Whether you are a tourist, an international student, an undocumented immigrant, an internet entrepreneur, visiting the US for business or trying to operate a US based business from overseas, it is possible and easy to open a US bank account without being a resident, a citizen, owning a social security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
This a article will tell you:
- Which banks offer non-resident checking and saving accounts without SSN.
- How to open a US bank account as a non resident without SSN or ITIN.
- The documents required to open a bank account in the United States as a a non resident alien.
- How to obtain a mailing address in the US as a foreigner.
- How to withdraw and deposit money in a US bank account.
- How to open a bank account online without physically going into a branch.
- How to open a business bank account in the United States from overseas.
Can I open a US Bank account without a Social Security Number?
Yes. According to the US Social Security Administration, you are not required to use an SSN to open a bank account in the United States. However, each bank and even each branch will choose to decide what specific requirements they choose.
Which banks offer non-resident checking and saving accounts without SSN.
Most of the major banking chains offer bank accounts without US specific tax IDs. Some of these banks require that you visit a branch in-person before you can setup an account.
There are also banks that allow you to open a bank account online, even from your home country, if you are not a US resident or citizen. Check out our list of confirmed banks where I have had personal experience opening a bank account or have been told by others that they were successful.
What if the bank declines my application to open an account?
Online
If your online application was declined because the form required an SSN or ITIN, you may not be able to proceed any further with the process. You can however apply to get an ITIN for banks that require an ITIN before you can open an account.
However, our list of banks that allow account creation without SSN and ITIN has a category for banks that are known to allow remote bank account applications from non-residents. However, even though your applications are accepted, they can be rejected if they do not meet the required standard. Check out how to properly apply for a bank account and prevent rejection of future applications by increasing your chances of being successful.
In-Person
I have had personal experiences where I was told I could not open an account by the banking associate at a bank that is known to offer accounts without an SSN or ITIN. However, I would visit another branch in another location and have success opening an account there.
You will tend to have a better chance at major cities, especially locations that either see a large volume of tourists visiting the area or a high population of undocumented immigrants. Cities such as New York, Miami are ideal examples. But even in these cities, you should choose the right neighbourhood for success.
How to open a US bank account as a non resident without SSN or ITIN.
To open a bank account, chose a bank from our list, visit in person at the branch or online and have two forms of government photo IDs prepared. You will also need a US address (to ship your debit card) and a foreign address if you are overseas. Some banks may require a proof of address. For online applications, you will be required to take a photo as proof of identity.
In-Person at the branch
Once you have located a bank and branch from our list of banks, you should request to speak to an associate to open an account. Some branches may allow you to call in and make an appointment with a specific agent.
Online
Online applications require that you have scanned copies of government IDs such as passport or drivers license. You may also be required to verify your identity using your camera.
If you are applying for a business account, make sure your company documents of incorporation and your EIN document are accessible.
What documents are required to open a bank account in the United States as a a non resident alien.
You will need at least two forms of unexpired government issued photo IDs, such as passport, drivers license or national ID.
Some banks require a proof of address, this may be in the form of utility bill, credit card bill, bank statement, or the address on your drivers license. Most banks only require proof of address from the country of your nationality however some may need proof of US address.
Bank statements can be required by some banks as additional documentation to help the process of approving your account.
Can I open a bank account with tourist visa in USA
Yes, if you are visiting on a B1/B2 or tourist visa, you can open an account with two forms of unexpired government issued photo IDs, such as passport, drivers license or national ID issues by your home country.
How to obtain a mailing address in the US as a foreigner.
You can obtain a mailing address from a Virtual Address Service Provider, use the home address of a friend or family, or if you are staying for an extended period at a residential location such as an AirBnB. Your address can be easily changed afterwards if you need it to.
Why do banks need an address?
An address is usually required for delivery of your debit card and for delivery of bank statements and notices if you choose to receive paper statements. Most banks allow you to choose email for delivery of bank statements.
Can I open a US bank account without an address
There are no US banks that allow opening of an account without an address.
What is a Virtual Address
An address service provider offers a non P.O. Box US address for all their customers. Many also offer global mail forwarding services, document scanning and management of junk mail.
