Yes, you can open a bank account as a non-resident, but the process and your options depend on your visa status, the country you're in, and which bank you approach
Most U.S. banks will open a checking or savings account for a non-resident if you have a valid visa, passport, and a U.S. address (even a temporary one). Some banks ask fewer questions than others. The real barriers are not legal—they are practical. You need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or SSN, proof of address, and sometimes a minimum deposit. Some banks have stopped serving non-residents altogether because of compliance costs, so your options have narrowed in the last decade.
The process takes longer than it does for a U.S. citizen. You will need to visit a branch in person or use a bank that accepts remote opening for non-residents. Online-only banks are often easier, but they have their own rules about who they serve. If you are on a student visa, work visa, or temporary status, the rules are different from those for someone with permanent residency.
Key Takeaways
- Most mainstream U.S. banks will open an account for a non-resident with a valid visa, passport, and U.S. address, but you must visit a branch in person or use a bank that allows remote opening for non-residents.
- You will need either an ITIN or SSN, and some banks require a minimum deposit ranging from $0 to $300 depending on the account type and bank.
- Online-only banks like Wise, Revolut, and some neobanks have fewer restrictions on non-residents than traditional banks, though their services differ from standard checking accounts.
- Student visas, work visas, and temporary status each have different requirements—some banks ask for an I-20 form or employment letter, while others do not.
- If a mainstream bank denies you, community banks and credit unions often have more flexible policies than large national chains.
What documents you need to bring to a bank branch
Bring your passport and a valid visa. The visa proves you are legally in the country; the passport is your primary ID. If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some banks will accept a temporary address—a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's address, or even a mail forwarding service. Write down the address before you go in, because the bank will ask for it on the application.
You also need proof of address. A lease, utility bill, or bank statement in your name works. If you just arrived and have none of these, bring a letter from your employer, school, or landlord on official letterhead stating your address and move-in date. Some banks accept this; others do not. Call ahead and ask what they will take.
If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that issued it. If you do not have one yet, you can still open an account—the bank will use your passport number instead—but you will need to get an ITIN later if you plan to work or file taxes. If you have a U.S. Social Security Number, bring that instead; it makes the process faster.
Which banks accept non-residents and which do not
Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have policies that permit non-residents to open accounts, but enforcement varies by branch. Some branches turn people away; others do not. Call the specific branch where you plan to go and ask whether they open accounts for non-residents with a visa. Do not assume the answer is yes just because the bank's website says it is possible.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions are often more flexible. If you are moving to a specific city, search for local credit unions or community banks and call them directly. They tend to have fewer compliance restrictions and may not require an ITIN upfront. Some credit unions will open an account for a non-resident with just a passport and a temporary address.
Online-only banks like Wise, Revolut, and Chime have different rules. Wise and Revolut are designed for international users and will open accounts for non-residents without requiring a U.S. address, though they do not offer traditional checking accounts—they offer multi-currency wallets and debit cards instead. Chime requires a U.S. address and Social Security Number or ITIN, so it is harder for new non-residents. Read the fine print on each bank's website before you apply.
Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number
An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. You do not need one to open a bank account, but you will need one if you work in the U.S. or earn income that must be reported. Some banks ask for it at account opening; others do not.
To get an ITIN, fill out Form W-7 and mail it to the IRS with your passport, visa, and proof of address. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. You cannot apply online. Some tax preparers and accountants will submit the form for you, which can speed things up slightly. If you are in a hurry, open the account first without an ITIN, then get the ITIN later and update your bank records.
Opening an account remotely if you cannot visit a branch
Most large banks require you to visit a branch in person to open an account as a non-resident. However, some banks now allow remote opening if you have a valid visa and can verify your identity through video call or document upload. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they offer remote account opening for non-residents. If they do, they will send you a link to start the process online.
Online-only banks are easier for remote opening. Wise and Revolut both allow non-residents to sign up entirely online without visiting a physical location. The trade-off is that they do not offer traditional checking accounts—you get a debit card and a multi-currency wallet instead. If you need a real checking account and cannot visit a branch, ask whether the bank will accept a video call with an ID check instead of an in-person visit.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Minimum deposits vary. Many banks have no minimum for basic checking accounts, but some require $25 to $300 to open. Ask the bank before you go in. If you do not have that much cash on hand, ask whether the bank will waive the minimum for a non-resident or whether you can make the deposit after opening the account.
Monthly fees also vary. Some banks charge $10 to $15 per month for non-resident accounts, while others charge nothing. Online-only banks and credit unions tend to have lower fees. Ask about the fee structure before you open the account, because switching banks later is a hassle.
What to do if a bank turns you down
If a large bank denies you, try a community bank or credit union in your area. They have fewer compliance restrictions and are more likely to work with non-residents. You can search for credit unions at CO-OP.org or Shared Branch, which show you which credit unions accept non-members.
If you are on a student visa, contact your school's international student office. Many schools have partnerships with banks that open accounts for international students, and the process is simpler. If you are on a work visa, ask your employer whether they have a preferred bank or a partnership that makes account opening easier.
If no traditional bank will work, online-only services like Wise or Revolut are a backup. They are not checking accounts, but they let you hold and spend money in multiple currencies, which is useful if you are sending money back to your home country or traveling frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account as a non-resident?
No. You can open an account with an ITIN or even just your passport number. However, some banks prefer an SSN or ITIN because it makes their compliance process easier. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they will accept your passport number instead.
Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?
Some banks will, but most prefer work or student visas. A tourist visa shows you are in the country temporarily, which makes banks nervous about compliance. Try a credit union or online bank instead. If you are planning to stay longer, consider changing your visa status first.
What if I do not have a U.S. address yet?
Use a temporary address—a hotel, Airbnb, friend's place, or mail forwarding service. Bring a letter from your employer or landlord on official letterhead if you do not have a lease or utility bill. Some banks will accept this; call ahead to confirm.
How long does it take to open an account as a non-resident?
In-person opening usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the branch. Remote opening takes one to three business days for approval. Some banks may ask follow-up questions and take longer. Online-only banks are usually faster—sometimes same-day.
Can I open a joint account with someone who is a U.S. citizen?
Yes, most banks allow joint accounts with a non-resident and a citizen. Both people must visit the branch in person with ID. This can make the process easier because the U.S. citizen's presence may reduce the bank's compliance concerns.