Foreign non-residents can open a US bank account without a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Certain non-resident individuals can even benefit from banking in the US and open US accounts remotely, without visiting the country.
Foreign non-resident applicants will need to provide a valid passport, proof of address from their home country, a completed bank application, and a qualifying deposit to the US bank of their choosing.
In this article, we will share how foreign non-resident individuals (and certain undocumented immigrants) can qualify to open US bank accounts (including remotely) with real brick-and-mortar US banks.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Foreign non-residents can open US bank accounts
- Certain banks do not require a Social Security Number (SSN)
- Remote opening is 100% possible
- Specific requirements need to be met when opening accounts
- Deposits will vary from bank to bank
If you want to start opening your US bank account right now, you can purchase GlobalBanks USA from the product menu above and our team would be happy to assist you.
Alternatively, use the table of contents to continue exploring more information on how to open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN yourself.
Table of Contents
- How to Open a Bank Account Without SSN or ITIN?
- Who Can Open a Bank Account Without an SSN or an ITIN?
- What Is an SSN and an ITIN?
- What Should I Know Before Opening an Account in the US?
- What Is the Process for Opening an Account in the US?
- What About Mercury, Wise, Payoneer, and Similar Services?
- Warning Before Opening an Account Without an SSN or ITIN
- Frequently Asked Banking Questions
- Ready to Unlock the Benefits of US Banking?
How to Open a Bank Account Without SSN or ITIN?
To open a US bank account without an SSN or ITIN foreign non-residents need to provide a valid passport, proof of address, proof of income, a foreign tax identification number (TIN), a completed account opening application, and a qualifying deposit.
Each US bank will impose unique requirements and account opening procedures. However, most US banks have a straightforward application process with clear requirements.
Importantly, only a small number of US banks will entertain applications from foreign non-residents without a US tax identification number. And even fewer US banks offer virtual account opening for online USD bank accounts to foreign non-residents. For these reasons, bank selection is one of the most critical steps to open a US account successfully.
Before diving in further, 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 with opening bank accounts at top financial institutions in the US.
Who Can Open a Bank Account Without an SSN or an ITIN?
Here’s a list of the eight different client groups that we have successfully helped open US bank accounts 100% remotely.
US Banking Client Groups
- Foreign non-resident Individuals
- Foreign companies with zero ties to the United States
- Offshore companies with zero ties to the United States
- Foreign-owned American LLCs
- Non-resident individuals with no American address
- American LLCs with zero operations in the United States
- Foreign businesses that need access to USD
- Offshore entities that need an account in the United States
The above list casts a very broad net and by our calculation, it represents around 98% of all non-resident applicants seeking United States banking without proof of an SSN or ITIN. The only real exclusions are people or companies from sanctioned countries or that appear on specific watch lists.
It’s important to note that each bank’s willingness to open an account for a person who does not have an SSN or an ITIN does vary. This is why bank selection is an important factor to consider.
Bank selection ultimately reflects a bank’s policies and its willingness to consider foreign non-resident applications. This is why our team constantly analyzes opening procedures, compliance practices, and tax ID requirements at banks in the United States.
We keep track of opening practices and compliance quirks, maintain a constant dialogue with institutions, and track opening successes and failures.
Thanks to this constant monitoring of banking in the United States, we know the specific steps to follow in order to help non-US citizens successfully open accounts, even remotely.
What Is an SSN and an ITIN?
An SSN and an ITIN are numbers issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Naturally, you won’t have either of these numbers if you’re not an American citizen, have not spent considerable time in the United States, or never had a reason to obtain one of them before.
Financial institutions often use an SSN and ITIN to check creditworthiness and verify your identity for compliance purposes.
Please note, that an SSN and ITIN are not always required to open a bank account for foreigners and non-American residents. There are, however, other forms of identification and documents that are required to open a US bank account, which we list below.
What Is Needed to Open an Account Without an SSN or ITIN?
Here is a list of four other items banks in the US require applicants to submit when applying for a US bank account.
- Two forms of government-issued identification (non-American issued)
- Proof of your personal (or business) address (non-American address)
- Proof of source of income and/or wealth (within 3 months)
- Completed account application documents
Certain financial institutions request additional documents depending on the type of account being opened. Generally speaking, most non-resident individuals who don’t have an SSN or an ITIN are still eligible for a bank account in the United States by meeting the above requirements.
Non-residents, of course, still need to meet the required deposit level and navigate a few other opening considerations. Here’s a look at the special considerations that apply to both personal and business US bank accounts below.
What Should I Know Before Opening an Account in the US?
Individuals who are planning on visiting a bank in person have more options to choose from. Since, however, this article focuses on opening an online bank account, the most important factor you need to know is how to find an experienced banker who has clearance and authority from the bank to open a bank account 100% remotely.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an easy task.
We list six important considerations you need to be aware of when opening a personal or business bank account in the United States as a non-resident. These six considerations impact your ability to open a US bank account.
Personal Bank Account Opening Considerations
- Nationality
- Tax residency
- Source of funds
- Source of income
- Industry of employment
- Political exposure
Business Bank Account Opening Considerations
- Country of incorporation
- Country of operation
- Countries served
- Industry and business activities
- Where are incoming transfers being sent from
- Where are outgoing transfers being sent to
Individuals looking to apply for a business account need to know that the personal opening considerations still apply. Each shareholder, director, or member of the company needs to provide this information. This is standard practice when opening a bank account anywhere in the world.
