How to open a Bank of America account as a non-resident [2024]
Bank of America allows non-residents to open select accounts if they’re able to provide a stack of required paperwork and attend a financial center to get signed up. The main barrier for many customers is likely to be that you’ll need a US proof of address, such as a utility bill in your name. This may be tricky to provide if you’re only in the US part time, or if you’re a student.
This guide walks through who can open a Bank of America non-resident bank account, and how you can go about getting your account set up. If you’re looking for a lower hassle solution, we’ve also got something for you – alternatives like Wise and Revolut which offer USD accounts and card services for non-residents, which you can open with your phone.
Quick summary: Bank of America non-resident account
- You can open a Bank of America non-resident account if you have proof of your US and home address, 2 forms of ID and a tax reference
- Bank of America non-resident bank accounts must be opened in person, in a Bank of America financial center
- Account options for non-residents include the popular Bank of America Advantage account series, which includes basic and more comprehensive account types
- USD account services from a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut are available with fully online and in app account opening
- These providers’ accounts usually provide USD services as well as dozens of other currencies and can have low fees for transacting at home and abroad
| FAQs | Answers |
|---|---|
| Can I open a Bank of America account without address proof in the USA? | No. You must have proof of your physical US address and your home address – if this isn’t an option, services like Wise or Revolut might suit you better. |
| Can I open a Bank of America account without SSN? | Yes. You can use your home tax ID if you do not have an SSN or US ITIN. |
| Can I open a Bank of America account online as a non-resident? | No. To open a Bank of America non-resident account you must visit a financial center in person. Wise or Revolut may help if you want a fully online non-resident account service. |
Can I open a Bank of America account as a non-resident?
Yes. You can open a Bank of America account as a non-resident customer, but it’s worth knowing that there are some restrictions on eligibility. Most importantly, you must have a physical US address, and a document to prove it such as a utility bill in your name. If you have this, proof of your home address, 2 forms of ID and your home tax ID, you can open a Bank of America account in person at a financial center.
Specialist providers like Wise and Revolut may offer an easier application and onboarding process, online and through their apps. You’ll still need ID and proof of address, but you can get USD details and services with a proof of address from another supported country. This makes it more flexible for non-resident customers. More on that later.
| Advantages – Bank of America non-resident account | Disadvantages – Bank of America non-resident account |
|---|---|
| ✅ Choose from several popular account options ✅ Services for non-resident professionals and students ✅ Huge bank with an extensive branch and ATM network ✅ Get checking services and a debit card if you want one | ❌ US physical address – and proof – is needed, even as a non-resident ❌ Accounts are not optimized for international use, and can have high currency conversion fees ❌ No online account opening options ❌ Foreign transaction fees apply if you use your debit card overseas |
How to open a Bank of America account as a non-resident
Bank of America does not allow non-resident customers to open an account online or through their app.
However, the process is still available for customers who can head to one of their financial centers to get signed up and checked. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Check the Bank of America non-resident account opening eligibility so you know you can apply:
Bank of America targets its services for non-resident customers who are professionals working in the US part time, or international students. You must have a US address as well as a permanent overseas address, 2 ID documents and tax details in the US or abroad.
2. Gather the documents needed to support your application:
Usually this includes proof of a US address, 2 forms of ID and your tax ID. If you have an SSN or ITIN you can use this, but it’s also possible to use an international tax number
3. Schedule an appointment in a Bank of America financial center:
Bank of America lets you schedule advance appointments and ask for translation help if needed – arrange and manage your appointment online
4. Visit a Bank of America financial center with your application and paperwork to open your account:
Attend your appointment with all your documents for checking. Submit and sign your application and you should be ready to start transacting
Bank of America non resident account requirements
To be eligible to open a Bank of America account as a non-resident you must meet the following requirements:
- You have a physical US address – you’ll need to prove your home and your US address as part of the application
- You are not a US citizen – US citizens can not open a non-resident account with Bank of America, but other options may still be available
- You are not a US Green Card holder – this service is not open to people with US permanent resident status
Proving your US address may be the trickiest part for many non-resident customers. If you are a frequent visitor to the country without a home there, you may find it easier to open an account with USD services from an online alternative like Wise or Revolut instead. Proof of a US address is not needed as long as you have residence in one of their supported countries.
What documents do you need to open a Bank of America non-resident account?
