How to open a bank account in the US as a foreigner

Opening a US bank account as a foreigner can simplify your financial life a lot.

Whether you're moving to America for work, study, or family reasons, having a local bank account makes paying bills, receiving paychecks, and managing daily expenses much easier. You'll also avoid hefty international transfer fees and currency conversion costs that come with using foreign accounts.

However, the requirements to open a bank account in the US as a foreigner are stricter and involve extra steps compared to what US citizens face. Here's everything you need to know to successfully open a US bank account.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Table of contents

Can a foreigner open a bank account in the USA? What do you need to open a bank account in the US? Can you open a US bank account without a US address? Can you open a US bank account without a SSN? Everywhere money. Meet Wise: the world's most international account How to open a bank account in the US as a foreigner: Step by step Can I open a US bank account online? How much does it cost to open a bank account? Which US bank is best for non-residents? How to set up a US bank account FAQs

Can a foreigner open a bank account in the USA?

You don't need to be a US citizen or a Green Card holder to open a US banking account. However, in almost all cases, you'll need to be living in the US and be able to show proof of address.

Many banks also require you to have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). However, this isn't the case with all banks.

If you haven't yet moved and don’t have all of the required documents, you’ll find it a little tricky to open a US bank account as a non-resident. However, it’s not impossible.

Different banks have different requirements (although all will need to check your ID documents), and there may be international or foreign-only accounts you can apply for.

Your current bank may even be able to help if it also has a presence in the US.

What do you need to open a bank account in the US?

Most US banks ask for similar documents when you want to open an account. You'll typically need the following:

• 2 forms of identification (usually your passport plus another government-issued ID like a driver's license from your home country)

• Proof of US address (utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement showing your US address)

• Social Security Number (SSN) or **Individual Taxpayer Identification Number **(ITIN)

• Initial deposit (amount varies by bank and account type)

Many banks require either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but not all do. Bank of America, for example, accepts a Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN) along with 2 forms of ID.¹

Some banks also ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you're opening certain types of accounts.

Can you open a US bank account without a US address?

Usually, no. Most banks want to see that you live in the US before they open an account for you. Different banks have different policies, though.

Some international banks with US branches might work with you if you're an existing customer, and there are banks with accounts for non-residents.

Learn more about opening a bank account without a physical address here.

Can you open a US bank account without a SSN?

You might be able to, depending on your situation and which bank you choose. Bank of America, for example, doesn't require an SSN for certain groups like international students or working professionals on visas.¹ They'll accept other forms of tax identification instead.

Learn more about opening a bank account without a SSN here.

Everywhere money. Meet Wise: the world's most international account

If you’re not living in the US — or if you simply want a more flexible account you can open from anywhere — check out Wise.

Wise isn’t a bank, but a money service business (MSB) that offers an account which allows you to hold, send and receive money. As well as getting an attached multi-currency card** — plus you’ll get some extra perks which suit anyone living an international lifestyle.

You’ll be able to hold 40+ currencies, and get local account details for up to 9 currencies including USD, to get paid easily by wire or ACH.

Wise offers linked multi-currency cards for spending and withdrawals around the world, and all currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate.

That means that whenever you send a payment or spend in a foreign currency your dollars are converted with the mid-market rate with low conversion fees from 0.41%*. Easy.

This way to easy
international payments

*Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

**Wise is not a bank. The Wise Multi-Currency Card is issued by our sponsor Bank(s), member(s) FDIC. Fees and T&C apply. See https://payout-surge.live/ for details.

How to open a bank account in the US as a foreigner: Step by step

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1. Research banks and their requirements

Start by comparing different banks to find the right one for you.

Look at their requirements for foreign customers, because some can be more welcoming than others. It's typically a good sign if a bank has a dedicated landing page to explain how to open a US bank account as a foreigner, because it means that they often deal with these types of accounts.

2. Gather your documents

Collect all the paperwork you'll need before visiting the bank. Make sure your identification is current, and bring originals, not copies. If you don't have all of the required documents yet, ask the bank what alternatives they might accept.

3. Choose your account type

Decide whether you want a checking account, a savings account, or both. Checking accounts are better for daily expenses and bill payments, and savings accounts can earn interest but have limited transactions.

Usually, it's a good idea to get both because they serve different purposes in your financial life.

4. Visit the bank in person

Most US banks require foreign customers to open their first account in person.

Depending on the bank, you may be able to call ahead to make an appointment, which will speed up the process. If you can't make an appointment, just go to your local branch and tell them that you need assistance opening a US bank account.

5. Complete the application

Fill out the application form with accurate information. The bank representative will verify your documents and may ask questions about your employment, visa status, or reason for moving to the US.

Major banks in hubs like New York and Miami typically won't have that many questions since they're used to dealing with people from all around the world.

6. Make your initial deposit

Bring cash, a cashier's check, or do a money transfer to fund your new account. Most banks have minimum opening deposit requirements, so ask ahead to know how much money to bring with you.

7. Set up online banking and get your debit card

Once your account is open, register for online banking and mobile apps. Your debit card usually arrives by mail within a few business days, though some banks can issue temporary cards on the spot.

Can I open a US bank account online?

Most of the time, you'll need to visit a bank branch in person to open your account as a foreigner. Banks typically prefer face-to-face meetings when dealing with international customers who don't have an account yet.

However, once you have one, you'll be able to use online banking just like everyone else.

Even when online options exist for foreigners, the bank often requires you to visit a branch within a certain timeframe to complete the process and verify your documents.

