The 7 Best US Banks for Foreigners and Non-Residents in the USA

If you want access to an American bank account and are a foreigner to the United States, several options exist for you. Traditional big banks tend to have stringent in-person sign-up processes while online US neobanks generally offer an easier path to access American checking accounts (while still maintaining high-quality bank account services).

In addition to these two groups, online business banks accounts offer opportunities to foreign entrepreneurs and small business owners. Finally, bank-like alternatives offer the most limited services, but also have the most accessible eligibility requirements.

In this guide, we explore fintech platforms like Chime® as well as other US accounts for foreigners, non-residents, and immigrants. We walk through the requirements to open an account and provide in-depth information on each service so that you can make the best choice for your financial freedom.

Can I Open a US Bank Account as a Foreigner?

To decide whether you can open a US bank account as a foreigner or non-resident in the United States, you must first assess your eligibility status.

Big Traditional Banks

While foreigners and non-residents are legally not allowed to obtain Social Security numbers, foreigners may apply for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If you are eligible (i.e., you are a foreigner with ownership in a US company, are eligible to pay taxes, or are eligible to receive government benefits), then many big traditional banks will accept your ITIN and open an account for you.

If you are a student or hold a temporary resident visa, then you may not be eligible for an ITIN. Big banks do still offer checking accounts for international students who show proof of US address and university registration. In these cases, however, online US neobanks offer the same checking account services and use mobile technology to add even more value.

Learn more about if you can open a bank account in the USA as a foreigner.

Online Banks

Neobanks have disrupted the traditional finance industry because they have created financial platforms that are connected to regulated banks. Two online US neobanks that we detail in this guide even provide access to American banking to US residents without SSNs or ITINs.

Business Bank Accounts

If you do not have proof of US residency, then you will be limited in your options. However, you may hold a business bank account if you are a foreigner who manages or owns an American-established company. You must present your company's employer identification number (EIN) to open a business bank account.

Business owners of US-based companies are not required to be US residents, which is why entrepreneurship offers a solid avenue to accessing American banking as a foreigner or non-resident. Read our guide on single-member limited liability companies (SMLLC) to see if establishing one is right for you.

Digital Checking Accounts

Otherwise, non-taxpaying non-residents of the United States must revert to bank-like electronic money accounts like Wise. While these products do not issue credit cards or loans, you will still be able to access your own US checking account number and routing number. The fintech platforms even have mobile wallet, direct deposit, and international money transfer capabilities.

In this guide below, we walk through some traditional banks. Then we provide our recommended list of the best six US spending accounts for foreigners and non-residents in the USA:

US Big Banks

Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash

The most obvious way to open a US bank account is with a big-name American bank. However, this method requires that you have an official US government-issued ID, proof of US residence, and an SSN or an ITIN. If you do not have an ITIN, the bank representative will ask you to request one from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Undocumented immigrants are legally allowed to receive ITINs.

Are There Banks That Don't Need an ID to Open an Account?

No, there are no banks in the United States that open bank accounts to clients without a form of government identification.

Foreigners earning income in the United States, even if they are undocumented, are legally allowed to obtain an ITIN from the IRS. To obtain an ITIN, apply through the IRS's website.

How Do I Open a US Bank Account Without an ID?

It is impossible to open a US bank account without form of identification. However, if you cannot or do not want to open a US bank account with an ITIN, then you may try to use an alternative ID. You will still very likely need to provide proof of status, such as enrollment in US higher education as a student or proof of US employment authorization.

 Examples of potentially eligible IDs include:

• a foreign passport with or without a visa,
• U.S. non-immigrant visa and border crossing card,
• Consular ID from your home country,
• Canadian citizenship certificate card;
• U.S. Employment Authorization Card with photo;
• Matricula Consular Card.

Even with a non-US identification card, you will need to provide proof of US address. Examples include:

• Employer's paycheck;
• Government-issued letter with name and address;
• Utility bills dated 60 days or less.

This option requires that you go into your local branch and speak with a representative to verify your identity and open a bank account. While not guaranteed, banks that may accept alternative IDs include:

• Bank of America,
• Chase,
• TD Bank,
• US Bank,
• Wells Fargo.

1. Chime®: Award-Winning US Mobile Financial App

Chime is one of the most widely used mobile financial apps and debit cards in the United States. Its interface is straightforward, making everyday money management simple and accessible.

With Chime, you receive a U.S. account number and routing number connected to a Visa® debit card that is shipped to your home. Chime has no monthly fees¹.

You can also open two optional accounts alongside your Checking Account:

• The Chime High Yield Savings Account (HYS)³: offers a variable Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.75% as of January 29, 2026, which increases to 3.00% with Chime+™. This account includes features such as Round Ups (where debit card purchases are rounded to the next dollar and the difference saved) and Automatic Savings (10% of each direct deposit of $1+ saved automatically).
• The Chime Card™ (secured credit card)²: a secured credit card with no annual fees. When used responsibly, on-time payments may positively impact your FICO® Score 8. Late payments may negatively impact your score. Results vary.

Chime's sign-up process is fast and easy if you have a social security number.

2. Best Checking Account for Immigrants in the USA: Majority

Majority has a suite of migrant-friendly features (e.g., international calling, international money transfers, exclusive deals, etc.) combined with low fees all around. Called the "All-In-One Mobile Banking for Migrants", Majority is a well-suited online checking account for new arrivals and immigrants in the US with proof of US address.

