What you need to open an account with a passport
Yes, you can open a bank account using only a passport as your ID, but the process and which banks accept it depends on where you live and whether you are a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen.
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, most major banks will accept a valid passport as your primary form of identification. You will still need to provide a second piece of information — usually your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — but the passport itself satisfies the photo ID requirement. Some banks may ask for additional documentation like proof of address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or government mail.
If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, the process is more limited. Some banks will open accounts for non-citizens using a passport plus an ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS even if you do not have work authorization. Other banks require a U.S. address and may decline if you cannot provide one. A few banks, particularly those in areas with large immigrant populations, have specific non-citizen account products that accept a passport and alternative identification numbers.
Key Takeaways
- A valid passport works as photo ID at most U.S. banks, but you will also need a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account.
- Proof of address — such as a utility bill or lease — is often required as a second document, even when a passport is your ID.
- Non-citizens can obtain an ITIN from the IRS without work authorization, which some banks accept in place of a Social Security number.
- Banks vary widely in their policies for non-citizens; calling ahead to confirm passport acceptance saves a wasted trip.
What banks actually accept as a second form of ID
When you bring a passport, most banks will ask for one more piece of information to verify your identity and meet federal anti-money-laundering rules. This is usually your Social Security number, but it does not have to be a second physical document.
If the bank asks for a second document, common options are a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet in your name), a lease or mortgage statement, a government-issued ID from your home country, a state ID or driver's license, or recent mail from a government agency. The document typically needs to show your name and current address. A passport alone does not prove where you live, which is why banks often want this second piece of paper.
Some banks will waive the address requirement if you open the account online and use a video call to verify your identity. Others will not. Before you go to a branch, call and ask: "Can I open an account with a passport and a Social Security number, or do you need proof of address?" This one question saves time and tells you whether to bring additional documents.
How non-citizens can open accounts without a Social Security number
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that works like a Social Security number for banking and tax purposes, and you do not need work authorization or a visa to get one. You apply by mail using IRS Form W-7, which takes four to six weeks to process.
Once you have an ITIN, bring it to the bank along with your passport. Many banks will accept this combination. However, some banks have policies that require a Social Security number specifically, so call ahead. If a bank declines, try a credit union or a bank known for serving immigrant communities — these are more likely to have non-citizen account products.
A few banks offer accounts specifically for non-citizens and may accept a passport plus an ITIN, a passport plus a national ID from your home country, or even a passport alone if you can verify your identity by video. These accounts sometimes have higher minimum balances or different fee structures, so compare options before opening.
Banks that are more likely to accept a passport alone
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank will accept a passport as your photo ID at most branches, though they still require a Social Security number or ITIN and often ask for proof of address. Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab also accept passports and can verify your identity through video calls, which may reduce the need for a second document.
Credit unions are often more flexible than big banks, especially if you live in or near the area they serve. Many credit unions have fewer strict policies about documentation and may be willing to work with you if you have a passport and an ITIN. Local or community banks are also worth calling — they may have relationships with immigrant populations and understand non-citizen banking needs better than national chains.
If you are opening an account as a non-citizen, ask the bank directly: "Do you have accounts for non-citizens?" and "What documents do you accept?" Some banks have specific products or branches that handle these accounts, and asking the right question gets you to the right person faster.
What happens if you cannot provide a second form of ID
If you have a passport but no Social Security number and cannot obtain an ITIN quickly, your options narrow but do not close entirely. Some banks will open a basic savings account with just a passport and a phone number, though they may limit what you can do with the account until you provide a Social Security number or ITIN later. Other banks will not open any account without both pieces of information.
If you are in this situation, your best path is to apply for an ITIN first, even if it takes a few weeks. The IRS mails the ITIN to you, and you can then take it to a bank with your passport. This is faster than trying to find a bank willing to work around the requirement.
Another option is to open an account at a bank or credit union that serves your specific community. Banks in areas with large populations from your country of origin often have experience with non-citizen customers and may have workarounds or alternative products. Calling 211 (a community resource line) can sometimes connect you to banks or credit unions in your area that specialize in serving non-citizens.
What to bring when you go to open the account
Bring your passport, your Social Security number or ITIN written down, and proof of your current address. If you do not have proof of address yet, bring whatever you have — a lease, a utility bill, a piece of mail from a government agency, or even a letter from your employer or landlord on letterhead stating your address. Different banks accept different documents, so having options increases your chances.
If you are opening the account online or by video call, you will need to have your passport ready to show on camera and your Social Security number or ITIN available. Some banks will ask you to take a photo of your passport and upload it. Make sure the photo is clear and shows the entire page with your photo and information.
Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you, and be ready to answer questions about the source of your funds and how you plan to use the account. These are standard anti-money-laundering questions and do not mean the bank suspects anything — they are required by federal law.
Timeline and what to expect after you apply
If you apply in person at a branch with a passport and the required second form of ID, the account usually opens the same day or within 24 hours. The bank will give you a temporary debit card or card number, and you can start using the account immediately. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you apply online or by video call, the timeline depends on the bank. Some approve and activate accounts within hours; others take one to three business days. The bank will send you login information by email and a debit card by mail.
If the bank asks for additional information after you apply — such as proof of address or clarification about your ITIN — they will contact you by phone or email. Respond as quickly as you can, because the account will not be fully active until they have what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a U.S. address to open a bank account with a passport?
Most banks require a U.S. address, but some will accept a foreign address if you are opening the account online or by video call. Call the bank and ask whether they accept foreign addresses before you apply. If they decline, you may need to use a friend's or family member's U.S. address temporarily, though be honest with the bank about whether that is your actual residence.
Can I open a bank account with an expired passport?
No. Banks require a valid, unexpired photo ID. An expired passport will not work. If your passport is expired, renew it before you try to open an account. If you are waiting for a renewal, some banks may accept a temporary passport or passport card in the meantime — call ahead to ask.
What if the bank says they cannot open an account for me?
Ask why. If it is because you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, apply for an ITIN and try again. If it is because of your immigration status or address, try a credit union or a bank in your community that serves non-citizens. You can also call 211 to find banks or credit unions near you that have experience opening accounts for people in your situation.
Can I use my passport from another country instead of a U.S. passport?
Yes. Banks accept valid passports from any country as photo ID. You will still need a Social Security number or ITIN and usually proof of a U.S. address. The process is the same whether your passport is from the United States or elsewhere.
How long does it take to get an ITIN if I need one?
The IRS typically processes ITIN applications in four to six weeks if you mail them. You apply using Form W-7 and send it to the IRS address listed on the form. Once you receive your ITIN by mail, you can take it to a bank along with your passport to open an account.