There are two ways to open a US bank account for foreigners, the easy way and the hard way. In this article, we’re going to walk you through the easy way and share how you can quickly overcome US requirements like a US SSN or ITIN, a US address, and even the need for a US phone number.
This isn’t clickbait. We help our clients open US bank accounts all the time. So, if you’re a foreigner and want to learn how to open, keep reading.
If you’re looking to establish commercial banking through a business bank account in the USA, we also have a wide range of free resources to help you navigate those options as well.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- It is 100% possible for foreign non-residents to open accounts in the US
- It can be challenging to open a bank account in the US as a foreign non-resident
- There are four important steps foreign non-residents need to follow to successfully unlock banking in the US
- Account opening requirements will vary depending on your client profile, banking needs, and the bank you choose to open with
- Choosing the right US bank to open a bank account with is crucial to unlocking the banking products, services, and benefits you are after
Opening a US Bank Account For Foreigners
To open a US bank account for foreigners, applicants will be required to present supporting documentation, valid government identification and make a qualifying deposit.
It’s important to note that not all banks accept applications from foreign individuals. However, most banks do not allow for remote account opening. So, bank and banker selection are critical first steps in knowing how to open a bank account in the US.
Of course, if you don’t know which banks will accept your application or meet your banking needs as a foreigner you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Likewise, if you’re unaware of each bank’s specific requirements, you might be applying to US banks that you can’t even access. Likewise, if you don’t know which banks have the specific features or banking services that you need, you could waste your time applying to banks that don’t match your needs.
To help you get started, we’re going to share the step-by-step process of how to open a foreign non-resident bank account in the US.
This will include which customer groups can open accounts, the account opening challenges you’ll face, the requirements you’ll need to meet to open a bank account, and how to get started.
But, before diving in, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE US Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents open accounts with top banks in the US.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Determine if You Qualify to Open Bank Accounts in the US
- Step 2: Overcome the Challenges of Opening a US Personal Bank Account
- Step 3: Prepare to Apply for Account Opening as a Foreigner in the US
- Step 4: Choose Where to Apply for a US Bank Account
Step 1: Determine if You Qualify to Open Bank Accounts in the US
The first step is to determine whether you qualify to open a bank account in the US as a foreign non-resident. In most cases, the answer is probably.
But, it’s important to note, that the specific US banks available to you will vary depending on your client profile, deposit level, and banking requirements.
So, it’s important to clearly understand why you want a bank account in the US and how you plan to use the bank account. This can help determine the best banking options for you in the US.
Of course, there are general client groups that can consistently open US bank accounts for foreigners. We’ll share these below to help you determine whether you might qualify to open an account in the US.
Who Can Open a Bank Account as a Foreigner in the US:
- Foreign non-resident individuals (with or without an ITIN or SSN)
- Non-residents looking to build US credit to access US Credit Cards
- US LLCs owned by foreign non-residents
- Foreign-owned non-resident foreign companies
- Foreign-owned non-resident offshore companies
In all cases, these client groups can even open US bank accounts (or business bank accounts) for foreign non-residents 100% remotely.
However, these are very broad groups. So, even if you clearly fall into one of the groups above, it doesn’t mean you can automatically open a personal or business bank account in the USA.
Instead, it just means you can move forward and consider the other important factors.
Step 2: Overcome the Challenges of Opening a US Personal Bank Account
The next step in knowing how to open a bank account as a foreigner in the US is determining whether you can overcome the common account opening challenges.
Not preparing for these challenges (which we’ll outline below), is the second most common reason foreign non-residents are denied US bank accounts. The first and most common reason that foreign individuals are denied is that they choose the wrong US bank.
So, it’s important to be aware of the challenges you’ll face. Then, you can prepare for them when possible, and make sure you avoid application-killing mistakes.
