How to Open a US Bank Account Online from the UK

If you are living in the UK and thinking of opening a US bank account either in advance of relocating to the US or simply to manage your money more effectively, you might be wondering what your options are.

While some US banks do offer accounts to non-resident customers you almost always have to have a US address, and visit a branch in person with all of your paperwork. If you want to open an account online, you may have better luck if you choose a digital only specialist service instead. Providers like Wise and Revolut can help.

Key points: Online US account opening

What documents do I need to supply?

To open a US bank account online from the UK, you'll need to have all of your documents on hand to support your application. You will usually be asked to supply:

• Contact details including proof of residential address. Note: If you do not have proof of this via a utility bill etc., then banks can accept a letter from your employer confirming the address you live at in the USA.

• Official self-identification document e.g. driver's license or passport.

• Social Security Number (SSN).

• In some cases, banks will ask for your monthly income.

Make sure you have a scanner nearby or already have your documents in digital format.

While US banks usually require you to be a US resident, and to show a local proof of address, services like Wise or Revolut allow customers to open powerful multi-currency accounts using a UK proof of address. You'll be able to set up an account online or via the provider's app, to get quick access to an account that can be used to transact in dollars. Depending on the specific service you select, you may also get local bank account details in USD to get paid by others.

The easiest way to open a US bank account from the UK is to:

1. Make sure you are eligible for your chosen US bank online. Follow the link to start an online application for your choice of account.

2. Scan and upload all requested documents including your passport and visa.

3. Provide your US address to have your card and further information sent to you securely.

4. When approved, transfer the requested deposit amount into your new US account and complete activation.

This guide tells you everything you need to know about opening a US bank account online from the UK.

For US citizens:

If you are a US resident living in the UK, then it's possible to open a US bank account online if you still maintain a US address. All major US banks now offer digital applications and in most cases all you need to supply is a form of official identification, proof of address in the United States, your Social Security Number (SSN) and an initial deposit amount.

For non-US citizens:

Unfortunately, if you are a non-resident in the US and don't have any of the requested documents, then you'll find it trickier to open an account.

If this applies to you, you will first need to obtain a visa for the United States, an SSN and a residential address. You can then apply for any type of US bank account, but you'll normally need to visit a branch to do so.

If you find yourself in this position and unable to open a US bank account online from the UK alternative providers like Wise and Revolut can help - we'll look at this option later on in this guide.

How to open a US bank account as a foreigner

There's no reason you can't open a US bank account as a foreigner, but in most cases you'll need to be a US resident to open a bank checking or saving account. That's because banks need to see a proof of address document to verify your account - and most banks aren't willing to accept an address that's overseas for this. Generally to open a US bank account as a foreigner you'll need:

• A US issued social security number (SSN) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)

• A government ID

• A US address and proof of legal residency

If you don't have a US SSN, you may be able to apply for an ITIN instead, which can be used in place of an SSN. And, as a foreign applicant, you can expect your bank to want to double check your residence documents to ensure you're legally entitled to be in the US - so have your visa or permit available when you apply.

Once you have all the documents you need, opening a US bank account as a foreigner shouldn't prove to be too much of a challenge. In some cases you can apply online, but it's common to be asked to attend a branch in person, particularly if you've got non-standard documents. Check the process with your preferred bank so you know what's needed.

Read also: How to open a US bank account for LLC as a non resident

What do I need to know before opening a bank account in the US?

Before you open a US bank account you'll need to assemble all the required paperwork, and make sure you meet the bank's eligibility requirements. Many accounts also need you to make an opening deposit, so you'll need to be able to transfer over some USD, or pay in a cheque or cash at the point of opening your account. It's also helpful to know that while many US banks do offer online opening processes, these aren't always available to foreigners as they rely on you having US issued documents which can be verified digitally. You may be asked to attend a branch in person to open your account if you don't have the standard paperwork that's needed.

