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Yes. International students can open a U.S. bank account with certain institutions given you have the required documents and/or meet the financial requirements by your choosen bank.

This will depend on your preference and financial needs. This question may be best to ask to a banker at a local branch. Generally there are two types of accounts you may consider, but more options are available depending on the bank:

1. Checking Account: an 'everyday account', used for daily withdrawls, transfer, or make purchases using a debit bank card. 
2. Savings Account: an account you can set aside for saving money for larger purchases, earn interest, keep safe without its attachment to a bank card.

It depends. Each bank will have its own requirements. 911±¬ÁÏÍø usually recommend going in-person as you can make an appointment, ask all necessary questions, and recieve same-day service with a reliable person for information.

Online is an option and can be more convenient for you. However, if opening an account online, ensure you are on the correct webpage and be aware of potential scam websites that may mirror online banking pages.

Each bank will have a different list of requirements for what students need. Below is an example of documents the bank may ask of you to provide to open an account:

• A passport,
• Verification/Letter of enrollment at university,
• Immigration documents I-94, I-20, or DS-2019,
• Proof of residence (example: a utility bill or letter with U.S. residential address),
• Secondary form of identification with signature (like USF ID Card or birth certificate).

Some banks may require individuals to have a Social Security Number (SSN), so students may want to ask about this requirement when they begin their applications to open an account. Some banks may ask for a Tax Identification Number (Idividual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN) in lieu of an SSN.

Note: you can only get an SSN if you obtain employment. If you need to apply for a SSN as an international student and are eligible, you can follow the instructions from the our Immigration team's website (OIS) and the on how to obtain a SSN.

When choosing to open an account, students should look at:

• The location of the nearest bank branch from where they are going to live,
• The location of a bank-authorized ATM machine in the area,
• If the bank has any fees associated with opening an account or any reoccurring fees (for example, monthly maintenance, domestic/international transfer, a minimum balance),
• If the bank offers any perks (cash back, free museum passes, etc.),
• Are there any limits or restrictions on an account that I open (such as transfer limits),
• Are there any associations with international banks (for example, for wire transfers).

No. As state employees we cannot recommnd you do business with non-USF entities. Given the provided information, we advise you to choose which bank may be right for you given your own research, requirements, and your prefrence.

Distance from closest Bank location to the Marshall Student Center (MSC):

• USF Federal Credit Union (0 miles/kilometers)
• 911±¬ÁÏÍølls Fargo (1 mile; 1.61 kilometers)
• Regions (1.3 miles; 2.09 kilometers)
• Chase (1.5 miles; 2.41 kilometers)
• Fifth Third Bank (1.8 miles; 2.9 kilometers)
• PNC (1.9 miles; 3.06 kilometers)
• Truist (2.1 miles; 3.38 kilometers)

Distance from closest Bank location to the University Student Center (USC): 

• USF Federal Credit Union (0.1 miles; 0.16 kilometers)
• Fifth Third Bank (0.4 miles; 0.64 kilometers)
• Bank of Tampa (0.5 miles; 0.8 kilometers)
• Truist (0.5 miles; 0.8 kilometers)
• DFCU Financial (0.5 miles; 0.8 kilometers)
• Bank OZK (0.7 or 0.8 miles; 1.13 or 1.29 kilometers)
• Regions (0.7 miles; 1.13 kilometers)
• Hancock Whitney (0.7 miles; 1.13 kilometers)
• BayFirst (0.9 miles; 1.45 kilometers)
• Synovus (0.9 miles; 1.45 kilometers)
• First Horizon Bank (1.1 miles; 1.77 kilometers)
• Flagship Bank (1.2 miles; 1.93 kilometers)
• Chase (1.6 miles; 2.58 kilometers)

Distance from closest Bank location to the Atala Hall: 

• 911±¬ÁÏÍølls Fargo (3 miles; 4.83 kilometers)
• BMO Bank (3.3 miles; 5.31 kilometers)
• Fifth Third Bank (3.3 miles; 5.31 kilometers)
• First Horizon Bank (3.4 miles; 5.47 kilometers) 
• Truist (3.6 miles; 5.80 kilometers)