How Non-U.S. Citizens Can Open a Bank Account: A Simple Guide

Thinking of opening a bank account in the U.S. but not a citizen? Don’t worry — you can still bank smart. Whether you’re a student, expat, freelancer, or international investor, opening a U.S. bank account as a non-citizen is possible — and easier than you might think.

At SwiftAlly Bank, we believe financial access should be global. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.

✅ Can Non-U.S. Citizens Open a U.S. Bank Account?

Yes, you can. U.S. banks — including digital-first banks like SwiftAlly — often allow non-U.S. citizens to open accounts, as long as you provide the right documentation.

There are two main categories:

1. Non-resident aliens (people who live outside the U.S.)

2. Resident aliens (non-citizens legally living in the U.S.)

The process may vary slightly based on your residency status, but the requirements are mostly similar.

📋 What You’ll Need

To open a bank account in the U.S., most banks require the following:

1. Valid Passport

Your primary form of identification — make sure it’s not expired.

2. Secondary ID (Optional but helpful)

• Foreign driver’s license

• National ID card

• Visa, if applicable

3. U.S. Address

You typically need a U.S. address, even if you’re not a resident. This can be:

• A U.S. residential address (friend, family, or your own)

• A business address (if you own a U.S.-registered company)

Tip: Some digital banks (like SwiftAlly) may accept proof of international address depending on your account type.

4. Tax Identification Number (TIN)

• If you’re a U.S. resident: You can use a Social Security Number (SSN) or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

• If you’re a non-resident: An ITIN is usually accepted. Some banks may allow account opening without one, but this is rare.

5. Proof of Income or Employment (Sometimes Required)

This could be a pay stub, contract, or business license — especially for checking or business accounts.

🌐 Can You Open a U.S. Bank Account Online?

Yes — but not all banks allow it. Most traditional banks still require in-person visits. However, digital banks like SwiftAlly are built for global users and allow eligible non-citizens to open accounts 100% online — no U.S. citizenship or physical branch visit required.

💡 Why Open a U.S. Bank Account as a Non-Citizen?

• Send and receive USD easily

• Pay for U.S. services and subscriptions

• Get paid from U.S.-based companies or clients

• Access to U.S. financial tools, cards, and savings options

• Establish credit history in the U.S.

🏦 SwiftAlly Makes It Easy

At SwiftAlly Bank, we’re building a truly borderless banking experience. Our digital platform supports users from all over the world — whether you’re living in the U.S. or managing money globally.

🌍 With SwiftAlly, you can:

• Open an account with just a passport and proof of address

• Access multi-currency accounts and low-fee transfers

• Get a virtual and physical debit card

• Use your account to receive USD payments globally

• Get 24/7 multilingual support

✨ Final Thoughts

Opening a U.S. bank account as a non-citizen can unlock powerful financial opportunities — and it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right documentation and the right partner, like SwiftAlly, you’re ready to go global.