You can open a bank account without a government ID, but the path depends on which bank you choose and what alternative documents you have on hand

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account—this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. But "identity verification" does not always mean a driver's license or passport. Some banks accept alternative documents like an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a state ID card, a tribal ID, or even a combination of non-photo documents if you have them. Other banks have specific programs for people without traditional ID.

The fastest route is to call ahead and ask what documents a particular bank will accept, because policies vary widely between institutions and sometimes between branches of the same bank. A five-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip to a branch with the wrong paperwork.

Key Takeaways

  • An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is accepted by many banks as a primary identifier and does not require a Social Security number.
  • Some banks will accept a combination of documents—such as a utility bill, lease, and passport from another country—instead of a single photo ID.
  • Credit unions and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) often have more flexible policies than large national banks and may work with you on alternative verification methods.
  • Online banks like Chime and LendingClub Bank do not require photo ID if you have an ITIN or Social Security number.
  • Calling the bank's customer service line before visiting saves time, because branch policies can differ and staff can tell you exactly what documents to bring.

Banks and credit unions with documented alternatives to photo ID

Chime, an online bank, does not require a photo ID—it uses your Social Security number or ITIN plus a phone number to verify your identity. LendingClub Bank similarly accepts an ITIN and does not require photo ID for online account opening. Both of these institutions can open an account in minutes if you have the required identifier and a working phone number.

Many credit unions are more flexible than national banks; they often accept tribal IDs, state ID cards without a photo, or a combination of documents like a utility bill plus a lease agreement plus a passport from another country. The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) network includes banks and credit unions in most states that specifically serve people who have been shut out of traditional banking. These institutions often have experience working with people without standard ID and may accept documents like a letter from a shelter, a school ID, or a work ID. You can search for a CDFI near you through the CDFI Fund's institution locator on the Treasury Department website.

Using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. Many banks treat an ITIN the same way they treat a Social Security number for KYC purposes. If you have an ITIN, you can use it as your primary identifier at most banks—you do not need a Social Security number to open an account.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it in with supporting documents (such as a passport, national ID card, or driver's license from your country of origin), or you can apply in person at an IRS office or through an authorized acceptance agent. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Once you have the ITIN, bring the IRS letter confirming it to the bank along with any other documents they request.

What to bring if you do not have photo ID

Banks vary in what they will accept, but common alternatives include: a state ID card without a photo (some states issue these), a tribal ID, a passport from another country, a school or work ID, a utility bill or lease in your name, a bank statement from another account, a letter from a government agency, or a letter from a shelter or social service organization. The key is that the document must have your name on it and ideally your address.

Call the bank before you go in and ask the customer service representative to tell you exactly which documents they will accept. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date. If you arrive with the wrong documents, you will have wasted a trip. Some banks will let you start the process online and then verify documents in person at a branch, which can be faster than trying to gather everything before your first visit.

Online banks versus in-person branches

Online banks often have simpler verification processes because they rely on digital verification tools rather than a teller looking at your documents in person. If you have an ITIN, a Social Security number, or access to a phone number and email address that can be verified, an online bank may be your fastest option. However, online banks typically do not accept cash deposits, which matters if you are paid in cash or need to deposit checks regularly.

In-person banks and credit unions can be more flexible about documents because a staff member can see you and use judgment about what combination of documents proves your identity. The trade-off is that you have to visit a branch during business hours, and policies can vary between locations. If you choose an in-person route, go to a smaller branch or a credit union rather than a large national bank's main office—staff at smaller locations often have more authority to make exceptions.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank may place temporary holds on deposits or limit how much you can withdraw per day while they continue to verify your identity. This is normal and usually lasts a few days to a few weeks. Some banks will ask you to come back in person with additional documents after 30 days to complete verification. If this happens, bring whatever documents you have—the bank will tell you what they need.

If you later obtain a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport), bring it to the bank and ask them to update your account. This can remove any restrictions on your account and make it easier to add services like a debit card or online access.

Second Chance Banking programs

Some banks offer Second Chance Banking accounts specifically designed for people who have been denied a regular account or who lack standard ID. These accounts often come with lower fees and fewer features than a standard checking account, but they let you build a banking history. Chime, GoBank, and NetSpend all offer second chance accounts. Many regional credit unions also have similar programs—ask when you call.

Second Chance accounts usually require less documentation to open and may not require a photo ID at all. The downside is that they often charge monthly fees (usually $5 to $15) and may have lower withdrawal limits. However, once you have used the account responsibly for several months, you can often move to a standard account with fewer restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport from another country?

Yes, many banks accept a foreign passport as a primary form of ID. Some banks will open an account with just the passport; others will ask for a second document like a utility bill or lease in your name. Call ahead to confirm the specific bank's policy.

What if I do not have any ID at all, not even a passport?

You can still open an account, but it will be harder. Look for a credit union or CDFI in your area—these institutions are more likely to work with you using alternative documents like a utility bill, lease, school ID, or a letter from a social service organization. Online banks like Chime may also work if you can verify your phone number and email.

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

No. An ITIN works just as well for bank account purposes. If you do not have either, some banks will still open an account using alternative documents, though this is less common. Call ahead to ask.

Will opening an account without photo ID affect my credit score?

No. Opening a bank account does not affect your credit score at all, regardless of what documents you use. Banks report to ChexSystems (a banking history database), not to credit bureaus.

How long does it take to open an account without standard ID?

Online accounts can open in minutes if you have an ITIN or Social Security number. In-person accounts usually take 15 to 30 minutes at the branch. Some banks may ask you to return with additional documents within 30 days to complete verification, which can extend the process.