I didn't need a US address to open a US account, but I did need a SSN (as I was then working in the US that wasn't a problem), but the other thing I did was open a US HSBC account (I have a UK HSBC account). They have branches in NY and Philadelphia I think, but I got a US debit & credit card from them, prior to opening a "local" account in KY. My statements etc are posted online and to my UK address now that I'm back in the UK.