You can open a bank account without a Social Security number, but you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid passport instead
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. A Social Security number is the most common way to do this, but it is not the only way. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN—a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number—or a valid passport from another country. Some banks also accept a state ID or driver's license as a secondary form of identification.
The process is slower than opening an account with a Social Security number because the bank has to verify your identity through different channels. You will also likely face higher initial deposit requirements and fewer account options. Some large national banks will not open accounts without a Social Security number, so you may need to start with a credit union or a smaller regional bank.
Key Takeaways
- An ITIN or valid passport can replace a Social Security number as your primary identifier when opening a bank account.
- You will need a second form of ID—usually a state-issued ID, driver's license, or passport—along with your ITIN or passport.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to open accounts without a Social Security number than large national chains.
- Expect higher minimum deposit requirements and longer processing times when you do not have a Social Security number.
- You will need to bring original documents to the bank in person; most banks will not complete this process online or by phone.
What an ITIN is and how to get one
An ITIN is a tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a nine-digit number that starts with a 9 and is formatted like a Social Security number (9XX-XX-XXXX). The IRS issues ITINs to people who are required to file a U.S. tax return but do not have a Social Security number—this includes many immigrants, visa holders, and people who work in the United States without authorization to work.
To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it in or submit it in person at an IRS office. You will need to include proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, national ID card, driver's license, or birth certificate. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address. Processing takes about four weeks by mail; in-person filing at an IRS office can be faster.
Once you have an ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account. Bring your ITIN letter (the IRS sends this when your number is issued) and a valid passport or state ID to the bank. The letter is your proof that the IRS has assigned you a number; banks will not accept a handwritten ITIN without this official documentation.
Which banks will open accounts without a Social Security number
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically require a Social Security number and will not open accounts without one. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are much more flexible. Many credit unions will open accounts for members who have an ITIN or passport, and some do not require a second form of ID if your passport is current.
Online banks are harder to predict. Some will open accounts with an ITIN; others will not. Call or use the bank's chat feature before you visit in person. If you are a member of a credit union already, start there—credit unions are more likely to work with you than banks are.
Community banks and immigrant-focused financial institutions are your best bet. If you live in an area with a large immigrant population, look for banks that advertise services for people without a Social Security number. These banks have experience with ITIN verification and will move faster than a bank that rarely sees this request. You can also ask local nonprofits or community organizations which banks in your area accept ITINs.
Documents you need to bring
| Document Type | What It Proves | Acceptable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ID | Your identity | Valid passport, national ID card, driver's license, state ID |
| Tax ID Number | Your ITIN or Social Security number | ITIN letter from IRS, Social Security card, tax return showing your number |
| Proof of Residency | Your current address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement (dated within 90 days) |
| Secondary ID (sometimes required) | Additional identity verification | Birth certificate, consular ID, work permit, school ID |
Bring originals, not copies. Banks will not accept photocopies or digital images for the initial account opening. If your documents are in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by a professional translator. Some banks will accept a translation from a notary public; call ahead to confirm what your bank requires.
Make a list of what you are bringing before you go to the bank. This helps you remember everything and makes the process faster. If you are missing a document, the bank will tell you what to get before you can open the account.
What happens during the account opening process
You will need to visit the bank in person. The bank will ask for your documents, verify your identity, and run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database). This check looks for fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or closed accounts with outstanding balances. If you have never had a U.S. bank account, this check will come back clear.
The bank will also verify your ITIN with the IRS. This can take a few days to a week. During this time, your account may be opened but restricted—you can deposit money but not withdraw it until verification is complete. Some banks will let you use the account immediately; others will wait for IRS confirmation. Ask the bank employee what to expect before you leave the branch.
You will be asked to sign signature cards and consent forms. Read these carefully. They include your rights and the bank's policies on overdrafts, fees, and account closure. Ask the bank employee to explain anything you do not understand before you sign. Keep copies of everything you sign.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Banks without a Social Security number often require higher minimum deposits than standard accounts. A typical checking account might require $25 to $100 to open, but accounts opened with an ITIN may require $500 to $1,000 or more. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit.
Monthly fees are also higher. A standard checking account might cost $0 to $12 per month; accounts opened without a Social Security number may cost $15 to $25 per month. Some banks charge a one-time verification fee of $25 to $50 when you open the account. Ask about all fees before you open the account. Some banks offer fee waivers if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If the fees are too high, shop around—different banks charge different amounts.
What to do if a bank refuses to open an account
If a bank refuses to open an account, ask why. Some banks have policies against opening accounts without a Social Security number; others may have made a mistake or misunderstood your documents. If the reason is a policy, move to a different bank. If the reason is unclear, ask to speak to a manager.
If you have been refused by multiple banks, contact a local nonprofit that works with immigrants or low-income people. Organizations like the National Council of La Raza, local community action agencies, or immigrant resource centers often know which banks in your area will work with people who have an ITIN. They may also help you gather documents or accompany you to the bank.
If you believe a bank refused you because of your immigration status or national origin, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state's banking regulator. The CFPB has a complaint form on its website at consumerfinance.gov; your state's attorney general's office can tell you who regulates banks in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no ITIN?
Some banks will, but most require either an ITIN or a Social Security number as your tax ID. A passport alone proves who you are but not your tax status. Call the bank before you visit to confirm whether a passport is enough. If it is not, you will need to get an ITIN first.
How long does it take to open an account without a Social Security number?
The account itself opens the same day you visit the bank, but full verification can take three to seven business days. During this time, your account may be restricted. Some banks will let you use it immediately; others will not. Ask the bank what to expect before you leave.
Will opening a bank account without a Social Security number hurt my credit?
No. Banks do not report account openings to credit bureaus. Opening a bank account does not build or damage your credit score. However, if you overdraft the account and do not pay it back, the bank may report it to ChexSystems, which can make it harder to open accounts at other banks in the future.
Can I use a bank account opened with an ITIN to get a loan or credit card later?
Yes, but it is harder. Lenders want to see a Social Security number or a longer credit history. Having a bank account with an ITIN shows you can manage money, which helps, but most credit card companies and loan officers will still ask for a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you may need to wait until you have a Social Security number or work with a lender that specializes in lending to people without one.
What if my ITIN expires?
ITINs do not expire, but the IRS may deactivate your ITIN if you do not file a tax return for three consecutive years. If your ITIN is deactivated, you can reactivate it by filing a tax return. Your bank should not close your account if your ITIN is deactivated, but call your bank to confirm their policy.