Which U.S. banks allow foreigners to open accounts?
Banks and Credit Unions That Accept Alternative IDs
Non-U.S. citizens can open bank accounts in the U.S., but may need to go through extra steps, especially if they're nonresidents. Some banks and credit unions accept alternative forms of identification, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), for non-U.S. citizens to open accounts.
- SoFi.
- HSBC.
- Chase.
- Capital One.
- Bank of America.
- Wells Fargo.
- Charles Schwab.
You may think all banks are out of the question for non-residents. However, larger banks such as US Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will allow non-residents to set up a checking account and a savings account.
Yes. U.S. visa holders currently living in the U.S. may open an account in person at one of our financial centers. You must be able to provide both your permanent (foreign) and local address, as well as your ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number).
If you're a non-resident alien with a primary residence in the U.S. or its territories, you can apply in person by making an appointment to apply in person at a Wells Fargo branch. Be sure to review what you'll need to bring to your appointment when applying in person.
- Bank of America.
- Chase.
- Wells Fargo.
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
- Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
- Latino Credit Union.
Banks and Credit Unions That Accept Alternative IDs
Many large banks in the U.S. accept alternative IDs from a non-U.S. citizen trying to open an account. These include Bank of America, Chase, TD Bank, US Bank and Wells Fargo. Some credit unions also accept alternative forms of ID.
Prominent among these are Emirates National Bank of Dubai (ENBD), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), Standard Chartered, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Mashreq, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Non-residents often favour ENBD, while FAB and ADCB also offer competitive services.
- Citibank - will accept either an SSN or an ITIN².
- Wells Fargo - if you don't have an SSN or ITIN, you can provide evidence of nationality or residence by providing a government-issued ID instead³.
- Chase - will accept either SSN or ITIN, or a valid form of ID instead⁴.
Can a non US citizen open a Chase bank account?
Chase accounts are available to foreign customers without any particular restriction. However, you'll need to make sure you meet all the account eligibility requirements, and pull together documents for verification purposes.
Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in the US without needing a US address. However, not all banking institutions allow for it. Even traditional banks that do offer accounts to non-residents often have requirements – like opening the account in person – that make it difficult for non-residents to apply.
Yes, non-citizens can open a bank account in the US with proper paperwork. US non-citizens include green card holders (permanent residents) and US visa holders such as H1B, L1, or international students.
To open an account with Citibank US, you'll usually need to be a local US resident, with a proof of ID and address. Resident aliens can usually apply, using a foreign proof of ID — such as a passport — and their Green Card or similar paperwork to show legal residence in the US².
You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account. To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports that anyone can open a bank account using their name, date of birth, address and “ID number.” Accepted ID numbers could include SSNs, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, or potentially other numbers, as well.
Wells Fargo has announced that it is closing accounts for non-U.S. residents, including the accounts of their many American expat clients. Creative Planning has assisted Wells Fargo international clients transition their accounts to our management.
Wells Fargo offers checking accounts to foreigners who hold the documents required for verification. If you're not a US resident or citizen you can also choose to use the Wells Fargo international investment services which are available online, in branch and by phone.
Wells Fargo has extensive expertise in International Banking and offers a full suite of products and services to help you succeed in the global marketplace.
Some U.S. banks that don't require an SSN to open an account include Bank of America, Alliant Credit Union, Axos Bank.
Do banks check immigration status?
A lender, dealer, or broker cannot discriminate on the basis of national origin. They are allowed to ask about your permanent residency and immigration status.
If you're wondering, “Can you open a bank account without an ID?” here's the short answer: No. You must have identification. Not only is this the law, but it would also be negligent if it weren't a requirement because money is at stake.
- Bank of America. Bank of America Advantage Savings Account. ...
- Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo Way2Save® Savings Account. ...
- U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking. ...
- Santander Bank. Santander® Bank, N.A. Savings Account. ...
- Fifth Third Bank. ...
- KeyBank. ...
- Hope Credit Union. ...
- River City Credit Union.
Bank/Credit Union | Forbes Advisor Rating | Monthly Maintenance Fee |
---|---|---|
PenFed Credit Union Access America Checking | 4.7 | $10 |
Discover® Cashback Debit Checking | 4.5 | $0 |
EverBank Yield Pledge Checking | 4.5 | $0 |
NBKC Bank Everything Account | 4.5 | $0 |
Acceptable Forms of ID for Banks
Most banks request two forms of government issued ID. Financial institutions that require two forms of ID may want at least one of the IDs to be a photo ID. This can include photos on a Passport or Driver's license.