Yes, foreigners can open a US bank account, but the process and requirements depend on your visa status and the bank you choose

A foreign national can open a checking or savings account at a US bank. You do not need to be a US citizen or permanent resident. What you do need is a valid form of identification, proof of address, and often a US tax identification number. The specific requirements vary by bank and by your immigration status — a visa holder, temporary resident, and undocumented immigrant each face different paths and different banks willing to work with them.

The main barrier is not law but bank policy. Banks must follow anti-money-laundering rules set by the US Treasury Department, which means they verify your identity and source of funds more carefully than they do for US citizens. Some large national banks have stopped opening accounts for non-citizens altogether. Others, particularly community banks and credit unions, still do. The process takes longer and requires more documentation than it would for a US resident.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa holders, including students and temporary workers, can open accounts at most US banks by providing a valid passport, visa, and US tax ID number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Banks must verify your identity and address under federal anti-money-laundering rules, so you will need a US address (even a temporary one) and often proof that you have legitimate income or funds.
  • Community banks and credit unions are more likely to accept foreign nationals than large national chains, which often have blanket policies against non-citizens.
  • You will need either a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are authorized to work, or an ITIN if you are not, to open most accounts and report interest income to the IRS.
  • The account itself works the same way as a US resident's account once it is open — you can use debit cards, set up direct deposit, and transfer money internationally, though wire fees and currency conversion costs explore.

What identification and documents you will need

Bring a valid passport and your visa (if you have one). The bank will photocopy both. If you do not have a visa — for example, if you are from a visa-waiver country and entered the US under the Visa Waiver Program — bring your passport and your entry stamp or I-94 arrival record, which you can print from the US Customs and Border Protection website.

You will also need proof of a US address. This can be a lease, a utility bill, a letter from your employer, or even a statement from a friend or family member saying you live with them. The address does not have to be permanent; banks accept temporary addresses for students and temporary workers. If you have just arrived and do not have any US documents yet, some banks will accept a letter from your school or employer confirming your address.

Finally, you need a tax identification number. If you are authorized to work in the US, you can obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) through the Social Security Administration. If you are not authorized to work — for example, if you are on a tourist visa or student visa without work permission — you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS. An ITIN takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail, so plan ahead. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN process is pending if you bring the receipt showing you have applied.

Which banks accept foreign nationals and which do not

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have made it harder for non-citizens to open accounts in recent years. Some branches will turn you away; others will open an account but require a higher minimum balance or impose restrictions. Call ahead to the specific branch where you want to open an account and ask whether they accept foreign nationals without a Social Security Number. Do not rely on the bank's website or a general customer service line — branch managers have discretion, and policies vary location to location.

Community banks and credit unions are your better bet. They typically have fewer restrictions and are more willing to work with international students, temporary workers, and visa holders. Credit unions in particular often have lower fees and are more flexible on documentation. To find a credit union near you, use the CO-OP Network locator or search for community banks in your area. Local banks are also more likely to understand the needs of temporary residents and may have experience with ITIN holders.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and SoFi generally do not open accounts for non-citizens, because they cannot verify your address and identity as easily as a brick-and-mortar bank can. Stick with banks where you can walk in and show your documents in person.

How your visa status affects what you can do with the account

Once the account is open, the account itself works the same way regardless of your immigration status. You can deposit checks, receive direct deposit, use a debit card, and transfer money. The difference is in what you can do outside the account.

If you are on an F-1 student visa, you can receive money from family abroad and use it for living expenses. If you are on an H-1B work visa, you can set up direct deposit from your employer. If you are on a tourist visa or visa-waiver status, you can still receive money and spend it, but you cannot work in the US or receive US employment income. Banks do not police this — the IRS does — but it is important to understand the rules for your visa category so you do not accidentally violate them.

