What visitors can and cannot do at US banks

Visitors to the United States can open a bank account, but the process is more difficult than it is for US citizens and permanent residents. Most banks will open an account for you, but they require documents that visitors often do not have — a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a US address, and proof of identity. Some banks have specific visitor or non-resident accounts. Others will turn you away entirely.

The real barrier is not policy but paperwork. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and your tax status before opening any account. For a visitor, that verification takes longer and requires documents from outside the US banking system. A few banks have streamlined this process. Most have not.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need either a Social Security Number, an ITIN, or a passport plus a US address to open an account as a visitor.
  • Some banks offer non-resident or visitor accounts specifically designed for people without a US address or tax ID, though these are less common than they used to be.
  • You can obtain an ITIN from the IRS without a Social Security Number, but the process takes several weeks and requires an process by mail.
  • Bringing your passport, a recent utility bill or lease from your home country, and proof of your US address (such as a hotel confirmation or letter from a host) will speed up the process.
  • Online banks are sometimes more flexible than brick-and-mortar banks, but they still require either a Social Security Number or ITIN.

Documents you will need to bring

Every bank will ask for a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID. This is non-negotiable. Bring the original, not a copy. If your passport is in a language other than English, bring it anyway — banks have staff who can verify it, and a translation may not be accepted.

You will also need proof of a US address. A hotel confirmation with your name on it works. A lease agreement works. A letter from the person whose house you are staying in, on their letterhead, with their signature and phone number, works. A utility bill in your name does not work unless you have lived there long enough for the bill to arrive — usually 30 to 60 days. Do not bring a credit card statement as proof of address; banks do not accept it.

If you have a Social Security Number, bring the card or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not, you will need to explain that to the bank and ask whether they will accept an ITIN or a passport number instead. Some will. Some will not.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security Number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You do not need to be employed to get one. You do not need to be a permanent resident.

To explore, you must complete IRS Form W-7 and mail it to the IRS with supporting documents. The supporting documents must include your passport and proof of your US address. The IRS will accept a hotel confirmation, a lease, or a letter from a host. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. There is no way to speed it up, and the IRS does not accept applications in person at most locations.

Once you receive your ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account. Some banks will accept the ITIN number alone. Others will want to see the actual IRS letter that came with it. Keep that letter safe.

Which banks are most likely to accept visitors

Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have visitor or non-resident accounts at some branches, but availability varies by location. Call ahead before you go in. Do not assume that because one branch accepted a visitor last year, another branch will accept one this year.

Online banks such as Wise (formerly TransferWise) and some credit unions are sometimes more flexible, but they still require either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. Wise, in particular, is designed for people who move between countries and has a simpler process for non-residents, though you will still need an ITIN or Social Security Number.

Community banks and credit unions in the area where you are staying may be more willing to work with visitors than national chains. Ask at the bank's main branch whether they have a non-resident account option. If they say no, ask whether they have made exceptions in the past. Some banks will open an account for a visitor if you explain your situation and bring all required documents, even if they do not advertise a visitor account.

What you can and cannot do without a US address

If you are staying with a friend or family member, you can use their address as your mailing address on the account. The bank will send statements and cards to that address. Make sure the person whose address you are using knows this and is willing to receive mail for you.

If you are staying in a hotel, some banks will accept the hotel address as a temporary mailing address. Others will not. Ask the bank directly. If they will not accept a hotel address, you will need to either use a friend's address or wait until you have a more permanent US address.

Once the account is open, you can deposit money, write checks, and use a debit card. You cannot open a credit card account as a visitor — credit card companies require a Social Security Number or ITIN and a longer credit history. You can use a debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs.

How long the process takes

If you already have a Social Security Number or ITIN and all required documents, opening an account takes one to two hours at the bank. The bank will verify your identity while you wait, and you can usually start using the account the same day.

If you need to obtain an ITIN first, plan for four to six weeks. You must mail your process to the IRS, wait for them to process it, and then go to the bank. During that time, you can still deposit money and make purchases using a prepaid card or a card from your home country.

If the bank needs to verify documents or your identity with a third party, the process can take longer — up to two weeks. The bank will tell you if this is necessary.

Alternatives if a bank will not open an account for you

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, you have other options. A prepaid card can be loaded with money and used to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs. Prepaid cards do not require a Social Security Number or ITIN. They do require a valid ID and, usually, a US address or a phone number. Brands like Visa and Mastercard offer prepaid cards that you can buy at drugstores and supermarkets.

Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram allow you to receive money from abroad without a bank account. You can pick up cash at their locations using your passport. These services charge fees, so they are not ideal for regular use, but they work if you need cash quickly.

If you are staying in the US for a long time, consider opening an account in your home country that has a US branch or a partnership with a US bank. Some international banks allow you to transfer money between accounts without fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account as a visitor?

No. You can use an ITIN or, at some banks, a passport number instead. However, most banks prefer a Social Security Number because it is easier for them to verify. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they will accept an ITIN before you explore.

Can I open a bank account with just a hotel address?

Some banks will accept a hotel address as a temporary mailing address, but many will not. Call the bank ahead of time and ask. If they will not accept a hotel address, use a friend's address or wait until you have a more permanent US address.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS processes ITIN applications by mail in four to six weeks. There is no faster option. You must mail your completed Form W-7 with your passport and proof of US address to the IRS address listed on the form.

Can I use a prepaid card instead of a bank account?

Yes. Prepaid cards do not require a Social Security Number or ITIN and can be used to make purchases and withdraw cash. However, they do not offer the same protections as a bank account, and you cannot write checks or set up automatic payments.

What if the bank asks for documents I do not have?

Ask the bank what documents they will accept as alternatives. If they require a document you cannot obtain, try a different bank. Some banks are more flexible than others, and a smaller bank or credit union may be willing to work with you if you explain your situation.