How to open a bank account in the US non-resident 2025
If you want to open an account to manage your money in USD from the Philippines there are a couple of ways you might go about it. You could open an account with a US bank, you could choose a USD account from a bank in the Philippines, or you could choose a specialist provider like Wise instead. All of these options allow you to get USD account features, including holding a balance - but account features and application processes can be very different.
This guide walks through how you can open a USD account from the Philippines, including US banks and alternatives like Wise.
Key points: Online USD bank account opening in the Philippines
While some US banks do allow non-residents in the Philippines to open an account you may need to do so in a branch, which can be inconvenient
You can also get an account to receive, send, hold and spend USD with a provider like Wise, which has a fully digital application
If your primary purpose is saving USD, you may find you can get a USD account with a local bank in the Philippines more easily than using a US bank
Account features and fees vary a lot - this guide examines each so you can decide if any fit your needs
What documents do I need?
The documents that you need depend on the specific bank and account you select. To give an idea, this is what’s commonly requested by US banks for both resident and non-resident customers:
Primary ID - such as your passport
Secondary ID - such as a birth certificate, debit or credit card in your name
Proof of address if your address - in some cases this must be an address in the US
Your Tax ID information - a foreign Tax ID is fine, you don’t usually need an SSN or ITIN
Save the paperwork with alternative solutions like Wise
Banks in the US usually need a proof of local address there, to access full account services. If you’re a non resident that can be an unnecessary headache, or mean the range of accounts available to you is very limited.
Instead, consider a digital account from a provider like Wise, which you can open using your ID and address from the Philippines, to get US account details, and easy ways to pay and get paid in dollars.
Digital accounts from Wise come with options to hold and exchange USD alongside a selection of other currencies, as well as international debit cards. We’ll look at this in more detail a little later.
How to open a US bank account as a foreigner
The exact steps to open a non-resident US bank account depend on the specific account you choose, and the bank or provider selected. Here’s an overview, and we’ve got more details in just a moment:
Choose the account you prefer and check your eligibility
Some banks do offer non-resident account options in the US, but this isn’t as common as you might think. Alternative providers like Wise may be a better choice. The features and eligibility rules for these accounts can vary - when you choose the account you prefer you’ll need to double check you’ll be eligible to open it before you apply.
Gather the required information and documents
Check which documents are needed by your bank or provider. Proof of ID and address is usually needed as a minimum - you may also have to physically visit a US based branch to apply. If you apply with a digital provider like Wise or Revolut the process is completed entirely online or in app.
Apply online or in branch, and get verified
The application process can sometimes be completed online, but some US accounts for non-residents can only be opened by visiting a physical branch location. Check the account opening processes offered for your preferred account type.
Fund your account and start to transact
When you’ve shown your ID and completed the account opening and verification process you can start to transact. Account information, like a checkbook or card, can be mailed to your home address if you’ve applied online.
What do I need to know before opening a bank account in the US?
Opening an account with a bank in the US when you live in the Philippines may prove very tricky. While some US banks do support applications from non resident customers, you'll often still need a US address - making this unsuitable unless you split your time between the Philippines and the US, and have a home there.
There are alternative options if this doesn’t work for you. For example, if you want an account to hold, send, spend and receive USD with a linked card, try Wise. If your aim is to save a nest egg in USD, a bank in the Philippines may actually be a good bet. We’ve got a look at these options in more detail, later.
Can I open a bank account in the US only with my passport
You’re unlikely to be able to open a US bank account with just a passport. Usually proof of address is required, even if you’re using a service which lets you open your account from overseas.
Which account is best in the US for foreigners?
As we’ve seen, the options to open a US account from the Philippines can include US based banks, banks in the Philippines which support USD holding, and multi-currency accounts from services like Wise. Let’s look at how they compare:
PNB | Bank of America | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Non-resident eligibility | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country | Open from the Philippines to hold USD | Provide several ID documents and a US proof of address |
Open online | Available | Not available | Not available |
Maintenance fee | None | None - dormancy and fall below fees may apply | Varied account options available with their own fees |
Supported currencies | USD and 40+ others | USD | USD |
Overseas card spending costs | Free to spend a currency you hold Currency conversion from 0.57% where needed | Not supported | 3% |
International transfer fee | From 0.57% | Variable fees can apply depending on the payment structure | Fee may be waived for cross currency transfers - exchange rate costs apply |
Wise account
💡Great for: USD and 40+ other currencies supported for holding and exchange |
Wise Accounts can be opened by residents of many countries and regions globally, and offer 40+ supported currencies with mid-market exchange rates and no hidden fees. You can get your linked Wise Card to spend online and in person, send international payments with low fees and fast delivery times, and use USD account information to receive payments conveniently.
In total, the Wise Account offers account information for 20+ currencies which can be used to receive payments with low fees. That makes this a great pick for non residents who need to manage their money across a broad range of currencies.
Eligibility - Available in many countries and regions globally including the Philippines
How to open a Wise account as a non-resident
Download the Wise app or open the desktop site
Select the option to Sign Up
Follow prompts to enter your personal and contact information
Upload the required documents for verification
Tap + to open a USD account from the Wise app
Bank of America account
💡Great for: Non resident account from a US bank which has a large branch network, for people with a US address |
Bank of America offers non-resident accounts which are aimed at professionals and international students who have a US physical address but who are not permanent residents. The accounts suggested include the Bank of America Advantage Banking products which all have monthly fees, with ways to waive fees in most cases. Accounts support USD only for holding, but you can get a card and check services for convenient payments.
Eligibility - Available for non residents with a US address
How to open a Bank of America account as a non-resident
To open a Bank of America account as a non-resident you must make an appointment at a physical branch location and take along all your required information and paperwork.
