Best US bank accounts for foreigners and non-residents 2025

If you’re a frequent visitor to the US, own a business there, or live for part of the year in the country you might need a USD bank account to make it easier to manage your money.

Not all accounts from US banks are offered to non-residents – but with a US address and ITIN you can usually find some options to suit your needs. This guide has you covered.

Plus, if you’re interested in opening a flexible international account which lets you hold and exchange foreign currencies as well as USD, read on as we’ll also include online alternatives like Wise and Revolut, which have multi-currency accounts for US non-residents.

Quick summary: US bank account for non-residents

Can a foreigner open a bank account in the US?

Yes. Foreigners and non-residents in the US can open an account with a bank, or look at online specialist providers instead.

Ultimately banks decide their own eligibility and verification processes, which may mean that not all accounts are open for foreigners, non-residents or recent immigrants – but most do have some options available as long as you can provide ID, proof of address and an ITIN or SSN.

• US banks usually need a US issued SSN or ITIN to verify customers
• Some banks in the US can accept a foreign ID document if you don’t have a local tax ID
• Online specialist providers like Wise and Revolut offer accounts to customers with valid ID and address documents from many countries globally, making them a good pick for travelers, expats, digital nomad and international students

5 Best US accounts for non-residents

This guide walks through some of your options for the best US banks for non-residents, foreigners and recent immigrants. We’ll look at a couple of Specialist online providers – Wise and Revolut – as well as some of the options available from major US banks, including Chase and BoA.

First, let’s get a quick overview before we get into the detail of each account’s features and fees:

Wise Account

Great for: Managing multiple currencies in one place, with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent transaction fees

Open a Wise Account online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, send money to 160+ countries, and spend in 150+ countries with a linked debit card. You can get local account details to receive payments conveniently in a selection of currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR and more – making this a good option for anyone needing to pay or get paid in foreign currencies as well as US dollars.

Wise offers accounts to personal and business customers in the US and more or less globally. You’ll need an ITIN or SSN to open a Wise USD account, but if your normal residence is in another country, you may well still be able to open an account based there, to transact freely in USD and other countries.

Fees: No account opening fees or ongoing account fees; 9 USD one time debit card order fee

Foreign currencies: 40+ currencies supported

Eligibility: Residents of the US and other supported countries with proof of identity and address; ITIN or SSN required to open a Wise US account

How to open a Wise account as a non-resident

Open your Wise account online or in the Wise app:

1. Download the Wise app or head to the Wise desktop site
2. Click Register and follow the prompts to enter your personal information
3. Upload images of your ID and address information
4. Once verified, your account is ready for use

Revolut Account

Great for: Choosing between different account packages to suit transaction needs, with multi-currency functions, a linked card, and some weekday no fee currency conversion

Revolut US offers a Standard account plan which has no monthly charges to pay, plus alternatives which have more features and fees up to 16.99 USD/month. All accounts support 25 currencies for holding and exchange, and come with linked debit cards for convenient spending at home and abroad. The exact features of your account will depend on the tier you select, but you’ll find some weekday no-fee currency conversion with all packages, plus no-fee withdrawals at 55,000 ATMs in the US.

Open a Revolut US account online or in the Revolut app with proof of ID and address, a valid US visa with at least 3 months left to run, an ITIN or an SSN.

Fees: 0 – 16.99 USD/month

Foreign currencies: 25 currencies supported

Eligibility: Residents of the US and other supported countries with proof of identity and address; visa, ITIN or SSN required to open a Wise US account

How to open a Revolut account as a non-resident

Open your Revolut account easily in the Revolut app:

1. Download the Revolut app 
2. Click Register and follow the prompts to enter your personal information
3. Upload images of your ID and address information
4. Once verified, your account is ready for use

Chase Total Checking

Great for: Accounts with overdraft assistance and access to almost 5,000 US branches for in person service

Chase has plenty of different account types on offer, but the most popular checking option is the Chase Total Checking package. This account has a 12 USD monthly fee, which is waived if you deposit money regularly, or if you hold a minimum balance for the month.

Eligibility requirements for Chase accounts do vary depending on the specific product you select, but you may be able to open an account by visiting a branch and showing your paperwork if you’re a non-permanent resident with an ITIN.

Fees: Total Checking 12 USD/month with ways to have fees waived by holding a minimum balance

Foreign currencies: Foreign currencies not supported for holding and exchange

Eligibility: Apply with a proof of ID and US proof of address and SSN or ITIN

How to open a Chase account as a non-resident

To open your Chase account you’ll need to visit a branch location with all your paperwork and complete the application with a team member.