One reason why we highly recommend Majority is because you can open an account without an SSN or ITIN. Just take note that “Know Your Customer” (KYC) laws require Majority to verify your identity. If you use fraudulent ID cards or social security numbers associated with multiple dates of birth, your application will be rejected. Also refrain from using Voice over IP (VoIP) phone numbers, which are assigned to a user but not to a physical location.

Opening an account with Majority remains a very accessible option. Don’t hesitate to use your passport, government-issued identification card, or government-issued driver’s license. These forms of ID will work, even if you don’t have an American Social Security Number or ITIN.

3. Best No-SSN Account for Foreigners in the US: Revolut

Revolut has a wide range of financial services among the new financial technology platforms in the US. Importantly for foreigners, a Revolut account provides local account details to make domestic money transfers and receive USD payments from employers.⁶

US-based customers can also access British pound account features, and pots to hold balances in 25+ foreign currencies. Revolut offers internationally-focused options like currency exchange of up to $1,000 per month on weekdays with no additional Revolut fees, though fair use limits and third-party fees may still apply on weekends or for remittances.

Valid documentation is needed to verify identity, including state IDs, US visas, and employment authorization.

4. Best US Business Bank Account For Foreign Owners: Revolut Business

Revolut Business is a London-based fintech company that empowers not only retail customers around the world, but companies and entrepreneurs too. If you open an account with them, you will get access to local account details in both British pounds and US dollars, allowing you to spend and get paid like either a British or American local.

You must reside in the United States and your business must have a physical presence in the United States to be eligible for a Revolut business bank account.

5. Best US Bank Details For Global Business: Payoneer

Payoneer is one of the world's leading financial platforms for SMEs and entrepreneurs around the world. You can get paid in up to 11 different currencies, including USD, and can hold those USD funds for as long as you'd like. Their Mastercard gives you access to your USD revenues, or you can choose to transfer your USD holdings into your home currency when you are ready.

No SSN, ITIN, or US residency is required to register for Payoneer, plus it is free to sign up. You will only be subject to a $29.95 annual fee if your account is inactive for over 12 months.

6. Best US Bank Account For Non-Residents: Wise

Wise isn't a bank in the US but an electronic money institution that offers a Multi-Currency Account: a low-cost foreign currency spending account and a Visa debit card

This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to open a US bank account as a non-resident, regardless of whether you want to hold money in US dollars, spend money on holidays in the US, shop online, or receive earnings from an American employer.

7. Full-Reserve U.S. Bank Account for Non-Residents: Zenus Bank

Zenus Bank is ideal for non-U.S. residents seeking a fully remote U.S. bank account without needing citizenship or residency.

Zenus provides FDIC-insured, all-remote USD personal current accounts accessible from almost any country, with no minimum balance and full-reserve security. You manage transfers and savings through the Zenus internet banking app and enjoy free incoming payments.

To open an account, you need: a valid passport, proof of home-country address, a completed IRS Form W-8 BEN, and proof of employment (or pension/unemployment).

Recap: Best Digital Accounts for Foreigners and Non-Residents in the USA

1. Chime: Great mobile app and debit card with SSN
2. Majority: Migrant-friendly account for US residents without SSN
3. Revolut: Best US spending account for foreigners in the US
4. Revolut Business: Great US account for US-resident businesses
5. Payoneer: Good American business banking for non-residents
6. Wise Account: Good USD account for non-residents
7. Zenus Bank: Full-reserve U.S. bank account for non-residents

References

• Consumerfinance.gov: Checklist for opening a bank or credit union account
• IRS: How do I apply for an ITIN?
• Sable: Getting Started with Sable.
• Majority: Membership.
• Revolut Business: Open your business account online.
• Payoneer: Withdraw payments to your local bank account.
• Wise: Wise Fees & Pricing.

Disclaimers

¹ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at FCTI® ATMs in a 7-Eleven® or Speedway, or any Allpoint ® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM participating in the Allpoint network.

² Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services for the Chime Checking Account are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.

³ The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of 01/29/2026. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. The Chime Plus APY is available only while you maintain eligibility requirements for Chime Plus, otherwise the APY for non-Chime Plus members will apply. See Chime Plus Terms and Conditions for more details.

⁴ FICO: Based on a representative study conducted by Experian® in Sept 2025, the top 10% of members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder, an earlier version of Chime Card, between April and August 2024, observed a FICO® Score 8 increase of 71 points after approximately 8 months. Average increase of 28 points across all participants in the study. Credit score improvement not guaranteed. Paying on time may increase your score, while late payment may decrease your score. Other credit activity can impact your score. Credit score is one of many factors creditors may consider in evaluating credit applications.

⁵ SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest / no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime® Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s or its banking partners’ discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won’t cover non-card transactions. SpotMe on Chime Card Terms and Conditions.

⁶ Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

⁷ Automatic savings: You can automatically transfer part of your direct deposits of $1 or more from your Checking Account into your selected Chime account(s).

⁸ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at FCTI® ATMs in a 7-Eleven® or Speedway, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM participating in the Allpoint network.

⁹ MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank,
N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS 2316451). To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”).
Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 - $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details.

¹⁰ Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

⁶ Revolut is not a bank, banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Fees may apply. The Revolut USA Prepaid Visa and Prepaid Mastercard are issued by Lead Bank pursuant to licensing by Visa® U.S.A. Inc. and Mastercard International for Mastercard cards. Funds in your Revolut Prepaid Card Account are held at or transferred to Lead Bank, Member FDIC, and are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 applicable limits by the FDIC in the event Lead Bank fails if specific deposit insurance requirements are met. See FDIC-Prepaid Cards and Deposit Insurance Coverage. See revolut.com/en-us/ for more details.