Studying in the U.S.? This is a step by step guide to getting a U.S. phone number with Ellis Mobile and a U.S. bank account with Ellis Money before your relocation to America. Ellis is here to set you up for success from Day 1.
step 1
Download the Ellis App
Navigate to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search Ellis to download the Ellis App.
step 2
Create an Ellis account
Enter an email to create your Ellis account. You can use a personal email or your school's .edu email.
step 3
Enter your full legal name
Type your Given First Name and Last Name as it is stated on your passport.
step 4
Choose a secure password
Enter a secure password for your Ellis account. You can always change it in the future.
step 5
Select the Ellis product you want to open
Don't worry, you can always go back and set up the other product.
MOBILE
MONEY
step 6
Select the school you are enrolled in
Tell use the school you attend. This allows us to give you a local phone number and calculate your taxes correctly.
step 6
Enter your phone number
Enter the phone number that you are currently using to receive texts. It doesn't have to be a U.S phone number.
step 7
Enter your date of birth
The government requires us to verify your identity to create a U.S. bank account and debit card.
step 7
Enter your SIM card number
Enter the SIM card number listed on the back of the SIM card you received. If you don't have a SIM card, we'll ship you one directly to your house.
step 8
Pick a plan that fits your needs
Choose the Ellis Mobile plan that fits your needs. We'll assign you a U.S. phone number that you can activate when you arrive in the U.S.
step 8
Enter your passport number
If you have a Social Security Number, you can use it instead of your passport number.
step 9
Activate your plan
We won't charge your credit card on file until you have arrived in the U.S. Simply activate your plan when you arrive in the U.S. through the Ellis App!
step 9
Enter your nationality
This is the country that issued your passport.
step 10
Enter the school you are enrolled in
If you are not a student, select I am not a student to use your U.S. residential address to sign up
step 11
Upload images of your passport and address verification documents
Students can upload an I-20 or DS-2019 form. Other users can upload a copy of a lease agreement, utility bill, or pay stub.
step 12
Welcome to Ellis Money
We will typically verify your bank account in less than 24 hours. Deposit money into your account and start spending with your Virtual Debit Card instantly.
step 13
Deposit money into your Ellis account
Use your wire instruction to deposit money into your Ellis account. We will never charge you fees for wires and transfers.
Get the Ellis App
Made for international students, by international students
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