Best bank accounts for non-residents in the US [2026]

Join us as we explore the options for a non resident bank account in the US, including how to open a bank account online in the US for non residents.

And because using a bank isn’t always the easiest option for new or non-residents, we’ll also touch on some flexible digital accounts from specialist providers like Wise which may help you settle in faster.

Can I open a US bank account as a non-resident?

Yes. A foreigner can open a bank account in the US as a non-resident, but typically only if you have a physical address in the US you can use as part of your application.

US banks like Bank of America and Chase do offer account opening processes for non-residents – that is, non-US permanent residents without a Green Card – but you’ll still need to meet various eligibility criteria. Generally this includes having a US address, and proof of address, which you can provide the bank as supporting evidence of your application.

This means the US non-resident bank accounts are usually most useful for individuals living in the US part time – such as frequent business travellers or international students, rather than people looking for an account for occasional use.

If you’re looking for a more flexible solution you could choose specialist providers like Wise and Revolut instead.

Can I open a US bank account online before moving?

If you’re moving to the US soon you’ll find a USD denominated account handy for day to day spending. However, to open a non-resident account in the US you must usually go to a bank in person – making this impractical before you physically relocate.

Once you’re a resident with US supporting documents you may find it easier to apply online.

Instead of using a bank you could choose a fully digital provider like Wise or Revolut. These services operate entirely online and through apps, which means you can complete your application and verification digitally and before you move to the US.

If you then need a US bank account once you arrive, you can choose to open a standard US bank account more easily once you have proof of your local residency.

Can I open a bank account in the US without an address?

No. You can not normally open a bank account in the US without a local residential address. However, you may be open a multi-currency account to hold and manage money in USD with online providers.

What is the best US account for expats?

You’ll be able to choose from a US bank, or a global digital service when selecting a USD account for your day to day finances. However, banks usually only offer accounts to people with a US address – and proof of address – already prepared.

This might make them less suited to non-residents who want an account for travel or payment purposes, or to people who have not yet relocated to the US.

Ultimately, there’s no single best US account for expats. Choosing the best account for your needs will mean doing a bit of research, to find the best fit based on your own specific needs.

Here’s a summary of the accounts we’ll cover in this guide:

Wise USD Account: Hold 40+ currencies, including USD, and get local account information to receive payments in USD and 8+ other currencies all to the same account. Debit cards available, and all currency conversion uses the mid-market rate.

Revolut USD Account: Choose from several different accounts depending on your needs and location, all of which support USD for holding and come with a linked debit card. Get some weekday currency exchange at the Revolut rate with no extra fee, and extra travel and lifestyle perks if you upgrade to a higher tier account.

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking Account: Popular USD account option recommended for non-residents, offering digital banking, reward earning opportunities and ways to have the monthly fees waived if you’re under 25 or hold a minimum balance in the account.

Chase Total Checking Account: USD checking account with overdraft assist, a checkbook and wire payment options. Ways to waive your monthly fees are available, and you get access to 15,000 ATMs and 5,000 branches for cash transactions.

Wise USD Account

You can open a Wise account as a non-resident with no restrictions as long as you live in a supported country already.

You’ll simply need to use your local ID and proof of address from wherever you call home to apply and complete verification.

On approval, you’ll have a multi-currency account that supports USD and 40+ other currencies, with account details to receive USD payments, and get a debit card for spending and withdrawals.

Currency exchange uses the mid-market rate with low conversion fees.

• Availability: Available in many countries globally
• Account features: No monthly fees, linked debit cards, ways to send and receive global payments conveniently and cheaply
• Supported currencies: 40+ for holding and exchange, spend with your card in 150+ countries
• Exchange rate: Mid-market rate

*About Wise pricing: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Revolut USD Account

Revolut offers services in many countries globally, with slightly varied product features and fees depending on where in the world you are. All accounts offer ways to hold USD as well as linked debit cards.

In most countries you can pick several different account tiers including Standard plans with no monthly fees, and more comprehensive plans which offer higher no-fee transaction limits and lifestyle perks.

• Availability: Available in many countries globally
• Account features: Choose from different account plans depending on feature needs, with linked debit cards and payment features as standard
• Supported currencies: 25+ for holding and exchange, spend with your card globally
• Exchange rate: Weekday currency exchanges use the Revolut rate within plan limits, with fair usage fees of up to 1%. Weekend exchanges may incur an additional fee of up to 1%*

*Details are for Revolut accounts based in the US, check the costs and options based on your own country of residence as there may be some differences

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking Account

Bank of America recommends their Advantage Banking series for non-residents and new arrivals looking for a checking account, including the SafeBalance Banking Account.

