Do you need a US phone number to open a US bank account?
Usually yes. Most US banks and fintechs send SMS codes during signup and for every login afterwards, and a foreign number is often refused at that step. A VoIP line that accepts international signups is the common fix. A few digital-first banks take an international number, so check before you buy anything.
Why the number matters more than it should
The number is not a formality. It is the channel the bank uses for two-factor authentication, so if it fails at signup it will keep failing later. Banks also treat a number that does not match the rest of your file as a risk signal.
What tends to work
A business VoIP line from a provider that onboards customers outside the US. Google Voice is popular but needs a US-based step to create the account, which defeats the point if you are applying from abroad.
Are you a good fit?
Find out what you would qualify for in the US credit and banking system, in about two minutes.
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