You can open a bank account without an SSN using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a passport, or other government-issued ID

Banks in the United States are required by federal law to verify your identity, but they do not require a Social Security Number specifically. If you do not have an SSN — because you are not a U.S. citizen, are waiting for one to be issued, or are undocumented — you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks will also accept a valid passport, state ID, or consular identification card as your primary form of verification.

The process varies by bank. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have formal policies for ITIN accounts, though not all branches may be familiar with them. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are often more flexible and may require fewer documents. Online banks have different rules — some accept ITINs, others do not.

What you will need depends on which bank you choose, but generally includes a government-issued ID, proof of address, and either an ITIN or passport number. Some banks will ask for additional documentation if you cannot provide an SSN.

Key Takeaways

  • An ITIN is the most straightforward substitute for an SSN when opening a bank account, and you can obtain one from the IRS even if you are not a U.S. citizen.
  • Large national banks accept ITIN accounts but may require you to visit a branch in person and bring multiple forms of ID and proof of address.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks often have simpler processes and may accept a passport or consular ID without requiring an ITIN.
  • Online banks vary widely — some accept ITINs and foreign passports, while others require an SSN, so you must check the specific bank's policy before applying.
  • Proof of address is often the hardest document to provide if you are new to the country; utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements from your home country may all work.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have one

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but do not have an SSN. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have legal immigration status to get one. The IRS issues ITINs to undocumented immigrants, visa holders, and foreign nationals who have U.S. tax obligations.

To request an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You must include your completed form, a valid passport or government-issued ID from your home country, and proof of your tax filing requirement (usually a copy of your tax return). You can mail the form to the IRS address listed on the form itself, or you can apply in person at an IRS office or through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) — a tax professional or organization authorized by the IRS to accept W-7 applications.

Processing time is typically four to six weeks if you mail your application, or sometimes faster if you apply through a CAA in person. Once you receive your ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account. The number itself does not expire, though the IRS may deactivate it if you do not file taxes for three consecutive years.

Which banks accept ITIN accounts and what they require

Chase accepts ITIN accounts at most branches, but you must visit in person. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS, a valid passport or government-issued ID, and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some Chase branches are more experienced with ITIN accounts than others — if your first branch turns you away, try another or call ahead to confirm they handle them.

Bank of America also accepts ITIN accounts in person. You will need your ITIN documentation, a valid ID, and proof of address. Like Chase, experience varies by branch, so calling ahead is worth the time.

Wells Fargo has a formal ITIN account program, though availability depends on your state. Bring the same documents as above. Their website lists which states offer ITIN accounts, so check before visiting a branch.

Credit unions are often the easiest route. Many credit unions have fewer restrictions than large banks and will accept an ITIN, a passport, and proof of address without requiring additional documentation. Some credit unions also accept consular IDs (identification issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.). You can search for credit unions in your area through the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union's locator tool.

Using a passport or consular ID instead of an ITIN

If you have a valid passport from your home country, some banks will open an account using that alone, without requiring an ITIN. This is faster if you do not yet have an ITIN and do not want to wait four to six weeks for one.

Credit unions are most likely to accept a passport as your sole form of ID. Regional banks also often accept passports. Large national banks are less flexible — they may require an ITIN even if you have a passport, though this varies by branch and state.

A consular ID — issued by your country's embassy or consulate — is recognized by some banks as an official form of identification. Not all banks accept them, so call ahead. Credit unions are again more likely to recognize consular IDs than national chains.

Regardless of which ID you use, you will still need proof of address. This is often the hardest part for people new to the country.

Providing proof of address when you are new to the country

Banks require proof of address to prevent fraud and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you just arrived in the U.S., you may not have a utility bill or lease yet. Here are documents that most banks will accept:

  • A lease agreement or rental contract with your name and current address.
  • A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days.
  • A bank statement from a bank account you opened in your home country, if it shows your U.S. address.
  • A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your name and U.S. work address.
  • A letter from a school, university, or government agency addressed to you at your U.S. address.
  • A mortgage statement or property tax bill.
  • A phone bill in your name.

If you have none of these yet, some banks will accept a combination of documents — for example, a lease plus a letter from your employer, or a lease plus a statement from your home country bank showing your new address. Call the bank before you visit to ask what combination they will accept.

If you are staying with friends or family and do not have a lease, ask them if you can use their utility bill with a signed letter from them confirming you live there. Some banks accept this; others do not. Again, calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

Online banks and their ITIN policies

Online banks have different rules than brick-and-mortar banks, and policies change frequently. Some online banks accept ITIN accounts; others require an SSN.

Chime accepts ITIN accounts and does not require proof of address — only your ITIN, a valid ID, and your date of birth. This makes Chime one of the easiest options if you have an ITIN.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) accepts ITIN accounts and is designed for people who move between countries. You can open an account online using your ITIN and a valid ID.

Charles Schwab accepts ITIN accounts for brokerage services but has stricter requirements for checking accounts. Call them to confirm current policy.

Many other online banks — including Ally, Marcus, and Discover — require an SSN and do not offer ITIN alternatives. Before you spend time on an application, check the bank's website or call their customer service to confirm they accept ITINs.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other bank account. You can deposit checks, transfer money, set up direct deposit, and use a debit card. The bank will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days.

If you later obtain an SSN, you can update your account information with the bank. You do not need to close the account and open a new one — simply visit a branch or call customer service and ask them to add your SSN to your account. This can be useful for credit-building purposes, as some banks report account activity to credit bureaus once you have an SSN.

Keep your ITIN documentation safe. You may need to show it again if you apply for other financial products, such as a credit card or loan, or if the bank asks you to reverify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online without an SSN?

Some online banks accept ITIN accounts and allow you to open them entirely online — Chime and Wise are examples. However, many online banks require an SSN. You must check the specific bank's policy before starting an application, as most will not let you proceed if you cannot provide an SSN or ITIN.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS typically processes Form W-7 applications in four to six weeks if you mail them. If you apply in person through a Certified Acceptance Agent, you may receive your ITIN faster — sometimes within days or weeks. You can find CAAs through the IRS website by searching your state.

Do I need an ITIN if I have a valid passport?

No. Some banks will open an account using only a valid passport and proof of address. Credit unions are most likely to accept this. However, large national banks often require an ITIN even if you have a passport. Call ahead to ask what your chosen bank requires.

What if a bank refuses to open an account for me?

If a large national bank turns you away, try a credit union or regional bank in your area — they often have fewer restrictions. You can also ask the bank manager why you were refused and whether a different branch might accept your application. If you do not have an ITIN yet, getting one will expand your options significantly.

Can I use my ITIN to build credit?

An ITIN alone does not build credit history. However, once you have a bank account, you can apply for a credit card or secured credit card, which will report to credit bureaus and help you build a credit score. Some banks offer credit cards to ITIN account holders; others do not. If you later obtain an SSN, credit bureaus can link your ITIN history to your SSN account.