How to open a bank account without a physical address #CashNews.co

Opening a bank account without an address is difficult but not impossible. While banks are required to verify your residential address, they have some flexibility when it comes to acceptable addresses and documentation.

For example, if you’re a soldier, you can provide the bank with your Fleet Post Office (FPO) box number instead. If you live with a relative, you can provide the relative’s residential address. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to verify the street address with qualifying documentation.

Who can open a bank account without an address?

Some banks will approve you to open an account, even without a verifiable U.S. address, as long as you belong to one of these groups:

For other applicants, you may be able to provide the address of an immediate relative or another qualifying contact.

Why do banks require an address?

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address before letting you open an account. This requirement comes from the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (BSA/AML) act, and it’s meant to prevent crimes like money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Steps to apply for a bank account without a physical address

Every bank has a different process to apply, but you can generally take these steps to find and apply for an account:

1. Look up the application requirements at multiple banks and credit unions. If possible, find multiple financial institutions (FIs) where you qualify.

2. If you’re eligible at multiple FIs, choose the best one based on the bank account fees and features.

3. Gather the required documents and submit your application. Depending on the FI, you may need to apply in person.

4. Wait for the bank or credit union to review and approve your application.

5. If required, make an opening deposit to your account.

Options for opening a bank account without an address

There are a handful of ways to qualify for a bank account without your own physical address. The main obstacle is finding a bank that works with your situation. Here are some ways you can potentially qualify, depending on the bank:

Servicemembers

While the BSA requires address verification, it also states that banks can accept alternatives. For a servicemember without a street address, you can list your Army Post Office (APO) box number or your Fleet Post Office (FPO) box number.

Veterans

If you’re a veteran without a residential address, you can apply to open any bank or credit union account by presenting your VA identification card and listing your VA Homeless Coordinator’s office address.

People with confidential addresses

If you participate in an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), you can list your state-issued P.O. box address instead of your residential address.

ACPs provide substitute addresses and confidential mail forwarding to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes. To find out if your state has an ACP program and how to contact the program, check AddressConfidentiality.com.

Non-residents and other groups

If you don’t have a residential address, you may still be able to qualify for a bank account by listing and verifying the address of a loved one.

According to the BSA, you can provide the address of your next of kin or “another contact individual” if you don’t have a street address. The BSA doesn’t specify who qualifies as another contact individual, but this person should be prepared to provide their taxpayer identification number (EIN or SSN) and/or passport number.

For non-citizens who simply can’t get approved for a bank account in the U.S., one of these banking alternatives might be your best option:

• International bank: A bank that offers accounts in your home country but gives you access in the U.S.

• Correspondent banks: A bank in your home country that has a banking partner in the U.S.