Yes, but Bank of America requires an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead

Bank of America will open a checking or savings account for you without a Social Security Number (SSN), but you must provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents but have a tax filing requirement or other need to interact with the U.S. tax system.

The account itself works the same way as any other Bank of America account—you get a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to deposit and withdraw money. The difference is in what identification document you present at the branch or during the online process. Bank of America treats an ITIN as an acceptable substitute for an SSN when you cannot provide one.

You do not need to have an ITIN before you walk into the branch. Many Bank of America locations can help you understand the ITIN process and may be able to direct you to resources for obtaining one, though the bank itself does not issue ITINs—only the IRS does.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America accepts an ITIN as a substitute for an SSN when opening a personal checking or savings account.
  • You will need to bring your ITIN documentation, a valid passport or government-issued ID from your home country, and proof of your current address to open an account in person.
  • The ITIN application process takes several weeks and requires filing Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or through an IRS-authorized agent.
  • Some Bank of America branches have staff trained to work with international customers and non-SSN account holders, so calling ahead to confirm availability can save you a trip.
  • Online account opening at Bank of America may not accept ITIN during the automated process, so opening in person at a branch is often more straightforward.

What documents you need to bring to a Bank of America branch

When you open an account in person, bring your ITIN documentation (your IRS letter showing your ITIN number), a valid government-issued photo ID from your home country (passport, national ID card, or driver's license), and proof of your current U.S. address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

Bank of America may also ask for your date of birth, employment information, and the source of funds you plan to deposit. These questions are standard anti-money-laundering checks that all banks perform. Be prepared to explain your income source—whether you work for a U.S. employer, receive income from abroad, or have other funds.

If you do not yet have an ITIN, bring your passport and proof of address anyway. The branch staff can explain the steps to obtain one and may provide you with Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or direct you to an IRS-authorized agent who can help you file it.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have one yet

To obtain an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail the form and supporting documents directly to the IRS, or you can visit an IRS-authorized agent in your area who can submit it on your behalf. The IRS website has a searchable list of authorized agents by location.

The documents you need to submit with Form W-7 depend on your situation. Most people need to provide a valid passport or national ID card, plus documentation showing your reason for needing an ITIN (such as a job offer letter, rental agreement, or bank account opening form). The IRS publishes a detailed list of acceptable documents on its website.

Processing time is typically four to six weeks if you mail the form, though it can take longer during tax season (January through April). If you use an authorized agent, they often have faster turnaround times and can answer questions about which documents you need. Some agents charge a small fee for this service, usually between $50 and $150.

Opening an account online versus in person

Bank of America's online account opening process is designed for people with SSNs and may not accept an ITIN during the automated verification steps. If you try to open an account online and the system rejects your ITIN, you will need to visit a branch in person instead.

Opening in person takes longer—plan for 30 to 45 minutes—but the branch staff can manually process your application and verify your ITIN documentation without the system rejecting you. Some larger Bank of America branches have staff specifically trained to work with international customers and non-SSN account holders. Calling ahead to ask whether the branch has this expertise can save you a wasted trip.

Once your account is open, you can manage it entirely online or by phone. You do not need to return to the branch for routine transactions. Your ITIN stays on file with the bank and is used for tax reporting purposes (such as interest earned on savings accounts).

What happens after you open your account

After your account opens, Bank of America will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up online banking and mobile app access immediately. Your account will be subject to the same fees, interest rates, and terms as any other Bank of America account—your ITIN does not change how the account operates.

Bank of America reports account activity to the IRS using your ITIN, just as it would with an SSN. This is normal and required by law. If you earn interest on a savings account, you will receive a 1099-INT form at tax time showing the interest earned, and you will report this on your tax return.

If you later obtain a Social Security Number, you can update your account information with Bank of America. You do not need to close the account and open a new one—the bank can add your SSN to your existing account record.

Alternatives if Bank of America does not work for you

Some other banks and credit unions also accept ITINs for account opening. Citibank, Wells Fargo, and several regional banks have policies similar to Bank of America's. Credit unions often have more flexibility with documentation requirements and may be worth exploring if your local Bank of America branch is unwilling to work with you.

Online-only banks (such as Chime, Wise, or Revolut) sometimes have different verification processes and may be easier to open if you have an ITIN and a valid passport. However, these banks may have different fee structures or features than Bank of America, so compare them based on your actual needs—whether you need a physical debit card, in-person deposit options, or specific account features.

If you are having trouble opening any account, contact your local immigrant resource center or community organization. Many cities have nonprofits that help people navigate banking and financial services, and they often know which local banks are most welcoming to non-SSN account holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America account with just a passport and no ITIN?

No. Bank of America requires either an SSN or an ITIN. A passport alone is not enough. You will need to obtain an ITIN first by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, which typically takes four to six weeks.

Do I need to be a permanent resident or have a visa to open a Bank of America account?

No. Bank of America does not require you to be a permanent resident or have any specific visa status. You need a valid government-issued ID (such as a passport) and an ITIN. Your visa status does not affect your ability to open a bank account.

What if the branch staff says they cannot open an account without an SSN?

Ask to speak with a manager or call the Bank of America customer service line to confirm the policy. Bank of America's official policy allows ITIN account opening, but individual branch staff may not be familiar with it. If the branch continues to refuse, try a different branch location or contact Bank of America's customer service department directly.

Will having an ITIN instead of an SSN affect my credit score or borrowing?

Your ITIN will not prevent you from building credit or borrowing money. However, some lenders may have stricter requirements for ITIN holders, and you may need to provide additional documentation. Credit bureaus track credit history using either an SSN or an ITIN, so you can build a credit file either way.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open my account?

Bank of America typically mails your debit card within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can use your account for online transfers and bill pay immediately, even before the card arrives. If you need a card faster, ask the branch whether they can issue a temporary card on the spot.