Yes, you can open a checking account with a passport as your primary ID

A valid passport works as identification at most banks and credit unions when you open a checking account. It satisfies the federal requirement that banks verify your identity before letting you deposit and spend money. However, the bank will usually ask for a second form of identification or proof of address, and some banks have stricter rules than others about which documents they accept alongside a passport.

The specific documents you need depend on which bank you choose and whether you have a Social Security number. If you do not have a U.S. Social Security number, the process takes longer and requires additional paperwork, but it is still possible at most major banks.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid U.S. passport or foreign passport counts as government-issued ID at virtually all banks and credit unions.
  • Most banks will ask for a second form of ID or proof of address even if your passport is current, so bring a utility bill, lease, or driver's license if you have one.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and may need to visit a branch in person rather than opening the account online.
  • Some online-only banks accept passport-only accounts with no second document, but they typically require a U.S. address and Social Security number.

What banks accept as a second form of ID alongside your passport

Banks follow federal rules under the Bank Secrecy Act that require them to verify your identity, but they have some flexibility in which documents count. A passport alone usually satisfies the government-issued ID requirement, but most banks want proof that you actually live where you say you do. This is where a second document comes in.

Common second documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet in your name), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement from another bank, a government benefits letter, or a state ID or driver's license. The document should show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you have a driver's license, that alone often satisfies both requirements and you may not need the passport at all.

Some banks will accept a passport plus a cell phone bill or credit card statement. Others are stricter and want only official government documents or utility bills. Call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch before you go in with your documents, because requirements vary by institution and sometimes by branch.

Opening an account online versus in person with a passport

Online banks and the online account-opening tools at large banks often have different rules than branches do. Some online banks will let you open an account with just a passport and a Social Security number, with no second document required. Others require you to verify your identity through a video call with a representative, who will ask you to hold up your passport and take a photo of it.

If you open an account in person at a branch, you hand the teller your passport and any second document, they scan or photocopy it, and you sign the account agreement. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The account is often ready to use the same day or the next business day.

Online account opening is faster in theory but can stall if the bank's system cannot verify your information automatically. If you do not have a Social Security number, or if your passport is foreign, you will almost certainly need to visit a branch or do a video verification call. Some banks do not offer video verification and will require an in-person visit.

If you do not have a Social Security number

A passport is still valid ID, but you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States. You cannot open a bank account without one or the other.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can do this by mail or in person at an IRS office or an IRS-authorized representative's office. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Once you have the ITIN, bring it to the bank along with your passport and proof of address.

Some banks will let you open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you have a receipt showing you filed Form W-7. Ask the bank whether they accept pending ITINs before you apply. If they do not, you will need to wait for the ITIN to arrive before opening the account.

Using a foreign passport to open a U.S. checking account

A foreign passport is valid government-issued ID at U.S. banks. The process is the same as with a U.S. passport: bring the passport plus proof of address and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. Some banks ask for additional verification when the ID is from outside the United States, such as a copy of your visa or proof of residency, but most do not.

Online account opening can be harder with a foreign passport because the bank's automated verification system may not recognize it. If the online application gets stuck, contact the bank and ask whether you can complete the account opening over the phone or in person. Many banks have staff who can handle foreign ID verification by phone or video call.

If you are in the United States on a visa and do not yet have an ITIN or Social Security number, focus on banks that have physical branches near you. Branches are more likely to accept foreign ID and can walk you through the ITIN process if needed.

Banks and credit unions that accept passport-only accounts

Most large national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — accept a passport as your primary ID. They will ask for a second document, but they do not require a specific type. Credit unions often have the same policy, though some credit unions have stricter membership rules and may require you to live or work in a certain area before you can open an account.

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime often accept a passport with no second document if you have a Social Security number and a U.S. address. However, they may require a video call to verify your identity, especially if your passport is foreign or if the automated system flags your application for review.

Smaller regional banks and community banks vary widely. Some are very flexible with ID requirements; others are strict. The best approach is to call or visit the bank's website and ask what documents they need before you go in.

What to bring and what to expect on the day you open the account

Bring your passport, a second form of ID or proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are opening the account in person, also bring a small amount of money to make an initial deposit — most banks require at least $1 to $25 to open a checking account, though some have no minimum. Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address for account notifications.

The teller will ask you to verify your name, address, and date of birth. They will scan or photocopy your ID documents. They will ask what type of account you want (basic checking, interest-bearing checking, student checking, and so on) and whether you want online banking and a debit card. You will sign the account agreement and deposit your initial money. The account is usually active the same day or the next business day.

If you are opening the account online, you will enter your information into a form, upload photos of your ID documents, and verify your identity through the bank's system. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days depending on whether the bank needs to review your documents manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account with an expired passport?

No. Banks require a current, valid ID. An expired passport does not count. If your passport is expired, you will need to renew it first or bring a different form of government-issued ID such as a driver's license or state ID card.

Do I need a U.S. address to open a checking account with a passport?

Yes. Banks require a U.S. residential address to open a checking account. If you are living abroad or do not have a permanent address yet, you may not be able to open an account. Some banks will accept a temporary address such as a hotel or a friend's address, but you will need to update it to a permanent address within a certain time frame.

What if the bank says my passport is not enough and I do not have a second document?

Ask the bank what documents they will accept. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you may be able to use a bank statement from another bank, a government benefits letter, or a credit card statement. If you truly have no second document, some banks will let you open an account with just the passport if you do a video verification call with a representative.

How long does it take to open a checking account with a passport?

In person at a branch, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes and the account is usually ready the same day or next business day. Online, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to several business days depending on whether the bank needs to manually review your documents. Video verification calls usually take 10 to 20 minutes.

Can I use a passport copy instead of the original?

No. Banks require you to show the original passport so they can verify it is real and current. They will make a copy for their records, but you must bring the actual document with you.