Yes, you can open a bank account with your passport as your primary ID
Most U.S. banks will accept a valid passport as proof of identity when you open an account. Your passport works because it is a government-issued photo ID with your name, date of birth, and signature — the core pieces a bank needs to verify who you are and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules.
However, the bank may ask for a second form of identification or proof of address. This depends on the bank's own policy and which account type you are opening. Some banks treat a passport as sufficient on its own; others require you to bring both a passport and something like a utility bill, lease, or state ID.
If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring your passport and one additional document with your current address — a recent electric bill, water bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement. If you are opening an account online, the bank will likely ask you to upload a photo of your passport and may request a separate address verification document.
Key Takeaways
- A valid U.S. passport is accepted as primary identification at most banks, though some banks may also require proof of your current address.
- Bring your passport and one document showing your address — such as a utility bill or lease — when opening an account in person.
- Online account opening may require you to upload a photo of your passport and submit a separate address document through the bank's portal.
- If your passport is expired, most banks will not accept it; you will need a current, valid passport or an alternative form of ID.
- Banks verify your identity to comply with federal Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, which is why they ask for specific documents regardless of which ID you use.
What banks look for in your passport
Banks use your passport to confirm three things: your legal name, your date of birth, and that the document is genuine and current. The passport must be valid — not expired — and must have a photo that resembles you. A bank teller or online verification system will compare the photo to you (in person) or to a photo you submit (online).
Your passport also contains a machine-readable zone at the bottom of the data page. When you open an account in person, the bank may scan this zone to pull your information directly into their system, which is faster and reduces transcription errors. Online banks typically ask you to photograph both the front and back of your passport so they can read the same information remotely.
If your passport is damaged, has water damage, or the photo is no longer legible, the bank may reject it. Likewise, if your passport has expired, it no longer counts as valid identification for banking purposes, even if you are still within the grace period for passport renewal.
Proof of address requirements when using a passport
Because a passport does not show your current address — only your mailing address at the time of issue — banks almost always ask for a separate address document. This is part of their Know Your Customer compliance. The document must show your name and a current address, and it must be recent, typically dated within the last 60 to 90 days.
Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance statements, or bank statements from another institution. Some banks also accept government mail such as tax notices or voter registration cards. A few banks will accept a recent credit card statement, though this is less common.
If you do not have any of these documents, ask the bank what alternatives they accept. Some banks will allow you to use a second government-issued ID with an address, such as a state driver's license or state ID card, in place of a separate address document. Others may allow you to provide a notarized letter from a landlord or utility company confirming your address.
Opening an account online versus in person with a passport
In-person account opening is usually faster and simpler. You walk in with your passport and an address document, a teller verifies both, and you walk out with your account open and a debit card ordered. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank scans your documents and stores copies in their system.
Online account opening takes longer because the bank cannot see you or your documents in real time. You will upload photos of your passport (front and back) and a photo of your address document. The bank's system or a human reviewer will check that the photos are clear, that the documents match, and that the information is consistent. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several business days, depending on the bank and whether the system flags anything for manual review.
Some online banks use video verification as an alternative. You schedule a video call with a bank representative, show your passport and address document on camera, and answer identity verification questions. This is faster than waiting for document review but slower than in-person opening. Video verification typically takes 24 to 48 hours from the time you complete the call.
What to do if your passport is expired or damaged
An expired passport will not work for bank account opening. Banks treat an expired passport the same way they treat an expired driver's license — it is no longer valid identification. If your passport is expired, you will need to use a different form of ID, such as a state driver's license, state ID card, or tribal ID.
If you are in the process of renewing your passport and do not yet have it back, you can use a temporary passport or passport card if your bank accepts it. However, not all banks recognize temporary passports, so call ahead or check the bank's website before you go in. If the bank will not accept your temporary passport, bring a state ID instead.
If your passport is damaged but still valid, the bank may reject it if the photo or text is no longer legible. Bring a backup form of ID just in case. If the bank does reject your passport, ask what other forms of ID they accept and whether you can use a state ID or ID card instead.
Banks that specifically accept passports
Most major banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — explicitly state on their websites that they accept a valid passport as primary identification. Credit unions and smaller regional banks also accept passports, though their specific requirements vary.
Online-only banks such as Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover also accept passports. Because these banks do not have physical branches, they rely entirely on document upload and verification. Their websites usually list passport as an accepted form of ID in their account opening requirements.
Before you go to open an account, check the bank's website or call the branch to confirm their current ID requirements. Banks update their policies, and some may have temporarily changed their requirements. A quick phone call saves you a trip if the bank has a specific requirement you cannot meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport to open a bank account?
No. Banks require a valid, unexpired form of identification. An expired passport will not work. If your passport is expired, use a state driver's license, state ID card, or other current government-issued photo ID instead. If you are renewing your passport, check with the bank about whether they accept temporary passports.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account with a passport?
Yes. A Social Security number is required by federal law for all bank accounts in the United States. Your passport proves your identity, but the bank will also ask for your SSN to comply with tax reporting and anti-money-laundering rules. If you do not have an SSN, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, depending on the bank.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen but have a valid passport?
You can open a bank account with a foreign passport if you have a valid U.S. visa or green card. Bring your passport, your visa or green card, and proof of your current U.S. address. Some banks may also ask for your ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm their requirements for non-citizens.
Can I open a bank account online with just a photo of my passport?
Yes, most online banks allow you to upload a photo of your passport during account opening. You will also need to upload a photo of a document showing your current address. The bank will review these photos and verify your identity before opening the account. The process usually takes one to three business days.
What if the name on my passport does not match the name I want to use for the bank account?
The name on your bank account must match the name on your government-issued ID. If your passport shows a different name than the one you want to use, you will need to either use the name on your passport or change your legal name through your state's vital records office. The bank cannot open an account under a name that does not match your ID.