Do you need a US address to open a bank account?
Is it possible to open a US bank account without a physical address there? Unfortunately, most major US banks will require proof of a US address as part of the application process for a checking account¹. This is along with proof of ID, such as a driver's license, Social Security Card, passport or birth certificate.
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 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.
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.
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.
- Try Wise, an alternative to cover your banking needs. ...
- What do you need to open a US bank account? ...
- 1: Bank of America. ...
- 2: Citibank. ...
- 3: HSBC. ...
- 4: Capital One. ...
- 5: Chase. ...
- 6: Wells Fargo.
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.
Unfortunately, most major US banks will require proof of a US address as part of the application process for a checking account¹. This is along with proof of ID, such as a driver's license, Social Security Card, passport or birth certificate.
You'll need to provide the same information whether you're opening a savings account or other deposit account. The minimum information that banks are required to get from account applicants are name, address, date of birth and an ID number.
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.
Do banks verify addresses?
A proof of address is a document that verifies where you live. It is required by banks as a security measure to ensure the accuracy of your provided address information.
Although PO boxes were designed with a specific purpose in mind, managing mail and packages while protecting your privacy, you cannot use one when opening a business bank account. Since a PO Box is a standalone lockable mailbox located within a post office, it is not considered a physical address.
As long as it is a genuine, accessible street address most banks will accept a virtual address for a business 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.
- 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).
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.
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.
- 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.
This information can come from a number of documents, but is necessary to proving where you live. 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.
As a non-resident, opening a UK bank account will require a passport and drivers' license, but your bank may also request other documents, particularly one that shows your current address. Three months' worth of utility bills will be requested. Of course, this will mainly depend on the bank products you want to open.
Does Wells Fargo require proof of address?
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.
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).
Bank | Best for | Time to apply |
---|---|---|
Discover | Getting cash back on purchases | About 5 minutes |
SoFi Checking and Savings | High APY | About 5 minutes |
U.S. Bank | Easy-to-use mobile app | About 5 minutes |
Truist | No overdraft fees | About 10 minutes |
Most banks will require this as a security measure to ensure that you're not lying about where you live. But it's not just with banking where it's required; in many other aspects of managing your life, a proof of address is a crucial document.
Bank address is needed for international payments because it helps ensure the money goes to the right place, follows the rules, and reduces the chances of mistakes or fraud.
References
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/open-a-bank-account-without-id/
- https://www.bankofamerica.com/student-banking/checking/
- https://www.stimmel-law.com/en/articles/legal-right-privacy
- https://www.shipit.co.uk/blog/how-to-open-a-us-bank-account
- https://www.postscanmail.com/l/california.html
- https://www.wellsfargo.com/help/online-banking/
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-harassment-by-a-debt-collector-en-336/
- https://www.worldremit.com/en/blog/finance/what-is-proof-of-address
- https://help.ifixit.com/article/179-what-is-a-billing-address
- https://statrys.com/blog/what-is-a-proof-of-address
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-clear-up-your-chexsystems-report-2386131
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-i-get-a-checking-account-without-a-social-security-number-en-929/
- https://www.icicibank.com/terms-condition/request-for-address-change
- https://wise.com/us/blog/wells-fargo-non-resident-account
- https://www.reallymoving.com/help-and-advice/change-of-address-checklist
- https://redstagfulfillment.com/billing-address-vs-shipping-address/
- https://www.gao.gov/blog/why-do-banks-share-your-financial-information-and-are-they-allowed
