Banks will open accounts for people without a Social Security number, but the process and what you can do with the account varies by bank and by your immigration status.

Federal law does not require a Social Security number to open a bank account. Banks are required to verify your identity and your address, but they can do this with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a passport, a state ID, or other documents. Some banks have explicit programs for people without a Social Security number; others will open an account if you bring the right paperwork and accept their terms.

What you can and cannot do with the account depends on the bank's own policies and on what documents you provide. Some banks will let you deposit and withdraw money but will not let you set up direct deposit or wire transfers. Others will offer the full range of services. A few banks will close your account if they later discover you do not have a Social Security number, though this is less common than it once was.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a bank account with an ITIN, a passport, or a state ID instead of a Social Security number, but not all banks offer this option.
  • Banks that do accept non-Social Security number customers often limit what you can do — no direct deposit, no wire transfers, or no online banking — depending on the bank.
  • Bring two forms of ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to any bank you visit; call ahead to confirm they accept customers without a Social Security number.
  • Some banks will freeze or close your account if they later discover your immigration status or lack of a Social Security number, so read the account agreement before you sign.
  • Credit unions sometimes have different rules than banks and may be more flexible, but you will need to meet their membership requirements first.

Which banks accept customers without a Social Security number

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have stated policies allowing accounts for people with an ITIN. Chase calls this the "Chase Bank Account for Non-U.S. Residents"; Bank of America offers it through some branches; Wells Fargo and Citibank have similar programs. However, availability varies by branch and by state, and policies change. A branch in one city may accept you while another branch of the same bank may refuse.

Smaller regional banks and community banks are often more flexible than national chains. If you have a local bank in your area, call and ask whether they accept ITINs or foreign passports. Credit unions sometimes have different rules — some will open accounts for anyone with an ITIN and a valid ID, while others require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to join. You will need to meet the credit union's membership requirements (such as living or working in a certain area) before you can open an account.

Online-only banks have stricter identity verification because they cannot meet you in person. Most require a Social Security number or will not open an account for you. A few, like Wise (formerly TransferWise), are designed for international customers and may accept an ITIN or passport, but you should contact them directly to confirm.

What documents you will need to bring

Bring two forms of ID. A valid passport works at most banks. A state ID, driver's license, or consular ID (issued by your country's embassy or consulate) also works. If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that shows your ITIN number — this is not the same as a tax return, and you may need to request it from the IRS if you do not have it.

Bring proof of your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement from another bank all work. The document must show your name and address and must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have any of these, some banks will accept a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead, but call ahead to ask.

Bring cash or a check to make your first deposit. Most banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the bank and the account type. Ask the bank what the minimum is before you go in.

What services you may not be able to use

Banks that accept non-Social Security number customers often restrict what you can do with the account. Common restrictions include no direct deposit (meaning your employer cannot send your paycheck directly to the account), no wire transfers (meaning you cannot send money to another bank), and no online banking or mobile app access. Some banks will not issue a debit card or will issue one with a daily spending limit.

These restrictions exist because banks use your Social Security number to verify your identity for certain transactions and to report interest income to the IRS. Without a Social Security number, some banks treat the account as higher-risk and limit its use. The restrictions are not the same at every bank — one bank may allow wire transfers while another does not. Ask the bank what you can and cannot do before you open the account, and ask them to write it down or give you a copy of the policy.

If you need to receive direct deposit (for example, from your employer), ask the bank whether they offer it for ITIN customers. Some do. If they do not, you may need to use a paycheck cashing service or ask your employer to issue a paper check instead.

What happens if the bank discovers your immigration status

Banks are not immigration enforcement agencies and do not report customers to immigration authorities based on account information alone. However, banks are required to report suspicious activity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a federal agency. This is not the same as reporting immigration status — it is about money laundering, fraud, or other financial crimes.

Some banks have closed accounts after discovering that a customer did not have a Social Security number and was not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This is less common now than it was in the past, but it can happen. If a bank closes your account, they will usually give you time to withdraw your money — typically 30 days — but the account will not accept new deposits. The bank may also report the account closure to ChexSystems, a banking history database, which can make it harder to open an account at another bank.

To reduce this risk, read the account agreement before you sign it. Look for language about what happens if you cannot provide a Social Security number or if your immigration status changes. If the agreement says the bank can close your account for this reason, you know the risk going in. Some banks' agreements are clearer about this than others.

Alternatives if you cannot open a bank account

If you cannot open a bank account, you have other options for storing and moving money. A prepaid debit card does not require a Social Security number at most retailers — you can buy one at a grocery store or pharmacy and load money onto it. The card works like a debit card but is not connected to a bank account. Fees are higher than a bank account (usually $5 to $15 per month), and you cannot earn interest on the money, but it is faster to set up.

A money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram lets you send money to other people or to yourself in another country. You do not need a bank account or a Social Security number. You pay a fee for each transfer (usually $5 to $50 depending on the amount and destination), and the money is available to pick up within minutes to hours.

Some employers will issue a paycheck on a prepaid card instead of direct deposit or a paper check. Ask your employer whether this is an option. If it is, the card is usually free and has lower fees than a retail prepaid card.

How to find a bank that will work with you

Call ahead before you visit a bank. Do not assume that because one branch of a bank accepts ITIN customers that all branches do. Ask to speak with someone in the new accounts department and say: "I do not have a Social Security number. I have an ITIN and a valid passport. Can I open a checking account?" Listen to the answer. If they say yes, ask what documents you need to bring and what the minimum deposit is. If they say no or seem uncertain, try another bank.

If you live in a city with a large immigrant population, there are likely banks or credit unions that specialize in serving people without a Social Security number. Ask other people in your community, or search online for "bank account without Social Security number" plus your city name. Local nonprofit organizations that help immigrants may also have a list of banks that accept ITIN customers.

Keep records of everything. Save your account agreement, your deposit receipts, and any written confirmation of what services you can use. If the bank later disputes what you agreed to, these documents protect you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the bank report me to immigration if I open an account?

No. Banks are not immigration enforcement agencies. They report suspicious financial activity to FinCEN, a federal financial crimes agency, but this is different from reporting immigration status. A bank will not report you simply for opening an account without a Social Security number.

Can I use a fake Social Security number to open a bank account?

No. Using a fake Social Security number is identity fraud and is a federal crime. It can result in criminal charges, fines, and deportation. Open an account with an ITIN instead, which is legal and designed for this purpose.

What is an ITIN and how do I get one?

An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS. You can use it to file taxes and to open a bank account. To get one, fill out IRS Form W-7 and send it to the IRS with proof of identity and proof of your reason for needing an ITIN (such as a job offer letter). The process takes several weeks. You can also apply in person at an IRS office or through a certified acceptance agent.

If I open a bank account, will it affect my immigration case?

Opening a bank account should not affect your immigration case. However, if you are in removal proceedings or have a pending immigration matter, talk to your immigration attorney before opening an account. They can advise you on what documents to use and what to disclose.

Can I open a joint account with someone who has a Social Security number?

Yes, many banks will allow a joint account if one person has a Social Security number and the other has an ITIN. Both people will need to come to the bank and bring ID. Ask the bank whether they offer joint accounts for ITIN customers before you apply.