So, if you've been wondering how to open a US bank account from overseas, the answer is that you'll likely have to wait until you're in the US. Even if you're able to start the process online, you most likely won't be able to complete it.

How much does it cost to open a bank account?

Opening a US bank account is typically free, but banks make their money through a few different fees once your account is active. Here are the main fees you should know about:

Monthly maintenance fees

A monthly service fee for maintaining the account is common among US banks. It can vary from bank to bank, but you can expect to pay between 4 USD and 25 USD, depending on the type of account you have.²

With many banks, you can avoid paying this fee if you jump through a couple of hoops. For example, with Citibank’s Regular Checking account, the 15 USD monthly service fee is waived either with a Relationship Tier or each month the account has 250+ USD in Enhanced Direct Deposits.³

ATM and human bank teller fees

US banks may also charge fees for withdrawing cash from an ATM or at a branch. These fees will usually apply when you use another bank’s ATM.

For example, Bank of America charges 2.50 USD for a transaction when you withdraw cash at a non-Bank of America ATM. It also charges a 5 USD fee when you withdraw cash at a non-Bank of America ATM abroad.⁴

Early closure fees

There’s also the possibility that the bank could charge you a fee for closing the account early. It’s important to check the fine print before signing up for an account to see how long you’ll need to keep the account open for.

For example, you may face an early closure charge if you open and then close an account with a fixed-term interest rate or a limited fee-free period.

International transfer fees

If you plan to send money outside the US, it’s crucial to check how much your chosen bank will charge for international transfers. It can be expensive. For example, it'll cost 40 USD to 50 USD to send an overseas transfer at Chase Bank, and 15 USD to receive one.⁵

Which US bank is best for non-residents?

As you can probably imagine, the US banking industry is huge. There are thousands of banks in the US, which can make choosing the right one for your needs a little confusing.

Let’s look at some of the best US banks for foreigners:

Chase

One of the biggest banks in the US, Chase, has over 5,000 branches and 15,000 ATMs nationwide.⁶ It offers a range of everyday and premium checking accounts, plus dedicated accounts for students and children.

Its Chase Total Checking® account comes with a 15 USD monthly fee, waivable if you meet certain conditions.⁶ You’ll get access to Zelle® to send and receive money (which can be cheaper and easier than using Chase to wire money), online and mobile banking, and Chase Online℠ Bill Pay, too.

Bank of America

Bank of America is another of the country’s biggest banks, with a full selection of checking, savings, and student accounts.

One of the most popular Bank of America bank accounts is Advantage Plus, an everyday checking account with three different settings to suit your needs. The standard account has a waivable monthly maintenance fee of 12 USD and comes with a debit card, access to Zelle®, and a Digital Wallet.⁷

You can make transfers, wire money, and do everything else a standard checking account offers. One of the requirements to open an account at Bank of America is a minimum deposit of 100 USD.⁴

Citibank

Global banking giant Citibank has a full range of accounts for individuals and business customers. This includes packages for everyday and premium banking.

Its Access Checking account is perhaps one of its most popular checking accounts. It has a waivable monthly service fee of 5 USD, lots of ways to transfer money, and full digital access to your accounts.³

Wells Fargo

One of the most popular accounts at Wells Fargo is its Everyday Checking account. It can be opened with just 25 USD and has a 10 USD monthly fee, waived if you can maintain a 500 USD minimum daily balance.⁸ You’ll get access to mobile deposit, Zelle®, Bill Pay, and other digital services, and get a contactless debit card.

If you want to use your Wells Fargo checking account for wire transfers, you’ll need to sign up for the Digital Wires service (and there are fees involved).

U.S. Bank

The last of the big banks is U.S. Bank, which offers personal, business, and corporate banking services.

You might want to go for the U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account, which you can open with just 25 USD. There’s a 12 USD monthly fee with multiple ways to get this waived, plus no ATM fees when you use a U.S. Bank or MoneyPass Network ATM.⁹ You’ll also get access to Zelle®, which can provide faster payments compared to wire transfers.

Opening a Wise account is another option you can benefit from — it’s quick and simple to do it online with just a few clicks.

Get a Wise Account
in minutes 💰

How to set up a US bank account FAQs

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How old do you have to be to open a bank account in the US?

Generally speaking, you need to be at least 18 years old to open a bank account by yourself in the US. If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to open a joint account with you. They'll need to be present when you open the account and will have full access to manage it.

Some banks offer student or children’s accounts for minors, but these still require an adult cosigner. Once you turn 18, you can usually convert the joint account to an individual account or open a new one on your own.

Can I open a bank account in the US without living there?

Opening a US bank account from abroad is usually very difficult, but it's not always impossible. Most banks require you to have a US address and be physically present in the country.

However, some international banks with US branches might work with existing customers who are planning to move to America, and you may be able to find a bank that offers special accounts for non-residents.

Can foreigners use Zelle®?

Yes, foreigners can use Zelle®, but only if they have a US bank account with a participating bank. Zelle® is a money transfer service that works through your existing bank account. Once your US bank account is set up, you can use Zelle® just like any American, sending and receiving money with just an email address or phone number.

Sources

1. Bank of America - Banking essentials for professionals in the US
2. CNBC - 7 common banking fees and how to avoid them
3. Citibank - Checking accounts
4. Bank of America - Personal schedule of fees
5. Chase - Additional banking services and fees for personal accounts
6. Chase - Checking accounts
7. Bank of America - Bank of America Advantage Banking
8. Wells Fargo - Everyday Checking
9. U.S. Bank - U.S. Bank Smartly Checking Account

Sources checked 09/17/2025