Banking & Credit in the US
Building a financial life in the US starts with banking and credit.
Opening a Bank Account
You'll need a US address and valid ID (passport works). Some banks also accept ITIN or SSN. Chase, Bank of America, and local credit unions are popular options.
Building Credit
Your Mexican credit history doesn't transfer. Start building US credit with a secured credit card. Pay it off every month. After 6-12 months, you can apply for regular credit cards.
Money Transfers
For sending money between US and Mexico, Wise (formerly TransferWise) typically offers better rates than traditional banks. Also consider Remitly or bank wire transfers.
ITIN
If you don't have an SSN, you can get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS. This lets you open bank accounts and file taxes.