You can open a bank account without a Social Security number, but the path depends on your immigration status and the bank you choose.

Most banks will ask for a Social Security number (SSN) during account opening because they use it to check your credit history and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. However, banks are legally permitted to open accounts for people without an SSN if they use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or in some cases no tax ID at all. The catch: not every bank offers this option, and those that do may charge higher fees, require a larger opening deposit, or limit which account types you can open.

If you have an ITIN—a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN—you can use it in place of an SSN at most banks. If you don't have either an SSN or ITIN, some banks and credit unions will still open a basic checking or savings account, though you'll need to provide other forms of identification and proof of address.

Key Takeaways

  • An ITIN works as a substitute for an SSN at most banks and is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes without an SSN.
  • Banks that accept ITINs or open accounts without a tax ID often charge monthly fees between $5 and $15 and may require a higher minimum deposit than standard accounts.
  • Credit unions and community banks are more likely to open accounts without an SSN than large national chains, though policies vary by location.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency) regardless of whether you have an SSN or ITIN.
  • Some banks will open an account but place a hold on deposits or restrict certain features until you provide an SSN or ITIN later.

How banks use your Social Security number

Banks request an SSN to run a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report similar to a credit report. ChexSystems tracks accounts you've opened, closed, or had problems with at other banks. The bank uses this to decide whether to open your account and what terms to offer. Banks also use your SSN to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) if you deposit or withdraw $10,000 or more in a single day, and to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, which are federal requirements to verify who you are and prevent money laundering.

Because these checks are tied to your SSN, banks cannot run them using an ITIN or other identifier. This means if you open an account with an ITIN, the bank may skip the ChexSystems check entirely, or run it using your ITIN instead. Either way, you lose some of the bank's normal verification process, which is why banks that accept ITINs often impose stricter limits—lower transaction caps, higher fees, or mandatory in-person verification.

Opening an account with an ITIN instead of an SSN

An ITIN is a tax identification number issued by the IRS. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to get one; you only need to file a tax return or have a reason to file one. To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or through an IRS-authorized agent (often a tax preparer or community organization). Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail, or sometimes faster through an authorized agent.

Once you have an ITIN, bring it to the bank along with your government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Banks that accept ITINs include some branches of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank, though policies vary by location and change over time. Many credit unions and smaller regional banks also accept ITINs. Call ahead or visit the bank's website to confirm, because not every branch of a large bank offers this option.

Accounts opened with an ITIN typically come with monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $15), higher minimum opening deposits ($300 to $500 instead of $0 to $100), and sometimes caps on the number of transactions per month. Some banks will let you convert to a standard account once you obtain an SSN.

Opening an account without an SSN or ITIN

Some banks and credit unions will open a basic checking or savings account without requiring an SSN or ITIN, though this is less common at large national banks. Credit unions, community banks, and some online banks are more likely to offer this. You will still need to provide a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or driver's license) and proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 60 days.

Banks that open accounts without a tax ID often use alternative verification methods. Some may ask for a phone number, email, or employment information instead. Others may place a temporary hold on your account or limit certain features (like wire transfers or large withdrawals) until you provide an SSN or ITIN later. A few banks will ask you to sign a form stating that you don't have an SSN and don't plan to obtain one, though this is rare.

The downside is that without an SSN or ITIN, you won't build a credit history through the bank, and you may have trouble opening other financial products like credit cards or loans in the future. Additionally, if you eventually do get an SSN or ITIN, you may need to update your account information and go through verification again.

What identification documents you'll need

Regardless of whether you have an SSN, ITIN, or neither, you must bring a government-issued photo ID to open a bank account. Acceptable IDs include a U.S. passport, state driver's license, state ID card, or passport card. Some banks also accept foreign passports or consular IDs, though this varies. The ID must not be expired, though some banks will accept an ID that expired within the last year.

You will also need proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency (such as a tax return, voter registration card, or court document). The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A P.O. box is not acceptable as a proof of address at most banks.

If you don't have a current utility bill or lease, ask the bank what other documents they accept. Some banks will take a bank statement from another financial institution, a pay stub, or a letter from your employer or landlord on letterhead confirming your address.

Credit unions versus banks for accounts without an SSN

Credit unions are generally more flexible about opening accounts without an SSN than large banks. Many credit unions will open an account with an ITIN or even without a tax ID, especially if you have a connection to the credit union (such as living or working in their service area, or having a family member who is a member). Credit unions also tend to charge lower fees and have lower minimum deposits than banks.

However, credit union policies vary widely by location and institution. Some credit unions require an SSN, while others are very accommodating. The best approach is to call your local credit union and ask directly. If you don't know which credit unions serve your area, use the CO-OP Network locator or the Alliant Credit Union locator to find branches near you.

Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have more standardized policies, but those policies differ by region. Some branches accept ITINs while others don't. Community banks and smaller regional banks fall somewhere in between—more flexible than national chains but less consistent than credit unions. Again, calling ahead is your best bet.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank may ask you to provide an SSN or ITIN within a certain timeframe—often 30 to 90 days. If you don't provide one, the bank may freeze your account, close it, or restrict certain features. This is because of federal regulations that require banks to verify the identity of account holders for tax and anti-money-laundering purposes.

If you're working toward getting an SSN or ITIN, let the bank know your timeline. Some banks will extend the deadline if you can show proof that you've applied (such as a receipt from the IRS or a letter from your employer). If you can't obtain an SSN or ITIN, ask the bank whether they have a permanent solution—some do, while others will eventually close your account.

Once you have an account, you can use it to build a banking history. If you use the account responsibly—keeping a positive balance, avoiding overdrafts, and following the bank's rules—you may be able to open other accounts or financial products with the same bank or elsewhere, even without an SSN or ITIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a Social Security number?

No. A passport is proof of identity, not a tax ID. Banks need both: a government-issued photo ID (like a passport) to verify who you are, and either an SSN, ITIN, or nothing at all to comply with tax and anti-money-laundering rules. You can use a passport as your ID, but you still need an SSN or ITIN (or the bank's permission to open an account without one).

Will opening an account without an SSN hurt my credit?

No. Opening a bank account does not affect your credit score because banks don't report checking or savings accounts to credit bureaus. However, without an SSN or ITIN, the bank may not be able to link your account to your credit history, which could make it harder to open credit cards or loans later.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

By mail, the IRS typically processes Form W-7 in 4 to 6 weeks. If you apply through an IRS-authorized agent (such as a tax preparer or community organization), you may get your ITIN faster, sometimes within a few days or weeks. Check the IRS website for authorized agents in your area.

Can I open an account online without an SSN?

Most online banks require an SSN or ITIN during the online signup process and won't let you complete the application without one. However, some online banks and fintech companies are beginning to offer accounts without an SSN; you'll need to research individual banks or call to ask. In-person applications at a local bank or credit union are more likely to succeed if you don't have an SSN.

What if the bank closes my account because I didn't provide an SSN?

The bank must give you notice before closing your account, usually 30 days. During that time, withdraw your money or transfer it to another bank. If your account is closed, you can try opening an account at a different bank or credit union that has more flexible policies about SSNs.