Yes, non-residents can open a US bank account, but the process is slower and the options are narrower than for citizens

A non-resident — someone without a Social Security number or US address — can open a checking or savings account at many US banks, but you will face extra verification steps and fewer choices than a resident would. Most major banks require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport, proof of a current address (even if it is outside the US), and sometimes a minimum deposit. Some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all, while others have dedicated processes for international customers.

The timeline is longer than opening an account as a US resident. Expect two to four weeks from application to account activation, because the bank must verify your identity through additional channels and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. Online-only banks are often faster and more willing to work with non-residents than brick-and-mortar branches, but they may have stricter rules about which countries they serve.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-residents need either an ITIN, a passport, or both, plus proof of a current address outside the US to open most accounts.
  • Online banks like Charles Schwab, Wise, and Revolut often have simpler processes for non-residents than traditional banks do.
  • Major banks including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo can open accounts for non-residents, but policies vary by branch and by country of residence.
  • You will likely need to visit a branch in person or complete a video verification call, because mail-only applications are rarely accepted for non-residents.
  • Some banks require a minimum deposit of $100 to $500 to open an account, and non-resident accounts may have higher fees or limited features.

What documents you need to bring or upload

Start with a valid passport or national ID card. This is your primary identity document and is required by nearly every US bank. If you have an ITIN — a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to non-residents who file taxes or have US income — bring that as well. An ITIN makes the process faster because the bank can verify it directly with the IRS, whereas a passport alone requires additional background checks.

You also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, rental agreement, government-issued ID with your address, or a bank statement from your home country, dated within the last three months. A PO box does not count. If you are staying temporarily with someone else, a letter from that person on their letterhead, signed and dated, stating that you live there can work at some banks — but call ahead to confirm they will accept it.

Some banks ask for a reference from another bank where you hold an account, especially if you are opening a large account or transferring significant funds. This is less common for checking accounts than for investment or wealth-management accounts, but it can speed up approval if you have one.

Which banks accept non-residents and how long it takes

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have processes for non-residents, but the experience varies by location and by which country you are in. Chase requires an in-person visit to a branch with your passport and proof of address; they do not open non-resident accounts online. Approval typically takes one to two weeks after your visit. Bank of America has a similar in-person requirement at most branches, though some locations may accept a video call. Wells Fargo accepts non-residents but requires a minimum deposit of $300 to $500 depending on account type.

Online banks move faster. Charles Schwab accepts non-residents with a passport and US address (you can use a temporary address, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service). Approval takes three to five business days. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is designed for international transfers and non-resident accounts; it accepts passports from most countries and approves accounts in one to two business days. Revolut, a digital bank, also serves non-residents in many countries, though availability depends on your country of residence.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely. Some will not open accounts for non-residents at all; others have no formal policy and will consider applications case by case. Call the branch directly rather than applying online, because a staff member can tell you whether they will work with you before you spend time on an application.

Why banks require extra steps for non-residents

US banks must comply with the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations, which require them to verify the identity of all account holders and understand the source of funds. For US residents, this is straightforward: a Social Security number, a US address, and a driver's license are enough. For non-residents, the bank cannot rely on those documents, so they must use other methods — passport verification, address confirmation through international databases, and sometimes a phone or video call to confirm you are the person in the documents.

Banks also face higher regulatory scrutiny when opening accounts for residents of certain countries. If you are from a country on the US Treasury's list of high-risk jurisdictions, or if your country has weak anti-money-laundering standards, some banks will decline your application outright. This is not a reflection on you personally; it is a regulatory requirement. If you are declined, try a different bank or an online bank that has a broader international reach.

In-person visits versus remote applications

Most traditional banks require you to visit a branch in person. This is the fastest and most reliable route if you are in the US or can travel to a US city. Bring your passport, proof of address, and any minimum deposit amount in cash or a cashier's check. The process takes 30 to 60 minutes, and your account is usually active within one to two weeks.

If you cannot visit a branch, some banks will accept a video call with a staff member who can verify your identity in real time. Chase and Bank of America offer this at select branches; call ahead to ask. The video call must be scheduled in advance and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will still need to mail in your documents or have them notarized, which adds one to two weeks to the timeline.

Online banks almost never require an in-person visit. You upload photos of your passport and proof of address through their app or website, and a staff member reviews them remotely. This is the fastest option if you are outside the US, but it works only if the bank serves your country. Check the bank's website for a list of countries they support before you start the application.

Minimum deposits and account fees for non-residents

Minimum deposits vary. Many online banks have no minimum or a very low one ($0 to $100). Traditional banks often require $100 to $500 to open a checking account, and $500 to $2,500 for a savings account. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit, but as a non-resident you may not have a US employer, so this option may not be available to you.

Non-resident accounts sometimes carry higher monthly fees than resident accounts. A typical checking account for a resident might have no monthly fee; the same account for a non-resident might cost $10 to $15 per month. Some banks charge a flat fee for international wire transfers ($15 to $50), while others charge a percentage of the transfer amount. Read the fee schedule carefully before you open the account, because these costs add up over time.

Online banks and fintech companies often have lower fees than traditional banks. Wise charges no monthly fee and offers competitive rates on international transfers. Charles Schwab has no monthly fee and no foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases, which makes it popular with non-residents who travel or spend money internationally.

What to do if a bank declines your application

If a bank declines you, ask why. The most common reasons are: your country is on a high-risk list, the bank does not have a process for non-residents in your country, or your documents did not pass verification. If it is a documentation issue, you can reapply with clearer photos or additional documents. If it is a country-based restriction, you cannot change that, but you can try a different bank.

Online banks and fintech companies are more likely to accept non-residents than traditional banks. If you are declined by Chase or Bank of America, try Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut. If you are in the US temporarily and have a US address (even a temporary one), that significantly improves your chances with any bank.

Some non-residents open accounts through a US-based friend or family member who acts as a reference or co-signer. This is not always necessary, but it can help if you have no prior US banking history. The account is still in your name and under your control; the other person is just vouching for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a US bank account as a non-resident?

No. An ITIN or a passport is sufficient. A Social Security number is easier for the bank to verify, but non-residents do not have one. If you plan to work in the US or file taxes, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS, which will make future banking and financial tasks simpler.

Can I open a US bank account if I do not have a US address?

Yes, but you need a current address somewhere. This can be your home address outside the US, a temporary address where you are staying, or a mail forwarding service address. A PO box alone will not work. Some banks are more flexible than others; online banks are generally more willing to accept international addresses than traditional banks.

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

Online banks typically take three to five business days. Traditional banks that require an in-person visit take one to two weeks after your visit. Banks that accept video verification take two to four weeks because they must mail documents back and forth. The slowest route is mail-only applications, which can take four to six weeks.

Will I be able to use a debit card and online banking as a non-resident?

Yes. Once your account is open, you can use online banking, mobile apps, and a debit card just like a resident would. Some banks may restrict certain features — for example, they might not let you open a credit card or a brokerage account — but checking and savings accounts have full functionality.

What if I want to send money from my home country to my US account?

You can receive international wire transfers to your US account. The bank will give you wire instructions (routing number, account number, and SWIFT code). Your home bank will charge a fee to send the wire, and your US bank may charge a fee to receive it. Wise and similar services often offer lower fees for international transfers than traditional banks do.