The 2025 Guide: Can Non-Residents Really Open A Marcus By Goldman Sachs Account?

The question of whether a non-resident can open a Marcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield Online Savings Account (HYSA) is one of the most common and confusing queries in expat and international finance communities. As of December 17, 2025, the answer is not a simple "yes" or "no," but rather a nuanced "it depends entirely on your US tax status and documentation." While Marcus, like most major US financial institutions, requires customers to be a "U.S. Person" or have a strong, verifiable link to the United States, they are one of the few online banks that provides a pathway for individuals who do not possess a Social Security Number (SSN).

The key to unlocking a Marcus account without a Green Card or US citizenship lies in possessing an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a verifiable US residential address. This distinction is crucial and often misunderstood. True non-residents with no US tax ID or physical address will face rejection, but non-citizens, such as international students on an F-1 Visa or temporary workers on an H-1B Visa, often find success by following a specific application process.

The Critical Distinction: Non-Resident Alien (NRA) vs. ITIN Holder

To understand your eligibility for a Marcus by Goldman Sachs account, you must first clarify your status according to US financial regulations. The term "non-resident" is often used broadly, but banks use precise definitions to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act and the Patriot Act.

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What Marcus by Goldman Sachs Requires

Marcus by Goldman Sachs, as a brand of Goldman Sachs Bank USA, is primarily structured to serve "U.S. Persons." A U.S. Person is defined as a U.S. citizen, a U.S. resident alien (Green Card holder), or a domestic partnership, corporation, or estate. However, the bank has a documented process for accepting applicants without the standard Social Security Number (SSN), which is typically the default identifier for U.S. Persons.

• The Core Requirement: To open a High-Yield Online Savings Account (HYSA) or Certificate of Deposit (CD), Marcus requires a valid tax identification number and a verifiable US street address.
• The ITIN Solution: Instead of an SSN, Marcus is among the financial institutions that accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The ITIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who need to file US tax returns but do not qualify for an SSN.

Who is a "Non-Resident Alien" (NRA) in This Context?

A true "Non-Resident Alien" (NRA) is an individual who does not pass the Green Card test or the Substantial Presence Test. If you live outside the US, have no US tax ID, and have no US residential address, you will almost certainly be denied an account. Online banks like Marcus are not set up to handle the international compliance required for customers with no US nexus.

If you are an international student, a temporary visa worker, or an undocumented immigrant who has successfully obtained an ITIN and has a physical US residence, you are in the category that has a high probability of successful account opening. The ITIN establishes your connection to the US tax system, which is a key compliance hurdle for the bank.

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5 Steps to Open a Marcus Account as an ITIN Holder in 2025

The process for non-citizens with an ITIN is slightly different from the standard online application. While Marcus is an online-only bank, applicants without an SSN may need to complete the process via phone or mail to ensure proper documentation is submitted.

Step 1: Obtain Your ITIN (If You Don't Have One)

If you are a non-citizen earning US-source income, or are a dependent of someone who is, you are eligible to apply for an ITIN by filing IRS Form W-7 along with a valid federal tax return and proof of foreign status/identity (e.g., a certified copy of your passport). This process can take several weeks or months.

Step 2: Establish a US Residential Address

A Post Office Box (PO Box) or a virtual mailbox will not suffice. Marcus requires a physical, verifiable US street address for compliance and mailing purposes. This is a non-negotiable requirement for opening any Deposit Account.

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Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation

You will need to have the following ready before starting the application:

• Your valid ITIN.
• Your current US Residential Address.
• A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., your foreign Passport).
• The US phone number and email address you will use for the account.

Step 4: Initiate the Application (Online or By Phone)

While the standard application form is online, ITIN holders often find it best to call Marcus Customer Support to initiate the application. This ensures that the bank's representatives correctly process the ITIN instead of an SSN and can guide you through any additional identity verification steps required under the Know Your Customer (KYC) rules.

Step 5: Complete the Tax Certification (Form W-9)

This is where the term "non-resident" becomes confusing. Despite your immigration status, if you are opening a US bank account, the bank generally needs a tax certification. For Marcus, and many other US banks, if you are using an ITIN and a US address, you will likely be asked to complete a Form W-9. While the W-8BEN form is for certifying foreign status, the bank's internal policy often defaults to the W-9 for accounts with a US tax ID and address, treating you as a resident for tax reporting purposes related to the interest earned. This is a critical step for compliance and receiving your annual Form 1099-INT for interest income.

Tax Implications and Required Forms for Non-Citizens

Successfully opening a Marcus HYSA means you will be earning interest, which is considered taxable income in the US. Understanding your tax forms is essential for compliance with the IRS.

Form W-9: The Standard for Marcus ITIN Holders

The Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification, is the form you use to provide your ITIN and certify that you are subject to US backup withholding rules. Since you have a US tax ID (ITIN) and a US address, Marcus will typically require this form to report the interest you earn to the IRS via Form 1099-INT. This applies even to many individuals who are Non-Resident Aliens for immigration purposes but are treated as a US Person for this specific banking compliance.

The W-8BEN Confusion

The Form W-8BEN, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals), is the form a true, foreign "non-resident" would use to claim a tax treaty benefit and certify they are *not* a U.S. Person. If you attempt to use this form, the Marcus application will likely be rejected because it contradicts the requirement for a US residential address and the bank's primary customer base. The successful applicants are those who are able to complete the W-9 using their ITIN.

Products Offered by Marcus

Once your account is open, you can access the full range of Marcus products, subject to their individual requirements:

• High-Yield Online Savings Account (HYSA): The most popular product, known for its competitive Annual Percentage Yield (APY) and no fees.
• Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Fixed-term savings products with guaranteed interest rates.
• Personal Loans: These products have separate eligibility criteria, often requiring a strong US credit history, which can be difficult for recent arrivals to establish.

In summary, while Marcus by Goldman Sachs cannot open accounts for individuals who are strictly "non-resident" with no US ties, they are a viable option for non-citizens and non-permanent residents who have successfully obtained an ITIN and established a US residential address. By following the correct steps and understanding the required tax documentation (Form W-9), you can successfully access one of the top high-yield savings accounts in the United States.