That’s the real problem with opening a bank account in the USA. It’s not hard, but nobody tells you the specific combination that works for your situation until you’ve already wasted a trip.
Here’s the direct version: to open a bank account in the USA, you’ll generally need a government-issued photo ID, proof of a US address, and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), plus sometimes a small opening deposit. Citizens, permanent residents, non-residents, and international students all qualify, though the exact documents differ by group.
Who can actually open a bank account in the USA
Short answer: almost anyone, including people who aren’t US citizens, can open a bank account in the USA. Most banks let citizens and permanent residents over 18 (19 in a few states) apply online or in person. Non-citizens, including international students, workers on visas, and non-residents who’ve never set foot in the country, can also open accounts, just usually with a branch visit and a bit more documentation.
I used to assume “non-resident bank account” was some special product with worse terms. It’s mostly the same checking or savings account, just a different intake process.
The documents you’ll actually need
Every bank phrases this slightly differently, but the core list barely changes:
- A government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport all work. Non-citizens can often use a foreign passport, sometimes alongside a visa or a Matricula Consular card.
- Proof of a US address. A utility bill, a signed lease, or a pay stub with your name and address on it. Students without bills in their name can usually use a university enrollment letter instead.
- A Social Security number or ITIN. Banks are required to collect one under the USA PATRIOT Act, which forces every financial institution to run a Customer Identification Program on new accounts. If you don’t have an SSN, the IRS-issued ITIN works as a substitute at most major banks.
- An opening deposit, if the bank requires one. This is where people overthink things.
SSN vs ITIN: which one do you actually need
An SSN comes from the Social Security Administration and usually signals you’re authorized to work in the US. An ITIN comes from the IRS instead, and it exists specifically for people who need to file US taxes but aren’t eligible for an SSN, think non-resident visa holders or international students without campus employment.
Neither is strictly “better.” Banks accept both for account opening and both get reported to the IRS for interest income. If you genuinely have neither yet, some banks will accept an IRS Form W-8BEN certifying you’re a foreign, non-US taxpayer instead, though that option is bank-specific and worth confirming by phone before you show up.
How much money you actually need
Here’s where a lot of “how to open a bank account” guides make it sound scarier than it is. Most accounts fall somewhere in the $0 to $100 range, and plenty skip the deposit requirement entirely for basic checking accounts. You can usually fund it with cash, a check, a debit card, or an ACH transfer from another account.
| What to check | Typical requirement | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDIC deposit insurance | Up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank | FDIC | 2026 |
| Typical opening deposit | $0-$100, varies by bank and account type | U.S. News, California Credit Union | 2026 |
| Minimum age to open solo | 18 (19 in a few states) | PNC | 2026 |
| SSN vs ITIN acceptance | SSN preferred; ITIN accepted at most major banks | Chase, CFPB | 2026 |
| Non-resident ID options | Foreign passport plus visa; SSN, ITIN, or Form W-8BEN | PNC, Chase | 2026 |
That FDIC number matters more than people realize. Whatever bank you pick, confirm it’s FDIC-insured (or NCUA-insured if it’s a credit union), so your deposit is protected up to that limit if the institution ever fails.
Checking, savings, or both
A checking account is built for everyday spending, debit card purchases, bill pay, the works, and typically pays little to no interest. A savings account holds money you’re not touching right away and usually earns some interest in return. Some banks blend the two into a single hybrid account, which is worth asking about if you’d rather not juggle two logins.
If you’re new to the country and building financial history from scratch, I’d actually open both at the same institution. It’s one less relationship to manage, and a bank that’s already verified your documents for checking won’t put you through the whole process again for savings.
Opening an account as a non-resident or international student
Non-residents and international students face a slightly different checklist. Instead of a driver’s license, you’ll likely bring your foreign passport, a visa or I-20/DS-2019, and documentation showing both your foreign and US addresses. Most banks still want this handled in person at a branch rather than fully online, though some now offer video-verification appointments before you’ve even landed.
If you can’t qualify for a US bank account right away, you’re not stuck. International banks with a US presence, or a correspondent partnership between your home bank and a US institution, can sometimes get you access without starting from zero.
One thing worth doing early: if you’re moving money between countries while you get set up, run the numbers through FinToku’s Currency Converter before you wire anything, so you know roughly what you’re actually sending versus what lands on the other end.
Joint accounts and accounts for minors
Opening an account with someone else, a spouse, a roommate, a parent and child, follows mostly the same document checklist, just doubled. Both people typically need to be present, each with their own ID and proof of address, and you’ll want to agree upfront on how you’re both accessing the account online.
Minors under 18 generally can’t open an account alone. A parent or guardian applies alongside them, providing their own ID and contact information, while the minor still needs a valid SSN.
Why you might get denied, and what to do about it
Banks aren’t just checking your documents, they’re also checking your banking history through reporting agencies like ChexSystems. A history of unpaid overdrafts, an account that was closed involuntarily, or suspected fraud can result in a denial. If that happens, the bank has to send you an adverse action notice naming which reporting company flagged you, and you’re entitled to a free copy of that report to check for errors.
Some banks also offer “second chance” accounts designed specifically for people rebuilding a banking history, so a denial at one institution isn’t necessarily the end of the road.
Key Takeaways
- To open a bank account in the USA, you generally need a government-issued photo ID, proof of a US address, and an SSN or ITIN.
- Non-citizens, non-residents, and international students can all open US bank accounts, usually with a branch visit and extra documentation like a passport and visa.
- Opening deposits typically range from $0 to $100, and FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank.
- An SSN and an ITIN serve the same tax-reporting purpose for a bank account application; neither is inherently better than the other.
- A bank can deny your application based on your ChexSystems history, but you’re entitled to see the report and dispute errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in the USA without a Social Security number? Yes. Most major banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of an SSN, and some also accept IRS Form W-8BEN for non-US taxpayers.
Can international students open a bank account in the US? Yes, generally without a parent present once they’re 18. They’ll typically need a passport, visa documents like an I-20 or DS-2019, proof of enrollment, and either an SSN or ITIN.
How much money do I need to open a bank account? It depends on the bank, but many accounts require $0 to $100 as an opening deposit, and a few have no minimum at all.
Can I be denied a bank account? Yes. Banks often check reporting agencies like ChexSystems for red flags such as unpaid overdrafts or suspected fraud. If you’re denied, you’re legally entitled to a free copy of the report that led to it.
Can I open a bank account in the USA before I arrive in the country? Some banks that specialize in international or non-resident customers allow you to start the process online or via video appointment before you land, though most still require an in-person visit to finish verification.
If you’re still deciding which account type fits your situation, it’s worth comparing a couple of banks’ fee schedules and minimum balance rules side by side before you commit to one.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice. Document requirements, deposit minimums, and account features vary by bank and can change, so the specifics above are a starting point, not a guarantee of what any single institution will ask for. Before opening an account, it’s worth confirming current requirements directly with your bank and checking FinToku’s full Financial Disclaimer.
Read More
- FDIC: GetBanked – the FDIC’s own consumer guide to opening a checking or savings account
- CFPB: Can I get a checking account without a Social Security number?
- CFPB: Why was I denied a checking account?
- IRS: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Published by Saad Faisal for FinToku (fintoku.com) FinToku publishes free, no-signup finance calculators and practical money guidance.
By Saad Faisal · Published July 13, 2026