Yes, non-residents can open a U.S. bank account, but the process depends on your visa status and which bank you choose

Non-residents can open checking and savings accounts at many U.S. banks, but you will face more requirements than a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Most banks require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid visa, a U.S. address (which can be temporary), and a government-issued ID from your home country. Some banks have no minimum balance; others require $100 to $300 to start. The catch is that not all banks accept non-residents, and those that do often have stricter rules about which countries you can be from.

The easiest path is usually an online bank or a large national bank with international policies already in place. Smaller regional banks often decline non-resident applications because the compliance burden is higher for them. If you are in the U.S. on a work visa, student visa, or tourist visa, your options are broader than if you are applying from abroad with no U.S. presence at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need either an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a valid U.S. visa, plus a government-issued ID from your home country and proof of a U.S. address.
  • Large national banks and online banks are more likely to accept non-residents than regional or community banks.
  • If you are in the U.S. on a visa, bring your passport and visa documentation to the bank in person; this makes approval faster and more likely.
  • Some banks will not open accounts for residents of certain countries due to U.S. sanctions or anti-money-laundering rules, so call ahead before visiting.
  • You may be able to open an account remotely if the bank has an online process for non-residents, but most banks still prefer in-person verification.

What documents you need to bring

The core documents are a valid passport or government-issued ID from your home country, proof of a U.S. address, and either an ITIN or a valid U.S. visa. The U.S. address does not have to be permanent—it can be a hotel, an Airbnb, a friend's address, or a temporary rental. Banks use this address to send statements and tax forms, not to verify citizenship.

If you do not yet have an ITIN, you can request one from the IRS before opening the account, or some banks will help you start the ITIN process as part of account opening. A visa (F-1 for students, H-1B for workers, B-1/B-2 for tourists) makes the process simpler because the bank can verify your status directly. If you are applying from outside the U.S. with no visa, you will almost certainly need an ITIN, and the bank may ask for additional proof of why you need a U.S. account.

Bring a second form of ID if you have one—a driver's license from your home country, a student ID, or an employment letter. Banks vary in how strict they are, but having extra documentation speeds things up and reduces the chance of rejection.

Which banks accept non-residents

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have policies that allow non-residents to open accounts, though the process and requirements differ slightly by branch and by the visa status of the applicant. Chase generally requires an ITIN or visa and prefers in-person applications. Bank of America has an online process for some non-residents but may ask for additional documentation. Citibank has a specific international banking division and is often the easiest choice if you are from a country where Citibank operates.

Online banks like Charles Schwab, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and Revolut have made non-resident accounts more accessible, though Wise and Revolut are technically not traditional banks—they are financial technology companies. Charles Schwab accepts non-residents with an ITIN or visa and has no minimum balance. Wise is designed specifically for international transfers and does not require a U.S. address, making it a common choice for people who need a U.S. account but are not physically in the country.

Before you visit or call a bank, check their website for "non-resident account" or "international account" policies. Many banks list this information in their FAQ or international banking section. If you cannot find it online, call the branch directly and ask whether they open accounts for non-residents from your country—some banks exclude certain nations due to sanctions or regulatory restrictions.

Opening an account in person versus remotely

In-person account opening is faster and has a higher approval rate. If you are in the U.S., visit a branch with your passport, visa, ITIN letter (if you have one), and proof of address. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you can start using the account the same day or within 24 hours. The bank will verify your identity on the spot and can answer questions about ITIN or visa requirements right away.

Remote account opening is possible at some banks but comes with delays and a higher rejection rate. You will upload photos of your documents, and the bank will verify them electronically—this can take several days to a week. Some banks require a video call with a representative to confirm your identity. If the bank cannot verify your information, they will ask you to visit a branch in person or will deny the application. Remote opening is most practical if you are already a customer of the bank in your home country and they have a relationship with you.

If you are applying from outside the U.S. and cannot visit a branch, Wise or Charles Schwab are your best options because they have built their systems around remote non-resident accounts. Traditional banks are less equipped for this and may take weeks to process or may reject you outright.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have one

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit 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 in the U.S. You can request one by mail using Form W-7, which takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. Some banks will accept a completed W-7 form as proof that you have applied, even if you have not yet received the ITIN number itself.

To apply for an ITIN by mail, fill out Form W-7, include a copy of your passport or government-issued ID, and send it to the IRS address listed on the form. You do not need to be in the U.S. to apply. Some banks and tax preparation services can also help you file the W-7 as part of their service, though this usually costs money.

If you are in the U.S. on a visa, you may not need an ITIN at all—your visa number can serve the same purpose for banking. Ask the bank whether they accept visa-based accounts before you spend time on an ITIN application.

Restrictions and countries where it is harder to open an account

U.S. banks are required by federal law to follow anti-money-laundering rules and sanctions regulations. This means some countries are on a restricted list, and banks may refuse to open accounts for residents of those countries or may require extra verification. Countries currently under U.S. sanctions include Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba, among others. If you are from one of these countries, most U.S. banks will decline your application.

Even if your country is not under sanctions, some banks may ask more questions if you are from a country flagged as higher-risk for financial crime. This does not mean you cannot open an account, but it may mean more paperwork, longer processing times, or a phone interview with a compliance officer. Being transparent about your purpose (employment, education, investment) and providing clear documentation of your income or funds makes approval more likely.

If a bank declines you, ask why. If it is due to country restrictions, you will not be able to open an account at that bank. If it is due to missing documentation, you can gather what they ask for and try again or try a different bank.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money, write checks, and use a debit card like any other account holder. The bank will send you statements by mail or email, depending on your preference. You will receive tax forms (1099 or similar) if you earn interest on your account, and you may need to report this income to your home country's tax authority.

If you leave the U.S. or your visa expires, you can usually keep the account open as long as you maintain the minimum balance and follow the bank's rules. Some banks require you to update your address if you move, even if you move outside the U.S. A few banks close non-resident accounts after a certain period of inactivity or if you move back to your home country, so check your account agreement or call the bank if you are unsure.

If you need to send money back to your home country, a U.S. bank account makes international transfers easier and often cheaper than sending money from abroad. You can use the bank's wire transfer service, or you can use a service like Wise that is designed for international transfers and often has lower fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account in the U.S.?

No. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a valid U.S. visa number instead. Most banks will accept either one. If you do not have either, you can request an ITIN from the IRS using Form W-7, which takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I open a bank account if I am visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa?

Yes, many banks will open an account for a B-1/B-2 tourist visa holder, though some may ask why you need a U.S. account if you are only visiting temporarily. Having a clear reason (you are staying longer than expected, you have a job offer, you are buying property) makes approval easier. Bring your passport and visa documentation in person.

What if the bank asks for a U.S. phone number?

You can use a temporary U.S. phone number from a service like Google Voice, or you can provide your home country phone number and ask the bank to note that you are a non-resident. Some banks will accept either; others require a U.S. number. Call ahead to ask what the bank's policy is.

Can I open a business bank account as a non-resident?

It is harder than opening a personal account. Most banks require a U.S. business license, an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and proof of a U.S. business address. If you are self-employed or running a business from outside the U.S., you may need to register with a state first or use a service designed for foreign entrepreneurs.

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

In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes, and you can use the account the same day or within 24 hours. Remotely, it can take 5 to 10 business days, and some banks may take longer if they need to verify your documents or call you for additional information.