Yes, you can open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN, but the process and your options depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose
Banks in the United States are required by federal law to verify your identity, but that verification does not have to come from a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Many banks will accept a passport, national ID card, or state-issued ID instead. Some will also accept a combination of documents — a passport plus a utility bill, for example — to establish who you are.
The catch is that not all banks offer this option, and the ones that do may have different rules about which documents they accept and what additional steps you need to take. Large national banks tend to be stricter. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are often more flexible. Some banks specifically market accounts to non-citizens and immigrants, and those are usually your fastest route.
If you do not have an SSN or ITIN yet, you can still open an account. If you plan to get one later, you can add it to your account once you receive it. The bank will not close your account or freeze your money because you did not have one when you opened it.
Key Takeaways
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to open accounts without an SSN or ITIN than large national chains.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID — a passport, national ID card, or state ID — to open any account, even without an SSN or ITIN.
- Some banks require an ITIN specifically, while others accept a passport or national ID as sufficient proof of identity.
- You can add an SSN or ITIN to your account later if you obtain one after opening the account.
- Banks that serve immigrant communities often have clearer policies about non-SSN accounts and staff trained to handle the paperwork.
Which banks will open accounts without an SSN or ITIN
Credit unions are your most reliable option. Most credit unions do not require an SSN or ITIN to open a checking or savings account. They will ask for a government-issued photo ID — a passport works — and proof of your current address, usually a utility bill or lease. Some credit unions have specific programs for non-citizens and immigrants, and their staff are accustomed to handling these accounts.
Regional and community banks vary widely. Some will open accounts with a passport and address proof. Others require an ITIN even if you have a valid passport. Call ahead or visit in person and ask directly: "Can I open an account with a passport instead of an SSN?" This is a straightforward question and the bank will give you a straight answer.
Large national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — generally require either an SSN or ITIN. Some have exceptions for visa holders or people with pending immigration cases, but you will need to ask at a branch. Do not assume the website answer applies to you; immigration rules are complex and branch managers sometimes have discretion.
Online-only banks almost always require an SSN or ITIN because they cannot verify your identity in person. Avoid them unless you already have one of those numbers.
What documents you will need to bring
Every bank will ask for a government-issued photo ID. A passport is the most widely accepted. A national ID card from your home country works at many banks, though some will not recognize it. A state driver's license or ID card works if you have one, but you cannot get one without an SSN in most states, so this may not be an option for you yet.
You will also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name works. The document usually has to be recent — within the last 60 days — and show your full name and address. A cell phone bill sometimes works; a credit card statement sometimes does not. Ask the bank what they accept before you go in.
Some banks will ask for a second form of ID or additional documents if you do not have an SSN or ITIN. This might be a school ID, an employment letter on company letterhead, or a letter from your landlord. Banks are trying to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you actually live where you say you do. The more documents you bring, the easier you make their job.
The difference between opening an account with an ITIN versus without one
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not have an SSN but need to file taxes or open a bank account. If you have an ITIN, most banks will treat you the same way they treat someone with an SSN. You can open any type of account, set up direct deposit, and use online banking without restrictions.
If you do not have an ITIN and the bank opens an account for you anyway, your account will work normally for everyday banking — deposits, withdrawals, transfers, debit card use. The main difference is that the bank may flag your account for additional monitoring or ask you to update your information periodically. This is not a problem; it just means the bank is following federal rules about accounts opened without standard identification numbers.
Some banks will offer you a limited account — for example, savings only, no debit card, no online banking — if you do not have an SSN or ITIN. Others will give you a full account. This varies by bank and sometimes by branch. Ask what type of account they can open for you before you decide whether to proceed.
How to get an ITIN if you want one
You do not need an ITIN to open a bank account, but if you plan to work, file taxes, or build a credit history in the United States, getting one makes things simpler. You apply for an ITIN through the IRS by filing a tax return or Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).
If you are working, you can file a tax return even if no taxes are owed. The IRS will issue an ITIN as part of processing your return. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you are not working, you can file Form W-7 directly with the IRS, though this is less common and takes longer.
You will need to file in person at an IRS office or through an authorized acceptance agent — usually a tax preparation service, community organization, or library. Bring your passport and proof of address. The IRS website has a list of acceptance agents in your area.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening an account in person at a branch is almost always easier if you do not have an SSN or ITIN. The bank employee can see your ID, ask questions, and make a judgment call about whether to open the account. They have more flexibility than an online system does. Go to a branch, bring your passport and address proof, and ask to speak to someone about opening an account without an SSN.
Online applications almost never work without an SSN or ITIN because the system cannot verify your identity remotely. If you start an online application and it asks for an SSN, stop and go to a branch instead. Do not waste time trying to force an online process that was not designed for your situation.
Some banks have a hybrid option: you start online but finish in person. This can work, but it is slower than just going to the branch from the start. If you are in a hurry, skip the online step.
What happens if a bank refuses to open an account for you
If a bank says no, ask why. The answer might be "we require an ITIN" or "we cannot verify your address" — both of which are fixable. If it is "we do not open accounts for people without an SSN," that is the bank's policy and you cannot change it. Move to the next bank.
If you keep running into refusals, try a credit union instead. If there is no credit union near you, look for a bank that specifically serves immigrant communities. Many cities have banks or branches that market to non-citizens and have streamlined processes for people in your situation. A community organization or immigrant advocacy group in your area can point you to one.
If you have a visa, work permit, or other immigration document, bring it with you. Some banks will open an account for visa holders even without an SSN or ITIN, because your immigration status is documented. This is worth mentioning to the bank employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account with someone who has an SSN if I do not have one?
Yes, at most banks. The person with the SSN can be the primary account holder and you can be a joint owner. The bank will still need to verify your identity with a passport and address proof. Some banks require both account holders to be present in person; others allow one person to open the account and add the other later.
Will the bank report me to immigration if I open an account without an SSN?
No. Banks are required to verify your identity for anti-money-laundering purposes, not to report immigration status. Opening a bank account is not a violation of immigration law and will not trigger any government action against you. The bank's job is to know who you are, not to police your immigration status.
What if I have a work permit but no SSN yet?
Bring your work permit along with your passport. Many banks will open an account for someone with a valid work permit, even without an SSN or ITIN. Your work permit proves you have legal status to be in the country and to work, which is often enough for the bank to proceed.
Can I use a consulate ID or national ID card instead of a passport?
It depends on the bank. A national ID card from your home country works at some banks and not others. A consulate ID is less likely to be accepted because it is not a standard government-issued ID. Bring your passport as your primary ID and bring the national ID or consulate ID as a backup. Ask the bank which they prefer before you hand anything over.
If I open an account without an SSN, can I add one later?
Yes. Once you receive an SSN or ITIN, contact the bank and ask them to add it to your account. This takes a few minutes. You do not need to close the account and open a new one. The bank will update your file and your account will function exactly the same way it did before.