Banking essentials for professionals in the U.S.

We’re here to make your journey easier with the vital information, resources and support you need to get started banking.

Get started in three easy steps

Here are the eligibility requirements, required documents and actions you need to take to open your bank account.

1. Check your eligibility

You must meet the following eligibility requirements:

You have a physical U.S. address
You are not a U.S. citizen
You are not a permanent resident of the U.S.*

*Permanent resident: Green card (or permanent resident card) holders who are authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis

Following are the required documents you’ll need to bring to the Bank of America financial center in order to open your bank 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.

Proof of home or permanent residence address
This must include building name or number and street name, city or town, state or province, country.

U.S. physical address
Only one of the following documents is needed:
- Government-issued ID with photo
- Current utility bill with your name and address
- Other (rental agreement, etc.)

You will need two forms of identification – a primary ID and a secondary ID.

Primary ID
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)
- Mexican, Guatemalan, Dominican, Colombian Consular ID (with photo)
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate Card (with photo)

Secondary ID
Only one of the following documents is needed:
- Foreign driver's license with photo or U.S. driver's license
- Debit or major credit card with Visa® or Mastercard® logo
- Major retail credit card from a nationally well-known company
- U.S. Department of State Diplomat ID
- Mexican Voter Registration Card (with photo)

Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN)
An FTIN issued by a country other than the U.S. A U.S. TIN/ITIN is not required unless you’ve been issued one.

3. Schedule an appointment

Set an appointment to meet with an associate at a financial center. Please bring all the required identification and documents shown above to your appointment. We look forward to welcoming you to Bank of America.

Schedule now >

Questions? We’ve got answers.

Find answers to your questions about banking in the U.S., managing your money and more.

Can a non-citizen open a bank account in the U.S.?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can open a bank account in the U.S. When you open a bank account at Bank of America, you’ll need to provide two forms of identification, a tax identification number and documents that show proof of both a foreign and U.S. address.

Do I need a social security number (SSN) to open a bank account in the U.S.?

While some other U.S. banks require a social security number, Bank of America does not require an SSN to open a bank account in the U.S. However, you’ll need to provide two forms of identification. See detailed list of identification options in step 2 above.

Can Bank of America help me in additional languages?

Bank of America has language interpretation services that allow us to assist you in over 206 languages. Simply request Language Line Services in your language preference with any one of our associates. Certified bi-lingual associates are available in some of our financial centers and contact centers to assist you in languages such as Spanish, Chinese Mandarin, Portuguese and more. Additionally, our digital platforms are available in both English and Spanish.

How do I receive/send money locally or from abroad?

You can send international and domestic wire transfers using our Mobile Banking^footnote1 app and Online Banking. You can send money in 140+ currencies to over 200 countries and there is no outbound wire transfer fee if it is sent in foreign currency.^footnote2 You can also use Zelle^®footnote3, which allows you to send and receive money to friends and family wherever they bank in the U.S.

What is the advantage of having a U.S. bank account?

Opening a bank account is an important step for managing your money confidently and building a financial foundation in the U.S. It provides you with a place to deposit and withdraw funds, pay bills and transfer funds to another person or institution.

With a Bank of America Advantage Banking account, you’ll get peace of mind with our $0 Liability Guarantee.^footnote4 You can also deposit checks from almost anywhere with the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your smartphone or tablet.^footnote5 Plus, you’ll be able to earn cash back with BankAmeriDeals^®footnote6 at select restaurants and stores, when you pay with your eligible Bank of America debit or credit card.

Bank of America has many financial centers and ATMs conveniently located throughout the U.S. You can find one near you by using our locator page below:

English link: https://locators.bankofamerica.com

Spanish link: https://es-locators.bankofamerica.com

Make your appointment today

Ready to open your Bank of America Advantage Banking account? Meet with a specialist at one of our many financial centers. Simply pick a time and location that’s convenient for you.

Schedule an appointment

Ready to help you in your language

Whether or not you speak English proficiently, Bank of America is ready to provide advice and guidance to meet your financial needs. We have language interpretation services that allow us to assist you in over 206 languages. Simply visit your nearest financial center and request interpretation services for the language you’re most comfortable speaking. It’s part of our commitment to help you build a strong financial foundation.

Build your U.S. banking know-how with Better Money Habits®

Explore these educational articles, videos and resources to navigate banking in the U.S. and achieve your best financial life here in the States.

Learn more with Better Money Habits

Banking essentials for professionals in the U.S.

Get started in three easy steps

1. Check your eligibility

2. Collect required documents

3. Schedule an appointment

Questions? We’ve got answers.

Can a non-citizen open a bank account in the U.S.?

Do I need a social security number (SSN) to open a bank account in the U.S.?

Can Bank of America help me in additional languages?

How do I receive/send money locally or from abroad?

What is the advantage of having a U.S. bank account?

Make your appointment today

Ready to help you in your language

Build your U.S. banking know-how with Better Money Habits®

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Banking essentials for professionals in the U.S.*.utility-nav--mobile { display: none; }

Get started in three easy steps

Questions? We’ve got answers.

Make your appointment today

Ready to help you in your language

Build your U.S. banking know-how with Better Money Habits®

Banking essentials for professionals in the U.S.