Can I open a bank account in the US with only my passport?

You're unlikely to be able to open a US bank account with just a passport. Opening an account with a US bank usually means you need to be a US resident - and you'll often be asked to provide a proof of address to back this up. With a foreign ID document, you'll also normally have to provide evidence of your legal right to reside in the US, such as a visa or Green Card.

With Wise and Revolut, you can open accounts using your UK details, and then create USD accounts that let you receive, hold a balance, send, and spend US dollars on a debit card.

Best US bank account for UK residents

Let's explore some account options for managing USD payments and spending, from the UK. We've included Wise and Revolut - which are not banks, but specialist providers - alongside banks you may want to consider for your specific needs. More on each of them coming up right after the comparison.

*Details correct at time of research - 9th June 2025

Wise Account

Wise serves 12 million+ active customers around the world with low cost international payments, as well as personal and business accounts. Wise is not a bank, but a specialist provider.

The Wise Account is free to open for personal customers, and available to people in the UK looking to access USD services to hold, exchange, send, spend and receive payments. The account can be managed online or in the Wise app, and allows customers to hold 40+ currencies and exchange between them using the mid-market exchange rate with no markup.

You can also send payments to 140+ countries, including the US, and spend using your Wise international debit card all over the world.

*Details correct at time of research - 9th June 2025

To open a Wise account:

1. Download the Wise app or open the Wise desktop site

2. Click Sign up and create an account with your email, Facebook, Google or Apple ID

3. Follow the prompts to enter the details needed

4. Upload a snap of your ID and address documents

5. Once your account has been verified you're good to go

Revolut

Revolut offers a broad range of account services including multi-currency functionality for 25+ currencies, with several different account types for yourself or your business.

You can get a Revolut standard plan in the UK with no ongoing costs, or upgrade to an account with monthly fees which unlocks more features. In the UK, the top tier accounts cost 45 GBP/month. All accounts support USD for exchange, sending payments and spending, which makes this a strong choice for UK residents looking to manage their money in dollars.

Accounts all have some great features like a linked debit card and some weekday currency exchange which uses the Revolut exchange rate with no extra fees.

*Details correct at time of research - 9th June 2025

To open an account with Revolut:

1. Download the Revolut app

2. Enter your phone number and set a PIN - you'll get a verification message from Revolut

3. Use the verification code to access the app and enter the details needed to create your account

4. Upload the required documents for verification

5. You can deposit funds and use your account once verified

Bank of America non-resident account 

Bank of America has services for US non-permanent residents, but you do need a US physical address and ITIN or SSN to open your account. You will also need to assemble quite a few documents and visit a branch or financial center in person to open your account, making this a cumbersome option if you don't go to the US very regularly.

Once you have a Bank of America account you can also access other financial services like payments, credit cards, loans and mortgages. This can be appealing if you're moving to the US or know you'll need to get more complex financial services in future.

*Details correct at time of research - 9th June 2025

To open an account with Bank of America:

1. Gather the required documents, including proof of your US address, proof of your home address and 2 forms of ID

2. Visit a branch to open your account

Wells Fargo non-resident account 

Wells Fargo may allow you to open an account as a non resident if you have a physical US address you can use for registration and verification. This process must be completed in person - unfortunately you can not open your account online from the UK. Once you have an account you can have the monthly fee waived in many cases when you hold enough balance.

The Everyday Checking account is a popular all round account for daily use, which is handy for non-residents who need access to basic services with ways to waive ongoing costs.

*Details correct at time of research - 9th June 2025

To open an account with Wells Fargo:

1. Gather the required documents, including proof of your US address and 2 forms of ID

2. Visit a branch to open your account

Starling Bank and Monzo

Both Monzo and Starling Bank are British app-based ‘neobanks' and are built around ease. They aim to let you manage your money conveniently, including multi-currency spending and money transfers.

