Yes, you can open a bank account with an ITIN, but not every bank will do it
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. Many banks will accept an ITIN as your primary ID number when you open a checking or savings account. However, some banks refuse ITIN accounts entirely, and others require additional documents or have restrictions on what you can do with the account.
The key difference is that banks treat an ITIN differently from a Social Security Number. An ITIN does not prove immigration status or work authorization — it only proves you have filed taxes. Some banks see this as higher risk and decline the account. Others have specific ITIN-friendly products. Your best move is to call ahead and ask whether the bank accepts ITIN accounts before you visit a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Many large banks and most credit unions will open accounts for ITIN holders, but you must call or visit in person — online applications typically reject ITIN numbers.
- You will need your ITIN card or IRS letter, a valid passport or foreign ID, and proof of address such as a utility bill or lease.
- Some banks place holds on ITIN accounts, limit wire transfers, or require a higher opening deposit than they do for Social Security Number accounts.
- If your local bank declines, credit unions and online banks that specialize in serving immigrants are more likely to accept ITIN accounts.
Which banks accept ITIN accounts
Large national banks vary in their ITIN policies. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have all opened accounts for ITIN holders in the past, but policies change and differ by branch. Some branches may accept ITIN accounts while others in the same bank do not. The only way to know is to call the branch directly and ask whether they currently accept ITIN applications.
Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. Many credit unions will open accounts for ITIN holders if you meet their membership requirements — which may be as simple as living in a certain county or working in a certain industry. Call ahead to confirm, but credit unions are a stronger bet than national banks if you have an ITIN.
Online banks that market themselves to immigrants or underbanked customers — such as Wise, Chime, or LendingClub — may accept ITIN accounts, though policies vary. Again, you cannot complete the application online if you have an ITIN; you will need to contact them by phone or visit a physical location if they have one.
Documents you will need to bring
When you visit a bank to open an account with an ITIN, bring your ITIN card or an IRS letter showing your ITIN number. The IRS letter is often easier to obtain if you have lost your card — you can request it online through your IRS account or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
You will also need a valid photo ID. A foreign passport works. A driver's license from your home country works. A state ID issued in the US works. The bank needs to verify who you are, and the ITIN alone does not do that.
Finally, bring proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days is standard. A bank statement or government letter with your name and address also works. The bank needs to confirm where you live for anti-money-laundering compliance.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can deposit money, write checks, and use a debit card like any other account holder. However, some banks place temporary holds on ITIN accounts or monitor them more closely than other accounts. This is legal and common — the bank is managing its own risk.
Wire transfers and international transfers may be restricted or flagged for review. If you plan to send money abroad or receive large wire transfers, ask the bank about their ITIN account policy on international transfers before you open the account. Some banks will not allow them at all; others allow them but require extra verification steps.
Your account will be reported to ChexSystems, the banking history database. If you close the account or overdraw it, that information stays on your record and may affect your ability to open accounts at other banks in the future.
Why some banks decline ITIN accounts
Banks are required to verify the identity of every account holder under federal law. An ITIN proves you filed taxes but does not prove who you are. A foreign passport solves that problem, but some banks are uncomfortable with the extra documentation burden or perceive ITIN accounts as higher risk for money laundering.
Other banks have decided as a matter of policy not to serve ITIN holders. This is legal. Banks can refuse to open accounts for any reason that is not based on a protected class — race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Refusing an account because someone has an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number is not illegal discrimination.
If a bank declines you, do not argue or ask to speak to a manager. Move to the next bank or credit union on your list. Your time is better spent finding a bank that will take your business.
Alternatives if banks in your area decline
If you cannot find a bank near you that accepts ITIN accounts, consider a credit union in a neighboring county or city. Many credit unions allow membership based on geography alone, and you can often join online and visit a branch to open the account in person.
Some community organizations and nonprofits that serve immigrants maintain lists of banks and credit unions in your area that accept ITIN accounts. Calling 211 (a free referral line) and asking for "banking services for ITIN holders" or "unbanked services" may connect you to local resources.
If you are in a major city, look for banks or credit unions that specifically market to immigrants or have multilingual staff. These institutions are more likely to have experience with ITIN accounts and understand the documents you can provide.
How an ITIN account affects your credit
Opening a checking or savings account with an ITIN does not build credit. Banks do not report deposit accounts to credit bureaus. You build credit by borrowing money and repaying it — through credit cards, loans, or lines of credit.
However, having a bank account makes it easier to build credit later. Many lenders require a bank account before they will issue a credit card or loan. Once you have an account, you can look into credit-builder loans or secured credit cards, which are designed for people with no credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account online with an ITIN?
No. Online banking applications have automated systems that reject ITIN numbers. You must visit a branch in person or call the bank directly to open an account with an ITIN. Some banks will complete the application over the phone if you provide your documents by mail or in person later.
Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account?
No. An ITIN works as your taxpayer ID number. The bank needs to identify you and verify your address, but they do not need a Social Security Number specifically. Your ITIN, passport, and proof of address are enough.
Will the bank report my account to immigration?
No. Banks do not report account holders to immigration authorities. They report to the IRS and to ChexSystems, the banking database. Opening a bank account does not affect your immigration status or put you at risk with any government agency.
What if I do not have a passport?
A foreign national ID card, driver's license, or consular ID works. The bank needs a government-issued photo ID that matches your ITIN. If you do not have any of these, contact your country's consulate to learn how to obtain a consular ID card, which many banks accept.
Can I get a credit card with an ITIN account?
Yes, but not immediately. You need to establish a banking history first. Once your account has been open for a few months and shows regular deposits, you can apply for a secured credit card or a credit-builder card. These are designed for people building credit from scratch.