Banking Made Easy for International Students
Opening a U.S. Bank Account
A U.S. bank account makes paying rent, tuition, and daily expenses easier, helps avoid foreign transaction fees, lets family send money quickly and cheaply, and can help you build credit for the future.
| 🔥 MOST POPULAR | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature |  |  |  | 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 | If you open a credit card |
| Mobile Banking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Often basic |
| International Wire Transfers | Low-cost transfers | Available (fees apply) | Available (fees apply) | Rarely available |
| Open an Account | Learn More | Learn More |
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.
Frequently asked questions
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)
Get Started Today
Don’t wait until you arrive in the U.S. to set up your bank account.