I got F1 visa approved and I will be traveling to USA in August.
I wanted to know Can I open a bank account on F1 Visa while in USA? I will be carry bank draft to pay for college fees and my living expenses.
Bank Account with F1 Visa
Students in F1 Visa can open bank account in USA.
Banks would require your passport and I-20 and few other documents.
Read the following articles to learn about Banking in USA
- Bank Account Types – Checking and Savings
- Open Bank account without SSN?
- Why You Should Open Online Savings Account
Please don’t do what this – Why I opened 4 Bank Accounts?
Try to open checking account in the bank that is near your campus. Talk to your college friends who already have an bank account.
They should say which bank will be convenient to work with near the campus.
Hello,
I am an international student with F1 visa and tried to open a saving account in ING Direct and Ally. But both of them told me I couldn’t because I did not have SSN and US citizenship. Can you tell me if you know any other online bank that accepts F1 visa students?(I want an online saving account to save more)
SSN would be required. Try opening one in the same bank where you have your checkings account.
you may also choose to open an account even before your arrival in usa. hsbc has a special service which takes care of all the hassles involved. it is offered in all the indian metros but not sure of smaller cities. and swift transfers are safer than carrying the paper draft. bon voyage!
HSBC doesn’t have lot of branches. I have seen HSBC branch only in NY.