Challenges of Opening Accounts in the US as a Foreigner:
- Finding a bank that accepts foreign non-residents
- Finding a bank that does not require an ITIN or SSN
- Providing an accepted proof of address
- Providing an accepted phone number
- Submitting correct documentation
- Obtaining acceptable certifications and translations
- Unable to demonstrate sufficient ties to the US
- Unable to meet bank account opening deposits
- Finding a bank that allows you to open a bank account online (remote opening)
- Choosing a bank that caters to your client profile
Needless to say, there are many challenges to overcome when you open a foreign non-resident bank account in the US.
That said, challenges vary from bank to bank. So, you (or your business) may not face all of the challenges listed above. And, by choosing the right bank, you can avoid many of these challenges, to begin with.
So, in order to find the right bank, it’s worth knowing which challenges you will be able to overcome. Then, find a bank that is accepting of your client profile and only requires you to meet the challenges you can actually overcome.
Of course, finding such information isn’t easy. Plus, even after choosing a bank, you also need to find a banker that caters to foreign clients. And, in an ideal world, you would understand the bank’s specific quirks, preferences, and requirements before applying.
We’ll show you how to get all this information below…
For now, let’s take a look at preparing your information before you apply for an account.
Step 3: Prepare to Apply for Account Opening as a Foreigner in the US
So far, you’ve confirmed that you fall into one of the client groups that can open a bank account in the US. And, you’re aware of the challenges you’ll need to overcome.
So, the next step is to start preparing the documents you’ll need to submit when you apply for a US bank account. But, it’s important to remember that each US bank has its own unique banking requirements. And, while there are common requirements at most banks in the US, you will need to confirm the final banking requirements with each bank before applying.
That said, here’s a list of general banking requirements and forms of identification you’ll usually need to satisfy to open a bank account in the US.
US Banking Requirements for Foreigners:
- Two forms of government identification
- Tax identification number from your country of residence
- Proof of residence in your country of residence
- US correspondence address is often required
- US phone number is often required
- Minimum individual deposit between $5,000 and $250,000
- Minimum business deposit between $25,000 and $250,000
- Completed bank account application
- Applications can be submitted via video call
- Introduction from a reputable third party is often required
Of course, the banking requirements above only apply if you choose a bank that openly accepts foreign non-resident applicants.
Other times, you may find that banks say they accept foreign individuals but have additional bank account opening requirements that most foreign individuals cannot meet. Here’s a look at such additional requirements.
Additional Requirements at Some US Banks:
- Proof of US tax identification (SSN or ITIN)
- Proof of US residential address
- US phone number for account maintenance
- Applications must be submitted in person at a branch
With the above in mind, it’s obviously important to know which bank requirements you (or your business) can meet. That way, you’re not wasting time and money applying to banks where you can’t realistically open accounts.
Unfortunately, finding a bank that doesn’t require an SSN or ITIN doesn’t come easy. Likewise, finding banks that allow foreign non-residents to open a bank account over a video call is very challenging.
But, if you want to open a non-resident bank account, here’s how to get started….
Step 4: Choose Where to Apply for a US Bank Account
Choosing a bank in the US as a foreigner isn’t an easy task. As you know, there are challenges to overcome, bank-specific requirements to meet, and denials are common.
Fortunately, GlobalBanks can help — more specifically, GlobalBanks USA.
GlobalBanks USA is the number one US bank account opening service available anywhere. It helps foreign and non-resident individuals (and their businesses) open accounts in the United States.
You can get access to GlobalBanks USA (our dedicated US banking service) in just a few clicks.
GlobalBanks USA is a 100% personal account opening solution. It provides direct access to our team of US banking experts.
When you join, you receive…
+ Expert suggestions on where to open US bank accounts.
+ Step-by-step support to navigate opening US bank accounts.
+ Direct introductions to helpful and responsive bankers.
+ Plus, detailed guides to maximizing the value you get from your new US bank account.
And “yes!” GlobalBanks USA helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.
In fact, GlobalBanks USA even helps non-resident US LLCs and foreign & offshore entities.
To learn more about GlobalBanks USA, visit the product page to see how our team can help you successfully open US bank accounts!
