How to open a Wells Fargo account as a non-resident [2024 Guide]
You may be eligible to open a Wells Fargo non-resident account if you’re able to attend a branch in person with supporting paperwork, including a US proof of address, and pay a minimum account opening deposit. The exact process you’ll follow and the account options available to you might vary based on your specific circumstances.
This guide walks through the most important things to know about getting a Wells Fargo non-resident account – plus, as opening a non-resident account with a bank in the US can be time consuming and expensive, we’ll also cover alternatives like Wise and Revolut which have USD accounts for non-residents you can open with your phone.
Quick summary: Wells Fargo non-resident account
- You can usually open a Wells Fargo non-resident account in a branch, as long as you have the right documents and a minimum deposit
- Documents needed include proof of US address, 2 forms of ID and proof of your nationality with a government issued photo ID
- The accounts available to you as a non-resident customer with Wells Fargo might be limited – you’ll need to ask about your options at local branch based on your specific situation
- Instead of opening a Wells Fargo non-resident account you can also get USD account services from a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut which offers intuitive online and in app account opening
- Online specialist accounts usually provide USD services with dozens of other currencies and can have low fees for transacting at home and abroad
| FAQs | Answers |
|---|---|
| Can I open a Wells Fargo account without address proof in the USA? | Usually you must provide a proof of US address, which can not include a PO Box or private mailbox, if you want to open a Wells Fargo non-resident account. As an alternative try Wise or Revolut. |
| Can I open a Wells Fargo account without SSN? | You may be able to open a Wells Fargo non-resident account with your foreign tax ID and information, or with an ITIN if you have one – an SSN is not always needed. |
| Can I open a Wells Fargo account online as a non-resident? | No. To open a Wells Fargo non-resident account you must visit a branch in person. Wise or Revolut may help if you want a fully online non-resident account service. |
Can I open a Wells Fargo account as a non-resident?
Yes. you can open a Wells Fargo non-resident account if you have all the required paperwork and visit a branch with your minimum opening deposit. You’ll need proof of a US address, 2 forms of ID and a government issued photo document which proves your nationality if you’re not from the US.
As an alternative, online providers like Wise and Revolut allow non-resident account opening online and through their apps. All you need is your ID and address from wherever you call home. Add your personal details, upload snaps of your paperwork, and your account could be verified and opened in no time at all.
| Advantages – Wells Fargo non-resident account | Disadvantages – Wells Fargo non-resident account |
|---|---|
| ✅ 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 | ❌ You will probably need a US address, even as a non-resident ❌ No online account opening options ❌ Minimum opening deposit amount applies ❌ Overall fees can be on the high side |
How to open a Wells Fargo account as a non-resident
To open a Wells Fargo non-resident account you must visit a branch in person with your supporting paperwork. Here’s an outline of the process:
1. Check you’re eligible to open an account with Wells Fargo as a non-resident: Take a look at different account products to decide if there’s one which suits your needs, and double check you’re eligible as a non-resident customer
2. Gather the documents needed to support your application: Usually this includes proof of a US address, 2 forms of ID and proof of your nationality, with a document issued by your home country’s government
3. Schedule a branch appointment: Set up your appointment in a local branch ahead of time, to avoid waiting around
4. Visit a location with your application and paperwork to open your account: You’ll need to go to a branch and take along all your documents for checking. Submit and sign your application and you should be ready to start transacting
Wells Fargo non resident account requirements
You can open a Wells Fargo non-resident account if you meet their eligibility requirements and provide all the required supporting documents at a branch appointment. You’ll need to double check the exact requirements for the account type you prefer – usually you must pay an opening deposit of at least 25 USD, and provide 2 forms of ID and a proof of your US address and nationality.
Not keen on needing to head out to open your account? Online providers like Wise and Revolut may offer an easier application and onboarding process, online and through their apps. More on that later.
What documents do you need to open a Wells Fargo non-resident account?
To open a Wells Fargo non-resident account you’ll need to gather some paperwork and head to a bank to get started. The usual documents include proof of ID and address, but there are quite a lot of different document types which can be accepted. Not all of the acceptable documents would be available to you as a non-resident customer, so do look at the list of eligible documents carefully before you go to your appointment.
| Required documents for Wells Fargo non-resident account |
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What is proof of residency for Wells Fargo?
While the standard documents the bank might ask for are laid out above, there are actually lots of other options you may use for verification when you open your Wells Fargo non-resident account. Residency is usually proved with a government issued photo ID like your passport.
