How to Open a US Bank Account as an International Student in 2026

Having a US bank account makes your life as an international student significantly easier — for receiving scholarships, paying rent, shopping, and building a US credit history. But opening one without a Social Security Number (SSN) can be tricky. Here's your 2026 guide.

What You Need to Open a US Bank Account

• Passport (valid)
• F-1 or J-1 visa
• I-20 or DS-2019 form
• I-94 entry record (printed from cbp.gov)
• US address (your campus or off-campus address)
• Initial deposit ($25–$100 depending on the bank)

Best Banks for International Students in 2026

• Chase Bank: Campus branches available nationwide. Accepts passport + I-20 + I-94. No SSN required for basic checking.
• Bank of America: Similar requirements. Widely available. Offers student accounts with no monthly fee.
• Wells Fargo: Good campus presence. Accepts ITIN or passport for international students.
• Wise (TransferWise): Online-only but excellent for international students. Multi-currency. No minimum balance.
• Revolut / Chime: Easy signup, no SSN needed. Great for everyday spending.

Opening a Bank Account Before Arriving

Some banks like Wise and Revolut allow you to open an account from your home country and have a US account ready when you land. This is recommended — you can receive your scholarship or stipend from day one.

Building Credit as an International Student

• Apply for a secured credit card using your bank account as collateral
• Use Deserve EDU Mastercard — designed for international students, no SSN required
• Pay your credit card balance in full each month to build a positive credit history