Bank accounts and debit cards for non residents?

21 comments

1. I don’t know about banks, but in a pinch you can buy a money card from Walmart and load your money onto it to pay for things. I think some bigger banks like Chase and Wells Fargo will let you open one, so maybe check the big national banks. Also: Congrats and welcome new Americans! <3

2. Prepaid money cards will work if you need it fast

3. [Here are the requirements](https://promo.bankofamerica.com/international-banking/professionals/) for Bank of America. This will basically be the same for all banks.

4. I would go to an actual branch and speak to some of the people who are sitting at desks. They can help get you set up.

   Credit unions and local banks > large national chain banks.

5. You can get a prepaid cc that’s basically a gift card from Walmart, Target, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc

6. Under US banking rules, passed after the 9/11 attacks to help fight terrorism and money laundering, a bank needs identification of their customers.

   Normally that would be a US ID card and social security card. I don’t know what/how they can do for non-citizens, but I’d recommend speaking with a person at a financial institution in the US.

   If you really did just arrive in the US yesterday, what kind of visa are you in the country on? If you’re here on just a regular tourist visa there might be problems. If you really have “lottery winner” levels of money, I’m sure some kind of arrangement can be made, but it may take some time to set up.

   In looking for a bank in the US, I’d recommend you find a good local credit union and talk to them. Credit unions tend to provide better customer service and interest rates than commercial banks.

   Edit: Your post history says you’re from Russia. You’re coming from Russia to the US? Good luck, especially good luck transferring money from Russia to the US with those sanctions. This is definitely the sort of thing you should be contacting an attorney with, not asking Reddit about.

7. In lieu of US ID, you can use your passport and visa.

8. Go to Bank of America or Chase

9. So the key thing you’ll need is an [“Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.”](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin#itin) It takes the place of a Social Security Number for resident aliens (which is what you are).

   To get one, [you need to submit a Form W-7 to the IRS](https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-7) basically identifying who you are, your US address and your foreign address.

   (The reason why you need this is because all banks need some sort of taxpayer ID–and an SSN is one form of taxpayer ID–for reporting purposes.)

   Yes, the forms and the form instructions will make your eyes bleed, but once you have the ITIN you should be golden, at least when it comes to banking products.

   And welcome to the United States of America and all the bureaucracy the IRS can provide!

   —-

   **EDIT TO ADD: IMPORTANT**

   If it turns out you can apply for a Social Security Number (I don’t know the particulars of your case), you may be able to do so [on the Social Security Website](https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/request-number-first-time).

   The instructions for an ITIN should help you sort out if you need an ITIN or should apply for an SSN instead.

10. >We just got to the US yesterday
    >
    >because we come from a country that starts wars for no reason

    Uhhh… does someone want to tell OP?

    EDIT: Looks like people don’t like jokes. I know this is /AskAnAmerican but we’re allowed to laugh at ourselves, guys.

11. Definitely agree with the other commenters suggesting a prepaid card. That should cover you until you can get a SSN, etc. You can find them at almost any large grocery store. Convenience stores like 7/11 sometimes have them as well.

    Welcome home! Feel free to criticize the government as much as you’d like!

12. My parents went through something similar, I remember my dad saying something particular about one bank that helped him as a FOTB. If you don’t mind waiting I’ll give him a call later and ask.

13. You should contact the closest Social Security Office. My reading of [these instructions for non-citizens](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf) is that you’ll need your I-552 and/or I-94 and/or admission stamp showing you’re allowed to work. You’ll probably need to go to the office in person, but I don’t know whether you’ll need an appointment.

    Prepaid gift cards usually require an SSN to finish activating them. Don’t buy these unless you’re really sure you’ll be able to use them without an SSN.

    [This Chase Bank site](https://www.chase.com/personal/banking/education/basics/us-bank-account-for-non-residents) gives info for non-residents. But since you’re a resident, it doesn’t directly apply to you. However, it shows how the bigger banks are better able to handle these issues. Possibly you’ll need a checking account that doesn’t pay interest.

14. As it seems that others have provided you with plenty of information, I would just like to add a welcome to the States, we’re happy to have you

15. I think pay pal has a card.

16. You are a resident tho, you just don’t have an SSN yet. Go to SSA office and see if they can at least give you the number or apply if CBP didn’t automatically do it when you entered.

    Also go talk to a bank or credit union and see if they’re willing to help. Think of it as testing their customer service before committing.

17. Welcome,

    &#x200B;

    Just for my knowledge, do you ‘win the lottery’ come over and then have to fend for yourself? do you not have access to a sponsor or refuge/immigrant resource center. This is interesting to me.

18. Welcome. You should have received your temporary green card in your passport upon arrival. That should suffice to get a checking account and a debit card, especially if you already have an address in the US. Then definitely go get an SSN asap. Also ask your bank for a secured credit card so you can build credit.

19. I’ve been a banker here for 13 years. This kind of thing is regulated and won’t generally vary by bank.

    If your country is one that the U.S. has sanctions against, it will be more difficult. Usually in those cases you’re required to have permanent residency in the U.S. to open bank accounts.

    That aside, acceptable identification for opening an account is a little more nuanced than could be explained in a reddit thread and will depend on your residency status.

    You’ll be better off going to a branch and asking a banker.

    Edit: as others have stated if you need it right away, pre-paid Visa gift cards can be bought at most grocery stores and pharmacies.

20. So long as you have a valid Diversity Visa most banks will have no problem setting up an account with a debit card for you.

    Go in person to a bank and show them your immigration documents. Someone I know who entered on a fiancee visa was able to set up an account with Truist Bank this way.

    As a visa holder you are now a resident, but not yet a citizen.

    Once your social security card is issued you need to give your number to the bank.

21. Regarding secured credit cards, for the most part bank credit cards aren’t a great deal [although credit card providers are expanding into online banking; I’d avoid starting anything online for the moment though as you’re probably a walking pair of high risk fraud accounts–no offense to you guys, *I* got flagged for it by Chase for a bit] and aren’t in the secured market anyway.

    I’d recommend the Discover It Secured and/or the Capital One Secured. Out of the big banks Chase is the one I prefer dealing with [and is by far the best run].