Most banks require an SSN, but alternatives exist if you don't have one
Most U.S. banks will ask for your Social Security number when you open a checking account. They use it to run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database) and to report account activity to the IRS. If you have a valid SSN, the process is straightforward.
If you don't have an SSN—because you're not a U.S. citizen, your status is pending, or for another reason—you have options. Some banks will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Others accept a passport or state ID number in place of an SSN. A few banks have no-SSN accounts specifically designed for immigrants and non-citizens.
The catch: banks without SSN requirements often charge higher fees, offer fewer features, or have lower spending limits. You'll need to call ahead or visit in person to find out which banks in your area will work with you.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks require an SSN to open a checking account, but will accept an ITIN if you have one instead.
- Some banks—including Chime, LendingClub, and certain credit unions—offer accounts to people without an SSN using an ITIN or passport.
- If you're waiting for an SSN to arrive, ask the bank whether you can open an account with a receipt showing you've applied for one.
- Banks use your SSN to check ChexSystems (a record of past banking problems) and to report your account to the IRS for tax purposes.
- No-SSN accounts often have higher monthly fees, lower ATM networks, or spending caps compared to standard checking accounts.
What banks use your SSN for
Your SSN serves two main purposes when you open a checking account. First, the bank runs a ChexSystems check—a report that shows whether you've had problems with past bank accounts, such as overdrafts you didn't pay, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank. This helps the bank decide whether to open your account and what terms to offer.
Second, banks report your account activity to the IRS using your SSN. This is required by law for tax reporting. If you receive interest on your account or the bank suspects unusual activity, they file reports tied to your SSN. Without one, the bank has no way to report this information correctly.
If you have an ITIN, the bank can use that instead of an SSN for both purposes. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN—typically immigrants, visa holders, and others without work authorization. ChexSystems accepts ITINs for background checks, and the IRS accepts them for tax reporting.
Banks that open accounts without an SSN
Several banks and credit unions will open checking accounts using an ITIN or other ID in place of an SSN. The most common options are:
- Chime — Opens accounts with an ITIN and a valid passport or state ID. No monthly fee. Offers a debit card and direct deposit.
- LendingClub — Accepts ITINs. Charges no monthly fee and includes a debit card.
- Some credit unions — Many local and regional credit unions will open accounts for non-citizens with an ITIN and ID. Call ahead to confirm.
- Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones (Bladex) — Serves immigrants and non-citizens. Requires an ITIN and ID.
- Ponce Financial Group — Operates branches in New York and Florida; opens accounts with ITIN and ID.
Before you visit or call, have your ITIN and a government-issued photo ID ready. Some banks may also ask for proof of address (a utility bill or lease) and proof of income. Policies vary by location and change over time, so confirm what you need before you go.
What to do if you're waiting for an SSN
If you've applied for an SSN but haven't received it yet, you have two paths. The first is to wait—SSNs usually arrive within two to four weeks of your application, though it can take longer if there are delays.
The second is to ask the bank whether you can open an account with a receipt or letter showing you've applied for an SSN. Some banks will do this, especially if you have other forms of ID and proof of address. Call the bank's customer service line and ask directly: "Can I open a checking account if I have a receipt showing I've applied for an SSN?" The answer varies by bank and sometimes by branch.
If the bank says no, your options are to wait for the SSN to arrive or to open an account at a bank that accepts ITINs instead. Don't give anyone money to speed up an SSN application—the Social Security Administration does not charge fees, and scammers often target people in this situation.
Fees and limits on no-SSN accounts
Accounts opened with an ITIN often come with trade-offs compared to standard checking accounts. Monthly maintenance fees range from $5 to $15, though some banks waive them if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. ATM networks may be smaller, meaning you'll pay out-of-network fees more often. Daily spending limits and transfer limits are sometimes lower than on standard accounts.
Before you open an account, compare the fee structure and features. Ask about: monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, out-of-network ATM fees, daily withdrawal limits, and whether the bank offers online banking and a mobile app. A bank with a $10 monthly fee but a large ATM network might be cheaper than one with no fee but limited ATM access.
Opening an account in person vs. online
If you don't have an SSN, you'll usually need to open your account in person at a branch rather than online. Online applications almost always require an SSN and run automated ChexSystems checks that won't accept an ITIN. Banks that do open accounts with ITINs typically require you to visit a branch, bring your ITIN letter and photo ID, and sometimes provide proof of address.
Call the bank before you go. Ask whether the specific branch you plan to visit can open an account with an ITIN, what documents you need to bring, and whether you need an appointment. Some branches are more experienced with this process than others, and calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.
What happens if you lie about having an SSN
Do not provide a false SSN or ITIN to a bank. Banks verify SSNs against Social Security Administration records. If the number doesn't match, the bank will close your account and may report you to law enforcement. You could face federal charges for identity fraud or making false statements to a financial institution.
If you don't have an SSN and can't get one right now, use the options listed above instead. Banks that accept ITINs exist specifically for this situation, and they're legal and straightforward to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account with just a passport and no SSN?
Some banks will, but most won't. Chime and a few credit unions accept a passport plus an ITIN. Standard banks almost always require an SSN or ITIN. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use will accept a passport alone.
What's the difference between an SSN and an ITIN?
An SSN is issued by Social Security to U.S. citizens and work-authorized immigrants. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN—typically non-citizens and visa holders. Banks treat ITINs the same way they treat SSNs for account opening and reporting purposes.
If I open an account with an ITIN, can I switch to an SSN later?
Yes. Once you receive your SSN, contact the bank and ask them to update your account. They'll run a new ChexSystems check and update their records. There's no fee for this, and you don't need to close the account and open a new one.
Do I need an SSN to get a debit card?
No. If you have a checking account (opened with an ITIN or SSN), the bank will issue you a debit card. The card itself doesn't require an SSN—only the account does.
What if my bank asks for an SSN after I've already opened the account?
This sometimes happens if you opened an account years ago without providing one, or if the bank's policies changed. Contact the bank and explain your situation. If you have an ITIN, provide that instead. If you don't have either, ask whether the bank can keep your account open without one—some will, though it's less common now than it was in the past.