Opening a US bank account as a non-US citizen or non-US resident can be challenging, but it's becoming more accessible and easier with online banking platforms like Grey. Whether you need it for business or personal reasons, having a US bank account provides flexibility, especially for freelancers, remote workers, or digital nomads. This guide walks you through the steps to open a US bank account online using Grey.

Why open a US bank account as a non-US citizen?

Before diving into the steps, here are some benefits of opening a US bank account:

• Access to global markets: Easily receive and send international payments.
• Reduced transaction fees: Save on conversion fees when dealing with USD.
• Better integration with payment services: Access services like PayPal, Stripe, and other international platforms.

Also read: How to open Pounds account as a non-UK resident

Step-by-step guide to opening a US bank acount with Grey

Opening a US bank accont online through Grey involves two basic steps:

1. Signing up on Grey
2. Identity verification

Now, let’s go through the journey together. Shall we?

1. Signing up on Grey platform

Signing up on Grey is very easy. All you need is to fill in your information accurately. It is all summarised in the 4 basic steps below:

First you need to enter  Grey.co  on your mobile or web browser and click the “Get started – it’s free” button.

1. The first step is to select your country of residence and click the “Continue” button.

2. The second step is to fill in basic information about you. This includes your name (as it is written on your means of identification). Then, you will fill in other fields (see the screenshot below) such as gender, email address, phone number and referral code, if you were referred by someone (Learn how Grey referral codes and earnings work).

3. The next step is to create your account password.

For your password to be accepted, it needs to have at least 8 characters, a lowercase and uppercase letter, a number and a special character. (See the image below). After you’ve done this, accept the terms and conditions and click on “continue”.

4. The final step is to verify your email address.

An OTP code will be sent to your registered email address for verification

You can click on “resend code” if you enter incorrect details or you did not get a code the first time. Then you can now click on the “verify your account” button.

Once your account has been successfully verified, you can select what you want to use Grey for.

‍

N.B - You can select more than one option. Brilliant, isn’t it? Yup, you are not restricted to one of the functions! So after selecting all that applies to your account, you can then click on the “submit” button.

B. Verification of identity

As a non-US citizen, you’ll need to upload a valid government-issued ID (e.g., international passport) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). Grey uses these documents to verify your identity and comply with regulatory requirements. (See the attached images below).

So when you click on “Begin ID verification”, you will be taken to a page where you can enter further details that can be used to verify your KYC.

KYC (Know Your Customer) verification

We will review your documents and verify your identity. This process typically takes a few business days. To speed up approval, ensure that your documents are clear and valid.

Access your US bank account

Once your account is verified, you can now request your US bank account from your dashboard. Once you receive your US bank account details, you can start using it to receive payments, transfer funds, and manage your money seamlessly.

Important tips for non-US citizens

• Choose the right platform: Grey is ideal for non-US citizens looking for easy access to a US bank account without needing a physical presence in the US.
• Stay compliant: Ensure you are aware of any US tax obligations or reporting requirements for foreign account holders.
• Use multi-currency options: Grey offers the flexibility to hold multiple currencies, making it convenient for those transacting in different regions.

Final thoughts

Opening a US bank account as a non-US citizen is very easy with Grey. By following the steps above, you can set up an account quickly and start enjoying the benefits of US banking, no matter where you are in the world. Ready to get started? Sign up on Grey today and take the first step toward global financial freedom!

‍