What you need to open a bank account with a passport

Yes, you can open a bank account using only your passport in most U.S. banks, but the process and what happens next depends on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a foreign national visiting or working here.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, your passport works as a primary ID document. Banks will accept it to verify your identity. However, most banks will also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address — a driver's license, state ID, utility bill, or lease agreement. Some banks waive the second document if your passport is current and has your photo and signature.

If you are a foreign national without a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), the process is more complicated. Banks must verify your identity under federal anti-money-laundering rules, and they need to know your immigration status. A passport alone is not enough; you will also need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an SSN, depending on your visa type and whether you plan to earn income in the U.S.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents can use a passport as their primary ID, though most banks also request a second form of ID or proof of address.
  • Foreign nationals need a passport plus an ITIN or SSN, which you must obtain before the bank will open your account.
  • Banks verify your identity against federal databases, so your passport must be current and match the name you use on the account.
  • Some online banks have different ID requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, so check the specific bank's policy before you start.
  • If you cannot provide an SSN or ITIN, a few banks offer accounts for foreign nationals, but they are less common and may have higher fees.

What banks ask for when you bring only a passport

When you walk into a bank branch or start an online account with a passport, the bank will ask you to verify your identity and your address. The passport covers identity. For address, they typically accept a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some banks will let you use a temporary address or a mail forwarding service.

The bank will also ask for your Social Security Number or ITIN. This is not optional — it is required by federal law under the Bank Secrecy Act. The bank must report your account to the IRS and verify you are not on any government watch lists. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot complete the account opening at most banks, even if you have a valid passport.

Some banks ask additional questions: your employment status, your source of income, and whether you are a U.S. person for tax purposes. These questions help the bank comply with tax reporting rules. Answer them honestly. Lying about your immigration status or tax residency can result in account closure and a report to federal authorities.

Getting an ITIN if you are a foreign national

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 in the U.S. You can get an ITIN even if you are not authorized to work here.

To request an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You must include your passport as proof of identity and your country of residence. You can mail the form to the IRS, or you can apply in person at an IRS office or through an authorized acceptance agent — usually a tax professional or community organization. Processing takes about four weeks by mail, sometimes longer during tax season.

Once you have your ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account. Bring your passport, your ITIN notice (the letter from the IRS), and proof of your U.S. address. Some banks will open your account the same day. Others may place a hold on the account for a few days while they verify your ITIN with the IRS.

Differences between banks on passport-only accounts

Not all banks have the same rules. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo accept passports as primary ID at their branches, but they all require a second form of ID or proof of address. Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab have different requirements — some accept passports for U.S. citizens but may ask for additional verification for foreign nationals.

Credit unions often have stricter rules. Many credit unions require membership in a specific group or geographic area, and they may not accept out-of-country passports or may require additional documentation. Call your local credit union before you visit.

Some banks that focus on serving immigrants or international customers — such as Wise (formerly TransferWise) or certain community banks — have streamlined processes for foreign nationals and may accept a passport plus an ITIN without requiring a U.S. address upfront. These banks often charge lower fees for international transfers, which can be useful if you plan to send money home.

What happens if your passport is your only document

If you truly have no other documents — no driver's license, no utility bill, no lease — most banks will not open an account for you. Federal law requires banks to verify both your identity and your address. A passport verifies identity but not address. Without proof of address, the bank cannot complete the account opening.

If you are new to the U.S. and have not yet received mail at your address, you have a few options. Some banks accept a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord as proof of address. Others accept a bank statement from your home country showing your name and address. A few banks will accept a temporary address — such as a hotel or a friend's house — if you sign a statement saying you live there temporarily.

If none of these work, you can wait until you receive a piece of mail at your U.S. address, then return to the bank with your passport and that mail. This usually takes one to two weeks.

How banks verify your passport information

When you present your passport, the bank scans or photographs it and enters your information into their system. The bank then runs your name, date of birth, and passport number against federal databases — including the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list and the Social Security Administration's records. This check takes a few minutes in-branch or a few hours online.

If your name matches someone on a watch list, or if your information does not match federal records, the bank will flag your account and may ask you for more information or refuse to open the account. This is rare, but it can happen if you have a common name or if there is a data error in a government database.

The bank will also verify your SSN or ITIN with the IRS. If your number does not match your name in IRS records, the account opening will be delayed while the bank contacts the IRS to confirm. This can take a few days to a week.

Timeline for opening an account with a passport

At a bank branch, if you have a passport, proof of address, and an SSN or ITIN, you can usually open an account in 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will verify your information while you wait, and your account will be active the same day. You may receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Online, the process is slower. You upload your passport and proof of address, and the bank verifies your information over the next 24 to 48 hours. Your account will be active once verification is complete, but you will not receive a physical debit card for 7 to 14 business days. Some online banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately while you wait for the physical card.

If you do not yet have an SSN or ITIN, add four to six weeks to this timeline. You will need to obtain your ITIN first, then return to the bank with your ITIN letter and passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account with an expired passport?

No. Banks require a current, valid passport. An expired passport does not prove your identity under federal law. If your passport is expired, renew it before you try to open an account. Passport renewal takes four to six weeks through the State Department, or two to three weeks if you pay for expedited service.

Do I need a U.S. address to open an account with a passport?

Most banks require proof of a U.S. address, even if you are a foreign national. If you do not have one yet, some banks accept a lease, a letter from your landlord, or a temporary address. A few banks that serve international customers may waive this requirement temporarily, but they will ask for an address before you can use your account for certain transactions.

What if my passport name does not match my Social Security card?

Tell the bank about the mismatch before you apply. Bring both documents and explain the reason — usually a marriage, divorce, or name change. The bank will verify your SSN with the Social Security Administration to confirm the name on file. This may delay your account opening by a few days, but it will not prevent you from opening the account.

Can I open a joint account with only my passport?

Both account holders must provide ID. If the other person has a driver's license or state ID, they can use that. If they also have only a passport, they must bring it along with proof of address and their SSN or ITIN. The bank will verify both people before opening the joint account.

What if the bank says my passport is not enough?

Ask the bank what additional documents they need. Most commonly, they want proof of address or a second form of ID. If you do not have these, ask whether they accept alternatives — a lease, a utility bill, or a letter from your employer. If the bank still refuses, try a different bank or a credit union in your area. Requirements vary by institution.