Yes, immigrants can open a bank account, but the documents you need depend on your immigration status

Banks in the United States will open accounts for immigrants without a Social Security number. What changes is which documents you bring and which banks will accept them. Some banks ask for a passport and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Others accept a passport alone. A few require proof of address. The process is straightforward once you know which bank accepts your specific documents.

Your immigration status does not automatically disqualify you. Banks are regulated by the federal government to prevent money laundering, not to enforce immigration law. They care about verifying your identity and your address — not your visa status. This means undocumented immigrants, visa holders, green card holders, and citizens all follow similar verification steps, though the documents differ.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a bank account with a passport and either an ITIN or a Social Security number; some banks accept a passport alone.
  • An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes and does not require work authorization or legal status.
  • Bring a passport (or national ID card if your country issues one) and proof of address such as a utility bill, lease, or government mail.
  • Online banks, credit unions, and community banks are often more flexible than large national chains about which documents they accept.
  • Once your account is open, you can receive direct deposits, send wire transfers, and use the account the same way any other customer does.

What documents you need to bring

Banks follow a federal rule called Know Your Customer (KYC). This means they must verify your identity and your address before opening an account. For immigrants, this typically means bringing a passport or national ID card issued by your home country, plus proof of your current address in the United States.

For identity, a valid passport works at nearly every bank. Some banks also accept a national ID card if your country issues one (such as a Mexican matrícula consular). A driver's license from a US state works too, but you may not have one yet if you just arrived.

For address, bring a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A bank statement from another country does not count. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease, ask the person whose name is on it to bring their lease plus a signed letter saying you live there.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues for tax purposes. You do not need work authorization, legal status, or a visa to get one. Banks often ask for it because it helps them verify your identity in their systems, though some will open an account without it.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it or file it in person at an IRS office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and passport number. You must include a copy of your passport or national ID. Processing takes about four to six weeks by mail. If you file in person at an IRS office, you may get a number the same day, though this varies by location.

You do not need to have filed taxes before to get an ITIN. Many immigrants get one specifically to open a bank account or to file taxes for the first time. If you have already filed taxes using an ITIN, bring that number and your tax return documentation when you open your account.

Which banks are most likely to accept your documents

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have strict policies and usually require either a Social Security number or an ITIN plus a US state ID. They may turn you away if you only have a passport and no ITIN yet.

Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible. They may open an account with just a passport and proof of address, even without an ITIN. Call ahead and ask what documents they accept before you visit. Many credit unions serve specific communities and may have staff who speak your language.

Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Wise often have simpler verification processes. Some accept a passport and ITIN. Others use third-party identity verification services that may accept different documents. Read the bank's website or call their customer service line to confirm what they need before you start the application.

Immigrant-focused banks and financial institutions in your area may also exist. Search online for "immigrant bank account" plus your city name, or ask at a local community organization or nonprofit that serves immigrants.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other customer. You can receive direct deposits from an employer, transfer money to other people, pay bills online, and withdraw cash at ATMs. You can also receive wire transfers from outside the United States, though some banks charge fees for international transfers.

You will receive a debit card in the mail within one to two weeks. Some banks issue a temporary card number you can use online right away. You can set up online banking and mobile banking immediately after opening the account.

If you later get a Social Security number, you can update your account information with the bank. You do not need to close the account and open a new one. Simply bring your Social Security card and ID to a branch, or call customer service to update your records.

What to do if a bank refuses to open an account

If a bank says no, ask why. Common reasons are: you do not have an ITIN or Social Security number, your proof of address is too old, or the bank's policy requires a US state ID. Some of these you can fix quickly. If your address document is dated more than 90 days ago, get a new utility bill or ask your landlord for a dated letter confirming your address.

If the bank requires an ITIN and you do not have one, you have two options: apply for an ITIN through the IRS (four to six weeks), or try a different bank that does not require one. Do not let one bank's refusal stop you — another bank in your area will likely accept your documents.

If you believe a bank refused you based on your immigration status or national origin, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator. The CFPB has a complaint form on its website. This is rare — most refusals are about missing documents, not discrimination — but it is an option if you believe you were treated unfairly.

Moving money between countries once you have an account

Once your account is open, you can send and receive money internationally. Wire transfers are the most common method. You provide the bank with the recipient's bank details (account number, routing number, bank name, and address), and the bank sends the money. Wire transfers usually take one to three business days and cost between $15 and $50 depending on the amount and destination country.

International money transfer services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often charge less than banks for transfers to specific countries. They work by connecting your US bank account to their service, then sending money to a bank account in your home country. Fees and exchange rates vary, so compare a few services before you choose one.

Some banks also offer remittance services specifically for immigrants. Ask your bank whether it partners with any money transfer services or offers lower rates for transfers to your home country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

No. You can open an account with an ITIN, a passport, and proof of address. Some banks accept a passport alone. Call the bank first to ask what documents they need, so you do not make a trip for nothing.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

By mail, four to six weeks. If you file Form W-7 in person at an IRS office, you may get a number the same day, though this varies by location. Check the IRS website for the office nearest you and call ahead to confirm they issue ITINs same-day.

Can I open a bank account if I am undocumented?

Yes. Banks do not check immigration status. They verify your identity and address. Bring a passport and proof of address. An ITIN helps but is not always required. Your immigration status is not their concern.

What if I do not have a lease or utility bill for proof of address?

Ask the person whose name is on the lease or utility bill to bring that document plus a signed letter saying you live there. Some banks also accept government mail, mail from your employer, or a notarized letter from your landlord. Call the bank first to ask what they will accept.

Can I use my bank account to send money to my family in another country?

Yes. You can use wire transfers through your bank or use a money transfer service like Wise or Remitly. Wire transfers through banks usually cost $15 to $50 and take one to three business days. Money transfer services often have lower fees for specific countries. Compare rates before you choose.