Opening a bank account in the United States from France: how to make the right choice?

If you live in France and are planning a move to the United States, one of the first things to consider is opening a bank account. The US banking landscape is vast and diverse, and it can be difficult to know which institution to choose — especially since banking practices differ greatly from those in Europe.

This guide explains how to choose the right bank, what documents you’ll need, and the best alternatives for managing your money between France and the United States.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for flexibility and lower costs for foreign currency transactions, a Wise account could be a good option. You can receive dollars without fees and convert your money at the mid-market exchange rate, even while you’re still in France.

Discover the Wise account

Which bank to choose in the United States?

In the table below, you’ll find a summary of the typical fees for checking accounts at some of the largest US banks:

The rates mentioned above are indicative and may vary depending on your state of residence. The examples used here are based on branches located in California. In this article, we’ve compared checking account offers from the country’s largest banks — focusing on fees, eligibility, and required documents.

However, even with attractive checking offers, US banks often charge high flat fees and apply marked-up exchange rates for international transfers. This can make sending money to or from France expensive.

How to choose a bank account in the USA?

Specifics of the American banking system

The American banking model differs significantly from the French one:

• Many US banks operate regionally, and fees are not standardized — they can vary from one state to another.
• Credit cards in the US are based on credit history and are usually not accessible to newcomers. The card you’ll receive when opening a checking account is a debit card, not a credit card as understood in France.
• FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) requires French banks to share information about clients with US links (residency, green card, dual nationality) with US tax authorities for accounts exceeding $50,000. This can affect your access to certain French accounts.

Because of this, some expats moving from France to the US find that their French bank limits or closes their accounts once they establish US residency. Planning ahead is essential to avoid complications.

How much does it cost?

Checking accounts in the US generally cost between $5 and $10 per month, including a debit card. Some banks allow you to waive the fee if you meet specific conditions — such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up regular deposits.

Example: at Wells Fargo, the $10 monthly fee can be waived if you make at least one deposit of $500 or keep a balance of $500 or more in your account each month.¹

Why open a bank account in the United States?

If you’re moving to the US for several months or longer, opening a local bank account is almost essential. Using your French card can lead to recurring international fees with every withdrawal or payment, which quickly adds up.

Opening a US account provides several advantages:

• Direct access to an advisor for assistance in person or by phone.
• Mobile and online banking: manage your money from your smartphone.
• Strong customer service: competition between banks in the US is high.
• Flexible offers: most accounts are customizable based on your needs.

Do you need to make or receive international transfers?

US checking accounts tend to charge high flat fees for international transfers — often over $35 per transaction — unlike France, where fees are usually proportional to the amount sent.

How to open a bank account in the United States as a non-resident?

Steps to open a US bank account

Opening a checking account in the US is generally straightforward, but it’s best to prepare your paperwork before your appointment.

Once you’re registered with the immigration service, visit the nearest SSA (Social Security Administration) office with your passport and completed DS-2019 and I-94 forms to obtain your Social Security Number (SSN), which most banks require.

You’ll also need proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease) and two passport photos (note that the US format is 50 x 50 mm, not the French standard).

Required documents

Documents required to open a US account can vary by institution, but you’ll generally need:

• Passport
• Visa
• Passport photos (US format)
• Proof of address (accommodation certificate, lease, or bill)
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Employer contact details (if applicable)
• Initial cash deposit

Open a multi-currency account online with Wise

Wise could be a practical alternative to traditional American banks. It’s an online platform that lets you open a multi-currency account (in 40+ currencies) and get a debit card that works in the United States and around the world.

Wise offers the following benefits:

• Free US account number with the Wise account: receive US dollars locally with no incoming transfer fees.
• Debit card: pay without fees if you hold the transaction currency in your account and no conversion is needed. You can also withdraw up to €200 (or its USD equivalent) per month — up to two withdrawals.
• Low-cost transfers to and from France: conversions use the mid-market exchange rate, with no hidden mark-ups.

Interested in trying Wise? Registration is completely free and only takes a few minutes.

Open your Wise account

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.