What you need to open a U.S. bank account from outside the country

Most U.S. banks will open an account for a foreigner, but the process depends on whether you are physically in the U.S., have a U.S. address, or are trying to open one remotely from abroad. Banks require a government-issued ID (passport), proof of address, and a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some banks will accept a foreign address temporarily, though this limits your options.

The easiest path is to open an account in person at a branch once you arrive in the U.S., because the bank can verify your identity on the spot. If you need an account before arrival or cannot visit a branch, online banks and banks with international programs offer remote options, but they are slower and have stricter document requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid passport, proof of U.S. or foreign address, and either a Social Security Number or an ITIN to open most accounts.
  • Opening an account in person at a U.S. branch is the fastest method and works immediately after you provide ID and sign documents.
  • Online banks and some major banks with international programs allow remote account opening, but the process takes one to two weeks and requires more documentation.
  • If you do not have an ITIN or Social Security Number yet, you can obtain an ITIN through the IRS before opening an account, or some banks will help you apply during the account-opening process.
  • Banks may place temporary holds or limits on accounts opened remotely by foreigners, and some will not send debit cards to foreign addresses.

Opening an account in person at a U.S. branch

If you are already in the U.S. or arriving soon, visiting a bank branch in person is the most straightforward route. Bring your passport, a document showing your U.S. address (a lease, utility bill, or letter from your employer), and your Social Security Number or ITIN if you have one. The bank will verify your identity, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and open the account on the same day.

Most major banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—accept this method. Smaller regional banks and credit unions often have fewer restrictions on foreign nationals. If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some branches will accept a hotel address or your employer's address temporarily, though you will need to update it within 30 days.

The account is usually active immediately, and you can receive a debit card within five to ten business days. If you need money faster, ask whether the bank offers a temporary card you can use while the physical card is in the mail.

Opening an account remotely from abroad

Several U.S. banks offer remote account opening for people outside the country, though the process is slower and more document-intensive than in-person opening. Citibank has a program for non-U.S. residents and will open accounts remotely if you have a valid passport and a foreign address. HSBC and Bank of America also serve some international customers, depending on your country of residence and visa status.

The remote process typically requires you to upload scans of your passport, proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement from your home country), and sometimes a reference letter from your current bank. The bank will then verify your documents—a process that takes one to two weeks. Once approved, they will mail a debit card to your foreign address or hold it for pickup at a U.S. branch.

Online banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut offer U.S. account numbers to foreigners, though these are not traditional bank accounts and come with limits on deposits and transfers. They are useful for receiving payments or transfers into the U.S., but not for everyday banking once you arrive.

Getting a Social Security Number or ITIN before opening an account

A Social Security Number (SSN) is issued to U.S. citizens and authorized work visa holders. If you are on an H-1B, L-1, or other work visa, your employer can help you obtain one through the Social Security Administration. The process takes two to four weeks after you arrive in the U.S.

If you are not authorized to work in the U.S., you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. You do not need to be in the U.S. to apply—you can file Form W-7 by mail with a copy of your passport and proof of address. The IRS will mail your ITIN within four to six weeks. Some banks will accept an ITIN in place of an SSN, though a few still require an SSN.

Some banks will open an account without an SSN or ITIN if you provide additional documentation, such as a letter from your employer or a reference from another bank. Ask the bank directly whether this is an option before you start the process.

Banks that accept foreign nationals without a U.S. address

Most banks require a U.S. address to open an account, but a few will work with a foreign address temporarily. Citibank accepts foreign addresses for non-U.S. residents. HSBC will open accounts for people with foreign addresses if they meet other requirements. Some online banks and fintech services like Wise, Revolut, and Mercury (for business accounts) also accept foreign addresses.

If you use a foreign address, the bank will typically require you to update it to a U.S. address within 30 to 90 days of arrival. Some banks will not mail a debit card to a foreign address, so you may need to pick it up at a branch or have it sent to your U.S. address once you have one.

Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks. If you have a connection to a credit union—through an employer, school, or family member—ask whether they will open an account for you with a foreign address.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will run a background check and may place a temporary hold on deposits or limit the amount you can transfer out in the first 30 days. This is standard practice for accounts opened remotely or by people with no U.S. banking history. The hold usually lifts after 30 days of normal activity.

If you are depositing a large sum from abroad, the bank will file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) if the deposit exceeds $10,000. This is not a problem—it is a legal requirement—but the bank may ask you to document the source of the funds. Have a letter from your home bank or employer ready if you are transferring a large amount.

Your debit card will arrive within five to ten business days if you opened the account in person, or within two to three weeks if you opened it remotely. You can usually start using the account online or through the bank's mobile app before the card arrives.

Common obstacles and how to work around them

Some banks will not open accounts for people from certain countries due to sanctions or compliance rules. If you are from Iran, Syria, North Korea, or a few other countries, U.S. banks are prohibited from serving you. If you are from another country and a bank refuses, try a different bank—policies vary.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, some banks will refuse to open an account. In this case, obtain an ITIN first (by mail from the IRS) or ask the bank whether they will open an account conditionally and let you provide the number later. A few banks will do this; most will not.

If you opened an account remotely and the bank placed a hold on your funds, contact the bank and ask when the hold will be lifted. Holds are usually temporary, but you can sometimes have them removed early if you provide additional documentation or make a deposit from a verified U.S. source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a U.S. bank account without a Social Security Number?

Yes, you can use an ITIN instead. Apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7 before opening the account, or ask the bank whether they will open an account conditionally and let you provide the number within 30 days. Some banks will not accept this arrangement, so call ahead.

How long does it take to open an account remotely from abroad?

The process typically takes one to two weeks from the time you submit your documents until the account is active. Debit cards take an additional two to three weeks to arrive. If you need an account faster, plan to open one in person once you arrive in the U.S.

Will the bank send my debit card to my foreign address?

Most banks will not mail a debit card outside the U.S. Ask the bank before you open the account. If they will not mail it abroad, you can pick it up at a branch once you arrive, or have it sent to a U.S. address if you have one.

What if my bank placed a hold on my account?

Holds are temporary and usually lift after 30 days of normal activity. Contact the bank and ask when the hold will be removed. If you need access to the funds sooner, provide additional documentation such as a letter from your employer or proof of the funds' source.

Can I open a business account as a foreigner?

Yes, but you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, a business license or registration from your home country, and proof of your ownership stake. The process is more complex than opening a personal account. Some banks specialize in business accounts for foreign entrepreneurs—ask your bank whether they offer this service.