How to open a US bank account as a non-resident

Yes. The federal rule that sets what banks must collect to open an account — the Customer Identification Program — lets a bank identify a non-US person with any one of these numbers:

• A US taxpayer ID, such as an ITIN
• Your passport number and the country that issued it
• Your alien ID card number
• The number of another government photo ID that shows your nationality or residence

So the law doesn't require an SSN or an ITIN. But each bank adds its own rules on top, and many only open accounts for non-residents in a branch, by appointment, with two forms of ID.

Bank of America publishes its non-resident process in the most detail of the big banks, so it's a good place to start. For a non-resident it asks for two unexpired forms of ID, a physical address in your home country, and a US mailing address. Bring all of this:

• A valid passport, with your visa or entry record if you traveled to the US
• A second photo ID: your home country's driver's license or national ID card
• Proof of your home address: a recent utility bill or bank statement in your name
• A US mailing address: a trusted friend or relative's. Many banks reject virtual mailboxes as your main address
• Your ITIN, if you have one. Usually optional, but some banks and branches ask for it
• A phone number you'll keep: it's how you'll pass two-step verification
• Your opening deposit, in cash or by card

1. 1

   Pick the bank and the branch

   Start with a bank that publishes a non-resident process, like Bank of America. Chase and Citi also open accounts for non-residents, but requirements change from branch to branch.

2. 2

   Call before you go

   Ask exactly: Do you open checking accounts for non-resident aliens with a passport? If they say yes, ask which second ID they accept and whether you need an ITIN.

3. 3

   Book an appointment

   Say you're a non-resident without an SSN. You'll get someone who knows the process, and you won't waste the trip.

4. 4

   Bring every document

   Originals, unexpired, with your name spelled exactly as on your passport. One missing surname can block the account.

5. 5

   Sign the W-8BEN and make your deposit

   The bank opens the account at the appointment. Ask what minimum balance or monthly deposit waives the maintenance fee.

6. 6

   Set everything up before you leave

   Turn on online banking and the app, set up two-step verification, and test a transfer while you're still in the US. A lockout is much harder to fix from abroad.

If your business is an LLC or corporation registered in the US, you can open a business account without traveling. Mercury, for example, accepts founders who live outside the US as long as the company has current or planned US operations. It asks for:

• Your state-filed formation documents, such as Articles of Organization
• Your IRS EIN letter, such as CP 575 or 147C
• A passport for every owner with 25% or more, and for whoever controls the company
• A physical business address. A registered agent, P.O. box, or UPS Store address won't work

Wise gives you a US account number and routing number so people can pay you by ACH or wire, and you open it online with your passport. Receiving by ACH is free, and it's the fastest route if you get paid by US clients or platforms.

• It's not a bank: it's a money services business that works through partner banks
• It doesn't build US credit history
• Some services, like certain brokerages and payroll systems, reject its account numbers
• It isn't available to residents of some countries. Check before you rely on it

• Use the account every month, even a little. Dormant accounts end up closed or charged fees.
• Answer any verification letter or email from the bank quickly — if you don't, they can freeze the account.
• Keep your address up to date, and sign a new W-8BEN when the bank asks.
• A bank account doesn't build credit. To start your score you need a card: see how to get a US credit card as a non-resident.