Yes, you can open a bank account with an ITIN, but not at every bank

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but don't have a Social Security number. Many banks will accept an ITIN as your primary identification for opening a checking or savings account. However, the banks that do vary by location and by the type of account you want. Some large national banks refuse ITIN accounts outright. Others require additional documents or have restrictions on what you can do with the account.

The key is calling ahead. Don't walk into a branch expecting to open an account with only an ITIN—ask the bank's customer service line first whether they accept ITINs, what documents you'll need to bring, and whether there are any limits on transfers or withdrawals. This saves you a trip and a rejection.

Key Takeaways

  • Many banks accept ITINs, but large national chains often do not, so you need to call and confirm before visiting a branch.
  • You will need your ITIN letter from the IRS, a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, consulate ID, or driver's license), and proof of address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Credit unions and community banks are more likely to open ITIN accounts than major national banks.
  • Some banks that accept ITINs may limit wire transfers, international transfers, or the number of withdrawals you can make per month.
  • Online-only banks rarely accept ITINs because they cannot verify your identity in person.

Which banks accept ITIN accounts

Credit unions are your best bet. Most credit unions will open accounts for ITIN holders as long as you meet their membership requirements, which often just mean living or working in their service area. If you don't already belong to one, search for a credit union near you at CO-OP or Alliant's ATM networks to find branches and shared branching locations.

Community banks and regional banks accept ITINs more often than national chains do. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank generally do not open accounts for ITIN holders, though policies can vary by branch. TD Bank, some local branches of PNC, and smaller regional institutions may accept them. Call the specific branch where you plan to open the account—corporate policy and branch policy sometimes differ.

Online banks almost never accept ITINs because they cannot verify your identity in person and rely on Social Security numbers for background checks. If you need an account quickly and in-person verification isn't possible, this route will not work.

Documents you will need to bring

Bring your ITIN approval letter from the IRS. This is the document the IRS sent you when they issued your ITIN. If you've lost it, you can request a replacement by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or by mailing Form W-7 again, though getting a replacement takes several weeks.

You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID. A passport works. So does a consulate ID card, a driver's license, or a state ID. Some banks accept a combination of documents if you don't have a single photo ID—for example, a utility bill plus a lease agreement plus your ITIN letter. Ask the bank what they will accept before you come in.

Bring proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. A cell phone bill sometimes works, but not always—call ahead to confirm.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, you can deposit checks, receive direct deposits, and make purchases with a debit card. However, some banks place restrictions on ITIN accounts. You may not be able to send wire transfers, especially international ones. Some banks limit the number of withdrawals you can make per month or the amount you can transfer online. These limits vary by bank and sometimes by account type.

Ask the bank about restrictions before you open the account. If they won't let you wire money and you need to send money abroad, you may need to use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram instead, or open an account at a different bank that allows wires.

Building credit with an ITIN account

Opening a bank account with an ITIN does not build your credit history. Banks report account activity to credit bureaus only if you have a Social Security number. However, the account itself is useful: it gives you a place to receive paychecks, pay bills, and build a record of financial stability that some lenders and landlords will accept as proof of responsibility.

If you want to build credit, you can apply for a secured credit card. Some card issuers will accept an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. You deposit money as collateral, use the card to make small purchases, and pay the bill on time each month. After a year or more of on-time payments, the card issuer may convert it to an unsecured card or report your activity to credit bureaus. This is slower than building credit with a Social Security number, but it is possible.

What to do if a bank refuses you

If the bank says no, ask whether they have a manager who can review your application. Some branch managers have discretion to approve ITIN accounts even if the standard policy says no. It's worth asking, especially if you have other documents that prove your identity and address.

If the manager also refuses, move to the next bank on your list. Don't apply at multiple banks in a short time—each application generates a hard inquiry that can affect your credit if you eventually get a Social Security number. Space applications out by at least a week or two.

If you live in a state with a large immigrant population, you may have more options. California, Texas, New York, and Florida have more banks and credit unions that accept ITINs than other states do. If you're moving or have family in another state, it may be worth opening an account there and using it remotely.

ITIN accounts and tax filing

Having a bank account with an ITIN does not change your tax obligations. You still need to file taxes if you earned income, and you still report the account to the IRS if you're required to. The account itself is separate from your tax status.

If you receive a refund from the IRS, you can have it deposited directly into your ITIN bank account. Provide the bank's routing number and your account number on your tax return. Direct deposit is faster and more secure than waiting for a check in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account with an ITIN?

Yes, but the other account holder usually needs a Social Security number. Some banks will allow a joint account if one person has an ITIN and the other has a Social Security number. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy on joint accounts with mixed identification types.

What if I don't have my ITIN letter anymore?

Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement. You can also mail Form W-7 to the IRS address listed in the instructions. Getting a replacement takes several weeks. In the meantime, some banks may accept other IRS documents that show your ITIN, such as a tax return or a notice from the IRS.

Can I use an ITIN account to receive wire transfers from abroad?

Yes, you can receive incoming wire transfers at most banks that accept ITIN accounts. Sending wire transfers, especially international ones, is where restrictions usually apply. Ask the bank specifically about incoming and outgoing wire transfer limits before you open the account.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an ITIN account?

Minimum deposit requirements vary by bank and account type. Some banks require $25 to $100 to open a checking account, while others have no minimum. Credit unions often have lower or no minimums. Ask about the minimum when you call to confirm they accept ITINs.

Will opening a bank account affect my immigration status?

No. Opening a bank account is a financial transaction, not an immigration matter. Banks do not report account holders to immigration authorities based on ITIN status. Your immigration status is separate from your ability to have a bank account.