- https://www.wellsfargo.com/savings-cds/kids-account-open-requirements/
- https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/check-and-change-billing-address/
- https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/homelessness/how_to_open_a_bank_account
- https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-change-a-bank-account-address
- https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/can-you-open-a-bank-account-with-just-a-passport
- https://www.thelyonfirm.com/class-action/data-breach/
- https://suitsmecard.com/blog/the-troubles-with-opening-a-uk-bank-account-for-a-non-resident
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/why-was-i-denied-a-checking-account/
- https://wise.com/us/blog/open-a-us-bank-account-non-resident
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/blocked-by-chexsystems-what-to-know
- https://www.usestable.com/blog/what-is-a-billing-address
- https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/how-to-get-an-address-somewhere-you-dont-live
- https://www.creditsuite.com/blog/virtual-business-address/
- https://www.pettyson.co.uk/about-us/our-blog/549-change-of-address-checklist
- https://slothmove.com/does-changing-my-address-affect-my-credit-score/
- https://financebuzz.com/easiest-bank-accounts-to-open-online
- https://wise.com/us/blog/best-us-banks-for-foreigners
- https://www.lloydsbank.com/mortgages/help-and-guidance/moving-home/moving-house-checklist.html
- https://www.caminofinancial.com/en/blog/business-finance/how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-the-us-without-an-ssn/
- https://www.remitfinder.com/blog/best-banks-in-us-for-expats-and-foreigners
- https://smartasset.com/checking-account/chexsystems
- https://www.occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2001/nr-ia-2001-101a.pdf
- https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy/story/how-banks-can-plug-compliance-loopholes-amid-rbis-penalty-blitz-402660-2023-10-19
- https://www.bossrevolution.com/en-us/blog/us-bank-account-for-non-resident
- https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/facts/financial-privacy/rights
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/build-credit/opening-a-bank-account-with-bad-credit
- https://epic.org/the-right-to-financial-privacy-act/
- https://www.financestrategists.com/banking/bank-account/how-to-open-bank-account-without-a-physical-address/
- https://www.moving.com/tips/change-address-checklist-who-to-notify-when-you-move/
- https://www.bankrate.com/banking/reasons-to-be-unbanked-or-underbanked/
- https://www.pinelabs.com/blog/understand-VPA-its-meaning-full-form-and-benefits
- https://www.pnc.com/insights/personal-finance/spend/what-do-you-need-to-open-a-bank-account.html
- https://www.wafdbank.com/blog/banking-101/why-cant-open-bank-account-what-to-do
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/what-to-do-if-denied-bank-account/
- https://help.convertkit.com/en/articles/2502494-alternatives-for-your-physical-address
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/undocumented-immigrants-bank-accounts
- https://rates.fm/how-to-change-your-billing-address-a-step-by-step-guide/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/how-to-open-a-bank-account-what-you-need
- https://www.natwest.com/banking-with-natwest/how-to/change-your-address.html
- https://www.virtualpostmail.com/blog/article/physical-address-mistakes-with-business-bank-account/
- https://suitsmecard.com/blog/open-a-current-account-with-no-proof-of-address
- https://wise.com/us/blog/open-account-chase-bank
- https://www.bankrate.com/banking/how-to-clear-up-chexsystems-report/
- https://learn.cypruscu.com/how-to-know-if-you-have-a-chexsystems-record
- https://homework.study.com/explanation/what-happens-when-a-billing-address-is-incorrectly-entered-for-a-credit-card-transaction.html
- https://www.findlaw.com/consumer/credit-banking-finance/bank-records-and-financial-privacy-laws.html
- https://www.chase.com/personal/banking/education/basics/what-is-a-bank-statement
- https://www.uh.edu/office-of-finance/vendor/vendor-setup-and-update-guide/19.pdf
- https://wise.com/us/blog/chase-open-account-non-resident
- https://belalhamidehlaw.com/how-much-can-you-get-from-a-data-breach-lawsuit-approx/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_Secrecy_Act
- https://www.indeed.com/q-no-social-security-number-jobs.html
- https://money.slickdeals.net/articles/banks-that-dont-use-chexsystems/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/chase-total-checking-account-review/
- https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/options-for-second-chance-checking-accounts
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/what-to-do-when-you-cant-open-a-bank-account
- https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/Publications/Privacy-Brochure.pdf