If you’re struggling to prove your eligibility, call the bank to get advice based on the documents you can provide.
Proof of address for Wells Fargo non-resident account
To open your Wells Fargo non-resident account you must prove your US address. It may be helpful to call the bank before your appointment to check which documents are acceptable to show your residence and address, as there’s a pretty broad list of options, to suit different customer needs. You may be able to use a utility bill or a bank account statement for example.
Can I open a Wells Fargo account without SSN?
Yes. You can normally open a Wells Fargo non-resident account with your overseas tax ID information. You do not need to have a US SSN or ITIN.
Do check for the specific account you want, to make sure this is the bank’s policy for your particular product and to avoid disappointment.
Wells Fargo account alternatives for non-residents
Wells Fargo does allow non-resident customers with a US address the option to open an account. However, the account will have to be opened in a branch, and you’ll need to provide a minimum opening deposit of at least 25 USD. Fees overall can also be on the high side.
As an alternative, check out online account providers like Wise or Revolut, which offer USD account facilities even without a US address, or the non-resident account options from other US banks like Bank of America. Here are a few options, heads to head:
| Wells Fargo | Wise | Revolut | Bank of America | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Wells Fargo 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 transfers, and you can also get a linked Wise card to tap and pay in stores, shop online or make cash withdrawals.
Currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate with low conversion fees from 0.33% and accounts have no monthly or annual ongoing fees, and there is no minimum balance requirement.
| 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 top up, order a card and start to spend
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
Bank of America account
💡Great for: A selection of accounts from a US bank, suited to non-resident customers including professionals and international students
Bank of America proposes several different account types if you’re a non-resident professional in the US. There are also student services. While all accounts have their own features and fees, the Bank of America Advantage series of accounts can be a good choice, with basic accounts through to more complex products for higher wealth individuals who need more services. Support is multilingual, but you’ll need to visit a Bank of America financial center to open your account in the first place.
| Bank of America account pros | Bank of America account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Choose several different account types ✅ Full banking service available ✅ Support offered in many different languages on request | ❌ No online opening option ❌ Account fees can be on the high side – especially for international use |
Eligibility: Apply in a Bank of America branch, with your US address, proof of your home address (non-US), 2 forms of ID and your overseas tax ID
How to open a Bank of America account as a non-resident
- Check you’re eligible to open an account with Bank of America 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
Additionally, you can check out our guide on Chase and their non-resident account options: How to open a Chase bank account as a non-resident
Can I open a foreign currency account with Wells Fargo?
It is not usually possible to open a foreign currency account with Wells Fargo as a personal customer. Wells Fargo’s international services tend to have more of a focus on business and corporate customers, with limited options for individuals.
If you’re a non-resident customer and live between countries, the chances are that having ways to manage your money across borders would be helpful. In this case, an online provider could help. Here are a couple to consider:
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.
Usually multi-currency accounts from specialist providers offer a more flexible option compared to bank accounts. In the US, many major banks don’t offer foreign or multi-currency accounts to individual customers at all – and where they’re available they may have high fees and restrictive eligibility requirements.
Wells Fargo account for foreigners in the US
Wells Fargo does allow non-resident customers to open an account but you’ll normally have to provide a proof of US address, as well as attending a branch with a suite of documents to get started. Using a different service – like a specialist provider which offers a multi-currency account – could be quicker, cheaper and easier.
- To open a Wells Fargo non-resident account you need a US address, and several different ID documents
- Wells Fargo non-resident customers must apply in a branch, and a minimum deposit is normally needed
- A multi-currency account with USD services from a specialist 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
Learn more: How to open a Bank of America account as a non resident and Best US bank accounts for non residents
Wells Fargo non resident account FAQs
Can I open a Wells Fargo account online as a foreigner?
You can not open a Wells Fargo account online if you are not a US resident. If you’re a foreign US resident with proof of address and other key paperwork like a Green Card or similar proof of legal residency, you may be able to open your account online.
Can a tourist open a Wells Fargo account?
You will usually need a US address to open a Wells Fargo account. 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 Wells Fargo account?
You can open a Wells Fargo account if you are a foreigner who is a legal US resident. Or you can open a non-resident account if you’re a foreigner who isn’t a US resident, but you have a US proof of address. Check with your local branch to see if account services are available based on your specific situation.
Can I open a Wells Fargo account with a passport?
You’ll need more than your passport to open a Wells Fargo account. The usual documents needed include proof of address, 2 forms of ID and proof of your nationality with a government issued photo ID.
