Bank of America will open a checking account without an SSN if you have an ITIN or passport

Bank of America (BOA) does not require a Social Security Number to open a checking account. Instead, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a valid passport, or other government-issued ID. The bank accepts these documents as proof of identity and tax reporting purposes, which are the two things a bank actually needs from you.

The specific documents BOA will accept vary slightly by branch and by your immigration status. If you have an ITIN, bring that plus a government-issued photo ID — a passport works, as does a foreign national ID card or a state ID if you have one. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can still open an account with a passport alone, though BOA may ask you to obtain an ITIN later for tax reporting on interest earned.

Walk into a BOA branch with your ID and ask to open a checking account. Tell them upfront that you do not have an SSN. The teller will know what documents to ask for and can complete the account opening on the spot, usually in 15 to 20 minutes. You will need an initial deposit — BOA's minimum varies by account type, but is typically $25 to $100 for a basic checking account.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America accepts an ITIN or valid passport in place of an SSN for checking account opening.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID plus your ITIN or passport; bring both documents to the branch.
  • An initial deposit of $25 to $100 is required, depending on the account type you choose.
  • If you do not yet have an ITIN, you can open the account with a passport, but BOA may ask you to get an ITIN later for tax reporting.
  • The account opening process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at a physical branch; online opening is not available without an SSN.

What documents BOA actually needs from you

Banks need two things: proof that you are who you say you are, and a way to report interest income to the tax system. An SSN does both jobs at once. Without an SSN, you need to bring both pieces separately.

For identity, BOA accepts a valid passport, a foreign national ID card, a state-issued ID, or a driver's license from any state. The ID must not be expired. For tax reporting, an ITIN serves the same purpose as an SSN — it is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS specifically for people who do not have an SSN but earn income in the United States or need to file taxes. If you do not have an ITIN, you can still open the account, but you will need to provide one later if the account earns interest.

BOA will also ask for your address, phone number, and date of birth. Bring a piece of mail showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. If you do not have one, tell the teller; some branches will accept a letter from your employer or landlord instead.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have one yet

An ITIN is issued by the IRS and takes about two to four weeks to arrive by mail after you apply. You apply by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, either on your own or with help from a tax preparer or community organization. Many libraries, community centers, and nonprofit organizations in areas with large immigrant populations offer free help with Form W-7.

You do not need an ITIN to open a BOA checking account — you can do that with just a passport. But if your account will earn interest (which most checking accounts do, even if the rate is very low), the bank will eventually ask you to provide a tax ID. At that point, you can either get an ITIN or provide a letter from the IRS saying you have applied for one and are waiting for it to arrive.

If you want to get an ITIN before opening the account, search online for "ITIN help near me" or call 211 to find a free tax preparation site in your area. They can walk you through the Form W-7 process and submit it for you.

What happens at the branch when you open the account

Bring your passport or government-issued ID, your ITIN (if you have one), proof of your current address, and your initial deposit. Walk into any BOA branch during business hours and tell a teller you want to open a checking account. Say upfront that you do not have an SSN — the teller will not be surprised and will know exactly what to do.

The teller will ask you to fill out a signature card and will run a check on ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This check is routine and does not require an SSN. If you have never had a U.S. bank account before, the check will come back clean. If you have had accounts that were closed due to overdrafts or fraud, BOA may decline to open the account, but this is rare.

Once the account is approved, the teller will give you a debit card, which usually arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online or by phone before the card arrives. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Online account opening does not work without an SSN

BOA's website will not let you open a checking account online without an SSN. The online form requires an SSN and will not accept an ITIN or other ID number in its place. This is a limitation of BOA's automated system, not a policy choice — the bank simply has not built the online process to handle non-SSN cases.

You must go to a physical branch to open an account without an SSN. Find your nearest BOA branch on the bank's website, check the hours, and bring your documents. If you live far from a branch, you can call BOA's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether any branches near you can handle non-SSN account openings, or whether you can do part of the process by phone and finish in person.

What to do if BOA turns you down

BOA rarely turns down non-SSN account openings if you have a valid ID and initial deposit. But if a branch refuses, ask to speak to the branch manager and explain that you have a valid passport and ITIN. If the manager still refuses, ask for the reason in writing — BOA is required to give you a written explanation if they deny your account.

If BOA will not open an account for you, other banks will. Chase, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks also accept ITINs and passports. Credit unions often have fewer restrictions than big banks and may be more willing to work with you. Call ahead and ask whether they open accounts without an SSN before you go in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a BOA account with just a passport and no ITIN?

Yes. BOA will open a checking account with a valid passport alone. However, if the account earns interest, the bank will ask you to provide an ITIN or a letter from the IRS saying you have applied for one. You can get an ITIN later if needed.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open the account?

Your debit card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online, by phone, or at an ATM before the card arrives by setting up a temporary PIN at the branch.

What if I do not have a current address to show the bank?

Bring a letter from your employer, landlord, or a government agency showing your name and address. If you have none of these, ask the branch manager whether they will accept a phone bill or utility bill in someone else's name at your address, with a note from that person saying you live there.

Will opening a BOA account affect my immigration status?

No. Opening a bank account is not reported to immigration authorities and does not affect your status. Banks are required to verify identity and report to tax authorities, but not to immigration agencies.

Can I open a joint account with someone who has an SSN?

Yes. If the other person has an SSN, you can both be on the account. Bring both sets of ID and both initial deposits (or one deposit if you are combining funds). Both account holders will need to be present at the branch.