Can you 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.
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.
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.
Yes it is legal, but you will need to watch for reporting requirements in your country as part of the money laundering laws. Some countries require you to report foreign bank accounts that you control as part of their anti-money laundering statutes.
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.
- 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.
Yes, it's possible to open a bank account as an undocumented immigrant or without having a Social Security number. You'll need to provide other forms of proof of ID, such as a passport, driver's license, consular ID or birth certificate.
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.
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.
- Your Social Security number.
- A valid, government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, passport or state or military ID.
- A minimum opening deposit of $25 to activate your account (once you've been approved).
How do I maintain my US address while living abroad?
Keeping a mailbox in the US while living abroad
For some, maintaining a US mailing address simply involves updating their primary address to that of a parent, another family member, or a trusted friend. Others might opt for a US virtual mailbox or retain their US property to preserve their address.
If you live in the UK but are a US citizen, you may be able to start the process of applying online. But if you're not a US citizen, you're likely to have to visit a branch in person – which means flying to the US and making an appointment with your local branch.
Do you need to tell your bank you're moving abroad? Yes, it is a good idea to tell your bank that you're moving. If you don't, you could find that access to services like online banking is restricted once you've moved abroad.
The US federal banking regulations require all bank accounts to have a registered real "physical" address. This is why banks are required to ask for a physical address when opening a new account. This regulation is not something new, but it has never really been actively enforced in the past.
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.
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. Instead of your SSN, they'll ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and other documents.
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.
Navigate to usbank.com, select Personal at the top and choose Bank accounts. Select Bank Smartly Checking Account. Then choose Open an account. Select Savings accounts.
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. An ID number can be a social security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Where Can I Open a Bank Account Without an SSN? The banks that allow undocumented immigrants are the following: Wells Fargo, PNC, U.S. Bank, BMO Harris, Alliant Credit Union, Bank of America, HSCB, TD Bank, among others.
Can illegal immigrants get credit cards?
Offering credit to undocumented immigrants is controversial, and some lenders may choose not to do so for that reason. But it's not illegal. There is no requirement that lenders verify a person's citizenship or immigration status before issuing them credit, or check their Social Security number.
A utility bill, credit card statement, lease agreement or mortgage statement will all work to prove residency. If you've gone paperless, print a billing statement from your online account.
List of acceptable documents: | |
---|---|
1 | Water Bill |
2 | Telephone (landline or post paid mobile bill) |
3 | Electricity bill |
4 | Income Tax Assessment Order |
- A government-issued ID, such as: U.S. driver's license with photo. U.S. state-issued ID with photo. U.S. passport.
- Plus, one of the following: Social Security card. Credit or debit card from another financial institution. Current vehicle registration.
At the beginning of 2021, Wells Fargo announced a reduction in service for international clients. The most impacted Wells Fargo customers include U.S. citizens living abroad (U.S. expats), green card holders returning to their home countries, and non-U.S. investors (nonresident aliens).
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