How Much Do I Need to Open a Bank Account Without SSN?
Different financial institutions have different required deposit amounts. This doesn’t only apply to financial institutions in the US, but everywhere in the world. Opening a bank account as a non-resident in the US typically requires depositing between USD 3,000 to USD 250,000.
The initial deposit amount for opening an account in person is often significantly less. Some financial institutions allow non-residents to open bank accounts with only USD 500.
Alternatively, if you’re opening an account for a business, you need to expect the opening deposit to be at least USD 1,500 to avoid monthly fees. The amount to avoid the monthly fee, however, fluctuates from bank to bank.
What Is the Process for Opening an Account in the US?
Opening an account in the United States is a challenging process, not to mention, time-consuming and expensive if you don’t know which banks to approach.
Depending on your risk profile and how difficult it is for you to obtain authenticated documents, applying to a single bank costs up to a thousand dollars. Costs and additional fees start to skyrocket if you get rejected and have to apply to multiple banks.
What Do I Need to Know About Opening Accounts Remotely in the US?
What you need is clear instructions on how to open an account remotely. You need a list of institutions that accept non-resident individuals, foreign companies, and even offshore entities. You also need to know which branches and bankers make it happen. What most people want is their personal team of banking experts to help them open an account–and they want that team available to answer questions and provide guidance as needed.
Our team has prepared three banking-specific reports, focusing entirely on the United States. They are designed to help our members navigate banking in the United States and unlock all the benefits of the most sophisticated financial system in the world.
Our reports help you quickly identify the best financial institutions, identify the most suitable opening strategies for your situation, understand the risks and nuances associated with your client profile, and choose how and when to approach banks based on your objectives.
Additionally, when you become a member of GlobalBanks USA, you get direct support from our team of banking experts. We answer your most difficult banking questions, suggest specific institutions that match your client profile, and make direct introductions to bankers in the United States to start the process of opening your account.
You get access to all three of these reports in addition to all of the other benefits locked inside GlobalBanks USA as soon as you sign up to become a member.
What About Mercury, Wise, Payoneer, and Similar Services?
There is nothing wrong with using services like Mercury, Wise, or Payoneer, however, we recommend using them as a supplement to your brick-and-mortar bank account. This is because these platforms are better suited to transactional banking.
Additionally, these platforms are increasingly focused on servicing clients with a presence in the United States, with American operations, and who are classified as American businesses. Some platforms even ask for proof that your business is operating in America before they open the account for you.
Are Fintech Providers Consider Banks?
Many fintech providers are not banks–not yet at least. Certain fintech platforms, such as Revolut, have acquired actual banking licenses, this is an exception, not the rule.
Most platforms instead simply partner with a licensed bank (usually in some obscure corner of the United States). Essentially, they offer a pretty interface with a few extra services tailored to a certain niche market.
Make no mistake, better customer service, integration with other business support services (e.g. accounting software), and services tailored to your client type do offer value. These platforms, however, also have shortcomings, limitations, and risks.
We dive into this in another article, breaking down fintech, EMI, and payment platforms. For now, just know that fintech and neo banks are important tools used in combination with and not as a replacement for traditional bank accounts. This is especially true if you have a sizable or growing business.
Warning Before Opening an Account Without an SSN or ITIN
Many service providers say they help non-resident individuals who don’t have an SSN or an ITIN open bank accounts. In reality, service providers use low-quality financial institutions, improper methods, charge unnecessary fees, and in many cases, simply open bank accounts at EMIs.
Individuals who join GlobalBanks USA receive access to everything you need to solve your biggest banking problems and achieve your banking goals. If your goals include opening an account in the United States, we give you all the tools, information, strategies, support, and direct bank introductions you need to do it on your own.
Frequently Asked Banking Questions
Below are two of the most common questions we receive from people exploring how to open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Can I Open an Account Without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes, you can open a bank account without an SSN or an ITIN. That said, not all banks in the US allow you to do so. So, bank selection will be an important factor to consider when choosing where to open an account.
What Bank Account Can I Open Online Without an ID?
Opening a bank account online requires proof of identification. Some banks require two forms of identification. These forms of identification include a driver’s license or passport. It’s important to confirm with the bank the forms of identification they accept before starting the application process.
Ready to Unlock the Benefits of US Banking?
If you’re seeking better banking options, diversification, or enhanced privacy—our International Account Opening Service is your fastest, most effective path forward.
Trusted by high-net-worth-individuals and 8-figure businesses, it’s a fully personalized solution backed by real experts, with real results.
Here’s what you can expect:
✅ Direct support from our international banking experts—so you’re never stuck guessing what to do next.
✅ Prequalification with banks that match your profile and actually want you (or your business) as a customer.
✅ Custom strategies to overcome any challenges and help you open the accounts you need—whether you’re a non-resident, entrepreneur, investor, or global citizen.
✅ Personal introductions to banks that perfectly match your profile (not random suggestions you have to cold-call yourself).
✅ Answers to tough questions about documentation, compliance, and what works in today’s evolving banking climate.
✅ Guaranteed account opening because we will keep working with you until you successfully open the bank account you need.
And yes—GlobalBanks’ International Account Opening Service is purpose-built for foreign and non-resident individuals and companies.
But, spots are limited and we only accept qualified applicants—so if you’re ready to move forward, take 60 seconds to complete your free assessment.
