Best US Banks for International Students

Best US Banks for International Students Guide

✅ Quick Answer: Best Student Bank Accounts

🔗 Open an Account: Chase Student Banking

📌 How to Choose the Best Bank

1. Look for These Features:

✅ No/low monthly fees (Avoid accounts charging $10+)
✅ No SSN required (Some accept passport + visa)
✅ Free ATM access (Chase, Bank of America have 15,000+ ATMs)
✅ Mobile banking (Deposit checks via app)

2. Avoid These Pitfalls:

❌ High international transfer fees (Use Wise instead)
❌ Minimum balance requirements (Hard to maintain as a student)

🏦 Top 5 Banks for International Students

1. Chase College Checking

• Best for: Nationwide branch access
• Requirements: Student ID, passport, I-20
• Perks:
  • $0 fees for up to 5 years
  • $100 bonus for new accounts

2. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance

• Best for: No credit history
• Requirements: Passport, US address
• Perks:
  • No overdraft fees
  • Waived fee for students under 24

3. Wise (Formerly TransferWise)

• Best for: No SSN + international transfers
• Requirements: Just passport
• Perks:
  • Free US account + routing number
  • 6x cheaper than banks for currency exchange

4. Discover Cashback Debit

• Best for: Online banking fans
• Requirements: SSN or ITIN
• Perks:
  • 1% cashback on debit purchases
  • 60,000+ free ATMs

5. HSBC USA

• Best for: Students from HSBC-supported countries
• Requirements: Proof of enrollment
• Perks:
  • Global transfers with no fees

📝 How to Open an Account (No SSN? No Problem!)

Step 1: Gather Documents

✔ Passport
✔ Visa (F1/J1)
✔ I-20/DS-2019
✔ Proof of US address (Dorm letter or utility bill)

Step 2: Apply Online or In-Person

• No SSN? Try Wise, Bank of America, or HSBC.
• With SSN? Chase or Discover offer rewards.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

• Wire transfer from home country
• Deposit cash at a branch

💡 Pro Tips for International Students

✔ Build credit early with a secured card (e.g., Discover it® Secured)
✔ Use Zelle/Venmo for free peer-to-peer payments
✔ Avoid currency exchange fees with Wise

❓ FAQs: Student Banking in the USA

1. Can I open a bank account without an SSN?

Yes! Banks like Wise, Bank of America, and HSBC accept passports.

2. Which bank has the most ATMs?

Chase (16,000+) and Bank of America (15,000+).

3. How do I send money home cheaply?

Use Wise or Remitly (5x cheaper than banks).

4. Can I get a credit card as a student?

Yes—start with a Discover it® Student Card (no credit history needed).

5. What’s the easiest bank to qualify for?

Wise (no SSN) or Chase College Checking (no fees for 5 years).