International Student Guide for Opening a Bank Account
Each year, thousands of students come to the United States, from around the world, to attend college. Many believe that they are ineligible to open a checking account in the United States, but that is not necessarily true. This helpful guide will help you navigate the waters in what you will need to open your domestic bank account.
With a convenient branch location in the University of North Texas Student Union or eleven other convenient locations in North Texas, DATCU is here to help you. Opening a checking account will make it easier to pay for living expenses, food, rent, books etc., all while helping you build a credit history and build a solid financial life if you decide to remain in the U.S. after college.
What documents are required to open a DATCU Account:
To open a DATCU Account, you will need to provide the following information so that we can confirm your identity.
- Social Security Number (SSN) – Preferred but not required.
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) – Preferred but not required.
- An unexpired, foreign passport book (if SSN or ITIN are not available).
- A current I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant) issued by the University of North Texas (if SSN or ITIN are not available).
- A U.S. Visa is not required.
With proper documentation, how do I open a DATCU Account:
- With a SSN or an ITIN number, you may conveniently open your checking account online at datcu.org.
- Without a SSN / ITIN, you will need to go to DATCU’s branch located in the UNT Student Union, room 222, for in-person assistance to open your International Student Account.
- DATCU will require an opening deposit of $5 in a share savings account to activate / open your account*.
- When you open a banking account at a U.S. bank or credit union and begin transacting business including making purchases, deposits, paying bills, etc., you are beginning to create a history with your financial institution.
- This financial history will be beneficial to you if you want to borrow money, make a large purchase such as an auto or home; Simply put, this relationship history greatly improves your chance of getting approved if you stay in the U.S upon your college graduation.
- With a domestic financial institution like DATCU, you will have the opportunity for Direct Deposit where paychecks can be electronically delivered directly to your checking account.
- Having a local credit union, makes it much more convenient to pay bills directly online instead of having to utilize money orders that have a fee associated.
- At DATCU, with an active checking account, you will have access to over 55,000+ free, global ATMs.**
- With DATCU’s convenient technology options, you will have immediate access to our free online banking and mobile app. So, wherever you are twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, you’ll be able to manage your money.
- When you are away from campus and need assistance, we have eleven local branch locations nearby to serve you if you need to visit with someone. There is also a virtual branch where you call and speak with a member representative or live chat with us on our website.
We are a local, North Texas credit union who has been serving the community since 1936 when we opened our doors on the campus of what is now UNT. We are proud to support all students, staff, and educators and would be delighted to help you if you ever need us.