Best US bank accounts for foreigners and non-residents 2024
If you’re a frequent visitor to the US, own a business there, or live for part of the year in the country you might need a USD bank account to make it easier to manage your money.
Not all accounts from US banks are offered to non-residents – but with a US address and ITIN you can usually find some options to suit your needs. This guide has you covered.
Plus, if you’re interested in opening a flexible international account which lets you hold and exchange foreign currencies as well as USD, read on as we’ll also include online alternatives like Wise and Revolut, which have multi-currency accounts for US non-residents.
Quick summary: US bank account for non-residents
Wise Account: Non-bank provider offering 40+ supported currencies, available online or in app for US residents and non-residents with a valid ID and address documents
Revolut Account: Non-bank provider with 3 different personal account tiers to suit different customer needs – apply online or in app with ID, and your US visa, SSN or ITIN
Chase Total Checking: Large suite of account types, with a great branch and ATM network to make transacting easy – apply in a branch with ID, proof of address and an ITIN
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking: Flexible USD account with ways to have ongoing charges waived – apply in a branch with a government issued ID if you don’t have an ITIN
Bank of America Advantage Banking: selection of accounts offering different features with easy ways to cut out ongoing fees – apply in a branch with ID, ITIN and proof of local and foreign address
Can a foreigner open a bank account in the US?
Yes. Foreigners and non-residents in the US can open an account with a bank, or look at online specialist providers instead.
Ultimately banks decide their own eligibility and verification processes, which may mean that not all accounts are open for foreigners, non-residents or recent immigrants – but most do have some options available as long as you can provide ID, proof of address and an ITIN or SSN.
- US banks usually need a US issued SSN or ITIN to verify customers
- Some banks in the US can accept a foreign ID document if you don’t have a local tax ID
- Online specialist providers like Wise and Revolut offer accounts to customers with valid ID and address documents from many countries globally, making them a good pick for travelers, expats, digital nomad and international students
5 Best US banks for non-residents
This guide walks through some of your options for the best US banks for non-residents, foreigners and recent immigrants. We’ll look at a couple of non-bank providers – Wise and Revolut – as well as some of the options available from major US banks, including Chase and BoA.
First, let’s get a quick overview before we get into the detail of each account’s features and fees:
| Provider/Account | Account fees | Required info | Best features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | No ongoing fees | Proof of identity and address from the US or other supported country ITIN or SSN required to open a Wise US account | Hold 40+ currencies, send payments to 160+ countries, from 0.42% |
| Revolut | 0 – 16.99 USD/month | Proof of identity and address from the US or other supported country US visa, ITIN or SSN required to open a Revolut US account | Selection of account tiers depending on needs; hold and exchange multiple currencies easily |
| Chase | Total Checking 12 USD/month | Apply with a proof of ID and US proof of address and SSN or ITIN | Large branch and ATM network; selection of accounts with options to have ongoing fees waived |
| Wells Fargo | Everyday Checking 10 USD/month | Government issued ID which shows nationality or residence | Checkbook and debit card offered; no minimum daily balance requirement |
| Bank of America | SafeBalance account 4.95 USD/month | US visa, ITIN, proof of a local US address, and proof of foreign permanent address | Easy ways to have ongoing fees waived; no maintenance costs for customers aged under 25 |
Wise Account
Great for: Managing multiple currencies in one place, with mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent transaction fees
Open a Wise Account online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, send money to 160+ countries, and spend in 150+ countries with a linked debit card. You can access local account details to get paid conveniently in a selection of currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR and more – making this a good option for anyone needing to pay or get paid in foreign currencies alongside US dollars.
Wise offers accounts to personal and business customers in the US and more or less globally. You’ll need an ITIN or SSN to open a Wise USD account, but if your normal residence is in another country, you may well still be able to open an account based there, to transact freely in USD and other countries.
