Opening an account online – Citizenship or permanent residency required

How to obtain the required identity documents

Each bank will require you to have a Social Security/ITIN number and proof of address. To obtain the Social Security Number / ITIN, you can apply for it from the Internal Revenue Service. For the proof of address, it is useful to ask your chase bank if it accepts a letter from your university, your employer, or your future owner indicating your address. You will also need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license. Most banks will also require you to make an initial deposit.

The Wise multi-currency account formerly TransferWise

For most people, the fastest and easiest way to open a US bank account without a residency will be the TransferWise Borderless Account.

Wise formerly Transferwise is a very popular online exchange provider that offers inexpensive ways to send money abroad. It also offers a “borderless” virtual account. This account offers some of the benefits of a US bank account without the residency requirements. You get a US account number and routing number and can easily exchange money between different currencies. You can also get local bank details with a “Borderless” account for the UK, Eurozone, Australia, and New Zealand.

It is important to note that the multi-currency account does not work exactly like a checking account and you will not have all the choices you would have in a regular bank, but it can be a good option as long as you have not opened a full checking account.

Opening an account online – Citizenship or permanent residency required

There are several banks and financial services companies that will allow you to open an account online. Note that each of these will require you to be a US citizen or have permanent resident status. You can apply for these accounts if you’ve lived in the United States before and want to open an account before returning, but you’ll need a mailing address in addition to your citizenship or residency.

Chemistry

Chime is an online banking account that you can access through a mobile app. Registration is free and applying for an account is quick and easy. You must be a US citizen and at least 18 years old. Chime cards work anywhere in the world. Chime asks you to provide your name, address, email address, social security number, and other verification data when you register.

Discover

Discover is a very popular financial services provider and allows you to open a US account completely online. To open an account with Discover, you will need a Social Security Number or ITIN and a US mailing address.

Ally Bank

Ally Bank offers a comprehensive checking account that you can easily access online or through its mobile app. It only offers accounts to permanent residents or US citizens.

Capital One

Capital One provides a checking account in addition to credit cards. They require you to be a permanent resident or citizen and provide a social security number to sign up for their services.