In order to open an online checking account with a virtual debit card you’ll need to pass certain requirements in the USA.
We’ll share the specific requirements and how to start opening below.
But, if you’re trying to understand how to open an American bank account, specifically how to open a US bank account as a non-resident or tourist, please review our free guide available here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to any sections that are immediately relevant to your search.
Table of Contents
- Online Checking Bank Accounts With Virtual Card
- Important Consideration: Online Accounts & Virtual Cards
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
Online Checking Bank Accounts With Virtual Card
When it comes to opening bank accounts in the United States, there’s a lot of confusion on who can actually open accounts. This is especially true when talking about opening US bank accounts online, or remotely.
You see, while it’s usually easier to open online or digital bank accounts than it is to open brick-and-mortar bank accounts, the opposite is actually true when it comes to personal banking in the US.
The simple for this is that most online banking platforms in the US do not accept foreign non-resident applicants. In other words, in order to open an online checking account with a virtual debit card, you have to live in the US.
On the other hand, if you are a foreign non-resident interested in opening US accounts from the comfort of your home, this is 100% possible with traditional banks.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for more complex US financial services, such as how to buy stocks with an ITIN number, you will find our free guide on this topic very useful.
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Sign up here to receive our Free USA Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents with opening bank accounts at top financial institutions in the US.
Important Consideration: Online Accounts & Virtual Cards
If you are a resident of the United States, you will have a number of different options available to you when it comes to opening digital accounts.
That said, it’s important to note that most “digital banks” do not actually have a banking license. Instead, they typically have an existing relationship with a US bank (often a small community bank) and act as a front end to deliver banking services via that bank’s platform.
In other words, most digital banks are a combination of marketing, user interface, user experience, and packaging to make the underlying banking services more attractive to the end user.
With this in mind, we encourage everyone to find out which bank the digital platform they’re considering ultimately using to hold deposits. This is important as it gives you a chance to confirm whether you’re comfortable with that bank taking custody of your deposits.
It’s important to note that the digital platforms available to you also depend on whether or not you’re able to meet the non-resident onboarding requirements, including the KYC requirements, proof of documentation, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are two of the most common questions that we receive from people looking to obtain virtual cards in the US as non-residents. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
What’s the Difference Between a Virtual Debit Card and a Physical Debit Card?
Virtual debit cards refer to payment cards that exist digitally while physical debit cards exist in the physical world. That said, certain virtual card providers also supplement their virtual card offering with physical cards, allowing customers to choose which form of payment they use.
Can a Non-Resident Open an Online Checking Account in the US?
Non-residents are not able to open an online checking account in the US. However, it is possible for non-residents to open traditional bank accounts in the United States with FDIC brick-and-mortar US banks. You can learn more about you can start opening these accounts right now by visiting GlobalBanks USA in the products menu above.
Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
If so, 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!
