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.

Some US banks accept applications from non-US citizens, but online eligibility and address requirements vary by provider. If you are still living in the UK, a multi-currency service such as Wise or Revolut may be easier to set up online, depending on your needs.

A US bank checking or savings account is not the same as a UK-accessible multi-currency account with USD account details. Wise can provide eligible UK customers with USD account and routing details, while Revolut offers UK customers local USD details. These can be used for eligible dollar payments, but do not in themselves give you a US-domiciled bank account.

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. If you cannot provide a standard address document, ask your chosen bank what alternatives it accepts.
• Official self-identification document e.g. driver's license or passport.
• A Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), if the bank requires one for your circumstances.
• 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.

US bank identification and address requirements vary. For example, Bank of America distinguishes between non-resident aliens and resident aliens, while Wells Fargo requires a physical US address for online applications. Wise and Revolut offer UK customers online account applications and USD payment features, subject to verification. Wise USD account details are not a US bank account, and Revolut's UK banking licence does not make a UK account a US-domiciled bank account.

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

1. Check whether your chosen US bank permits an online application for your residency status and documents, or whether you must book a branch appointment.
2. Provide the requested identity and address documents. A visa is not required by every bank or for every applicant.
3. Provide the US residential or mailing address required for your bank and account type, if applicable.
4. If approved, make any required opening deposit and complete account 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 citizen living in the UK, you may be able to open a US bank account online if you meet your chosen bank's address and identification rules. Some banks ask for a physical US address, an SSN and other documentation. US citizenship alone does not guarantee approval for an online application from overseas.

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.

You do not necessarily need a US visa or SSN simply because you are a non-US citizen. Requirements depend on the bank and whether you are a US resident or non-resident alien. For example, Bank of America says non-resident aliens may apply using a foreign physical address and a US mailing address, with two forms of ID and a tax ID if applicable; an in-person appointment may be required.

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

How to open a US bank account as a foreigner

Non-US citizens can open US bank accounts, but the bank may set different rules for online and branch applications. A US residential address is not universally required for every non-resident applicant; for example, Bank of America provides a route for non-resident aliens with a foreign residential address and US mailing address. Typically, you should be ready to provide:

• Your SSN or ITIN, if applicable and requested by the bank
• A government ID
• Residential and mailing address details required by the bank, plus any supporting immigration documents if applicable

If you do not have an SSN, ask the bank whether an ITIN or other acceptable identification is required. Some banks can open accounts for non-US citizens without an SSN. If immigration documents are relevant to your application, have your visa or permit available.

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?

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

A passport alone will not normally meet all of a US bank's account-opening requirements. A bank may ask for a second ID, residential or mailing address details, and a tax ID where applicable. A visa or Green Card is not a universal requirement for non-resident alien applicants; check your bank's policy before applying.

With Wise and Revolut, eligible UK customers can open accounts using UK details and access USD balances and payment features, including local USD details. These are not the same as US-domiciled bank accounts.

US account options for UK residents

Let's explore options for managing USD payments and spending from the UK. Wise is a non-bank e-money provider. Revolut launched a fully licensed UK bank in March 2026, although some existing customers have been transitioning from e-money accounts; a UK Revolut account is not a US bank account. We also compare two US banks. More on each option comes after the table.

*Original research: 9 June 2025. Selected fees and requirements checked on 12 November 2026; always check provider terms before applying.

Wise Account

Wise serves 12 million+ active customers around the world with international payments and personal and business accounts. Wise is not a bank; its UK Wise account is an e-money account and is not covered by standard bank deposit protection.

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 160+ countries, including the US, and spend using your Wise international debit card all over the world.

*Original research: 9 June 2025. Selected fees and requirements checked on 12 November 2026; always check provider terms before applying.

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 can use the features available to you. Wise may request additional identification or address documents.

Revolut

Revolut offers multi-currency services, including USD payment features for UK customers, with several account plans for personal and business use. Revolut Bank UK Ltd has been licensed as a bank since March 2026, and the transition of older e-money accounts has taken place in phases.