Learn more on How to open a Chase account as a non resident.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking

Great for: Non-resident account opening options in a branch using a foreign government issued ID

Wells Fargo checking accounts can hold USD, with a linked debit card for easy spending, and a full suite of other financial products and services on offer as well. The Everyday Checking account offers all the features you might need to manage your money day to day, and has no maintenance fee for customers aged 24 and under, serving in the military, or holding a minimum balance.

You won’t be able to open a Wells Fargo account online as a non-resident but you may be able to get an account set up, even without an ITIN, if you visit a branch with an ID document proving your nationality or residence.

Fees: 10 USD/month with ways to have the fee waived by holding a minimum balance, or if you’re a student or in the military

Foreign currencies: Foreign currencies not supported for holding and exchange

Eligibility: Non US residents without an ITIN may be able to open an account in a branch using government issued ID which shows nationality or residence

How to open a Wells Fargo account as a non-resident

To open your Wells Fargo account you’ll need to visit a branch location with all your paperwork and complete the application with a team member.

Learn more: How to open a Wells Fargo bank account as a non-resident

Bank of America Advantage Banking

Great for: Non-permanent residents in the US looking for a USD account with easy ways to have ongoing fees waived

Bank of America is one of the best known banks in the US, and offers accounts to non-permanent residents who have an ITIN and proof of address. There are lots of different account products available, including several checking accounts in the Advantage banking range. These accounts offer varying features and fees, including easy ways to have your monthly fees waived by maintaining a minimum balance.

Non-resident customers must open their account in person at a BoA financial center – online opening is not available.

Fees: SafeBalance account 4.95 USD/month, waived with minimum balance requirement, or for customers aged under 25

Foreign currencies: Foreign currencies not supported for holding and exchange

Eligibility: US visa holders with an ITIN, proof of a local US address, and proof of foreign permanent address

How to open a Bank of America account as a non-resident

To open your Bank of America account you’ll need to visit a branch location with all your paperwork and complete the application with a team member.

Learn more: How to open a Bank of America account as a non-resident

Other US bank accounts for foreigners

Many US banks will offer account services for foreigners, although you may need to apply for an ITIN before your application can be considered. If you’re struggling to find an account that suits your needs it’s worth calling into a bank branch – while online account opening is often restricted to customers with a standard set of documents, bank staff may be able to help you apply in person with different paperwork.

Some other US banks you might want to consider include:

• US Bank – open a checking account which offers rewards as you transact, with multiple different ways to have your monthly fees waived
• TD Bank – choose from USD account options, including several cross border banking packages aimed at Canadians who transact in CAD and USD regularly
• PNC – virtual wallet accounts offer checking services with low or no monthly fees, including options to get free domestic wires when you need them
• Citibank – choose from a range of checking accounts which offer no monthly fees initially, with many ways to waive your ongoing costs by holding an eligible deposit amount

Free US bank account for non residents

There’s a cost associated with offering financial services, and so banks and providers can’t usually offer their products for free. While you might find an account which has no opening fee, or no ongoing charges, there will usually be some fees depending on how you transact which you’ll need to be aware of.

Here’s a quick look at how the banks and providers we look at in this guide manage their fees and free to use services on some key features:

Information correct at the time of writing – 14th March, 2025. For Wise pricing: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

What is the easiest bank account to open online in the USA?

The easiest account to open will often mean choosing the account which has the quickest application time, and which can get all your documents checked and verified fast. Some accounts can be opened online which has the advantage of being convenient, but you’ll need to wait while the provider checks your paperwork. Other bank services may need you to visit a branch but can then verify everything as part of the same application meeting. Here’s a summary of the providers and banks in this guide, based on speed and convenience:

Information correct at the time of writing – 14th March, 2025

Which bank does not require SSN?

Most US banks or credit unions ask for your SSN, but in some cases you can use an ITIN instead. This can be more flexible – but it may also mean that you’re not eligible for online account opening. Here are a few banks to consider if you’d prefer to open your account with an ITIN rather than a SSN:

Chase: Apply in a branch with ID, proof of address and an ITIN, for popular accounts like the Total Checking series of accounts

Wells Fargo: Apply in a branch with a government issued ID, even if you don’t have an ITIN, for products like the Everyday Checking account

Bank of America: Apply in a branch with ID, ITIN and proof of local and foreign address, for checking services in the Advantage Banking range

Can I open a US bank account as a non-resident?

