1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Do I Need A U.S. Bank Account While Studying in the USA?

Do I Need A U.S. Bank Account While Studying in the USA?

Aug 21, 2020

Finances are a top concern for international students whether it’s tuition, scholarships, financial aid, or finding a job to earn money. One of the more commonly overlooked questions regarding finances is whether international students should open a U.S. bank account while studying in the USA.

It is strongly recommended that international students open a U.S. bank account once they arrive to study in the USA. Managing your finances with a foreign bank account while in the USA will be difficult. It can also be quite expensive as many banks charge foreign transaction fees and ATM fees.

While there are many different types of bank accounts, it is recommended that international students open a checking account that offers them a debit or Automatic Teller (ATM) card. This will allow you to easily deposit and withdraw cash from an ATM.

No matter which bank you choose, whether it is a bank affiliated with your school, or a large national bank, they all require the same documents to be provided in order to open a bank account in the United States:

  • your unexpired passport
  • your I-20, DS-2019 or I-797 approval notice
  • your I-94 card
  • a secondary form of identification, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate
  • and for students not eligible for a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, Form W-8 BEN

In addition, most schools will provide you with a letter confirming your status as a student at their institution.

Opening a bank account in the USA may seem like a challenge, but there are many resources available to assist you. Check with your school’s international student office as they will have resources and recommendations for you in regards to opening a U.S. bank account.

Follow us:
Written by

Brianna Burrows


Brianna Burrows is a freelance marketing specialist and alumna of Northeastern University. She specializes in event management, social media management, and content branding. Follow her on Twitter here.

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Main image for the article titled Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Main image for the article titled What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Main image for the article titled Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Jamestown Community College SUNY

Jamestown Community College SUNY

$15,000—$20,000 Year

Summer English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
St Joseph's University, New York

St Joseph's University, New York

$30,000—$35,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Masters
Contact
City College of San Francisco Office of International Programs (OIP)

City College of San Francisco

$1,000—$5,000 Semester

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Bachelor Degree English Programs
Contact

Featured Programs

Santa Barbara City College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Fairfax Christian School

Typical cost per Year: $40,000—$45,000

Secondary/Boarding Summer English Programs
Learn More

Shoreline Community College

Typical cost per Quarter: $1,000—$5,000

Bachelor Degree Secondary/Boarding Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Related Stories

Student Government Body of a US College: Everything you need to know as an International student

Main image for the article titled Student Government Body of a US College: Everything you need to know as an International student
Six Aspects of U.S. Culture International Students Need to Know

Main image for the article titled Six Aspects of U.S. Culture International Students Need to Know
Networking as an International Student

Main image for the article titled Networking as an International Student
Living in the Dormitory: Everything You Need to Know

Main image for the article titled Living in the Dormitory: Everything You Need to Know

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming event!

There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming...

Ready to make your MBA dreams a reality? Register now for a virtual or in-person event with The MBA Tour! Don’t miss your chance to speak directly with leading business schools, such as Harvard University, Boston University, Columbia University, UC...

Read more
Partner service logo for Search for Education Loan Options today!

Search for Education Loan Options today!

Nomad Credit helps international students search for and compare education loan (student loan) options, including options for students with a US cosigner or those pursuing a graduate degree. The Nomad team will personally help you with your education...

Read more
Partner service logo for campusSIMS

campusSIMS

campusSIMS helps students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Get a US phone number while in your home country so you have service that’s ready as soon as you land. Plans start as low as $15/month.

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I used Study in the USA to narrow down which colleges to apply to.

Yara Musad Sudan

Study in the USA has helped me understand the American culture and the study abroad program, in a very detailed and well-structured way...

Nada Donzelli Italy

Entering into college is the biggest dream of my parents, me and my community. First in my village to get such an opportunity to study abroad. Thank you StudyUSA, my future will be secured and I can be a blessing also to my community and the world at large

Marcus Naazii Ghana

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.