Whether you’re working, studying, or simply enjoying life in the US, you might find yourself in need of a US bank account to make sending and receiving money easier. You can open a non-resident bank account at some banks, but you’ll need the right documentation (such as a passport and secondary form of photo ID).
Once you have a US bank account, you can use it to shop, pay bills, or send money home. You can also use Western Union as an alternative, flexible way to send money quickly and easily. Learn what you need to know about opening a bank account in the US as a non-resident and find the best fit for your needs.
Key takeaways
- You may be able to open a bank account in the US even if you’re not a citizen or permanent resident.
- Look for banks that offer accounts for non-residents and check the requirements before you apply.
- You’ll typically need to have a passport and sometimes a secondary form of photo ID, too, as well as proof of address.
- If a US bank account isn’t an option for you, there are other ways to manage your money while in the US, such as mobile wallets and money transfer services like Western Union.
Can a non-US citizen open a bank account?
You can open a bank account in the US without being a US citizen. It’s just a bit more difficult, since many banks typically require a Social Security number or US address—two things you might not have.
However, there are banks that offer US bank accounts for non-residents. These banks may accept other forms of documentation that you’re more likely to have as a non-resident. For instance, if you’re in the States as an international student, a worker from another country, or an expat, you may have another suitable type of identification that will work just fine for opening a bank account.
Bank of America is one example: it offers bank accounts for international students, which you can open with a foreign passport and foreign drivers license.
Why open a US bank account as a non-resident
A US bank account can come in handy for international students, expats, remote workers, and foreign investors. Whether you’re doing business in the US or just living here while you focus on school or work, a non-resident bank account makes everyday life easier:
- Receive payment directly from US employers or clients.
- Deposit and withdraw money without international transfer fees or ATM fees.
- Pay bills directly from your account, such as for rent, tuition, or utilities.
- Send money to a brokerage to manage US investments.
You might need a US bank account to take out a loan for school or a new car. Additionally, some financial services that let you send and receive money in the US, like Venmo, require a US bank account.
What you need before opening a bank account in the US
Different banks have different requirements for opening a bank account in the US for non-residents. In general, you’ll likely need some sort of personal ID and proof of address, plus money for the initial deposit.
Some examples of acceptable identification may include:
- Foreign passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Student IDs (with photo)
- US employment authorization cards
- Consular ID cards
- US Nonimmigrant Visa and Border Crossing Cards
- Visa or Mastercard
You’ll want to check with the bank to confirm what type of identification they’ll accept. Some banks will require more than one form of ID. You may also need a tax ID number; you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the federal government if you don’t have one yet.
To prove your address, you’ll need a document (such as a bill or utility statement) that shows the following:
- Your name
- Street address
- City
- State
- Province or territory
- Country
How to open a US bank account as a foreigner
Ready to get started? Follow the steps below to open a non-resident bank account. The process is fairly straightforward, and you can always ask a bank representative for help if you get stuck.
1. Research banks
You’ll want to find a bank that allows non-residents to apply for an account. Start simple: a traditional bank may be all you need. You can start with the big names in banking (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) and look at their website for details for non-residents or international clients. You can also ask other non-residents in your circle (coworkers, fellow international students, other expats) for recommendations.
2. Apply online or in-person
Once you’ve chosen a bank, see what documents you need to open an account at that institution. For example, you may need your passport plus a second form of photo ID, like a driver’s license. A bill or a copy of your lease might serve as proof of address. And if you have an ITIN, note that as well.
To apply, fill out an application online or visit a bank branch in person. With some banks, you might be able to begin the process online and follow it up with an in-person visit to verify your identity. You might need to schedule an appointment to be sure a banker will be on hand to help you.
3. Provide funding
The final step is funding your account. The minimum opening deposit can vary depending on the bank, so check first to see how much you need. You can deposit cash in person at the bank or use a wire transfer or ACH transaction to move the money into your account.
Once your account is funded and active, you can begin using it. Use a debit card to pay in stores or set up electronic funds transfers using your account details.
Alternatives if you can’t open a non-resident bank account
If you can’t qualify for a non-resident bank account, there are other ways to manage your money while you’re in the US. For example, you can load cash onto prepaid cards and use them to shop online or in stores. You can also use a prepaid card to fund your mobile wallet and spend or send that way.
Money transfer services like Western Union are a flexible way to send and receive money directly to friends or family. Transfer funds in person, or use the Western Union app to send money with your linked accounts, including prepaid cards. You can also send money straight to a loved one’s mobile wallet. It’s free to register, and you can send money to people in more than 200 countries around the world.
FAQs
Yes, a non-US citizen can open a bank account in the States. The key is to look for banks that accept non-resident customers and to make sure you have the identification necessary to open the account.
Check out the big-name banks in the US, which include Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo and Bank of America, or international banks with US branches, such as HSBC. Online-only banks and fintech (financial technology) companies also offer accounts for non-residents, often with more flexible eligibility requirements. That might be useful if you can’t make it to a branch in person.
Most banks in the US will let you send money to other countries, but some of them don’t make it easy. Keep an eye out for international wire transfer fees, which can be up to $50. Check your bank’s fee schedule to know whether they do international transfers and how much they cost.
