What do international students need to open a bank account?
Each bank has different requirements, but generally speaking, international students studying in the United States will need some or all of the following documentation to open a bank account: Your passport with visa. Your I-20. Proof of residency, such as an official letter or bill addressed to you with your US address.
Each bank has different requirements, but generally speaking, international students studying in the United States will need some or all of the following documentation to open a bank account: Your passport with visa. Your I-20. Proof of residency, such as an official letter or bill addressed to you with your US address.
- your employment, income and tax details.
- proof of ID, like your passport, driving license or national ID.
- proof of address, like a bank statement or utility bill.
- additional documents, subject to qualification status, local laws and regulations.
- Your Social Security number.
- Valid ID (driver's license, state ID, Consular ID)
- Current residential address.
- $25 opening deposit.
If you don't have an SSN or ITIN, some banks will accept a passport number, a consular identification card or other government-issued ID number.
Preparation. You must be living in the U.S. to open your account. You'll need to provide both a foreign and U.S. address, as well as two forms of ID and a tax identification number.
Your two best options are BofA and Santander and I have accounts with both of them.
- Wells Fargo Student Checking Account.
- HSBC USA International Student Account.
- US Bank Student Checking Account.
- TD Convenience Checking.
- Key Student Checking.
- Capital One Money Account.
- Trust Student Checking Account.
- PNC Virtual Wallet Student Account.
Verifying your identity will be different depending on the bank or credit union, but it typically involves providing the following: Photo ID. Eligible documents to prove your name and birth date include an unexpired passport, an alien registration card and a foreign driver's license. Proof of address.
Citibank. Citibank is one of the best international banks in the US for expat banking because of their very international model. It currently physically operates in 97 markets 2, supporting clients from more than 160 countries, making access to their ATMs more convenient.
Can I open a bank account with international passport?
Only one of the following documents is needed:
Foreign passport with or without passport visa (with photo) U.S. Non Immigrant visa and Border Crossing Card-DSP-150 (with photo)
Yes, it's possible to open a bank account as an undocumented immigrant or without having a Social Security number. You'll need to provide other forms of proof of ID, such as a passport, driver's license, consular ID or birth certificate.
| Checking account | Best for | Minimum deposit for new accounts |
|---|---|---|
| Chase College CheckingSM | Banking in person | $0 |
| Axos Rewards Checking | Free ATMs nationwide | $0 |
| Chime®Checking | Low fees | $0 |
| Discover® Cash Back Debit Account | No minimum account balance | $0 |
Low minimum deposits: You may find that you can open a student checking account without putting in any money, or less than other checking accounts require. Better ATM options: Many traditional checking accounts charge a fee if you use an ATM that isn't in their network to deposit a check or withdraw cash.
A student bank account is a bank account designed for younger adults, typically in their teens or early 20s. Student bank accounts often have different perks and limitations compared with traditional bank accounts. Benefits of a student bank account may include a lack of overdraft fees or monthly fees.
In most cases international students do not require a SSN to receive a scholarship or grant income, and they may not be eligible to receive a SSN if they are not authorized to work in the US. This is common for F-1 students who should instead apply for an ITIN. The purpose of an SSN is to track earnings and benefits.
Non-U.S. citizens can open a Chase High School Checking℠ account in any Chase branch with a Passport with photo and the Student INS I-20 or ICE I-20 form OR Passport with photo and the DS-2019 form. Non-U.S. students also need a residential address and a parent or legal guardian.
As long as you have authorization (on-campus work, CPT, or OPT), yes: you can start working without an SSN. Be sure your employer follows the correct instructions for allowing you to begin work without the SSN.
Choose an account
Usually when you open a checking account you receive a chequebook and a debit card. Most international students will only need to open a checking account to pay for their living costs while studying in the US. Savings accounts: a savings account is a place to collect money over a longer term.
Customers looking for an online bank with full services should find Capital One appealing. For international students, opening a bank account in the US is an easy and fantastic method to avoid foreign transaction fees and have quick access to their money while studying overseas.
Can an international student get a bank loan?
Most international students applying for loans must have a US cosigner in order to apply. A cosigner is legally obligated to repay the loan if the borrower fails to pay. The cosigner must be a permanent US resident with good credit who has lived in the US for the past two years.
Non-U.S. students without a Green Card can open a Chase College Checking account in any Chase branch by presenting one primary ID, one secondary ID (see PDF of acceptable forms of ID) and proof of student status with the expected graduation date.
Non-residents who don't have a Social Security number can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This may be used as a substitute for an SSN on your bank account application if one is required by the bank.
International students can get credit cards, but you'll likely need an ITIN or someone who'll let you become an authorized user on their card. A U.S. bank account can help too. If you're under 21, you'll need an adult co-signer or a way to prove you can repay your debts, like a part-time job.
Which U.S. banks don't require a SSN? Some U.S. banks that don't require an SSN to open an account include Bank of America, Alliant Credit Union, Axos Bank. Revolut, a neobank that offers banking services, also doesn't require one.
