Yes, you can open a bank account with a passport, but the bank must verify it is valid and current
A passport works as a government-issued photo ID for opening a bank account at most U.S. banks. The bank will check that your passport is not expired, matches the name and address you provide, and belongs to you. Some banks accept a passport alone; others require a second form of ID or proof of address. The rules vary by bank and by whether you are a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen.
The passport must be a valid travel document issued by your country's government. An expired passport will not work, even if it was valid when you applied. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) counts as valid ID at most banks, but a passport book is more widely accepted without additional documents.
If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some banks will accept a foreign address on your passport. Others require you to have a U.S. mailing address before they open the account. This matters if you are moving to the country or are in the process of establishing residency.
Key Takeaways
- Your passport must be current and unexpired; an expired passport will not work even if you have no other ID.
- Most banks accept a passport as a standalone form of ID, but some require a second document such as a utility bill or proof of address.
- Non-citizens can open accounts with a passport, but the bank may ask for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or other tax documentation.
- If your passport shows a foreign address, call the bank before you visit to confirm they will accept it without a U.S. address on file.
- Bring the original passport, not a copy; banks verify the document in person and will not accept photocopies.
What banks need from your passport
When you hand over your passport, the bank employee will check four things: that it is not expired, that the photo matches your face, that the name matches what you wrote on the account application, and that the document is genuine. They will record your passport number and country of issue in their system. This is part of their Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which is required by federal law.
The bank will also run your name through the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) database to make sure you are not on a sanctions list. This is automatic and takes seconds. If your name is common or similar to a flagged name, the bank may ask follow-up questions, but this does not mean you have done anything wrong.
If you are a non-citizen, the bank may ask for your ITIN or your Social Security Number if you have one. If you have neither, some banks will still open the account but may place restrictions on it until you provide a tax ID. Ask about this before you sit down with the banker.
When a passport alone is not enough
Many banks require a second form of ID or proof of address alongside your passport. This is more common at larger national banks than at credit unions or online banks. The second document might be a state driver's license, a state ID card, a utility bill, a lease, or a recent bank statement from another country.
If you do not have a U.S. driver's license or state ID, bring a utility bill or lease in your name. If you just moved and do not have either, a recent credit card statement or a letter from your employer with your address will usually work. The document does not have to be recent—some banks accept utility bills that are up to 90 days old.
If you are opening an account online, you may not be able to use a passport alone. Many online banks require a Social Security Number or ITIN and will ask you to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading a photo of your ID. In that case, you will need to have your passport ready and be prepared to show it on camera.
Opening an account as a non-citizen
Non-citizens can open bank accounts in the United States. You will need a valid passport from your country, and the bank will verify it the same way they would for a U.S. citizen. The main difference is that you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a visa, a work permit, or proof of residency.
If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can use an ITIN instead. You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS even if you do not work in the U.S.—some banks will accept a completed Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) as proof that you have applied. Other banks will wait until you have received your ITIN before opening the account.
Some banks have restrictions on accounts opened by non-citizens. They may limit the amount you can deposit, require a higher minimum balance, or charge higher fees. Call ahead and ask what the requirements are for your situation. Credit unions often have fewer restrictions than large national banks.
What to bring to the bank
Bring your original passport—not a photocopy or a scan. Banks must see the physical document to verify it is real. Bring it in its current condition; do not try to repair a damaged passport before you go, as that can make the bank suspicious.
Bring a second form of ID if the bank requires one. Bring proof of address if you do not have a U.S. driver's license. Bring your ITIN or Social Security Number if you have one, or bring a completed Form W-7 if you have applied for an ITIN.
Bring a list of the account features you want: checking, savings, or both. Bring information about how you plan to fund the account—whether you will deposit cash, transfer money from another bank, or receive direct deposits. This helps the banker recommend the right account type for you.
Do not bring large amounts of cash if you can avoid it. Banks are required to report cash deposits over $10,000, and deposits just under that amount can trigger extra scrutiny. If you need to deposit a large sum, ask the bank in advance how they prefer you to do it.
If your passport is expiring soon
If your passport expires within the next few months, the bank will still accept it as long as it is not expired on the day you open the account. However, some banks may ask you to renew it before they open the account, especially if you are a non-citizen. Call the bank and ask their policy before you make an appointment.
Once your account is open, you do not need to update the bank if your passport expires later. The bank uses your passport to verify your identity at the time of opening; they do not re-verify it every year. However, if you need to update your address or name later, you may need to show a current ID.
Alternatives if you do not have a passport
If you do not have a passport, most banks will accept a state driver's license or state ID card instead. If you do not have either, you can use a combination of documents: a utility bill for proof of address, plus a secondary ID such as a school ID, work ID, or library card. The exact combination depends on the bank's policy.
If you are a non-citizen without a passport, you may be able to use a national ID card from your country, a travel permit, or a work visa. Call the bank and describe what documents you have; they can tell you whether it will work before you come in.
Online banks often have stricter ID requirements than brick-and-mortar banks. If you cannot open an account online, try a local credit union or a bank branch in person. Credit unions are often more flexible with non-standard ID documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with an expired passport?
No. The passport must be valid and unexpired on the day you open the account. If your passport expired, you will need to renew it first or bring a different form of ID. Renewal times vary by country, so plan ahead if your passport is close to expiring.
Do I need a U.S. address to open an account with a passport?
Most banks require a U.S. address, but some will accept a foreign address if you are relocating or are in the country temporarily. Call the bank before you visit and tell them your situation. If they will not accept a foreign address, ask whether you can use a temporary U.S. address such as a hotel or a friend's house.
What if the name on my passport does not match my application?
The name must match exactly. If you have changed your name since your passport was issued, bring legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The bank will update their records, but you may need to renew your passport to match.
Can I open a bank account with a passport card instead of a passport book?
Yes, a passport card is valid ID for opening a bank account. It works the same way as a passport book. However, some banks may ask for a second form of ID more often with a passport card than with a book, so bring proof of address just in case.
Will the bank keep my passport information after I open the account?
The bank will record your passport number and country of issue in their system, but they will not keep the physical passport. They will return it to you before you leave. Your passport information stays in the bank's records for their compliance files, but you retain ownership of the document.