Opening a Bank Account in the US 2025: A Guide for Non-Immigrant Visa Holders

This article is a guide to opening a bank account in the United States for non-immigrant visa holders who are not permanent residents (green card holders).

Many Thai people who want to move to the United States often don’t know where to start their new life. Basic things, like opening a bank account, can seem complicated and unfamiliar. 

In this article, I’ll introduce you to and help you understand how to open a bank account in America. Shopping and carrying out other financial transactions are important parts of living in America because most people prefer using credit cards, debit cards, or checks over cash. Opening a bank account is something you definitely shouldn’t overlook for a more convenient life in America.

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Things not to overlook before opening a bank account in America

From my experience living in America for many years and frequently visiting banks during certain periods, there are 5 key things you need to understand about opening a bank account here.

Policies and Conditions

The first thing you shouldn’t overlook is understanding each bank’s policies and conditions in America. There are several banks here, similar to Thailand. Some banks have nationwide networks, while others might only be present in certain states or cities. The documents required to open an account, types of accounts offered, minimum balance requirements, and various fees vary across banks.

Choosing a Bank

For expats, local or smaller banks usually aren’t convenient for opening an account. It’s advised to use larger banks that have branches nationwide, as it’s easier to open accounts there and they have more experience with international customers.

SSN and ITIN

Although opening a bank account in America isn’t complicated — just as long as you have all the required documents and minimum deposit — expats generally can’t open accounts online. This is because online systems usually require a Social Security Number (SSN), which is only issued to those with work permits in the US.

Some banks might allow you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN for online applications. However, from personal experience, I recommend going directly to a branch to open an account because:

• Most online banking systems often don’t support the document verification of expats
• Going to a branch allows you to speak and inquire directly with the staff
• You can immediately correct or submit additional documents if there are any issues

Choosing a Bank Branch

Choosing a bank branch is another important consideration. Some areas in America might not have branches of certain banks, just like in Thailand. So, it’s good to choose a branch close to your home or workplace for easy access to transactions.

From my experience living in the American community, having a branch near your home is crucial because Americans still use checks a lot. Even though there are online check systems now, many people still prefer cashing checks directly at the branch.

While online banking makes life more convenient, having a face-to-face chat with bank staff can help us better understand the process and feel more confident using the bank’s services, especially as expats who might not be familiar with the system here.

Safety

This shouldn’t be a concern if we open an account with major banks. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), banks in America have standard deposit protection systems, and we can check the status of each bank directly on their websites.

Minimum Opening Deposit

The minimum deposit to open an account varies by bank and depends on the type of account you want to open. Generally, the minimum for opening a checking account or savings account ranges from US$0 to US$100.

Types of Accounts

In America, types of bank accounts aren’t much different from those in Thailand. Banks in America place more emphasis on customer membership levels and customer benefits.

• Checking accounts, or current accounts, are similar to checking accounts in Thailand. They offer low or no interest, and most banks charge a monthly fee. Checking accounts are ideal for daily expenses, paying utility bills, shopping, and paying off debts. Once you open a checking account, the bank will issue you a debit card, which you can use for purchases or ATM withdrawals. Almost every store in America accepts debit cards. It’s essential to carry a debit card in the U.S. because some places no longer accept cash.
• Savings accounts or deposit accounts are similar to savings accounts in Thailand, with each bank offering different interest rates. They are perfect for those looking to save a large amount of money and keep it for emergencies as they provide long-term interest. Each bank also offers variations of savings accounts, such as Citi’s Accelerate Savings or student savings for students available with Bank of America and Chase.
• Certificate of Deposit (CD), or deposit certificates, are similar to fixed deposit accounts in Thailand and are ideal for long-term investment. The bank locks in the money for a predetermined period, such as 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years. CD accounts offer higher interest rates and returns, and you can withdraw your money once the term ends. Most banks and financial institutions require a minimum opening deposit of no less than US$500 for this type of account.

How to Open an Account in Branch

Opening an account isn’t hard. First, I recommend checking the bank’s website where you want to open an account. Study the bank’s information and account types thoroughly. Then, prepare the necessary documents. I suggest calling the branch you’re going to visit to ask what you need to prepare and the minimum deposit required to open an account. Each branch has its own phone number, which you can find online. After that, inform the staff that you wish to open an account (some banks allow you to book online via their website), and visit the branch on the scheduled day and time.

For example, if I want to open a Bank of America account in the U-District, Seattle, WA, I would search for “Bank of America U-District” on Google. The address and phone number of the branch will come up. Then I call the branch to say I want to open an account and ask what documents are needed. I prepare the documents and US$25 for the account opening and head to the branch.

Some branches allow walk-ins, but it varies by location. Generally, in America, you need to make an appointment first. When you arrive, the staff will check your documents and open the account for you. After that, they will guide you to download the bank app where you input your personal details, phone number, and other necessary information. Then, they will give you a debit card and a checkbook. It’s all set.

Fees

The fees from my Bank of America account are as follows, providing a rough idea of the common fees charged by American banks.

