Can I have a US bank account without a US address?
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.
To open a bank account as a non-resident, you'll usually need the following documents¹: Proof of address with contact information and personal details. Two forms of ID — Passport and government-issued ID or valid driver's license. Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Requirements may vary depending on the state or financial institution. Whether you're a U.S. citizen or non-U.S. citizen, you typically must be at least 18 years old to set up a checking or savings account and typically must have a U.S. address.
- Step 1: Research Banks and Financial Institutions. ...
- Step 2: Choose a Digital-Only Bank. ...
- Step 3: Get a Virtual Mailbox or Digital Address. ...
- Step 4: Contact the Bank's Customer Service. ...
- Step 5: Prepare Alternative Documentation. ...
- Step 6: Consider Affidavits or Self-Declaration.
Yes, non-resident aliens are able to open US bank accounts. They still need to provide the required documentation to prove their identity, address, and employment as well as a US Taxpayer document.
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.
- Charles Schwab: Great option if you can establish US residency.
- Chase Bank: Good overall bank but most accounts have monthly fees.
- Citibank: Global banking that makes it easy to move money internationally.
- HSBC Bank USA: Umpteen choices for the global citizen.
Some banks, particularly local ones will require that you apply to open an account in person and with proof of a US address but it is possible to open an account with a UK address, and don't forget that some UK banks will also permit you to open a US account such as the HSBC's Overseas Account services.
A virtual address or virtual office is like a subscription where a business pays a fee to have access to an address which they can list on their website and use for mail and banking purposes. As long as it is a genuine, accessible street address most banks will accept a virtual address for a business account.
Proof of address is required – If neither primary nor secondary ID contains your physical address, separate proof of address (for example a utility bill or school enrollment statement) will need to be provided.
What is proof of residency for bank of America?
Proof of US residency, like a US government-issued photo ID or rental agreement showing your name and US address. Primary photo ID like your passport. Secondary ID, like a photo driving license or a Visa® or Mastercard® debit or credit card in your name.
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.
Those who do not posses a valid identity or address proof, can still open a bank account known as 'Small Account' by submitting recent photograph and signature or thumb impression in the presence of the bank official. Thus, opening of a Small Account does not require any identity or address proof documents.
Can I open an account if I'm not a permanent U.S resident? 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.
- Switzerland.
- Hong Kong.
- Cayman Islands.
- Germany.
- Belize.
- Singapore.
If you're a non-permanent US resident, the good news is that Chase will be able to offer you an account as long as you have a local US tax ID and address. However, Chase accounts can come with monthly fees — and as a non-resident the chances are that you'll have to visit a Chase branch to get set up.
- Bank of America.
- Chase.
- Wells Fargo.
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
- Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
- Latino Credit Union.
If the company officer who signs Form SS-4 is a U.S. citizen, you can apply for and obtain an FEIN immediately. If not, it could take two to three weeks. Once your FEIN is received, you can apply for a U.S. bank account.
1. Chime. Chime* is a financial app that offers online-only account access. It ranks as one of the easiest accounts to open online because Chime requires no credit check and no minimum balance.
Checking account | Best for | Monthly fee |
---|---|---|
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking | AI assistance | $6.95 (waived in several ways) |
Chase Total Checking | Mobile app | $12 (waived in several ways) |
Quontic High Interest Checking | High APY | $0 |
Ally Bank (Member FDIC) Spending Account | Overdraft protection | $0 |
What is the best US online-only bank?
Our picks for the best online banks are SoFi Bank, Discover Bank, Ally Bank, Varo Bank, LendingClub, Upgrade, Alliant Credit Union, FNBO Direct, Zynlo Bank and Quorum Federal Credit Union. You may get a higher annual percentage yield (APY) compared to traditional banks when you choose an online-only bank.
You'll usually find you can open a US bank account online if you're a legal US resident aged 18 or over, and have a local US address (and proof of address such as official documents in your name).
Unfortunately, most banks in the US require account holders to have a physical address. Federal banking regulations set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) require banks to obtain a physical address from account holders.
To open a checking account, you must provide government-issued identification with your photo, your Social Security card or Taxpayer Identification Number, and proof of your address. However, some special account types may require additional information.
Some banks may accept a virtual address for account opening purposes, while others may require a physical address. It's essential to check with the specific bank you intend to open an account with to understand their address requirements.
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