A traditional US checking account from a big bank like Chase, Bank of America or Citi is the most "native" USD account. You get a real routing number that every US payroll, broker and government agency accepts, a debit card, Zelle, cheques, and a relationship that can later help with credit cards. For non-residents, the catch is that it almost always has to be opened in person at a branch in the US, and the result depends heavily on the branch and the banker.
This guide explains what to bring, how the process goes, and how to keep the account working once you're home. As of September 2026, none of the big banks publish a guaranteed non-resident process, so treat this as typical experience, not a rule.
Will a bank open an account without an SSN?
Often yes. US rules let banks identify non-US persons with a passport or other government ID and a tax ID or foreign ID number. Each bank sets its own policy on top of that:
| Bank | Typical non-resident experience (reported) |
|---|---|
| Bank of America | Publishes a non-resident process: in person at a financial center, with two unexpired IDs (e.g. foreign passport + foreign driver's licence), a foreign physical address and a US mailing address. Interpretation is available in many languages, including Chinese |
| Chase | Generally wants an SSN or ITIN. Some branches accept a passport + second ID for non-residents. Very branch-dependent |
| Citi | Accepts ITIN for some products. International customers of Citi elsewhere may have an easier path through Citi's global programmes |
| HSBC US | Mainly for existing HSBC Premier customers through its international account-opening service |
| Regional banks & credit unions | Vary widely. Some near universities are used to international clients |
What to bring
- Passport with a valid visa or entry record (ESTA/I-94). A B-1/B-2 visitor is allowed to open an account, but some banks are more cautious with short visits.
- Second ID: foreign driver's licence, national ID card, or a foreign bank or credit card in your name.
- Proof of your foreign address (recent bank statement or utility bill). Many banks record your permanent foreign address.
- US address: where statements and the debit card go. It could be a relative's or friend's home (with permission, as "c/o"), or a mailing service. Some banks refuse a mailbox (CMRA) address. See US address.
- US phone number for SMS verification. See our phone guides; a real carrier SIM or eSIM works better than VoIP.
- Initial deposit: cash, or a foreign card if the bank accepts it. Some accounts waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance.
- Form W-8BEN: the banker usually gives you this to sign, certifying you're not a US person.
The process, step by step
- Book an appointment online or by phone, and say you're a non-resident without an SSN.
- Meet the banker. Explain simply why you want the account (for example: "I visit often, and I get paid by US clients or hold USD for travel").
- ID verification: they scan your passport and second ID.
- Address and contact details: give your foreign residential address and the US mailing address truthfully. Don't claim to live at an address where you don't.
- Choose the account: a basic checking account is enough. Ask how to avoid the monthly fee (minimum balance, direct deposit, or a linked savings account).
- Sign the W-8BEN and account agreements.
- Fund it with the initial deposit.
- Online banking: set it up at the branch while you have a US number and are on a US connection. Add a second verification method if the bank offers one (authenticator app, security key).
- Debit card: some branches print an instant card. Otherwise it's mailed to the US address in about 7–10 days, so plan your stay or delivery.
After you go home: keeping the account alive
- Keep the US phone number active. Losing it is the #1 reason people get locked out.
- Log in regularly, and expect extra verification when logging in from abroad. Answer the bank's questions; don't hide your location.
- Keep some activity going, such as a small transfer every month or two. Long-dormant accounts may be closed, or eventually escheated (handed over to the state).
- Keep the balance above the fee-waiver level or accept the monthly fee.
- Update your address if you move. Banks send important notices by post.
- International wires in and out work, but outgoing wire fees are usually $25–50. Check the bank's fee schedule.
Common reasons branches say no
- Visitor status with a very short stay, and no ties to the US.
- No US address at all, or only a mailbox address the bank's policy rejects.
- No second ID.
- The purpose sounds like receiving money for other people, crypto trading, or business income on a personal account.
- The applicant lives in a sanctioned or high-risk country (sanctions screening).
- Branch policy: another branch of the same bank may say yes. Politely try elsewhere.
Pros and cons
Pros: real US bank account; works with everything, including Zelle; FDIC insured; builds a relationship for future credit products.
Cons: must be in the US; branch-dependent; monthly fees; hard to keep running from abroad (phone, 2FA, mail); account may be closed if the bank's risk review later disagrees.
Sources
- Bank of America: Open a US bank account for non-residents, https://info.bankofamerica.com/en/international/us-bank-account-non-residents
- Chase checking accounts, https://www.chase.com/personal/checking
- Citi international, https://www.citi.com/
- HSBC US: International banking, https://www.us.hsbc.com/international-banking/
- FDIC: Deposit insurance, https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance
- IRS: About Form W-8BEN, https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-8-ben
- Bankrate: Bank accounts for non-US citizens, https://www.bankrate.com/banking/non-us-citizens-bank-accounts/
