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, but the banks that do are not the largest ones. You'll find ITIN accounts most readily at credit unions, community banks, and online banks—not at major national chains like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, which typically require a Social Security Number or a state ID.

The reason for this difference is that large banks use automated systems tied to Social Security Numbers for fraud detection and account verification. Smaller institutions and credit unions have more flexibility in their underwriting and can manually review applications. If you have an ITIN and want a bank account, your best path is to call ahead to a local credit union or community bank and ask directly whether they accept ITINs before you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit unions and community banks accept ITINs for bank accounts; most large national banks do not.
  • You will need to bring your ITIN letter from the IRS, a state ID or passport, and proof of address when you open the account.
  • Some banks will ask for a second form of ID or additional documentation if you don't have a state driver's license.
  • Online banks vary in their ITIN policy, so you must contact them directly—their websites rarely state whether they accept ITINs.

What documents you need to bring

When you go to open an account with an ITIN, bring your ITIN letter (the document the IRS sent you when they issued your number), a valid photo ID, and proof of your current address. The photo ID can be a state driver's license, state ID card, passport, or consular ID from your country of origin. The proof of address is usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Some banks will ask for a second form of identification if your photo ID is not a U.S. state document. A passport works for this purpose. If you don't have a state ID or driver's license, bring your passport and a second document—a consular ID, a work permit, or a utility bill in your name. The bank's staff can tell you on the phone what they need before you come in, so call first and ask what their ITIN policy requires.

Credit unions versus community banks versus online banks

Credit unions are the most likely to accept ITINs. They are member-owned cooperatives, not profit-driven corporations, and they often serve communities that include immigrants and people without Social Security Numbers. You join a credit union by becoming a member (usually by opening an account), and membership often comes with lower fees and better customer service than large banks. To find a credit union near you, search the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union's branch locator online.

Community banks are the second-best option. These are smaller, locally owned banks that serve a specific region. They have more discretion in their lending and account policies than national chains. You can find community banks by searching "community bank" plus your city name, or by asking at your local chamber of commerce.

Online banks are unpredictable. Some accept ITINs and some do not, and their websites almost never state their policy clearly. If you want to bank online, you must call or email the bank directly and ask. Do not assume that because a bank advertises "no minimum balance" or "open to everyone" that they accept ITINs—these claims refer to other things.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other bank account. You can deposit checks, set up direct deposit, pay bills online, and use a debit card. The bank will not close your account or ask for a Social Security Number later because you opened it with an ITIN. Your ITIN is a permanent tax identification number, and the bank's records will show it from the start.

Some banks may ask you to provide a Social Security Number later if you become may be able to access for one—for example, if you receive a work visa and the Social Security Administration issues you a number. You can update your information at that time, but you are not required to do so. Your account will continue to work with your ITIN.

If a bank refuses to open an account with your ITIN

If the first bank you approach says no, do not assume all banks will refuse. Their policy is specific to that institution. Move to the next credit union or community bank on your list and try again. Keep a record of which banks you've contacted and what they said—this will help you narrow your search and avoid wasting time on banks that have already declined.

If you live in a rural area with few local banks, an online bank that accepts ITINs may be your best option. Call several online banks and ask directly. Some will say yes; others will say no. The ones that say yes will walk you through their process, which usually involves uploading photos of your documents and verifying your identity by phone or video call.

Alternatives if you cannot open a bank account

If you exhaust your options and still cannot open a traditional bank account, you can use a prepaid card or a money services business (also called a check-cashing service). Prepaid cards are issued by companies like NetSpend, Chime, or Gobank, and you can load money onto them and spend it like a debit card. Money services businesses let you cash checks, send money, and pay bills without a bank account, though their fees are usually higher than a bank's.

These are not ideal long-term solutions because prepaid cards charge monthly fees and money services businesses charge per transaction. But they can work if you need to receive paychecks or send money while you continue looking for a bank that accepts ITINs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account?

No. Many banks accept an ITIN instead. However, the largest national banks typically require a Social Security Number, so you'll need to look at credit unions, community banks, or online banks that have stated they accept ITINs.

Will the bank close my account if I later get a Social Security Number?

No. Your account will remain open and active. You can update your information to include your Social Security Number if you wish, but you are not required to do so. The bank will not take any action based on a change in your tax identification.

Can I use an ITIN to get a debit card?

Yes. Once you open a bank account with an ITIN, the bank will issue you a debit card just as they would for any other customer. You can use it to withdraw money from ATMs and make purchases anywhere debit cards are accepted.

What if my ITIN letter is old or damaged?

Contact the IRS and request a replacement ITIN letter. You can do this by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or by visiting your local IRS office. The replacement usually arrives within two to three weeks. Bring the new letter when you open your account.

Can I open an account online with an ITIN if I don't have a state ID?

Some online banks will accept a passport and ITIN letter instead of a state ID. Others require a state ID. Call the bank before you start the process and ask what documents they need. They can tell you whether your specific combination of documents will work.