Foreign currencies: 40+ currencies supported
Eligibility: Residents of the US and other supported countries with proof of identity and address; ITIN or SSN required to open a Wise US account
| Pros of Wise | Cons of Wise |
|---|---|
| ✅ Supports 40+ currencies for holding and exchange ✅ Easy ways to send and receive payments internationally ✅ Mid-market exchange rates ✅ Spend in 150+ countries with a Wise card ✅ Available more or less globally | ❌ No branch network ❌ Transaction fees apply ❌ 9 USD debit card order fee |
Revolut Account
Great for: Choosing between different account packages to suit transaction needs, with multi-currency functions, a linked card, and some weekday no fee currency conversion
Revolut US offers a Standard account plan which has no monthly charges to pay, plus alternatives which have more features and fees up to 16.99 USD/month. All accounts support 25 currencies for holding and exchange, and come with linked debit cards for convenient spending at home and abroad. The exact features of your account will depend on the tier you select, but you’ll find some weekday no-fee currency conversion with all packages, plus no-fee withdrawals at 55,000 ATMs in the US.
Open a Revolut US account online or in the Revolut app with proof of ID and address, a valid US visa with at least 3 months left to run, an ITIN or an SSN.
Fees: 0 – 16.99 USD/month
Foreign currencies: 25 currencies supported
Eligibility: Residents of the US and other supported countries with proof of identity and address; visa, ITIN or SSN required to open a Wise US account
| Pros of Revolut | Cons of Revolut |
|---|---|
| ✅ Choose different accounts based on your specific needs ✅ Standard plan has no monthly fee ✅ Some no fee currency conversion Monday-Friday with all account tiers ✅ No fee for in network ATM withdrawals ✅ Budgeting and saving tools available | ❌ No branch network ❌ Out of hours and fair usage fees may apply ❌ Ongoing fees apply for the most feature packed accounts |
Chase Total Checking
Great for: Accounts with overdraft assistance and access to almost 5,000 US branches for in person service
Chase has plenty of different account types on offer, but the most popular checking option is the Chase Total Checking package. This account has a 12 USD monthly fee, which is waived if you deposit money regularly, or if you hold a minimum balance for the month.
Eligibility requirements for Chase accounts do vary depending on the specific product you select, but you may be able to open an account by visiting a branch and showing your paperwork if you’re a non-permanent resident with an ITIN.
Fees: Total Checking 12 USD/month with ways to have fees waived by holding a minimum balance
Foreign currencies: Foreign currencies not supported for holding and exchange
Eligibility: Apply with a proof of ID and US proof of address and SSN or ITIN
| Pros of Chase | Cons of Chase |
|---|---|
| ✅ Have monthly account fees waived if you meet eligibility criteria ✅ Linked debit card for easy spending ✅ Option of overdraft assistance ✅ ITIN holders can apply without an SSN ✅ Large and trusted bank with good branch network | ❌ USD denominated accounts only – no multi-currency features ❌ Monthly account fees to pay ❌ Exchange rates include a markup, pushing up costs when sending money abroad |
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
Great for: Non-resident account opening options in a branch using a foreign government issued ID
Wells Fargo checking accounts can hold USD, with a linked debit card for easy spending, and a full suite of other financial products and services on offer as well. The Everyday Checking account offers all the features you might need to manage your money day to day, and has no maintenance fee for customers aged 24 and under, serving in the military, or holding a minimum balance.
You won’t be able to open a Wells Fargo account online as a non-resident but you may be able to get an account set up, even without an ITIN, if you visit a branch with an ID document proving your nationality or residence.
