[BofA] Approved: checking account with ITIN + W-8BEN on file, no branch visit
For the last 2 years I tried opening a Bank of America checking account online as a non-resident with an ITIN. Every few months, same result: the application would end by asking me to visit a branch with two forms of ID.
This time it finally went through.
BofA's online application doesn't really give you a direct NRA / W-8BEN path during account opening. The route that worked was going through the standard online flow with the US details entered, getting approved first, and then correcting the tax status properly afterward through their tax department. The W-8BEN part happens after approval, not during.
The application went into pending status, and around 12 hours later the approval email came in. I logged in, set up online banking, and made the initial $200 deposit with a debit card.
Within about a week of approval I called BofA and asked to speak with their tax department so I could submit Form W-8BEN. The direct line I was routed to is >!877-356-5869!< \- it isn't published on their site, and I re-checked it before posting this. If it ever stops working, call the main BofA number and ask to be transferred to the consumer tax department.
From what I've heard, BofA is one of the more NRA-friendly major banks, especially once the account is already open and you just need the proper W-8BEN on file.
They asked whether I wanted the form by email or wanted to visit a branch. I asked for email. Within 24 hours I received a secure email from Bank of America's Tax Department with their own version of the W-8BEN attached, three pages.
Fairly straightforward NRA/tax details:
* Foreign address * Foreign tax ID * US tax ID * Whether I had been in the US for 31 days or more * Foreign passport copy
I specifically confirmed with the agent that the US mailing address can stay on the account, while the W-8BEN lists the foreign address for tax residency purposes.
I filled it out, signed it, attached a copy of my foreign passport, and replied through the same secure email thread exactly as instructed. Within about a week, my account status was updated properly as a non-resident account with Form W-8BEN on file.
Debit card arrived at US mailing address, added it to Apple Pay, ran a test transaction. It's been roughly one month and everything is still working normally. There was also a BofA sign-up bonus offer available when I applied, up to $500, which I used when opening the account.
So the route is: open through the standard online application first, then get the NRA / W-8BEN status updated through the tax department after approval. For non-residents who can't visit a US branch in person, this is a possible way to get a checking account at one of the major US banks with an ITIN and proper W-8BEN / NRA status on file.
Datapoint only. Don't freestyle the tax side. If you go this route, get the W-8BEN and NRA status handled properly.
*Originally wrote this up for the ITIN community I run on Skool - there are a lot more datapoints like this one in there:* [*https://www.skool.com/itin*](https://www.skool.com/itin/about)