Yes, you can open a bank account without a Social Security number, but your options are narrower and verification takes longer
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. A Social Security number (SSN) is the fastest way to do that, but it is not the only way. If you do not have an SSN—because you are not a U.S. citizen, are undocumented, or have not yet been issued one—you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a passport, or other government-issued ID plus additional documentation.
The catch: not every bank offers this option, the process takes longer, and you may face higher fees or lower account limits. Some banks will not open accounts for non-citizens at all. Your best bet is to call ahead and ask whether the bank accepts ITINs or foreign ID before you visit a branch.
Key Takeaways
- An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS is the most common substitute for an SSN when opening a bank account.
- You will need to bring a government-issued ID (passport, consular ID, or driver's license) plus proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Not all banks accept ITINs or foreign ID; call your bank's main line or visit a branch to confirm before applying.
- The verification process takes longer without an SSN—expect one to two weeks instead of same-day approval.
- Some banks charge higher monthly fees or require a higher minimum balance for accounts opened without an SSN.
What an ITIN is and how to get one
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people who need to file taxes but do not have an SSN. It looks like a Social Security number but starts with a 9. If you file taxes, you likely already have one. If not, you can request one by filing Form W-7 with the IRS.
To request an ITIN, you submit Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) along with proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a national ID card issued by your country of origin, or a consular ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name.
You can mail the form and documents to the IRS, or in some cases visit an IRS office in person. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. Once you have the ITIN, you can use it the same way you would use an SSN when opening a bank account.
Which banks accept accounts without an SSN
Large national banks vary widely. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have policies that differ by state and branch, so you cannot assume a "no" or "yes" without asking. Some regional banks and credit unions are more flexible, particularly those in areas with large immigrant populations.
Online banks are generally stricter because they rely entirely on digital verification and cannot conduct in-person identity checks. Most will not open an account without an SSN or ITIN.
Your best approach: call the bank's main customer service line and ask directly whether they open accounts for people with an ITIN or foreign passport. If they say yes, ask whether you need to visit a branch in person or whether you can start the process online. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date, in case you need to reference that conversation later.
Documents you will need to bring
Bring originals, not copies. Banks will not accept photocopies for identity verification.
| Document Type | What Counts | What Does Not |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued ID | Valid passport, consular ID, national ID card from your country, state driver's license | Expired ID, school ID, work ID, library card |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail (tax notice, court document) | Cell phone bill, credit card statement, mail addressed to "Resident" |
| Tax ID (if you have one) | ITIN letter from the IRS, Social Security card | Photocopy of ITIN letter |
The proof of address must be recent—usually dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill in your new name yet, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord stating your address can work.
What happens during the verification process
When you open an account without an SSN, the bank will run a manual background check instead of an automated one. This means a person at the bank will review your documents, verify your identity by phone or in person, and check you against fraud databases. This step takes longer—usually three to ten business days instead of minutes.
The bank may also place a hold on your account for the first 30 days, meaning you can deposit money but cannot withdraw it until the hold lifts. This is a precaution against fraud and is standard practice for accounts opened with non-standard ID.
Some banks will ask you to come back in person after your account is opened to confirm your identity a second time. This is normal and protects both you and the bank.
Fees and account limits you may face
Banks sometimes charge higher monthly maintenance fees for accounts opened without an SSN. These fees vary—some banks charge nothing extra, while others charge $5 to $15 per month. Ask about this before you open the account.
You may also face a higher minimum balance requirement. A typical checking account might require $100 to $500 to open; an account opened without an SSN might require $500 to $1,000. Again, this varies by bank.
Debit card limits may be lower. Some banks cap daily ATM withdrawals or point-of-sale transactions at lower amounts for accounts opened without an SSN. Ask what the limits are before you commit.
Alternatives if your bank says no
If your primary bank will not open an account for you, try a credit union. Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexible policies than banks. Many credit unions accept ITINs and will work with you on documentation if you explain your situation.
Community banks and smaller regional banks are also more likely to open accounts without an SSN than large national chains. Search for banks in your area that specifically market services to immigrants or non-citizens.
If you cannot open a traditional bank account, a prepaid card or money services account is an alternative. These are not bank accounts, but they let you load money, make purchases, and withdraw cash. They do not require an SSN, though they do require ID. Fees are often higher than a bank account, and you do not get the same fraud protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ITIN before I can open a bank account?
No. You can open an account with a valid passport or consular ID alone. An ITIN makes the process smoother because banks are familiar with it, but it is not required. If you do not have an ITIN, bring your passport and proof of address instead.
Will opening a bank account without an SSN hurt my credit?
No. Opening a bank account does not affect your credit score. Banks check your identity and may check fraud databases, but they do not report to credit bureaus. Your credit score is based on borrowing and payment history, not on having a bank account.
Can I use a bank account opened without an SSN to get a loan or credit card later?
Yes, but it may take longer. Lenders will ask for an SSN or ITIN when you apply for credit. Having an existing bank account with the same lender can speed up the process, but it does not replace the need for a tax ID.
What if I get an SSN after I open my account?
Contact your bank and ask them to update your account with your new SSN. This is a simple process and takes a few minutes. Updating your account removes any restrictions or higher fees that were tied to not having an SSN.
Can I open a joint account if only one person has an SSN?
Yes, but both account holders must provide ID and proof of address. The person without an SSN will need to bring an ITIN or passport. Some banks require both people to be present in person to open a joint account.