Can a foreigner open a bank account in the US without SSN?
Generally, opening a Rakuten Bank account as a foreigner in Japan requires you to be a resident. Rakuten Bank is a digital-only bank, and its application process is entirely online or via a mobile app, which is heavily integrated with the Japanese domestic identification systems. To qualify, you must have a valid Residence Card (Zairyu Card) that clearly shows your status of residence, a Japanese mobile phone number, and a Japanese bank account or an existing relationship that verifies your identity. If you are on a short-term visitor visa (such as a tourist visa), you will not be able to open an account, as these digital banks require a registered address in Japan to comply with the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds. If you are a long-term resident, the process is straightforward, but it is essential to ensure your name is written in the exact format used on your Residence Card to match the bank's registration database.
Related FAQs
Yes, you can open a US bank account without living in the US, but it requires finding a bank that accepts non-residents and having the right documentation.
Maintaining a balance of one hundred million dollars in a single traditional bank account is entirely permissible, but doing so safely requires careful navigation of federal deposit insurance limits.