• To maintain an account, most banks in America have a monthly fee. For example, my Bank of America checking account has a system fee of US$4.95 per month. This fee can be waived under conditions set by the bank, such as having an account balance over US$500 or being a preferred member.
• Cashing a check at the branch costs US$15 each time. Receiving money from another bank or country costs US$15 each time. Transferring money to another bank costs US$30 each time. Transferring money abroad with the original currency being US dollars costs US$45 each time. These fees may be waived if you are a preferred member.
• If the balance in your checking account is insufficient and you make a purchase, you’ll incur a penalty, which can affect your financial history. With Bank of America, the penalty is US$35 each time.
• Withdrawing money from an ATM of a different bank or an ATM overseas incurs a 3% fee per transaction

How to maintain an account for those not often in America

For those who are not often in America, U.S. banks can close accounts that are inactive for a long time or accounts where financial transactions cease until the balance is depleted. To prevent the bank from closing your account, follow these steps:

• It’s recommended to maintain a balance above the bank’s requirement. For example, if it’s an account with Bank of America, keep more than US$500 in the account to avoid the US$4.95 monthly maintenance fee until your account is depleted. If the account is overdrawn, the bank may close it.
• Log into your bank app and conduct financial transactions frequently, including deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and debit card usage. This prevents the bank from categorizing your account as inactive. Bank of America considers an account inactive after 3 years, while Chase Bank does so after 1 year, at which point they may proceed to escheat the funds to the state.

Alternatives to Bank Accounts

If you can’t or don’t want to open a bank account in the US for any reason, Wise and Revolut are good alternatives for those looking to save, receive, and transfer money for daily use.

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• Wise provides an online banking service allowing users to open a bank account easily. Simply sign up and verify your identity online, and you’ll have an online bank account with a debit card that can be used for receiving, transferring, and exchanging foreign currency. It’s quite convenient, easy to use, and fast with lower fees than traditional banks.
• Revolut is similar to Wise but offers additional financial features such as expense analysis, budgeting, stock investing, and cryptocurrency trading. However, it tends to have higher fees than Wise.

Bank Opening Hours and Holidays

Bank opening hours in America aren’t fixed and depend on each branch. It’s a good idea to call ahead to check. Generally, banks open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Some might close at 4:00 PM or stay open until 6:00 PM. Many branches have one day a week when they stay open late, around 6:00-7:00 PM, for those finishing work to stop by. On Saturdays, some banks might close as early as 2:00 PM, and most are closed on Sundays.

Holidays are based on federal holidays, like Independence Day on July 4th every year, or Christmas on December 25th. You can check federal holidays on the Federal Reserve’s website.

Additional things to know

• When traveling abroad and using a debit or credit card, always notify your bank in advance. I once used a debit card from America to withdraw money from an ATM in Thailand and it got captured because the bank in America thought the card was stolen. So, make sure to inform your bank before traveling. If your card gets captured, contact the bank that owns the ATM and notify your bank in America to block the card (most banks can block cards through their app). Sometimes, if you’re lucky, the bank that owns the ATM might open the machine and return the card to you.
• Any time you do financial transactions related to online shopping, purchasing from abroad, or currency exchange, the bank might suspect your account is compromised. This can lead to your debit card being suspended or your account being closed. It’s recommended to inform the bank in advance. When I first moved to America and did these kinds of transactions, bank officers would call almost every time to ask if my debit card or account funds were missing. I had to explain to them to clear things up.
• Checks are something Americans use widely in everyday life. For those who have never used a check before, if you receive one, make sure to check its expiration date. Typically, checks are valid for about 6 months. If a check has expired, the receiving bank may still process it, but most will refuse, and you’ll need to request a new check from the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I open a U.S. bank account without an SSN?

Yes, you can. In fact, there are several banks that allow you to open an account without an SSN, such as Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, and PNC Bank. 

However, if you don’t have an SSN, there are some limitations, like not being able to open an online account—you’ll need to go to a branch. Plus, you won’t earn interest on your savings because it’s considered taxable income. You might also be unable to use certain services like applying for loans (though it’s generally quite challenging for expats to get loans in the US).

Documents that can substitute an SSN include an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Bank branch requirements might vary, so I recommend calling in advance to check, saving you time.

Which bank is the easiest for expats to open an account with?

Chase Bank and Bank of America are two of the main banks that expats often use to open bank accounts in America. This makes them quite familiar with international customers, making it easier to open an account.

I also recommend opening an account at a branch with a lot of expat customers, as it will be easier than at branches with fewer international customers.

How much money do you need to open a bank account in America?

Generally, the money used to open a bank account in America is between US$25–US$100, which depends on the account type and bank. When I opened a bank account with Bank of America in Seattle, I used US$25.

How long does it take to open an account?

Just a moment. Usually, you need to book an appointment first. Once it’s your turn, the staff will briefly check the documents and open your account within 30-60 minutes.

As for debit cards, most of them will be sent to you later, typically within 7-10 working days. Some banks may provide a temporary debit card for immediate use on the day.

Is it necessary to make an appointment?

I recommend making an appointment before visiting the branch. When I opened a bank account, I called ahead to ensure I had a spot that day and to get more information about documents or minimum balance requirements.

But I did see some of my friends just walk in. However, that friend was in a small town in Texas where there aren’t many customers.

What to do if your account opening gets rejected?

Honestly, I haven’t seen anyone get rejected when trying to open a bank account before. So, as long as you have all the necessary documents, correct information, and no bad records with other banks, you should be able to open one without any issues.

If you’re really worried about this, you can try another option like Wise. You can open an account from home, and when you arrive in the US, link it with Google Pay or Apple Pay to make payments here.

Is it easy to close an account?

If you want to close your account, just contact the bank directly. It usually takes no more than 30 minutes. But don’t forget to withdraw all your money and cancel any other services with the bank first.

Also, if you close your account too soon, like within 90–180 days, most banks in America will charge a penalty of about US$25–US$50.