With some accounts offering no fees when you spend abroad, these are serious contenders if you want a no-fuss way to spend and protect your money while you get set up in the US. All you need is 10 minutes, identification and a UK address to apply on your phone.

How to open an account with Starling bank or Monzo

To open an account with a neobank like Starling or Monzo, you'll need to visit the provider's website and register using your UK proof of ID and address. The whole process can be done digitally for convenience.

What are the fees for opening a US bank account online from the UK?

Unlike the UK, most US banks will charge a monthly fee and/or require you to maintain a minimum daily balance from each account holder. These fees can change based on various factors such as your zip code, deposit amount and what type of account you want to open.

Here's some examples of fees broken down when looking to submit an online application for a standard checking account with some of the largest banks in the US:

Here's what you might expect to pay if you choose a specialist account instead of a bank account:

ATM fees

Most banks will charge you a fee for withdrawing money from ATMs in the United States, although in most cases you'll get free withdrawals from your chosen bank's ATMs.

If you are looking to travel abroad with your debit card or credit card, then international ATM withdrawal fees are higher and can accumulate, so we recommend that you explore alternative options for accessing your cash before you travel. Here's a summary of the services in this guide:

*Details correct at time of research - 9th June 2025

International transfer fees

If you are moving from the UK to the US, then it's likely you'll need to make an international payment between your banks once you've opened your US account. An international payment, otherwise known as a wire transfer, made with a bank may have no upfront fee but there are likely to be costs included in the exchange rate if this is the case. Here's a comparison of how the providers we've looked at here compare:

*Details correct at time of research - 9th June 2025

Overdraft or insufficient funds fees

Unlike the UK where an overdraft is a relatively cheap and acceptable feature to have linked to your account, US banks consider this as insufficient funds and will charge an average of $35 per transaction that they have to ‘pay' for an item when you don't have enough money.

Choosing the right bank for you

There are a number of factors that should contribute when choosing which American bank to go with and understanding the type of account you need is a good place to start. The United States uses a different banking system to that of the UK, so it's important you understand what each account is set up for before matching it to your needs.

A checking account

A Checking Account is your standard current account in the UK. This account will usually be linked to a debit card and can be managed online.

All banks will offer levels above their basic checking accounts for a higher monthly cost, for example Chase offers the Premier Plus and Sapphire options to its customers. They all do the same, but each will have additional features such as earning interest on your balance and free withdrawals from all ATMs.

A savings account

A savings account is similar and has the same features as a checking account but it is linked to an interest rate so you can see your money grow. It is not designed to be your everyday account and has withdrawal restrictions to help you save your money.

Again, all banks will offer levels above their basic savings accounts for a higher monthly cost. These can usually be paired with a Premier checking account and you can experience added benefits and features such as better interest rates on higher balances.

You can also apply for a credit card which will be linked to your checking account much like the UK. Your credit history - which is incredibly important in the United States - will determine how much you are eligible to borrow.

An international account with a bank

An international account is something you may want to consider if you are a frequent traveller or will be regularly receiving money from different currencies.

It's not a widely offered feature with US banks, but there are a few options with expat and international banking divisions of major global banks like HSBC and Lloyds.

HSBC (International Account)

HSBC offers an international account through its Expat division. You need to deposit 75,000 GBP or more to avoid monthly charges, and can choose from checking accounts in USD, GBP and EUR and savings account in many other currencies.

Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Bank offer an international banking option for all UK customers. You don't have to be an existing Lloyds customer and can apply online with the option to open a couple of different accounts with fees of 5 GBP or 20 GBP a month.

Before applying, it's a good idea to check their eligibility checker to ensure you meet their further criteria and work out what account is best for you. If you do, click here for more info.

Barclays

Barclays also offer an international account to its UK customers. All the help you need is online and as long as you meet Barclay's criteria then it is relatively simple to apply for. There are high minimum balance requirements for this account, so do review the terms and conditions carefully to see if it's the right option for you.