How to Open a US Bank Account as a Non-Resident

You do not necessarily need to move to the United States to start building a banking relationship there. With the right documents, a US account can become a useful part of your financial life abroad.

The starting point is usually straightforward: prepare your identification and address documents, choose between an in-person application and the online options available to you, and obtain an ITIN, as it’ll be useful quickly.

This guide covers the essentials, from opening your first account to getting started with US credit cards.

Why have a US bank account?

A US account lets you hold dollars, receive local payments and pay in USD without moving money across borders every time. It also gives you access to a large banking system and can help you prepare for a future move or spend more comfortably in the country.

There is a second benefit: the US credit-card market. Some cards offer rewards and no foreign transaction fees, making them useful well beyond the United States. Currency conversion and other charges can still apply, so compare the actual card terms. More on foreign transaction fees

A bank account also gives you a practical way to pay US card bills as you begin building a local credit history.

A quick note on tax reporting: the United States does not participate in the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS). It uses its own FATCA framework and related agreements. This is a different reporting system, rather than an exemption from your own tax obligations. OECD background

What do you need before applying?

A US address

Most banks will require a US physical address, together with an address in your home country. You have to make sure you maintain an address in the US where you can receive your cards, especially your first one.

Some providers can help you if you don’t have a friend or relative living there.

A provider is available in our private resources. Request access →

A US phone number

You will also need a US phone number. Keep it active so you can receive bank calls and verification messages while abroad.

Proof of address

Prepare a recent document showing your name and the relevant address. Depending on the institution, this could be a utility bill, rental agreement or bank statement.

Use the exact document type requested, with clear, complete pages and details matching your application. Keep proof of your home-country address available too.

Detailed instructions on how to legally obtain official, valid proof of address are available in our private resources. Request access →

Option 1: open your account in a US branch

If you will be visiting the US, opening an account in person is a route worth preparing in advance. Contact the branch, explain that you live abroad and confirm what to bring.

Your checklist will typically include:

• A valid passport.
• A second form of identification, such as another accepted photo ID or a qualifying foreign debit or credit card in your name.
• Your US address and the requested supporting document.
• Your address in your home country.

For example, Bank of America’s international checklist includes a foreign passport and an eligible Visa or Mastercard as possible primary and secondary identification. Requirements still depend on your situation and the account. Bank of America’s document checklist

At the appointment, check the monthly fee, any minimum balance, card delivery and how you will access the account once you are back abroad.

Option 2: apply online for a US credit card with an ITIN

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can open up additional application options when you do not have a Social Security number.

The first step is to establish your eligibility and apply. An ITIN requires a qualifying US federal tax purpose; a specialist can help with the application and supporting documents. IRS ITIN guidance

For help preparing your ITIN application, you can use The ITIN.

Other, lower-cost ITIN options are available in our private resources. Request access →

Allow around 7–9 weeks to obtain your ITIN, sometimes longer, so apply well in advance. Once it has been issued, keep the IRS assignment letter. For online credit card applications, have these documents ready:

• Your passport.
• Your ITIN assignment letter.
• A recent bank statement or other accepted proof of address, if requested.
• Your US contact details and the personal information required by the application.

Capital One is one of the issuers to explore for a first US credit card with an ITIN. This online route is for a credit card, not a bank account. Choose the specific card and check its application requirements.

If you already hold an eligible American Express card, Amex Global Card Transfer offers another route to explore when applying for a US credit card. It uses your existing Amex relationship when you apply for a new US card. Have your existing account details, US address, identification and US bank details available; Amex may request additional documents. Amex Global Card Transfer

Building your US credit history

Once you have your first US credit card, focus on using it consistently and paying on time. Keep balances low relative to your limit and pay the statement balance in full each month. You do not need to pay interest to build credit. A deposit account alone does not build a borrowing history, but it supports the practical side of managing your cards. Additional cards can come later. CFPB guidance

Start with one account and one clear route. Prepare the documents first, confirm the requirements, and build from there.