If you are searching for the answer, then let me tell you there’s no official minimum bank balance for a U.S. B1/B2 visa. Consular officers don’t approve you just because your account shows a big number, and they won’t deny you just because it’s modest. What they look for is whether you can pay for your trip and whether your overall situation (job, family, travel history, finances) shows you’ll return to your country after your visit. In this blog, we will help you understand the financial requirements to get a US tourist visa.

What Officers Actually Assess?

Apart from checking your bank account balance, the officer will also assess the following things:

• Ability to fund your stay (tickets, stay, daily costs, internal travel). There’s no fixed rupee/dollar threshold in U.S. rules.

• Ties to India & intent to return: Employment, business, studies, family, property, prior travel. If you can’t overcome a large balance, it won’t save the case.

• Consistency of finances: Steady inflows and normal spending over several months are preferable to a sudden top-up right before the interview.

A Practical Way to Estimate Your Own “Enough Funds”

Use a trip budget, then add a buffer. Here’s a middle-of-the-road cost guide you can adapt to your itinerary:

• Flights (India - U.S.): $800-$1,300 (70372-114355 INR) round-trip per person (varies by season/city)

• Daily spend (accommodation + food + local transport + activities): $150–$250 (13194-21991 INR) /day per person in major cities

• Internal flights/trains (if any): $150–$400 (13194-35186 INR) per segment

• Visa + insurance + misc.: $150–$250 (13194-21991 INR)

Thumb rule: Show readily available funds that cover your total trip cost + 25–30% buffer, reflected across the recent 6 months of statements. Officers care more about plausibility and stability than a magic number.

Worked examples (per traveller)

• 10 days, one city (budget/mid)
  Daily $170 × 10 = $1,700
  Flights $1,000 + misc $200 ≈ $2,900 total → aim to show $3,600–$3,800 available.

• 15 days, two cities (mid)
  Daily $200 × 15 = $3,000
  Flights $1,100 + one domestic $250 + misc $250 ≈ $4,600–$4,800 → aim to show $5,800–$6,200 available.

(Convert to INR at your current rate. Present multiple accounts if needed.)

What to Submit as Financial Proof?

• Personal bank statements (last 6 months) with name/account visible

• Income proof such as salary slips (3–6 months), employment letter/NOC, or business registration + tax filings

• Tax returns (ITR/Form 16)

• Fixed deposits/investments (optional)

• If a U.S. host will cover costs, they can file Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support); helpful but not a guarantee, and the decision still rests on your overall eligibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are some common mistakes that you should avoid:

• Unexplained last-minute deposits: Large, sudden credits right before the interview look like borrowed “show money.” Either avoid them or document the exact source.

• Only a balance certificate: A snapshot won’t prove stability; officers want 6 months of full statements showing real income and spending patterns.

• Borrowed or circular funds: In-and-out transfers and balances far above your earnings scream “not your money.” Align funds with income or show a transparent sponsor.

• No evidence of ties: Without proof of job/business, studies, family, or assets, you risk 214(b). Carry multiple tie documents, not just one.

• Tight travel dates: Printing or courier delays can derail fixed plans. Apply early and keep a 2-4 weeks’ cushion after the interview.

There’s no fixed minimum balance for a U.S. B1/B2 visa. What matters is a credible trip budget, readily available funds shown over 6 months, and strong ties to your country. Keep documents consistent, avoid last-minute “show money,” and leave buffer time after the interview. Do that, and your finances will speak for themselves.