Fees: 10 USD/month with ways to have the fee waived by holding a minimum balance, or if you’re a student or in the military
Foreign currencies: Foreign currencies not supported for holding and exchange
Eligibility: Non US residents without an ITIN may be able to open an account in a branch using government issued ID which shows nationality or residence
| Pros of Wells Fargo | Cons of Wells Fargo |
|---|---|
| ✅ Open an account as a non-resident, without needing an ITIN ✅ Ways to have monthly fees waived ✅ Services for college students available ✅ Check book offered with accounts ✅ Online, mobile and in branch banking services | ❌ Minimum opening deposit needed ❌ Non-residents can not open an account online ❌ Accounts hold USD only |
Bank of America Advantage Banking
Great for: Non-permanent residents in the US looking for a USD account with easy ways to have ongoing fees waived
Bank of America is one of the best known banks in the US, and offers accounts to non-permanent residents who have an ITIN and proof of address. There are lots of different account products available, including several checking accounts in the Advantage banking range. These accounts offer varying features and fees, including easy ways to have your monthly fees waived by maintaining a minimum balance.
Non-resident customers must open their account in person at a BoA financial center – online opening is not available.
Fees: SafeBalance account 4.95 USD/month, waived with minimum balance requirement, or for customers aged under 25
Foreign currencies: Foreign currencies not supported for holding and exchange
Eligibility: US visa holders with an ITIN, proof of a local US address, and proof of foreign permanent address
| Pros of Bank of America | Cons of Bank of America |
|---|---|
| ✅ Accounts available to non-permanent residents ✅ Ways to waive monthly fees by holding a minimum balance ✅ No transfer fee for outgoing wires in a foreign currency ✅ International debit card available ✅ Large, safe and trusted bank | ❌ No multi-currency holding option ❌ Non-residents can not open an account online ❌ Account and transaction fees apply |
Other US bank accounts for foreigners
Many US banks will offer account services for foreigners, although you may need to apply for an ITIN before your application can be considered. If you’re struggling to find an account that suits your needs it’s worth calling into a bank branch – while online account opening is often restricted to customers with a standard set of documents, bank staff may be able to help you apply in person with different paperwork. Some other banks you might want to consider include:
- US Bank
- TD Bank
- PNC
- Citibank
How to open a US bank account as a foreigner
Usually you’ll need to visit a branch to open your US bank account unless you have a standard set of paperwork including an SSN. The exact process does vary, so do check the requirements with your preferred bank – usually you’ll need to:
- Choose the right bank and account for your needs
- Check the eligibility rules to make sure you can apply
- Gather the required documents including ID, proof of address and a tax ID
- Visit your local branch to make an application in person
Read more about how to open a bank account in the US as a non-resident.
Conclusion: Best US bank for non-resident
Non-residents, foreigners and recent arrivals in the US can open an account with a US bank, although some banks will require you to visit a branch in person to apply. You’ll also usually need an ITIN or SSN to show your tax status, as well as a proof of ID and address.
As an alternative, you can also open an account with a non-bank provider like Wise or Revolut, which offers easy ways to hold and exchange USD as well as other currencies, and comes with a linked card for easy payments. Non-bank alternatives can be flexible, cheap, and easy to use – making them a good choice for non-residents and residents in the US alike.
US bank account FAQs
Which US Banks open accounts for non-US residents?
You can open an account as a non-US resident with a US bank like Bank of America, Wells Fargo or Chase. You’ll usually need to visit a branch to open your account and you’ll need an ITIN. As an alternative, check out non-bank providers like Wise or Revolut, which let you open an account online or in app, from more or less anywhere in the world.
Can I open a US bank account as a non-US citizen?
Yes. Foreigners in the US can open a US bank account by showing their ID, proof of address and either an SSN or an ITIN. You may also be asked for a visa, depending on the provider and account you pick.
Which US banks are international?
US banks typically only offer accounts which hold US dollars, although you can use your linked card internationally, and you’ll usually be able to transact online wherever in the world you happen to be. If you’re looking for an account which can be used to hold and exchange a selection of foreign currencies as well as USD, try an online non-bank alternative instead. Providers like Wise and Revolut have low cost account products with powerful international features and easy ways to hold, send and spend globally.
