Can international students get student bank accounts?
Your student visa validates your legal right to reside and study in the United States. Only students holding specific types of student visas, such as an F1 visa (for academic studies), J1 Visa, or M1 Visa, are allowed 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.
Most international students are only eligible to open a basic or current account depending on the bank (and terminology will vary between banks). This provides a visa debit card and is usually combined with an online banking service. Banks do not normally charge for this type of account.
- Bank of America Advantage Banking.
- Chase Bank College Checking Account.
- 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.
Also, you don't need a social security number to open an international student bank account in the US, but you will be issued with one if you secure paid employment off-campus.
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.
- Proof of U.S. residency. Ex: U.S. government-issued ID, student/employer photo ID, current utility bill or rental agreement. ...
- One primary photo ID. ...
- One secondary ID.
A social security number is not required for an F-I or J-I student to open a bank account, but you will need proof of identification and immigration status in the U.S. (passport, I-94, and I-20 or DS-2019).
- Current EU/EEA passport, photo driving licence or identity card.
- All other current signed passports.
- HMRC Tax Notification.
- Local authority tax bill.
- Utility bill.
- Benefits entitlement letter.
- Your full name, home address, home telephone number, your campus telephone number and your college address.
- Your passport.
- An I-20 (certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status) or I-797 approval notice.
Can international students use chime?
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Don't have a Social Security number? You can still get a bank account with an ITIN, or an individual taxpayer identification number. ITINs are used by the Internal Revenue Service to process taxes. They're available only to noncitizens in the U.S.
Yes, many banks offer debit cards for international students. These debit cards may be linked to a checking or savings account, and can be used to make purchases and withdraw money from ATMs.
If you are in F-1 status and do not have lawful F-1 employment, you are ineligible to apply for a SSN. This includes applications for replacement SSN cards. J-1 students are required to show evidence of employment and must be in valid J-1 status and be registered for a full course of study.
Some credit card issuers also offer credit cards to those without an SSN such as international students or professionals relocating to the U.S. for work. They allow you to apply using other forms of identification, such as your passport and visa information.
Where Can I Open a Bank Account Without an SSN? The banks that allow undocumented immigrants are the following: Wells Fargo, PNC, U.S. Bank, BMO Harris, Alliant Credit Union, Bank of America, HSCB, TD Bank, among others.
- Best for banking in person: Chase College CheckingSM ...
- Best for free ATMs nationwide: Axos Rewards Checking. ...
- Best for low fees: Chime® Checking. ...
- Best for study abroad: Charles Schwab Bank Investor Checking. ...
- Best for joint account with a parent: Capital One MONEY.
Debit cards: Some student checking accounts provide customers with a debit card for ATM, in-person, and online transactions. Small initial deposit: A student bank account may require a small initial deposit, such as $10 or $25.
| Bank | Monthly maintenance fees | Foreign transaction fees |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC | $50 (without minimum deposit) | $0 |
| Chase | $12 (without minimum balance) | 3% |
| Capital One | $0 | $0 |
| Bank of America | $4.95 (unless you meet certain requirements) | 3% |
Non-U.S. citizens can open bank accounts in the U.S., but may need to go through extra steps, especially if they're nonresidents. Some banks and credit unions accept alternative forms of identification, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), for non-U.S. citizens to open accounts.
Can I open a bank account in the US if I don't live there?
Non-U.S. residents can open bank accounts in the U.S., but you'll need to meet some basic requirements first, including providing additional pieces of identification.
You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account. To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number.
- Driver's license with photo.
- Matricula Consular Card.
- Passport with photo.
- Student ID with photo.
- U.S. Employment Authorization Card with photo.
An F-1 student has three main employment-related guidelines: May work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a U.S. citizen or LPR. May work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session (full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the annual vacation)
Answer: Yes. As an international student on an F-1 visa, you have work authorization through CPT and OPT. Also, students on other visas typically have work authorization as well.
