If you’re looking to open a bank account and get an instant debit card in the US as a foreign non-resident chances are you want to explore digital account options that provide access to USD.
If that’s the case, you are going to face challenges opening a personal account. Business accounts are easier to open. That said, not everyone (or every business) is eligible for online accounts in the US.
So, in this article, we’ll help you navigate the options and determine whether this is something you can access or not.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the topics most relevant to you:
Table of Contents
- Instant Debit Card With Bank Account Opening
- How to Open Accounts With Instant Debit Cards
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
Instant Debit Card With Bank Account Opening
It’s important to note that most US banks will issue debit cards to their customers as soon as the account is approved. That said, very few US banks offer virtual debit cards that can be accessed instantly. The exception to this rule is digital US banking platforms that issue app-based payment cards that you can use in e-wallets. However, as mentioned, these services typically cater to US businesses and US residents.
This is especially true for foreign non-residents looking to open US bank accounts. This is because most US virtual banking options are restricted to US residents with a local address, phone number, and US tax identification number.
That said, if you’re looking to open a business account at a US bank, there are more options available. This is because many of the US digital banking options that cater to US LLCs offer a wide range of virtual debit card options. This, of course, includes debit cards that are instantly issued through the respective platforms.
Before diving in any 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.
How to Open Accounts With Instant Debit Cards
Personal Bank Accounts
Personal banking for foreign non-residents in the United States is primarily offered through traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
So, if you’re looking to open a US bank account and you do not live in the US (or have any ties there), then you will need to open with one of the non-resident banking options available. With this in mind, there is a selection of suitable financial institutions that offer services to foreigners in the United States. We help our clients open these accounts regularly.
If this is something you are interested in, you can start the process of opening accounts right now through our dedicated US account opening solution, GlobalBanks USA (more below).
Business Bank Accounts
When it comes to opening US bank accounts for US LLCs or foreign companies owned by non-residents, there are two main categories of banks to choose from, which are:
- Traditional brick-and-mortar banks
- Digital US banks
Business: Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Banks
Banks that fall into this category do not offer instant debit cards, but they often provide greater flexibility, security, and a wider range of services when it comes to commercial and business banking.
That said, if your company is brand new and unable to make a qualifying deposit, you may find that digital banks are a better fit.
Business: Digital US Banks
First, it’s important to note that digital banks in the US are not actually banks. Instead, they are tech companies that partner with banks. The tech company provides a nice user interface, customer service, white-labeled debit cards, and a few add-on products and services. However the banking partner is the final decision-maker for all banking and compliance-related matters. And customer funds are held with the banking partner, not the tech company.
In other words, accounts are still held at traditional brick-and-mortar banks. But it also means that you do not have direct access to the bank that is handling your money or the compliance team reviewing your transactions.
Unfortunately, dealing with an intermediary like a “digital bank” can cause a lot of headaches if you are sending international wires, dealing with foreign markets the bank is not used to, or simply handling large value transactions.
Of course, one benefit is that some digital banks do offer instant virtual debit cards. So, if this is the primary goal of opening an account, they are an option worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Debit Card Immediately After Opening a Bank Account?
Debit cards are typically issued instantly, once an account has been approved and activated. However, if you are opening accounts remotely, you should expect it to take between five and ten business days for your card to arrive. Of course, if you need to send the debit card overseas, it could take longer it to reach you.
Can My Business Get a Debit Card Instantly?
Yes, a business that opens a digital bank account can instantly get access to a virtual debit card. Alternatively, if a business opens a bank account with a brick-and-mortar bank and receives a physical debit card, the process will take longer as the card needs to be produced and mailed to the business address.
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!
