Bank Accounts: Citizenship Requirements

Awhile ago some readers began requesting us adding a section to our bank account bonus posts stating whether being a U.S. citizen was required for account opening or not. I said I was happy to start creating a resource page, if people would tell me what accounts did/didn’t have this requirement. This is that resource page, please contribute your own data points to make this page more useful. If you like this post you might also be interested in our post on applying for credit cards with an ITIN. We also have a post on banks/credit unions that will allow you to apply for a bank account without a SSN.

If possible try to break it down into the follow:

  1. Citizen
  2. Green card Holder (PR, LPR)
  3. Resident Alien with SSN (excluding GC)
  4. Resident Alien without SSN
  5. Non-resident Alien (already covered by this post)

It’s also useful to note if you opened in branch or online.

Alliant

  • Citizenship not required: 1 (in branch)

Ally Bank

  • U.S. Citizenship Required: 1,
  • Doesn’t require citizenship: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
  • Opened as permanent resident: 1,

Bank of America

  • Citizenship not required: 1 (in branch)

BB&T

  • Citizenship not required: 1 (must apply in branch), 2 (worked online)

Capital One

  • Must be a U.S. person for tax purposes: 1,

Chase

  • Doesn’t require citizenship: 1, 2, 3, 4 (in branch)

CIBC

  • Doesn’t require citizenship, but additional background check will be done: 1,

CIT Bank

  • Must be U.S. Citizen or greencard holder: 1,

Citi bank

  • Must be U.S. Person to apply online: 1,
  • In branch available to everybody: 1,

Citizens Bank

  • Must be U.S. Citizen: 1, 2,
  • Must be U.S. person: 1,

Discover

  • Opened as permanent resident: 1,

Huntington Bank

  • Must be U.S. Citizen: 1,
  • In branch U.S. Citizen not required: 1,

Iberiabank

  • Must be U.S. Citizen: 1,

PNC

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen to open online, can open in branch without.

Salem Five

  • Must be U.S. Citizen or permanent resident alien when opening online: 1,

Simple Bank

  • Must be U.S. Citizen: 1,

S&T Bank

  • Rejected with green card only: 1,

Swell Investing

  • Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident: 1, 2 (not required)

Tastyworks

  • Allows Green card holders (though these may require addition verifications)

U.S. Bank

  • Citizenship not required: 1 (in branch)

Wells Fargo

  • Citizenship not required: 1,
  • Must be U.S. person: 1,
  • Opened as permanent resident: 1,

Valley National Bank

  • US Citizen or US Permanent Resident only: 1,
    William Charles
  • On January 13, 2019, 11:00

View Comments (159)

  • It is really tricky for me. Obviously there are different criteria exists for RA and NRA.
    In my case, I am not US citizen, but a visa holder. I stayed nearly 1.5 years in USA, working with SSN. The IRS test (something 183 day) says I am RA based on the days. However, with my visa type, it makes an exemption that the days with my visa type is not going to be counted and therefore I will be treated as NRA despite I pass the RA test... There is also tax-treaty between my home country and USA which allow me exempt from federal income tax for a few years. This makes me need to submit W8BEN instead of W9.
    I submitted my tax report last year, with 1040-NR form. I think I counted the days in US and reported it. (it was probably a mistake, but anyway there was zero withholding so nothing to lose). Those rules need to be revised to avoid confusion. My best guess is - banks want to know the tax status of customers so that they can handle either W9 or W8 to process 1099-int/misc (for RA) or 1042-S (for NRA).

    On my first entry to US for work purpose, I could open check account with TD before I start work / obtain SSN. However, they did not allow me enrolling for their ongoing promotion. TD offers saving promo, which end up with errors - I could not open it online.

    Recently I visited Chase branch with appointment, the staff helped me opening both check and saving accounts with their $900 promo code. At the first trial using my passport and bill post, their system ask me to sign on W9. I mentioned that I am on specific visa - once the staff used the visa document, dang - the system ask me to sign on W8BEN. Tax-free-bonus YEY

  • I'm wondering about a slightly different datapoint :

    An In-law is a US resident, has SSN and doesn't drive anymore due to an accident (mostly homebound) so DL is expired. Would they still be able to apply online and use the GC as a form of ID if asked? Going into a branch is next to impossible but they could use the extra cash.

  • Hopefully the new immigration bill that proposes renaming "alien" to "noncitizen" for immigration purposes will clear up the IRS "resident alien" vs USCIS "alien" confusion. (unless they also rename the IRS "alien" - if only we can just have clear terms that don't overlap 😂)

  • Has anyone ever said 'yes' when the answer was really 'no'? Are there any consequences?

    I am applying for People's United Bank. It asks specifically whether you are a US citizen and if you say 'no' they say they cannot process your application. Other banks always ask if you are a resident or US person, and I have never been rejected due to my status (had accounts at 10 different banks as a resident alien with SSN). Wondering if they really check anything if you answer 'yes'.

  • Resident Alien without SSN
    Discover bank savings account opened online as a Resident Alien without SSN.
    Capital one 360 checking & savings opened online as a Resident Alien without SSN.
    Betterment account opened online as a Resident Alien without SSN.

    Resident Alien with SSN
    CIT Bank savings opened online as a Resident Alien with SSN.
    Tastyworks trading account opened online as a Resident Alien with SSN.

    • Hi @guest_1076229 , I hope you see this message ... Do you remember if the online application asked for ID and was using your Green Card an option?

      • @guest_1592186 , I didn't choose Greencard for ID, I always give my driver's license as ID. The banks usually ask whether you are a citizen or resident of US. Some banks restrict non-citizens from opening account.

        • Thanks @guest_1076229. In-laws that I'm helping doesn't drive anymore so no DL. I was hoping using Green card was a viable option. They are residents of US.

  • I'm a Resident Alien with SSN (excluding GC). I tried to apply for a checking account with US Bank online. They have a question "Country of permanent residence". I wonder what that mean. I entered my country of citizenship there. In the end when i submit the application it said they cannot process the request.

  • Customers Bank (currently with one of the better interest rates of 2.25%) requires US citizenship (not even a green card will do). The online app said (at the very end) that non-citizens can't open an account online, and to call in. Called in, and the phone rep confirmed citizenship is required, period.

  • I am a temporary resident (resident alien for tax purposes, with SSN) and have sucessfully opened
    - M&T
    - Santander
    - Wells Fargo
    - Charles Schwab
    - American Express Savings
    online.

    I could also open an Citizens Bank account online, but had to go to a branch to enroll for online banking. No idea if calling would have worked, I guess yes. They only read in my debit card in the branch.

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