Worried about how much money you need to get a U.S. visa? Here’s a fun yet practical guide on the real costs, bank account myths, and what consulates actually care about in 2025.
Money, money, money…
Half of all U.S. visa questions sound exactly the same:
“How much should I have in my bank account?”
“How much does a U.S. visa cost?”
“How much money do I need to get approved?”
Let me disappoint you right away! You can’t buy a U.S. visa like you’d buy bananas by the pound. Even if you’ve got a gold, platinum, or titanium card — nope. You can’t just stroll into a store and say:
– “Two visas to Miami, please. My husband and I need a vacation.”
– “Sorry, no discount today. Full price.”
It just doesn’t work like that.
But let’s break down how much money you actually need.
💰 What’s the official cost of a U.S. visa?
Easy: $185.
That’s the consular fee.
And that’s it — if you’re doing everything on your own.
There are no other official government fees.
But!
There are unofficial expenses — like travel to the embassy, overnight stay if it’s far, snacks, coffee, taxis (especially if you panic about being late).
Totally up to you.
📝 Why would you need a translator?
Let’s say you’re applying in a country where the language sounds like a Martian weather forecast to you — then yes, you’ll need a translator.
Prices in Europe:
- Poland: €40–70
- Romania: €75–100
- Germany: roughly the same or a bit more
Why? Because the interview is in English or the local language — and without a translator, you might agree to something you didn’t even understand.
🧑💼 Do you need a visa agent?
If you want a visa and peace of mind, consider a visa agent (like me 😉).
Fair market rates:
- Simple consultation — from €40
- Full support — up to €250
Anything too cheap? Suspicious.
Too expensive? Also a red flag.
I charge €50–150 depending on how much help you need and how deep we go into your case.
💵 Total Costs
All in all, expect to spend $185–400 per person.
Could be less if you skip translators and agents.
Could be more if you love comfort and certainty.
✍️ Quick summary for the busy and stressed:
✔️ You can’t buy a visa. Not even with a “2-for-1” coupon.
✔️ The official fee is $185.
✔️ Additional costs may include a translator, transport, food, agent, etc.
✔️ Final total: around $185 to $400.
✔️ The more you value peace of mind, the more you’ll likely spend.
💼 What about the money in your bank account?
Or why borrowing cash just to impress the consulate is a terrible idea.
People stress out way too much over this:
“How much money should I have in my account to get the visa?”
Some even borrow money, deposit it just for a few days, print out a bank statement, and proudly show it to the embassy, thinking:
“Look! My financial power! They’ll open the gates of America now!”
Take a breath. Nobody at the U.S. Embassy is going to dig into your account looking for hidden millions or count your coins. In fact, your bank account is usually irrelevant.
In rare cases — for example, freelance IT workers — they might ask for a bank statement just to confirm where your income comes from.
(Spoiler: if it’s from a U.S. company and you’re applying for a tourist visa — that’s a red flag.)
But for most people? They don’t care.
💳 So… do you need money for the visa?
Of course! You can’t travel on vibes alone.
You’ll need to buy a ticket, book accommodation, eat, get insurance — all of that costs money.
Ideally, it’s your money.
And ideally, it’s not your life savings stored in a jar under the bed — but regular income from a job or stable business.
📊 How much money do you need for the trip?
As much as you’ll realistically spend — depending on your travel style and goals.
The embassy cares less about your bank balance and more about your overall profile:
- Your job
- Your travel history
- Your lifestyle
- Your level of income
Going to visit your daughter in Chicago for a week?
A couple thousand bucks is fine.
Planning a luxury family vacation in Hawaii with surfboards and fancy hotels?
Start at $6,000–8,000.
And yes — this is clearly stated on the U.S. Embassy’s website.
📌 Do you need to prove it with statements?
Most of the time — no. As long as you can clearly explain where your money comes from.
This info is shown in your visa form, during the interview, in your job documents, etc.
Bank statements are optional — not mandatory.
✍️ Final thoughts (for those running to the bank right now):
✔️ Bank statements are rarely required.
✔️ The embassy looks at your life, not just your money.
✔️ You need money for travel — not for the visa itself.
✔️ The amount depends on your travel plans, not on a visa officer’s mood.
✔️ Chicago = cheaper. Hawaii = get your wallet ready.
