Opening a bank account as an international student: What to know

Quick insights

• International students may not need a U.S. phone number or Social Security number (SSN) to open a checking account.
• There are several forms of acceptable identification that international students may submit when opening a checking account, including a passport, Matrícula Consular Card or Employment Authorization Card.
• Students generally do not need to have their parents present to open a checking account.

International students studying and living in the U.S. may find it advantageous to have access to a bank with a U.S presence. It may make it easier to get access to U.S. currency, make payments and avoid foreign transaction fees.

If you’re an international student looking to open a checking account, you may have questions. We've compiled some commonly asked questions—and their answers—below.

Frequently asked questions: A guide for international students

Read on to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about opening a bank account if you are an international student, which include:

• Do I need a U.S. phone number to open a bank account?
• Is a Social Security number required to open a bank account?
• Can I use soft copies of required identification?
• Do my parents or legal guardian need to be present when I open an account?
• Can a parent or legal guardian open an account on behalf of a student?
• What are the requirements for applying for a debit card at a bank?
• When should I expect to receive my debit card after opening my account?
• How can I send money from my international bank account to my U.S. bank account?
• Are there any fees associated with sending or receiving money from another bank?
• How can I fund my account?
• When is it necessary to make a deposit into the account, and what might occur if I don’t?
• What should I consider when deciding to open a savings account alongside my checking account?

Do I need a U.S. phone number to open a bank account?

Having a U.S. phone number is typically not a requirement as an international student, however, it may be helpful to have one before opening an account because it may make it easier for banks to reach you.

Students will need acceptable forms of identification and proof of address when opening a bank account. For non-permanent U.S. residents, acceptable forms of primary identification may include:

• Matrícula Consular Card
• Passport
• U.S. Employment Authorization Card with photo

You may need to provide secondary forms of identification to the bank as well. Alternative forms of ID may include an employer ID with photo, student ID with photo or a utility bill with your name and address.

Is an SSN required to open a bank account?

Non-U.S. residents may be able to open a bank account at some financial institutions without having an SSN. In its place, acceptable forms of identification (PDF) may include:

• Driver’s license with photo
• Matrícula Consular Card
• Passport
• Student ID with photo
• U.S. Employment Authorization Card with photo

Can I use soft copies of required identification?

Soft copies are forms of ID that are photocopies or reproductions of the original. Students may need to use original IDs when opening an account. Many banks do not consider screenshots or copies of IDs acceptable forms of identification. You may also want to check that your IDs are valid and not expired before opening an account.

Do my parents or legal guardian need to be present when I open an account?

International students generally do not need a parent or guardian present to open a student checking account. Banks often base account holders’ eligibility on a certain age range or enrollment in an accredited educational institution. Student checking accounts may have specific age and enrollment requirements and may require a minimum deposit.

Can a parent or legal guardian open an account on behalf of a student?

The account holder typically must be present to open the account, so parents likely cannot open a bank account without the child present.

What are the requirements for applying for a debit card at a bank?

If you are an international student in the U.S., you may want to apply for a debit card. Debit cards allow consumers to make transactions with funds from their checking account. They are often provided when you open an account at a bank, credit union or financial institution.

When applying for a debit card, you may need to provide your:

• Government issued photo ID or driver’s license
• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Proof of address

Once you are approved for a checking account, a debit card is often provided to you. If you do not receive one automatically, you may be able to apply for a debit card online or through your bank's customer service department.

When should I expect to receive my debit card after opening my account?

Debit cards typically arrive in the mail about a week after opening a new account. If you don’t receive your card within two weeks, you can typically request a new card online.

If you have an online account with your bank, you may be able to request a new debit card when logged into the website or mobile app.

How can I send money from my international bank account to my U.S. bank account?

You typically can send an international wire transfer if you want to transfer money from your international bank account to a U.S. account. To do this, you may need:

• The exact amount of money you wish to send.
• The recipient’s full legal name and current address.
• An address and name for the recipient’s bank or transfer service provider.
• The recipient’s bank account number and account type.
• A SWIFT or BIC bank code for the recipient, where applicable.
• Your purpose for the transfer.
• Your driver’s license or other form of Government-approved ID, if sent from your bank branch.

In addition, your mobile phone may be needed for a one-time passcode to validate the transfer.

International wire transfers generally take 1-5 business days. Transfer cut-off times, federal regulations, weekends and bank holidays can affect how long it takes to transfer money overseas.

Are there any fees associated with sending or receiving money from another bank?

Some banks may not charge a fee for sending or receiving money from another bank when making digital transfers.

Often times, banks allow you to set up digital transfers to external accounts online or via app. For transfers to or from different banking institutions may take 2-3 business days. Note that some banks charge a fee to move money to different banks, so you may want to check the terms and conditions prior to starting a transfer.

How can I fund my account?

At the time of your account opening, you can fund it by making a deposit at the bank. You also may be able to electronically move funds to your account one of these ways:

Direct Deposit: Direct deposit is a common electronic payment method used for a company’s payroll process. When employees enroll in direct deposit, a company can send money for single payments or on a recurring basis. To make a direct deposit, a company sends money directly to the account the employee has designated with their employer.

Wire transfer: A wire transfer is another way to move money electronically between banks. A wire transfer relies on the individual bank to process the transaction and transfer the money from payer to payee. The money only moves when the bank confirms that there is enough money available to complete the transfer.

eCheck: An eCheck is a type of electronic funds transfer (EFT), which is an exchange of money between bank accounts. eChecks may be a one-time or recurring electronic payment used in place of a paper check. They are generally processed within 3 to 5 business days of being issued.

When is it necessary to make a deposit into the account, and what might occur if I don’t?

You may not need to make a deposit when opening the account. However, you will need to add funds to the account prior to using it. If there isn’t enough money in your checking account to cover a purchase, you may be charged an overdraft fee.

What should I consider when deciding to open a savings account alongside my checking account?

One of the first steps to building a strong financial foundation may be opening a savings account. Whether you’re saving up for a long-term milestone, building an emergency fund or simply trying to incorporate sound financial habits into your life, a savings account may be a useful tool for reaching your financial goals. In addition, some savings accounts may offer overdraft protection with a checking account if the accounts are with the same financial institution.

In summary

There are many things international students may want to consider before opening a bank account. But provided you have the right documentation, there are checking and savings accounts available to international students. As with any new account, you may want to read the terms and conditions prior to beginning the application and account opening process.