You can get a Revolut Standard plan in the UK with no monthly subscription fee, or upgrade to a paid plan. The Ultra plan is listed at up to 60£/month for new subscriptions as of November 2026; existing customers may be on an earlier rate during the pricing transition. Accounts support USD exchange, payments and spending, making them an option for UK residents managing dollar transactions. UK customers can also access local USD receiving details.

Accounts offer a linked debit card and currency exchange using the Revolut exchange rate. Standard plan customers have a 1000£ monthly fair-use exchange allowance and may pay weekend exchange fees; other charges depend on the plan and transaction.

*Original research: 9 June 2025. Selected fees and requirements checked on 12 November 2026; always check provider terms before applying.

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 offers accounts to eligible non-US citizens. Its guidance says non-resident aliens need a foreign physical address, a US mailing address, two unexpired forms of ID, and a tax ID if applicable; an SSN is not mandatory for every applicant. An appointment at a financial centre may still be needed, so this may not be a practical route if you cannot visit the US.

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.

*Original research: 9 June 2025. Selected fees and requirements checked on 12 November 2026; always check provider terms before applying.

To open an account with Bank of America:

1. Gather the required documents, including the appropriate home or US address details, US mailing address for non-resident aliens and 2 forms of ID
2. Visit a branch to open your account

Wells Fargo non-resident account

Wells Fargo may allow eligible non-US citizens to open an account, subject to its ID requirements. Online applicants must have a physical US address and an SSN or ITIN, while a branch can accept different identification documentation. If you live in the UK and cannot meet the online requirements, an in-person branch application may be necessary. The monthly fee can be waived if you meet qualifying conditions.

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.

*Original research: 9 June 2025. Selected fees and requirements checked on 12 November 2026; always check provider terms before applying.

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 UK app-based banks 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 low-cost card spending 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. Applications can usually be started on your phone, subject to each bank's UK residence, identity and eligibility checks.

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?

Many US checking accounts charge a monthly fee unless you meet waiver conditions, although some accounts have no monthly fee. 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:

*Original research: 9 June 2025. Selected fees and requirements checked on 12 November 2026; always check provider terms before applying.

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:

*Original research: 9 June 2025. Selected fees and requirements checked on 12 November 2026; always check provider terms before applying.

Overdraft or insufficient funds fees

Overdraft charges in the US depend on the bank, account and transaction. Some banks charge no overdraft fees, while others charge $30 or more per eligible overdraft. For one-off debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals, a US bank generally cannot charge an overdraft fee unless you have opted into that service.

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.

Many banks offer checking account tiers with different monthly fees and features, for example Chase has higher-tier accounts. Depending on the account, benefits may include interest or ATM-fee waivers.

A savings account

A savings account is designed for saving rather than everyday payments and may pay interest. It is not designed to be your everyday account and has withdrawal restrictions to help you save your money.

Some banks offer higher-tier savings accounts with different fees and features. 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 separately for a credit card, subject to approval. 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 Expat offers international accounts through its Jersey branch, rather than a US-domiciled bank account. Eligibility includes being an adult resident of an eligible country and meeting at least one criterion: holding 75000£ in eligible savings or investments within 3 months, earning a qualifying annual salary of 120000£ paid into the account, or being an existing HSBC Premier customer in another country. Check available account currencies and charges for the specific product.

Lloyds Bank

Lloyds International offers an International Classic account in GBP, EUR or USD, normally costing 5£, 5€ or 5$ per month, but this account is only available to Club Lloyds current account holders. Its International Plus account costs 20£/month and is available to eligible new applicants, but is GBP-only. Balance-based fee waivers and country eligibility restrictions apply. These are international accounts, not US-domiciled checking accounts.

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 International Banking offers accounts in GBP, EUR and USD for eligible customers living in qualifying countries. Its published minimum balance requirement is generally 100000£ or equivalent in savings and/or investments; a 40£ monthly fee can apply after 4 consecutive months below that threshold. Check eligibility carefully. A Barclays international account is not necessarily a US-domiciled bank account.