Banking essentials for international students in the U.S.

Your road to financial independence in the U.S. begins here. 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
    • U.S. student ID validated for current term or school year (with photo)
    • 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, international students can open a bank account in the U.S. When you open a bank account at Bank of America, you’ll need to provide two forms of unexpired identification and a tax identification number (if applicable).

When opening a bank account at Bank of America, you’ll need to provide the following:

  • Two forms of unexpired identification. See detailed list in step 2 above.
  • A tax identification number (if applicable)

Yes, international students can open a checking, savings or other deposit account without a parent being present.

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

Having domestic bank accounts up and running can make for a smoother adjustment to university. As an international student, having U.S. checking, savings and credit card accounts can help you eliminate foreign transaction fees and gain convenient ways to pay for books, food, rent and other essentials. You’ll also be on your way to building a credit history, which may make it easier to borrow money in the future.

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 helping you build a strong financial foundation.

Build your U.S. banking know-how with Better Money Habits®

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