Do You Need a US Account
If you are staying short-term, no — a Wise card handles most needs. If you are staying long-term, working, or renting an apartment, yes — you need a US account for direct deposit, rent checks, credit card applications and monthly bills.
Best Banks
- Chase — biggest branch network, $200-$300 signup bonuses, free checking with direct deposit. Best overall.
- Bank of America — nationwide, similar to Chase
- Wells Fargo — widespread but complicated reputation
- Citibank — international transfers to Citi accounts in other countries are free
- Capital One 360 — online bank, no branches, high yield savings
- Schwab One Checking — worldwide fee-free ATM withdrawals, best for travelers
Opening Without SSN
Several banks will open accounts for foreigners without an SSN:
- Chase — accepts passport + secondary ID (driver's license or credit card) at a branch visit
- Bank of America — similar to Chase, varies by branch
- HSBC Premier — for customers with existing HSBC accounts in another country
- TD Bank — accepts passport + ITIN
Bring: passport, visa or entry stamp, proof of US address (lease or utility bill), secondary ID.
Fintech Options
- Wise Account — opens instantly with passport, gives you US bank details (routing + account number). Not a full US bank account but works for most purposes.
- Revolut USA — similar; instant account via app
- Mercury — business bank accounts, accepts foreign-owned LLCs
- Chime — US-only digital bank; needs SSN
- SoFi — US digital bank; needs SSN
Building Credit
You need a US credit history (FICO score) for renting, credit cards, car loans, mortgages. Building from zero takes 3-6 months:
- Secured credit card — deposit $200-500 as collateral, get a $200-500 limit. Discover Secured, Capital One Secured.
- Nova Credit — translates your home country's credit score to help with apartment applications
- Credit builder loans — Self-Lender
- Petal / Deserve — credit cards for no-credit applicants
- Authorized user — get added to a friend/family member's card to inherit their history
Use cards responsibly: keep utilization under 30%, pay in full monthly, never miss a payment. Your score will reach 700+ in 12 months with good habits.
Money Transfer
- Wise — best for international transfers; mid-market rate, low fees
- OFX — larger transfers, fee-free, slightly worse rate
- Remitly — remittances to developing countries
- PayPal Xoom — fast but expensive
- Bank wires — most expensive ($25-50 fee + poor rate)
Common Issues
- Branch requires SSN — try another branch or another bank
- "Proof of address" issue — use a signed lease, utility bill, or hotel booking (some banks accept these)
- High minimum balance fees — switch to a no-minimum online bank
- Frozen account — usually happens after a large international transfer. Call customer service immediately.