Yes. You can open a US bank account even if you are not normally resident in the US, through a US bank. You can also choose to open a specialist account which can support USD alongside many other currencies, if you’d prefer.

If you plan to open a US account with a bank you’ll need to check the eligibility requirements carefully before you apply. Not all accounts are offered to non-resident customers, but most banks have some available options. Generally, banks require you to visit a branch in person to open your account if you’re not a US resident. If you’d prefer an online application experience, consider a specialist digital provider like Wise or Revolut instead.

Can non-residents open a bank account in the USA online?

No. In most cases, non-residents can not open an account with a US bank online.

Most US banks ask non-resident customers to go to a branch to open their accounts. This allows a member of staff to check all of the documents needed in person. You’ll be able to make an appointment or simply call into your local branch – some banks also offer multi-lingual support if you need it.

How to open a US bank account as a foreigner

Usually you’ll need to visit a branch to open your US bank account unless you have a standard set of paperwork including an SSN. The exact process does vary, so do check the requirements with your preferred bank – usually you’ll need to:

1. Choose the right bank and account for your needs
2. Check the eligibility rules to make sure you can apply
3. Gather the required documents including ID, proof of address and a tax ID
4. Visit your local branch to make an application in person

Read more about how to open a bank account in the US as a non-resident.

Non resident account requirements in the US

As a general rule, to open a non-resident account in the US you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• You have a physical US address
• You are not a US citizen or US permanent resident

You’re likely to need to prove your US address, and also your foreign address, using documents like utility bills in your name. You may also be asked to provide your personal ID, and proof you’re living in the US lawfully.

Some accounts have other requirements, such as being over 18 years old, or paying a specific minimum deposit amount.

Proof of address for a non-resident account in US

You may need to provide proof of both your US address and your home address overseas when you open your non-resident bank account. The documents you choose will need to include full details like your building name or number and street name, city or town, state or province, and country. Some commonly accepted documents include:

• Utility bill or bank statement – you can provide a recent official letter from a utility provider, bank, or government agency, which shows your full name and address. Usually this will need to be from the past 3 months
• Government issued ID – if your ID document includes your address – like a driving license – your bank may accept this to support your application
• Rental agreement – you can use a valid and current rental agreement which shows your address and your name

Can a non US citizen open a bank account?

Yes. A non US citizen can open a bank account in the US, subject to meeting account eligibility rules.

Generally if you’re not a US citizen but you are a US resident you can apply for your bank account online. If you are not a US resident then banks usually ask you to visit a branch to show your documentation and set up your account in person.

Conclusion: Which US bank is best for non-residents?

Non-residents, foreigners and recent arrivals in the US can open an account with a US bank, although some banks will require you to visit a branch in person to apply. You’ll also usually need an ITIN or SSN to show your tax status, as well as a proof of ID and address.

As an alternative, you can also open an account with a specialist online provider like Wise or Revolut, which offers easy ways to hold and exchange USD as well as other currencies, and comes with a linked card for easy payments. Specialist online alternatives can be flexible, cheap, and easy to use – making them a good choice for non-residents and residents in the US alike.

US bank account for non residents: FAQs

Which US banks open accounts for non-US residents?

You can open an account as a non-US resident with a US bank like Bank of America, Wells Fargo or Chase. You’ll usually need to visit a branch to open your account and you’ll need an ITIN. As an alternative, check out specialist providers like Wise or Revolut, which let you open an account online or in app, from more or less anywhere in the world.

Can I open a US bank account as a non-US citizen?

Yes. Foreigners in the US can open a US bank account by showing their ID, proof of address and either an SSN or an ITIN. You may also be asked for a visa, depending on the provider and account you pick.

Which US banks are international?

US banks typically only offer accounts which hold US dollars, although you can use your linked card internationally, and you’ll usually be able to transact online wherever in the world you happen to be. If you’re looking for an account which can be used to hold and exchange a selection of foreign currencies as well as USD, try an online alternative instead. Providers like Wise and Revolut have low cost account products with powerful international features and easy ways to hold, send and spend globally.

Learn more on Best international bank accounts in the US.

Claire Millard

Author

Claire Millard

Fintech Content Writer

Claire Millard is a content and copywriter with a specialty in international finance. Her work has featured in The Times and The Telegraph, as well as industry magazines and leading personal finance blogs.

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Seyma Mektepli

Reviewer

Seyma Mektepli

Editor-in-chief

Seyma is an experienced content writer and editor-in-chief at Exiap, delivering informative articles on personal finance, and money transfers.

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Last updated

March 24th, 2025