- https://www.occ.treas.gov/topics/consumers-and-communities/consumer-protection/privacy/index-privacy.html
- https://www.10news.com/you-can-get-200-when-you-open-a-new-chase-bank-checking-account
- https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/debt-credit-scores/credit-scores-reports/credit-reports/credit-report-chex.html
- https://www.usestable.com/blog/how-does-a-virtual-mailbox-work
- https://www.bankofamerica.com/deposits/applying-for-accounts-faqs/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/cannot-open-bank-account/
- https://www.goldstarlaw.com/our-focus/invasion-of-privacy/
- https://help.virtualpostmail.com/article/224-proof-of-address-for-business-bank-accounts
- https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/bank-accounts/fees-terms/terms/terms-disclosures.html
- https://www.usbank.com/bank-accounts/checking-accounts/what-you-need-to-open-a-checking-account.html
- https://www.westernunion.com/blog/en/us/can-you-open-a-bank-account-without-an-address/
- https://zenus.com/en/group/blog/how-to-open-a-bank-account-in-the-us-as-a-non-resident/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/non-us-citizen-open-bank-account/
- https://www.fdic.gov/resources/supervision-and-examinations/consumer-compliance-examination-manual/documents/8/viii-1-1.pdf
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/invasion_of_privacy
- https://management.org/how-to-open-a-business-bank-account-in-the-usa-remotely
- https://www.quora.com/What-happens-to-my-monthly-payments-when-I-change-my-debit-cards-billing-address
- https://www.lawampm.com/how-much-can-i-claim-for-a-data-breach/
- https://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/pdf/Circular_Add_Proof.pdf
- https://gocardless.com/en-us/guides/posts/what-is-a-billing-address/
- https://money.com/what-do-you-need-to-open-a-bank-account/
- https://www.centralbank.net/learning-center/what-are-acceptable-forms-of-id-and-proof-of-address/
- https://www.alogent.com/banking-definitions/disclosure
- https://money.stackexchange.com/questions/108815/will-change-of-address-affect-direct-deposit
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-open-bank-account-us-non-resident-zenusbank-k3vaf
- https://www.wellsfargo.com/help/checking-savings/open-close-account-faqs/
- https://www.lloydsbank.com/online-banking/profile-and-settings/change-your-address.html
- https://www.fkc.bank/blog/information-sharing-by-banks-is-highly-regulated-process/
- https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/do-you-need-a-virtual-address-or-a-virtual-mailbox
- https://www.monito.com/en/wiki/open-free-online-bank-account-without-id
- https://www.chexsystems.com/dispute
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/banking/best-banks-no-chexsystems/
- https://www.quora.com/To-open-an-LLC-bank-account-in-CA-Can-I-use-a-virtual-address-like-ipostal1-or-anytime-mailbox-or-virtual-office-space-such-as-Rague-for-keeping-my-home-address-private-for-safety-And-which-one-is-better
- https://www.davincivirtual.com/blog/can-you-use-a-virtual-address-for-a-business-bank-account
- https://www.chime.com/blog/how-do-you-clear-your-chexsystems-report/
- https://www.quora.com/Can-you-sue-a-bank
- https://www.justanswer.com/law/308mg-recourse-compensation-gained.html
- https://www.checkout.com/blog/card-issuer-rejection-explained
- https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/checking-account/how-open-bank-america-checking-account/
- https://wallethub.com/edu/cs/chexsystems-score/13318
- https://www.chexsystems.com/optout
- https://www.sunnyavenue.co.uk/insight/what-bank-details-are-needed-to-receive-money
- https://wise.com/us/blog/easiest-bank-account-to-open-online
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/040715/what-should-you-bring-bank-open-checking-account.asp
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/privacy-violation
- https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/banking/bank-closes-your-bank-account/
- https://www.cusocal.org/blog/chexsystem-denied-checking-account
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/physical-business-address-llc.html
- https://www.usa.gov/change-address
- https://wise.com/us/blog/bank-account-without-physical-address
- https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/banks/easiest-bank-account-to-open-online/
- https://www.quora.com/I-lost-my-wallet-my-debit-card-is-going-to-take-5-7-business-days-can-I-go-to-Wells-Fargo-and-withdraw-money-from-my-account-using-my-passport-can-t-find-a-clear-answer-online
- https://www.bolt.com/thinkshop/billing-address-and-shipping-address
- https://www.enkash.com/olympus/receivables/virtual-accounts
- https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-is-a-virtual-mailbox-and-how-does-virtual-mail-work
- https://consumer-rights.org/news/how-do-i-get-a-bank-account-after-being-blacklisted/