This account has a monthly fee of 4.95 USD, waived if you’re under 25 or hold a 500 USD balance in the account. You’ll get a linked debit card, money management features, ways to send and receive money and access to other Bank of America services if you need them.

You’ll need to go to a financial center to open an account, taking along your ID documents.

• Availability: Available for US residents, and non-residents with a US address
• Account features: Digital banking tools, mobile check deposits, linked debit card, deals and rewards if you sign up for the Preferred Rewards scheme
• Supported currencies: USD only for holding and exchange, spend with your card globally
• Exchange rate: Exchange rate set by the bank or card network – may include a markup

Chase Total Checking Account

Chase offers more than 15,000 ATMs and 5,000 branches, with the Chase Total Checking Account its most popular USD checking product.

You can open your account in a branch and you get check writing facilities as well as digital money management tools and overdraft assist.

There’s a 15 USD monthly fee which you can waive by meeting various eligibility criteria including depositing at least 500 USD a month or holding a balance of 1,500 USD in the account.

• Availability: Available for US residents, and non-residents with a US address
• Account features: Linked debit card and check book, digital and in app tools to manage transactions
• Supported currencies: USD only for holding and exchange, spend with your card globally
• Exchange rate: Exchange rate set by the bank or card network – may include a markup

How to open a US bank account as a non-resident?

To open a US bank account as a non-resident you’ll normally have to visit a branch or financial center in person to have your documents checked and verified.

Here’s how you open an account with Bank of America as a non-resident, as an example:

1. Check you’re eligible for the account you would like to open
2. Gather the supporting documents needed to open your account
3. Make an appointment to attend a financial center in person
4. Attend your meeting and present your paperwork
5. On approval you’ll get your account collateral and can start to transact

The specialist providers we’ve selected in this guide – Wise and Revolut – allow you to open an account remotely with no need to visit a branch or location in person.

You’ll complete the application through the app or desktop site, and upload images of your ID documents from your home country, instead of presenting them in person.

This allows the service to complete legal compliance and verification checks to open your account without you needing to wait until you arrive in the US.

Required information and documents

Here’s a look at the required information and documents for a Bank of America non-resident account.

• Proof of home or permanent residence address (non US address)
• Proof of US physical address such as a utility bill or rental agreement
• Primary ID document such as your passport or U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa and Border Crossing Card-DSP-150
• Secondary ID such as your drivers license, or a major bank issued debit or credit card
• Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN)

Do you need a local bank account in the US?

Whether or not you need a local bank account in the US will depend on your situation. Generally you’ll need a transaction account which can handle USD to manage practical payments such as your rent and utilities bills. You may need a local bank to sign up for the internet or a mobile provider for example.

Check if you’ll need an account with a bank – or if a digital service will be sufficient for the types of transactions you need to make. If you’re not planning on moving to the US, or if you don’t already have a US physical address to use on your application, getting a US bank account may prove tricky – but a digital provider may be a good alternative.

How to move your money to the US

If you’re relocating to the US you’ll probably need to move your money from your home country to the US for day to day spending. There are several ways you can do this – most commonly:

• Make a bank transfer from your home bank to your US bank or digital account
• Send a money transfer with a specialist provider to be received in your US bank or digital account
• Use a multi-currency account to hold your funds in whichever currency you prefer, and convert to USD or other currencies for spending when needed

Each option has its own pros and cons.

Using a bank in your home country is very familiar and reliable – but may take several days, and can come with pretty high costs once you include the exchange fees included in the rate used for conversion.

Using a specialist provider will mean taking time signing up for a new account with a service like Wise – but you could then find you’re able to send your payment quickly or instantly, and with low fee and a good exchange rate.

Finally, you might prefer to sign up for a multi-currency account you can use to hold and convert funds and to manage your day to day finances all in the same place.

Choose an account from a provider like Wise or Revolut and add your funds. You can then convert to USD in the account – or leave your balance in another currency until you need it if you prefer.

This gives you flexibility and allows you to wait until the exchange rates look good to switch over your funds – potentially snagging a good deal along the way.

Useful resources

Information last checked 29th January 2026

• Wise – landing page for Wise personal and business accounts with links – choose the country you reside in to get details of accounts available for you
• Revolut – landing page for Revolut personal and business accounts with links – choose the country you reside in to get details of accounts available for you
• Bank of America – open an account for non US residents
• Bank of America – Advantage Banking series of accounts – recommended as the choice for non-resident and new resident customers
• Chase – Total Checking account options – most popular accounts with Chase
• Chase – identification for opening an account, including non-resident customers