What are the requirements for a non-citizen to open a bank account in the United States?

Asked Jan 9, 2012· 1 answer ·Americas, Developed Markets, North America
Faisal KhanAnswered Jan 9, 2012
For regular checking/savings account, a Tax Number is not required for opening an account.

Most US chartered banks require the following:

  • A valid ID (for foreigners, this is clearly the passport). They will make copies of it, as well as the Visa &/or Arrival Stamp page. Some and I stress some, may scan the whole passport.
  • They will ask you for a secondary identification (it can be a credit card, driver's license, debit card, ATM card, any other form of identification).
  • Some banks can request for a picture based second form of identification only, but passport is usually good enough.
  • A local address is required and you will have to provide some form of a bill, etc. attesting that to the fact that that is your local address. If you are forwarding email to a friend, etc. They can ask you for your friend's proof of residence to that address.
  • Proof of funds (if depositing cash in large amounts).
  • Proof of funds if you are wiring funds in.
  • They will check their own internal KYC list to see if anything else is required
  • They will confer this with their manager or supervisor (most US banks will do the 4-eyes, i.e. two people signing off on the account opening OK).
  • If you are legally staying in the US for extended period of time (like student, etc.) a copy of your I-20 etc. would be required
  • If you happen to be from a few countries of interest (essentially any Arabic, Muslim country, etc.) you will be subjected to a more thorough examination of your documentation (this is the silent rule, as much as you may deny that it doesn't happen).

That's about it.
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