PNB USD account
💡Great for: Local account in the Philippines with a passbook, to save and earn interest on USD |
The PNB USD account is not a non-resident account as such, but it is a way for residents of the Philippines to hold USD in a secure way, and earn interest. You can apply for your account in a branch, and then register for online banking services to manage your money more conveniently. There’s a minimum deposit amount of 500 USD, and there are fees to pay if you do not maintain this balance. This means that taking this option is better suited to people who want to save in USD, rather than for everyday use.
Eligibility - Available for residents of the Philippines
How to open a PNB USD account
To open a PNB USD account you must make an appointment at a physical branch location and take along all your required information and paperwork.
What is a bank account in the US needed for?
If you’re moving to the US, you’ll probably need to get a US bank account to access basic services, pay rent, and arrange utilities, mobile phones and so on. USD accounts also offer the following features:
Easy to receive payments from others in USD
Hold USD and other foreign currencies to make transacting internationally cheap and simple
Spend conveniently with a local bank card in the US
Access other financial services in the US like credit cards or loans
Benefits of opening a bank account in the US
Having a US bank account if you live there is helpful to limit your costs and make sure you don’t need to unnecessarily convert currencies from PHP to USD or vice versa. You’re also usually required to have a US bank account to get a mobile phone contract, set up household utilities and arrange direct debits for things like rent.
If you’re not moving to the US, a USD bank account can still be handy for those times you travel in the US or spend with UK based ecommerce stores. Again, it can make life more convenient and cheaper, as you can avoid foreign transaction fees.
Can I open a bank account in the US before arrival?
Generally, US banks do not allow you to open a US bank account without also having a US address. This means you can’t really get an account set up prior to moving if you’re relocating there. Alternative providers like Wise can help, with USD accounts for people in the Philippines, and no requirement for a US address.
Can I open a bank account online?
As a non-resident you are likely to have to visit a US bank branch to open an account. Fully digital services like Wise can be a smart alternative, with a fully online and in app onboarding.
How long does it take to open a bank account in the US?
If you’re eligible to open a bank account in the US online you’ll be able to complete the process quickly, but you’ll then have to wait a few days for your connected card to be mailed to you. Opening an account in a branch could take longer but you should be OK to get all your account documents and card on the same day as long as verification is complete.
What are the types of bank accounts in the US
Accounts for daily use in the US are generally known as checking accounts. They usually offer debit cards, and may also come with check books. Accounts are able to hold USD only but you can send payments overseas easily, and use your card when you travel.
How much does it cost to open a bank account in the US?
Unless you pick a premium account type which requires a high minimum deposit, you’ll probably find that there’s no fee for opening your US bank account. However, with accounts which have no monthly charge, there are likely to be transaction fees, including ATM and payment fees which can be pretty steep, especially for international transactions.
Is it possible to open a fee-free account in the US?
It may look like you can access fee free banking in the US, but that’s not really true. Most US bank accounts have a selection of transaction fees which depend on how you use your account. These costs may not look like the bank fees you’re used to in the Philippines, so reading the account terms and conditions is essential.
If you’re looking for an international account which has transparent pricing for services, compare the bank options you’re considering against Wise, which has clear and simple pricing and low costs.
What are the additional costs?
Opening your account with a bank in the US may be free, but you could come across a range of other costs including:
Foreign transaction fees - when you spend with a card overseas
Withdrawal fees for ATM use - at home and abroad
International payment fees - which can vary by destination and payment type
Charges for receiving funds into the account - particularly for international payments
Overdraft charges and interest - usually higher if your overdraft has not been arranged in advance
Fees if a payment is refused or returned due to lack of funds
Tips for sending money between the Philippines and the US
Living overseas comes with some extra costs, including high fees for sending international payments. However, sending money overseas is usually a fact of life for an expat, so it’s important to be aware of some of the ways your fees may mount up when you use a bank:
International payment fees can be higher when sending a payment by phone or in a branch
Expect charges for both sending and receiving payments
Bank exchange rates usually include a markup which is an extra fee hidden in the rate applied
Third party costs may be deducted from the payment as it is processed, unless you opt to cover all additional charges when you initiate the transfer
Conclusion: Open a bank account online in the US as a resident of the Philippines
It is possible to open a non-resident account in the US, but this might require you to visit a branch in person, and have a US residential address. This may not be convenient or even possible. If you don’t want to use a US bank you can still access USD banking services conveniently. You might choose a specialist account from a provider like Wise, or you could use a local bank in the Philippines which offers USD account services instead.
This guide covers your top options to open an account to manage USD from the Philippines, whether you’re a part time US resident, looking for an everyday account or wanting to save. Bank of America could be a good pick if you have a US address as well as a place in the Philippines, PNB could offer local USD services - or Wise may be a smart choice if you want a flexible, cheap multi-currency account covering USD and PHP side by side.
Open an American bank account online FAQs
Yes. You can open a bank account as a non resident with US banks like Bank of America - but you need to visit in person to do so. If you’re not moving to the US, and don’t visit often, consider Wise, which allows you to apply fully online.
There’s no cost to open a bank account in the US, although some accounts may have a minimum deposit you need to place. If you decide to use a USD account in the Philippines, a minimum deposit may apply - with PNB this is 500 USD.
If you’d like to open a USD account online you might find your easiest option is to use a fully digital service from a provider like Wise - many US banks require you to go to a branch in person to get an account open.
To get an online USD account with a provider like Wise you’ll need to complete an application and upload some documents including a proof of ID and address. This can be done with your phone or laptop.
Many US banks do not offer online account opening to non-residents, making it hard to get your account before arrival. Check out Wise instead, which accepts proof of address documents from many countries, allowing you to apply before you fly.