-US citizen if you can show a valid passport, work visa, green card, or ITIN, along with proof of a current address.
  • You do not need a Social Security number to open a bank account, but you will need some form of US tax identification or legal status documentation.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks often have fewer restrictions than large national chains and may accept a wider range of identification documents.
  • If you do not yet have legal status or documentation, some banks offer accounts for people with temporary visas or pending applications, though these are harder to find.

What documents you will need to bring

Start with a valid passport — this is the most straightforward form of ID a bank will accept. Bring it along with proof that you currently live in the US, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mail from a government agency. The address does not have to be permanent; a temporary address works as long as it is recent (usually within the last 60 days).

If you have a work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, or similar), bring the visa document itself or your I-94 arrival/departure record. If you have a green card, that is your strongest form of ID and makes the process straightforward. If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you, along with your passport and address proof.

Some banks will also accept a consular ID card issued by your home country's embassy or consulate in the US. Call ahead to ask whether the specific bank branch accepts this form of ID, because policies vary by location.

Banks and credit unions that work with non-US citizens

Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase will open accounts for non-US citizens with valid ID and proof of address, though their policies are strict and they may require an ITIN or Social Security number. If you do not have either, you may be turned away or asked to come back with additional documentation.

Credit unions are often more flexible. Many will open accounts for non-citizens with just a passport and address proof, and some do not require an ITIN or SSN at all. Call your local credit union and ask directly — policies vary widely by institution. Online banks like Wise, Revolut, and Chime have also opened accounts for non-US citizens, though their requirements change frequently and you should check their current policy before applying.

Smaller regional banks in areas with large immigrant populations tend to be more experienced with non-citizen accounts and may have streamlined processes. If you live in or near a city with a significant immigrant community, search for banks that market themselves to that group.

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

An ITIN is a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You can get one even if you are not authorized to work in the US. The process takes about two to three weeks if you apply in person at an IRS office, or four to six weeks if you mail in your application.

To get an ITIN, fill out Form W-7 and submit it along with your passport and proof of address to your local IRS office, or mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. You do not need to have filed taxes before — the ITIN is issued based on your identity and residency alone. Once you have the ITIN letter from the IRS, bring it to the bank along with your passport and address proof.

Opening an account with a temporary or pending visa status

If you are in the US on a student visa (F-1), tourist visa (B-1/B-2), or other temporary status, most banks will still open an account as long as you have a valid passport and proof of your current address. Some banks will ask to see your visa or I-94 card to confirm your legal presence, but this is not always required.

If your visa application is pending or you are waiting for a decision on your green card, the situation is more complicated. You may still have legal status during the waiting period (called "status" or "pending status"), and some banks will open an account based on your I-94 or a letter from your immigration attorney. Call ahead and explain your situation — do not assume you will be turned away without asking.

If you are in the US without legal status, opening a bank account is much harder. Some banks will refuse outright. Others may open an account if you have an ITIN and can prove your address, though this is rare and depends on the bank's internal policy. The safest approach is to contact a local immigrant services organization, which can tell you which banks in your area will work with people in your situation.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can use this card to withdraw cash, make purchases, and pay bills online. If you want to set up direct deposit for a paycheck or government payment, you will need to provide your account and routing number to your employer or the paying agency.

Some banks will ask you to verify your address or identity again after a few months, especially if you opened the account with a temporary visa or without an SSN. This is normal and does not mean your account is at risk — just respond to the bank's request with the same documents you used to open the account.

If you plan to send or receive money internationally, ask the bank about wire transfer fees and limits. Many banks charge high fees for international transfers, so you may want to explore services like Wise, OFX, or your home country's banks that have US branches. These services are often cheaper for moving money across borders.

What to do if a bank refuses to open an account

If a bank turns you down, ask why. The reason matters. If they say you do not have acceptable ID, ask what forms of ID they do accept — you may be able to get an ITIN or consular ID and come back. If they say you do not have a US address, ask whether a temporary address or a letter from an employer or school will work.

If the bank refuses because of your immigration status, try a credit union or a smaller regional bank. If you are in a city with an immigrant services organization, call them — they often maintain lists of banks that work with non-citizens and can sometimes help you navigate the process.

As a last resort, you can open an account with an online bank or a money transfer service like Wise, which often have fewer restrictions than brick-and-mortar banks. These accounts may not offer all the features of a traditional bank account, but they allow you to receive direct deposits and make purchases online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

No. You can open an account with an ITIN, a work visa, a green card, or just a valid passport and proof of address. Some banks prefer an SSN or ITIN, but it is not required. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept.

Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?

Yes. Most banks will open an account for someone on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa as long as you have a valid passport and proof of a US address. Some banks may ask to see your visa or I-94 card, but this is not always required. Call the bank first to confirm their policy.

How long does it take to open an account as a non-US citizen?

If you have all the required documents, the account can be opened the same day or within a few business days. If you need to get an ITIN first, add two to six weeks to the timeline. If the bank needs to verify your status or address, it may take an additional week or two.

What if I do not have a permanent US address?

A temporary address works — a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's address, or a workplace address are all acceptable as long as the bank can verify it. The address must be current (usually within the last 60 days) and you should be able to show proof, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

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

Yes. If you open a joint account with a US citizen, the bank may have fewer restrictions on your documentation. Both account holders will need to provide ID and sign the account agreement, but the US citizen's presence may simplify the process.