Before you attend your appointment to open an account you’ll need to sort out your paperwork. If you’re unsure what you need, do get in touch with the bank directly to avoid wasting time. Here’s a roundup of the most commonly required documents to open a Bank of America non-resident account:
| Required documents for Bank of America non-resident account |
|---|
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What is proof of residency for Bank of America?
To open an account as a non-resident you’ll provide your passport which will show you’re not a US citizen.
You’ll also be asked to show your US address. This helps to satisfy the bank’s eligibility rules.
Proof of address for Bank of America non-resident account
Your proof of address document for both the US and your home address must include the building name or number and street name, city or town, state or province, and country. Documents accepted include:
- A utility bill with your name and address – must be recent
- A rental agreement with your name and address
If you’re struggling to prove your address, call the bank to get advice based on the documents you can provide.
Can I open a Bank of America account without SSN?
Yes. You can use your foreign tax ID if you do not have an SSN or US ITIN.
Bank of America account alternatives for non-residents
Bank of America does extend services to non-residents who are in the US for work or as a student, but who are neither US citizens nor Green Card holders. However, you’ll still need to have a physical US address – and proof of it – and you’ll be required to attend a Bank of America financial center to open your account.
As an alternative which could be less hassle and more flexible in the end, check out digital account providers like Wise and Revolut, which offer USD account facilities even without a US address, or the non-resident account options from other US banks like Wells Fargo.
Here are 4 of the best US banks for non-residents, side by side:
| Bank of America | Wise | Revolut | Wells Fargo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident eligibility | Provide several ID documents and a US proof of address | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country | Provide several ID documents and a US proof of address |
| Open online | Not available | Available | Available | Not available |
| Maintenance fee | Varied account options available with their own fees | None | Fees vary based on your country of residence: in the US you pay 0 USD – 16.99 USD/month | Varied account options available with their own fees |
| Supported currencies | USD | USD and 40+ others | USD and 25+ others | USD |
| Overseas card spending costs | 3% | Free to spend a currency you hold Currency conversion from 0.33% where needed | No fee to spend a currency you hold Some no fee weekday currency conversion available – fair usage and out of hours fees may apply | 3% |
| International transfer fee | Fee may be waived for cross currency transfers – exchange rate costs apply | From 0.33% | 5% fee for payments over 200 USD Lower value payments have a fee of up to 10 USD | Fee may be waived for cross currency transfers – exchange rate costs apply |
Different non-resident account options have their own features and fees, so which works best for you will require some research. We’ll look a little more closely at our selected Bank of America alternatives below, so you can get a feel for which may suit your own specific needs.
Wise account
💡Great for: Holding and exchanging 40+ currencies, including USD, with ways to get paid in dollars, and low cost conversion
Open a Wise account online or in app, to hold, send, spend and exchange USD alongside 40+ other currencies. Wise account offers USD account details to get paid with ACH and wire, and you can also get a Wise card to tap and pay in stores or make cash withdrawals.
Currency conversion uses the mid-market rate with low fees from 0.33% and accounts have no ongoing fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
| Wise account pros | Wise account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Apply using your local ID and address more or less anywhere in the world ✅ Hold and exchange USD and 40+ other currencies ✅ Mid-market exchange rates ✅ Some free ATM withdrawals every month
| ❌ No check book provided ❌ Some transaction and withdrawal fees apply |
Eligibility: Apply with your local proof of address and ID in the US or any of Wise’s other supported countries
How to open a Wise account as a non-resident
Step by step how to open a Wise account:
- Download the Wise app or open the local desktop site wherever you live
- Tap to sign up and enter your personal and contact information
- Follow prompts to add the required details and upload your local ID and address documents for verification
- Once your account is verified you can open a USD balance, top up your account in US dollars, order a card and start to spend
Learn more: Wise Account Review & How to use Wise Account
Revolut account
💡Great for: Choose between different account plans to manage USD with 25+ other currencies and spend on your linked card
In most countries it operates in, Revolut offers several different accounts for personal customers which all have linked debit cards. The exact plan options will depend on where you’re a resident, but generally accounts offer some weekday currency conversion with the Revolut rate and no extra fee to your plan limit, and some no fee ATM use every month. Out of hours fees apply on weekends and holidays. Depending on the account you pick you may pay a monthly maintenance charge – higher tier accounts have higher costs but also more features.
