Non-citizens can open a bank account, but the process and requirements depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose
Most U.S. banks will open an account for a non-citizen, but you will need to prove your identity and provide a tax identification number. The specific documents required vary by bank and by your immigration status—whether you are a permanent resident, on a visa, undocumented, or in some other category. Some banks are more flexible than others, and some states have laws that make it easier or harder to open an account without a Social Security number.
The key barrier is not citizenship itself but rather having an acceptable form of identification and a tax ID. If you have a valid passport and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), most mainstream banks will work with you. If you lack both, you may need to use a bank that specializes in serving non-citizens or immigrants, or you may need to open an account in person rather than online.
Key Takeaways
- A valid passport or national ID card is usually sufficient for identity verification; you do not need a U.S. driver's license.
- You will need either a Social Security number or an ITIN; banks use this for tax reporting and fraud prevention, not to determine citizenship.
- Online banks often have stricter verification requirements than brick-and-mortar banks, so opening an account in person may be faster if you lack a U.S. address or credit history.
- Some states, including California, Illinois, and New York, have laws allowing banks to open accounts for undocumented immigrants using an ITIN and a valid ID.
- Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible than large national banks when it comes to non-standard documentation.
What identification banks will accept from non-citizens
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. This is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) rule enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). For non-citizens, a valid passport is the most widely accepted form of ID. A national ID card from your home country also works at most banks, though some may ask for a second form of identification.
A U.S. driver's license or state ID card is not required. If you have one, it makes the process smoother, but banks cannot refuse to open an account solely because you lack one. If you are opening an account in person, bring your passport and any other document that shows your current address—a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency. If you are applying online, you may be asked to upload a photo of your passport and provide your address.
Some banks will also accept a consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what forms of ID they accept, because policies vary by branch and by bank.
Tax identification numbers: Social Security number versus ITIN
Banks must report account activity to the IRS for tax purposes. To do this, they need a tax identification number from you. If you have a Social Security number, that is what the bank will use. If you do not have one, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS.
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file taxes or report income in the United States. You do not need to be a permanent resident or have any particular visa status to get one. You apply using IRS Form W-7, which you can file by mail or in person at an IRS office or a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Processing takes roughly four to six weeks by mail. You will need to provide your passport and proof of your identity and foreign status.
Many banks now accept ITINs for account opening, though some older or more conservative institutions may push back. If a bank refuses to open an account with an ITIN, ask to speak with a manager or try a different bank. Community banks and credit unions are more likely to accept an ITIN than large national chains.
State laws that make account opening easier for undocumented immigrants
Several states have passed laws requiring or encouraging banks to open accounts for undocumented immigrants. California, Illinois, New York, and Washington have all enacted versions of these laws. In California, banks must open accounts for anyone with a valid ID and an ITIN, regardless of immigration status. Illinois and New York have similar rules. These laws do not override federal KYC requirements, but they do prevent banks from using immigration status as a reason to deny an account.
If you live in one of these states, you have a legal right to open an account at any bank licensed to operate there, as long as you have a valid ID and an ITIN. If a bank refuses, you can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator. In other states, banks have more discretion, and some may be reluctant to open accounts for undocumented immigrants—though many still will.
Even in states without specific laws, many banks have internal policies that allow account opening for non-citizens with an ITIN. It is worth calling ahead or visiting in person to ask, rather than assuming you will be turned away.
Online versus in-person account opening
Online banks often have stricter identity verification requirements than traditional banks. They rely on automated systems that check your information against databases, and these systems sometimes flag non-citizens or people without a U.S. credit history. If you try to open an account online and are rejected, opening in person at a physical branch is often faster and more successful.
When you open an account in person, a bank employee can review your documents directly and make a judgment call if something does not fit the standard template. They can also ask clarifying questions and document your situation in writing. Bring your passport, proof of address, and your ITIN or Social Security number. If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some banks will accept a temporary address or a mailing address at a friend's house, a hotel, or a mail forwarding service.
Online-only banks like Chime, Wise, and some others have been more willing to work with non-citizens in recent years, but policies change. If you are considering an online bank, check their website or call their customer service line to ask about non-citizen account opening before you apply.
What happens if you cannot get an ITIN or Social Security number
If you are in the United States temporarily on a visa and do not plan to file taxes, you may not be able to get an ITIN. In this case, some banks will still open an account if you have a valid passport and a U.S. address. However, the bank may place restrictions on the account or require a larger opening deposit.
If you are unable to open a traditional bank account, you have other options. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than banks. Prepaid debit cards and mobile payment apps like Wise, PayPal, and Square Cash do not always require a Social Security number or ITIN, though they do require identity verification. These are not the same as a bank account—you cannot write checks, and some have fees—but they allow you to receive and send money.
Some community organizations and nonprofits that serve immigrants also partner with banks to offer account opening services. Calling 211 or searching for "immigrant services" plus your city name can connect you with local resources.
Documents you will need to bring or upload
| Document Type | Why the Bank Needs It | Alternatives if You Don't Have It |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport or national ID | Identity verification (required by federal law) | Consular ID card, in some cases |
| ITIN or Social Security number | Tax reporting to the IRS | Some banks may open accounts without one, but this is rare |
| Proof of U.S. address | Compliance with anti-money-laundering rules | Temporary address, mail forwarding service, or friend's address in some cases |
| Second form of ID (sometimes) | Additional verification if passport alone is not sufficient | Consular ID, utility bill, lease, or employment letter |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a U.S. address to open a bank account as a non-citizen?
Most banks require a U.S. address for account opening. If you do not have a permanent address yet, you can use a temporary one—a hotel, a friend's house, or a mail forwarding service. Some banks will accept a P.O. box, though this is becoming less common. Call the bank first to confirm what they will accept.
Can I open a bank account if I am undocumented?
Yes, in many states. If you live in California, Illinois, New York, or Washington, banks are required to open accounts for undocumented immigrants with a valid ID and an ITIN. In other states, policies vary by bank. Many banks will still open accounts for undocumented immigrants, but some may refuse. Community banks and credit unions are often more willing than large national chains.
What if the bank asks me about my immigration status?
Banks are not supposed to ask about immigration status directly. They are required to verify your identity and obtain a tax ID, but they cannot use immigration status as a reason to deny an account in states with protective laws. If a bank refuses to open an account and cites immigration status as the reason, you can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
If you mail your IRS Form W-7 with supporting documents, processing typically takes four to six weeks. If you file in person at an IRS office or Taxpayer Assistance Center, you may receive your ITIN faster, sometimes within a few weeks. Check the IRS website for office locations and hours in your area.
Can I open a joint account with someone who is a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Joint accounts work the same way for non-citizens as they do for citizens. Both account holders will need to provide identification and a tax ID, and both will be responsible for the account. This can be a useful option if you are living with a family member or spouse who is a citizen.