Banking Made Easy for International Students
Opening a U.S. Bank Account
Studying in the U.S. is exciting, but managing your money can be tricky without a U.S.bank account. A U.S. bank account makes it easier to pay for rent, tuition, and daily expenses. It also helps you avoid expensive foreign transaction fees and lets your family send money to you faster and cheaper. Plus, having a U.S. account means you can start building credit, which will help you with things like renting an apartment or getting a credit card in the future.
Popular Banking Options
Adro
Chase College Checking
Bank of America Student Banking
Local Credit Union
SSN Required?
No
Usually Yes
Usually Yes
Usually Yes
Can Open Before Arrival?
Yes
No
No
No
Monthly Fees
$0
$6 (waived for students)
$0 (for students under 24)
Varies ($0-$5)
Foreign Transaction Fees
$0
3%
3%
1-3%
Credit Building
Yes (even without SSN)
Limited
Limited
Limited
Mobile Banking
Yes
Yes
Yes
Often basic
International Wire Transfers
Low-cost transfers
Available (fees apply)
Available (fees apply)
Rarely available
Why we recommend Adro
Sign up before or after you arrive with your US or non-US address and phone number.
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No SSN required
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No monthly fees
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No international transaction fees
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Get a head start on credit building
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US Banking build for International students and scholars
Here’s what you’ll need to open an account
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Your passport and selfie
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Student email or approved visa
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Residential address
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Phone number
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Be at least 18 years old
Opening a bank account shouldn’t be complicated.
Follow these simple steps:
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Sign up online before you arrive No Social Security Number (SSN) required.
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Verify your identity Upload your passport and proof of university enrollment.
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Get your U.S. bank account details You’ll receive your account number and routing number.
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Receive and activate your debit card Use it for everyday spending.
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Start building credit Even without an SSN, Adro helps you establish a financial history in the U.S.
Questions? Answers.
No. With Adro, you can open an account without an SSN, so it’s the perfect choice for international students.
Adro allows international wire transfers with no fees on inbound wire transfers as well as fast processing. Your family can send money directly to your U.S. account, so you get it quickly.
You can pay rent, buy groceries, pay tuition, and use it for online purchases just like a regular U.S. checking account.
Yes! Adro offers tools that help you start building your credit score, even if you don’t have an SSN yet.
With Adro, you can sign up online and get your account details instantly. Your debit card will arrive shortly after!
To open an account with Adro, you'll need:
- A valid passport
- A student email or approved visa
- A phone number (can be international or U.S.)
- A U.S. address (for receiving your debit card)
Gat Started Today
Don’t wait until you arrive in the U.S. to set up your bank account.