Can I get a virtual address for free
We currently operate a monthly virtual address giveaway where you can sign up to be one of our contestants to win a monthly prize of 12 months free usage of a virtual address.
Can I open a personal checking account or savings account as a non resident?
Yes, non residents can open personal checking and savings accounts. If you go directly into a branch, you will be offered the options of checking or savings account. You can open multiple checking or savings accounts under your name. You can also open a joint account with another foreigner.
Can I open a Business checking account as a non resident?
Yes, any foreigner can walk into a branch of any of the recommended banks and open a business checking account. A business account requires that you have a business that is registered in the US. We can help you to register your business if you don't have one.
What documents are required to open a Business bank account in the United States as a a non resident alien.
You will need to have a US registered business, at least two forms of unexpired government issued photo IDs, such as passport, drivers license or national ID. You will also need your Employer iIdentification Number (EIN). You can apply to the IRS to get this, even if you are overseas. Some banks may require additional company documents such as the Article of Organization and the Statement of organisation or Incorporation.
Some banks require a proof of personal or business address, this may be in the form of utility bill, credit card bill, bank statement, or the address on your drivers license. Most banks only require proof of address from the country of your nationality however some may need proof of US address.
Bank statements can be required by some banks as additional documentation to help the process of approving your account.
What is the best Bank for non residents to open a US bank account?
Which bank is best for foreigners
The choice of bank depends on your specific needs and personal situation. It's difficult to recommend one bank to fit all so we have a list of the Best US banks you can open account with without an SSN. There we give our top recommendations for online, in-person, business and personal.
How to withdraw and deposit money in a US bank account as a foreigner.
Once you have opened your bank account, you can deposit or withdraw money in any of the following ways.
Deposit
- Deposit money as a part of the account open procedure.
- Do a domestic ACH transfer or wire from another bank account.
- Deposit cash into the account using one of your bank's ATMs
- Deposit cash/check in branch
- Send funds from your Paypal, Stripe, Amazon, Etsy, Ebay account.
Withdraw
- Use your bank issued Debit card at any ATM in the US or approved ATMs abroad
- Use your debit card to make purchases online or at a POS
- Send domestic wire transfers to other US banks
- For qualifying banks, send funds using Zelle to Zelle users in other banks
- Connect your bank account to Paypal, Payoneer or wise and send international transfers to other users or international bank accounts
- Send International wire transfers using SWIFT.
How to open a bank account online from overseas without physically going into a branch.
You can open both business and personal accounts online without physically visiting the US or walking into a branch office. The major "Big Banks" do not allow you to open a bank account online without an SSN or as a non-resident of the United States. This option is only provided by finance companies offering cash management accounts or electronic money accounts. These companies technically are not banks, even though on the surface they offer the majority of the features and services you would get from a traditional bank account. So for the purpose of clarity we will still refer to them as banks. These companies are usually backed by FDI approved and insured banks, insuring your deposit up to $100K.
We listed a number of Banks here that offer online opening of accounts, for both business and personal.
Because of the higher risk of offering their services online, these banks are usually very picky with regards to who they allow to open accounts. I have been denied accounts and later reapplied and was successful, so I can show you exactly what these banks are looking for in your application.
How long does it take to open a US bank account as a non-resident?
When opening an account in a local branch, the process usually takes a little over an hour to complete. The duration is the same whether not you are a resident.
Online applications can take between 3 and 5 days on average but as much as 1 month in situations where there needs to be investigation of your business model if you are opening a business account.
FAQ
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Can I have a Bank of America account with a foreign address
Yes, however a local US address is also is required for shipping your debit card and mailing bank notices.
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Can I open a bank account with passport
Yes, your passport or any government issues photo ID, are valid forms of Identification to open a bank account as a non-resident. You may need a second form of identification and a US address for some banks.
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Can I open a bank account without proof of address
Yes you can. Proof of address is a policy used by some banks, in case you need one, some virtual address companies can provide a rental contract or a Utility bill with your name listed.
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Which US bank is best for foreigners
We researched tens of banks and created a list of the best banks for foreigners that do not require an SSN or ITIN.