Yes—proceed with your approved Discover secured card if you can afford its deposit and monthly payments, and you can apply for checking without first building U.S. credit history.

Card features, deposit FAQ and footnote 3

No annual fee A secured credit card requires a refundable deposit, which is held as collateral for the account. Deposit amount will be $49, $99, or $200 based on creditworthiness. You must make your required deposit payment within 35 days of being approved. You can make your deposit online. Your card status will be regularly reported to the three major credit bureaus.

Keep balances low; avoid excessive applications; pay balances monthly

If you use too much of your credit limit, it may hurt your credit score. Some experts advise using no more than 30 percent of your total credit limit – while others say you should use less than 10 percent. Your credit score may go down if you apply for or open a lot of new accounts in a short time. Pay off your balances in full each month to avoid paying finance charges. Paying off your balance each month can also build better credit than carrying a balance, because it helps keep you from getting too close to your credit limit.

Checking-account reports and adverse-action notices

Checking account reporting companies compile these reports using information about your checking account and transaction history from all the banks and credit unions you’ve held accounts with. It’s possible to have a great credit score and a not-so-good checking account report. You are also entitled to a free copy if you have received an “adverse action” notice. For example, if a bank or credit union turns you down for a checking account based on a report, the bank must give you a notice that includes the name and contact information of the checking account reporting company that provided the report.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can open a bank account in the U.S. When you open a bank account at Bank of America, you’ll need to provide a physical address where you reside, two forms of unexpired identification and a tax identification number (if applicable). Bank of America does not require a SSN to open a bank account in the U.S.

Required identification and branch appointment

**Primary ID – examples include, but are not limited to:** Foreign passport with or without U.S. issued visa U.S. permanent resident card (with photo) **Secondary ID – examples include, but are not limited to:** Foreign driver's license with photo or U.S. driver's license Debit or major credit card with Visa® or Mastercard® logo Set an appointment to meet with an associate at a financial center. Please bring all the required identification and documents shown above to your appointment.

Eligibility requirements

**If you are a non-resident alien (NRA),** you’ll need to provide **both** a physical foreign address and U.S. mailing address, as well as two unexpired forms of identification (ID) and a tax identification number (if applicable). **If you are a resident alien (RA),** you’ll need to provide a physical U.S. address, as well as two unexpired forms of identification (ID) and a tax identification number (if applicable). **If you are a citizen of a country subject to U.S. economic or financial sanctions,** **you are required to provide proof of U.S. residency documentation.** Acceptable documentation must demonstrate lawful U.S. residence and may be requested in addition to the ID and address requirements listed above.

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking

• No Overdraft Item Fees • No paper checks • Use direct deposit • Non-interest bearing account • Sole ownership for ages 16+ • Minimum to open - $25.00 Monthly maintenance fee for Advantage SafeBalance Banking account - $4.95 To avoid the monthly maintenance fee, meet one of the following requirements during each statement cycle: • An owner of this account is under the age of 25 Or • Maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 or more in your account Or • An account owner is enrolled in BofA Rewards and qualifies for the Preferred Plus, Preferred Honors, or Premier tier.

Contact customer service

You can reach a live agent by calling 1-800-347-2683.

Resident aliens

You are a resident of the United States for tax purposes if you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test for the calendar year (January 1 – December 31).