| Revolut account pros | Revolut account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available to non-resident customers in the US and many other countries ✅ Choose from different account plans depending on your needs ✅ Hold and exchange 25+ currencies and spend with your Revolut card ✅ Some weekday currency conversion with no additional fees for all customers | ❌ Some account tiers have ongoing fees ❌ Fair usage and out of hours fees may apply |
Eligibility: Apply with your local proof of address and ID in the US or any of Revolut’s other supported countries
How to open a Revolut account as a non-resident
- Check Revolut is available in your country of residence and download the app
- Tap to sign up and enter your personal and contact information
- Follow prompts to add the required details and upload your local ID and address documents for verification
- Once your account is verified you can top up and start to spend – your card will be delivered to your registered address
Learn more: Revolut Review
Wells Fargo bank account
💡Great for: Selection of non-resident bank account services including saving, checking and card options, from a popular US bank
Wells Fargo offers non-resident account account opening services for customers who meet their eligibility requirements. Usually this means you must have a physical US address, and be able to attend a branch with 2 forms of ID and a proof of your US address and nationality. Different accounts are available including checking and saving options – you must pay an opening deposit of at least 25 USD. Double check the account options and services which are available based on your specific circumstances, before you attend an appointment.
| Wells Fargo account pros | Wells Fargo account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Open a USD account from a fully licensed US bank ✅ Choose from different account products ✅ Get checking services and a debit card if you want one ✅ Savings accounts and CDs also available | ❌ No online account opening options ❌ Minimum opening deposit amount applies
|
Eligibility: Apply in a Wells Fargo branch, with your US address, 2 forms of ID and your overseas tax ID
How to open a Wells Fargo bank account as a non-resident
- Check you’re eligible to open an account with Wells Fargo as a non-resident
- Gather the documents needed to support your application
- Schedule a branch appointment
- Visit a location with your application and paperwork to open your account
Learn more: How to open a Wells Fargo account as a non-resident
Can I open a foreign currency account with Bank of America?
You can not open a foreign currency account as a personal customer with Bank of America.
If you’re managing your money across currencies, sending payments overseas, or traveling between the US and your home country often, you may be better off with a foreign currency or multi-currency account from an alternative service. Here are a couple which might be worth looking at:
Wise multi currency account: Hold, send, spend and exchange USD alongside 40+ other currencies, with the mid-market rate with low fees from 0.33%. Get paid in USD by ACH and wire, and get a Wise card for local and overseas use.
Revolut multi currency account: Manage USD with 25+ other currencies, with some no fee weekday currency conversion and a linked card for spending and withdrawals. Choose between different account plans depending on your needs, including some with no ongoing charges.
Apply from any supported country, with your home proof of address and ID – no need to have a US address.
Conclusion: Bank of America account for foreigners in the US
While you can open an account with Bank of America as a non-resident, it’s not the easiest process.
You’ll need to check your eligibility, gather a stack of paperwork and go to a financial center to apply.
Online alternative services can offer a far more streamlined, digital, onboarding experience – with no need for a US address to get USD account services. Check out options like Wise or Revolut to see if they might suit you.
- Bank of America focuses its non-resident services on professionals working part of the time in the US, and international students
- To open an account with Bank of America as a non-resident you must have a physical US address and several other documents to prove your eligibility
- A multi-currency account with USD services from a provider like Wise or Revolut can have low fees for transacting at home and abroad
- Specialist providers offer online and in app account opening and can carpet resident and non-resident applications
Bank of America non resident bank account FAQs
Can I open a Bank of America account online as a foreigner?
Bank of America does not allow non-resident customers to open an account online or through their app. You need to make an appointment at a financial center and attend in person.
Related: How to open a US bank account as a non-resident
Can a tourist open a Bank of America account?
You need a US address to open a Bank of America address – even as a non-resident. If you want a USD account for tourism, try alternative providers like Wise and Revolut which offer accounts with USD services for people living in many different countries.
Can a non-US citizen open a Bank of America account?
Yes. Your nationality is less of a challenge than your residency when it comes to opening an account with a US bank. You’ll need to prove your address, either in the US or both in the US and abroad if you’re non-resident, and have several forms of ID to support your application.
Can I open a Bank of America account with a passport?
You’ll need more than your passport to open an account with any US bank. If you’re not a US resident, the documents needed for Bank of America include proof of address, 2 forms of ID and your tax ID.
