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.
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You must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • You have a physical address where you reside
  • You are not a U.S. citizen

  • If you are a non-resident alien (NRA), you’ll need to provide both a physical foreign address and U.S. mailing address, as well as two unexpired forms of identification (ID) and a tax identification number (if applicable).
  • If you are a resident alien (RA), you’ll need to provide a physical U.S. address, as well as two unexpired forms of identification (ID) and a tax identification number (if applicable).
  • If you are a citizen of a country subject to U.S. economic or financial sanctions, you are required to provide proof of U.S. residency documentation. Acceptable documentation must demonstrate lawful U.S. residence and may be requested in addition to the ID and address requirements listed above.

Acceptable Forms of Identification:

  • Primary ID – examples include, but are not limited to:
    • Foreign passport with or without U.S. issued visa
    • U.S. permanent resident card (with photo)
    • Employment authorization ID (with photo)
  • Secondary ID – examples include, but are not limited to:
    • 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)

Tax Identification Number, if applicable:

  • Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN): An FTIN issued by a country other than the U.S. and is used for tax purposes in the individual’s home country
  • Social Security Number (SSN) and Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN): SSNs and ITINs are issued by the U.S. and are used for tax filing purposes in the U.S.

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.

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Questions? We’ve got answers.

Find answers to your questions about banking in the U.S., managing your money and more.
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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 a physical address where you reside, two forms of unexpired identification and a tax identification number (if applicable). See detailed information in step 2 above.

Bank of America does not require a 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.

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 bilingual 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, many of our digital capabilities are available in both English and Spanish.

You can send international and domestic wire transfers using our Mobile Banking1 app and Online Banking. You can send money in 140+ currencies to over 200 countries,2 and there is no outbound wire transfer fee if it is sent in foreign currency, but exchange rate markups apply.3

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 our $0 Liability Guarantee, you'll get peace of mind knowing you're not responsible for unauthorized transactions made by others using your Bank of America debit card when reported promptly.4 You can also deposit checks from almost anywhere with the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your smartphone or tablet.5 

Bank of America has many financial centers and ATMs conveniently located throughout the U.S. You can find a financial center and ATM 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.

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