Yes, visitors can open a bank account in the USA, but the process depends on your visa type and the bank you choose

Many banks in the United States will open an account for someone on a visitor visa, though not all will. The main requirement is a valid passport and proof of your current address — which can be your hotel, an Airbnb, or a friend's address where you are staying. Some banks ask for a U.S. phone number, which you can obtain through a prepaid SIM card or a service like Google Voice. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person at a branch.

The catch is that banks vary widely in their rules. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally accept visitors, but smaller regional banks may not. Some banks have stopped accepting non-residents altogether due to federal compliance rules. Your best approach is to call ahead or visit a branch in person to ask whether they accept visitor visa holders before you spend time filling out paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid passport, proof of your U.S. address (hotel or temporary residence), and often a U.S. phone number to open an account.
  • Large national banks are more likely to accept visitors than regional or community banks, so start with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo if one is nearby.
  • Some banks require a minimum deposit to open an account, typically between $25 and $100 for a basic checking account.
  • You may be asked to provide your visa number, passport number, and the date your visa expires, so have your passport ready when you visit.

What documents you will need to bring

Bring your passport — this is non-negotiable. Banks use it to verify your identity and check your name against federal watchlists. Have it with you even if you think you won't need it.

Bring proof of your U.S. address. This can be a hotel confirmation email, an Airbnb booking confirmation, a lease agreement, or even a letter from a friend or family member stating that you are staying at their address. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel's business card or a printed confirmation from the hotel's website works. Banks are flexible here because they know visitors do not have utility bills or other traditional proof of residence.

Bring a phone number where you can be reached. If you do not have a U.S. phone number, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at any Target, Walmart, or phone store for $10 to $20, or you can use Google Voice, which gives you a free U.S. phone number that works online. Some banks will accept your home country phone number, but having a U.S. number makes the process smoother.

Which banks are most likely to accept visitors

The largest national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — generally accept visitors on valid visas. These banks have branches in most cities, so you have a good chance of finding one near you. Call the branch ahead of time or visit in person and ask directly whether they accept non-resident visa holders. Many branches have staff who handle international customers regularly.

Credit unions and smaller regional banks are less predictable. Some will open an account for you; others have policies against it. If you are staying in a small town or rural area, you may find that the only bank available does not accept visitors. In that case, online banks like Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut may be your only option, though these require a U.S. address and sometimes a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you are having trouble finding a bank that will work with you, ask at your hotel front desk or contact the local chamber of commerce. Hotel staff often know which banks in the area accept visitors because they help guests with this regularly.

Minimum deposits and account types

Most banks will let you open a basic checking account with a small deposit, usually $25 to $100. Some banks waive the minimum deposit entirely if you set up direct deposit, though as a visitor you may not have a U.S. employer to deposit from. Ask the bank whether they have a no-minimum account option.

Savings accounts typically have the same or slightly higher minimum deposits. You do not need a savings account to visit the U.S., so focus on a checking account, which gives you a debit card and access to ATMs. The debit card is the most useful tool because you can use it to withdraw cash and pay for things without carrying large amounts of cash.

Some banks charge monthly fees for checking accounts, though many waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Ask about fees before you open the account. If the bank charges a monthly fee and you will only be in the country for a short time, it may not be worth opening an account at all.

How long the account stays open after you leave

Once you open an account, it remains open as long as you keep it active. You do not have to close it when your visa expires or when you leave the country. Many visitors keep their U.S. bank accounts open indefinitely, even after returning home, because it is useful for future trips or online purchases from U.S. retailers.

However, if you do not use the account for a long time — typically 12 months or more — the bank may close it automatically and send any remaining balance to you. Check your account online periodically or set up a small automatic transfer to keep it active. Some banks will also close an account if they cannot reach you at the address or phone number you provided, so update your contact information if you move.

Alternatives if a bank will not accept you

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, you have other options. Prepaid debit cards are sold at Target, Walmart, and drugstores and do not require a bank account or proof of address. You load money onto them and use them like a debit card. The downside is that they charge fees for each transaction and for reloading money.

Money transfer services like Wise, PayPal, or Remitly let you send money from your home country to the U.S. and withdraw it at ATMs or spend it with a debit card. These services are designed for international transfers and are often cheaper than banks for moving money across borders.

Online banks like Charles Schwab or Wise sometimes accept visitors if you have a U.S. address and a phone number. The process process is entirely online, which can be faster than visiting a branch, though approval may take a few days.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

Most banks do not require a Social Security number to open a checking account as a visitor. They will ask for your passport number and visa information instead. However, some banks — particularly larger ones — may ask for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you plan to earn interest on a savings account or if they need it for federal reporting purposes.

If a bank asks for an ITIN and you do not have one, you have two options: ask whether they will open the account without one (many will), or explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you open the account. explore for an ITIN takes several weeks, so if you are only visiting for a short time, it is not practical. Stick with banks that do not require one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online as a visitor?

Some online banks will let you open an account remotely, but most require a U.S. address and a phone number, and many ask for a Social Security number or ITIN. Your best bet is to visit a branch in person with your passport. It is faster and you will know when ready whether the bank will accept you.

Do I need a U.S. phone number to open an account?

Many banks ask for one, but not all require it. If you do not have one, buy a prepaid SIM card for $10 to $20 or use Google Voice for a free number. Having a number makes the process smoother and ensures the bank can contact you if needed.

Can I use my account after I leave the United States?

Yes. You can use your debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs in your home country, though you may be charged a foreign transaction fee. You can also keep the account open for future trips. Just make sure to check on it occasionally so the bank does not close it for inactivity.

What if the bank asks for a tax ID number?

Tell them you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN. Many banks will open a checking account without one. If they insist, ask whether you can explore for an ITIN later, or try a different bank. Do not feel pressured to provide a number you do not have.

How much money do I need to deposit to open an account?

Most banks require $25 to $100 for a basic checking account, though some have no minimum. Ask the bank about their minimum before you visit. If you do not want to deposit that much, look for a bank with a zero-minimum account or consider a prepaid debit card instead.