If you are undocumented, some banks will still open an account if you have an ITIN, though this is less common than it was before 2008. You will face more scrutiny, and the bank may ask more questions about where your money comes from. Some states have passed laws protecting undocumented immigrants' right to bank, but this varies by state. Call ahead and ask directly whether the bank will open an account for someone with an ITIN but no Social Security Number.

Getting a tax identification number if you do not have a Social Security Number

If you are not authorized to work in the US, you will need an ITIN to open a bank account and report any interest income you earn. explore through the IRS using Form W-7. You can mail the form with a copy of your passport and visa, or you can explore in person at an IRS office or through an IRS-authorized agent (usually a tax preparer or community organization). The IRS website lists authorized agents in your area.

Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. If you need an account sooner, some banks will open an account while your process is pending if you bring the IRS receipt showing you have applied. Write down your ITIN process number and bring it with you to the bank. Once your ITIN arrives, update your bank records so the bank can report interest income correctly to the IRS.

International transfers and fees

Once your account is open, you can send money abroad and receive money from abroad. Most US banks offer wire transfers, which are the fastest method but also the most expensive — expect to pay $15 to $50 per outgoing wire, depending on the bank. Incoming international wires are usually free or cost $5 to $15.

If you need to move money regularly, consider using a money transfer service like Wise, OFX, or Remitly instead of your bank's wire service. These services often have lower fees and better exchange rates, especially for smaller amounts. They work by moving money between accounts in different countries rather than using the traditional banking system. The tradeoff is that transfers take one to three business days instead of being when ready.

Your bank account will not automatically convert foreign currency. If you receive a wire in a foreign currency, the bank will convert it to US dollars at their exchange rate, which is usually worse than the mid-market rate. If you send money abroad, you will pay the bank's outgoing wire fee plus their exchange rate markup. Budget for these costs when planning international transfers.

What happens to your account if your visa expires or you leave the US

Your account does not close automatically when your visa expires. You can keep the account open and use it even after you leave the US, as long as you maintain the minimum balance (usually $0 to $100, depending on the bank) and do not violate the bank's terms of service. You can access the account online from abroad, deposit checks by mobile app, and receive wire transfers.

However, if you overstay your visa or your immigration status becomes unclear, the bank may freeze or close your account if they discover the violation during a routine review. This is rare but does happen. If you are planning to leave the US, notify your bank of your departure date and ask whether you can keep the account open remotely. Most banks will say yes, but some may require you to close the account before you leave.

If you plan to return to the US later, keeping the account open is convenient — you can use it to receive paychecks or student loan disbursements when you come back. If you do not plan to return, you can close the account online or by phone and request a check for any remaining balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can open an account with an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number. However, some banks prefer SSNs and may make the process easier if you have one. If you are authorized to work, explore for an SSN through the Social Security Administration. If you are not authorized to work, explore for an ITIN through the IRS.

Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?

Yes. You will need a valid passport, proof of a US address, and an ITIN (since you are not authorized to work). Some banks may ask why you need an account or where your money comes from, but there is no law preventing tourists from banking in the US. Call ahead to confirm the specific branch accepts foreign nationals.

What if the bank asks where my money comes from?

Banks ask this as part of anti-money-laundering compliance. Be honest and specific: family support, savings from your home country, employment income, student loans, etc. Bring documentation if you have it — a letter from your employer, a bank statement from your home country, or a letter from your parents. The bank is not trying to judge you; they are trying to confirm the money is not from illegal activity.

Can I use a US bank account if I move back to my home country?

Yes. You can keep the account open and use it online from abroad. You can receive wire transfers, use a debit card at ATMs, and check your balance. You cannot deposit physical checks by mail from most countries, but you can use mobile check deposit if your bank offers it. Some banks charge monthly fees for inactive accounts, so check your account agreement.

What is the difference between a checking account and a savings account for a foreigner?

The difference is the same as for US residents: checking accounts are for frequent transactions and usually come with a debit card and checks, while savings accounts earn interest and are meant for money you do not spend regularly. Most foreigners open a checking account for daily use and a savings account to hold emergency funds. You can open both at the same bank.