Yes, you can open a U.S. bank account without an SSN, but the process and your options depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose
Most banks will not ask for a Social Security Number as the first requirement. Instead, they ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a valid passport or other government-issued ID, and proof of address. Some banks accept accounts from people with no U.S. tax ID at all, though these accounts often come with restrictions on wire transfers or international transactions.
The real barrier is not whether a bank will take your money—many will—but which banks have clear processes for non-citizens and which ones will turn you away after you sit down. A few large banks have explicit programs for this. Many regional and community banks will do it but require you to ask directly. Some online banks have no physical way to verify your identity in person and will refuse outright.
Your path depends on three things: whether you have an ITIN, whether you can visit a branch in person, and whether you need to send money internationally or receive wire transfers.
Key Takeaways
- An ITIN is easier to get than an SSN and is accepted by most U.S. banks as proof of tax identity.
- Banks that explicitly serve non-citizens include Citibank, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, though their policies vary by branch and state.
- You will need a valid passport or government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and usually an initial deposit of $25 to $300.
- Online-only banks typically cannot open accounts for people without an SSN because they cannot verify identity in person.
- Some banks will open an account without any U.S. tax ID if you have a foreign passport, but these accounts may have limits on wire transfers and international payments.
Getting an ITIN if you don't have one
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but do not have an SSN. You do not need to be working in the U.S. to get one. You can request an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or in person at an IRS office.
If you file by mail, include your completed Form W-7, a copy of your passport or national ID, and proof of your U.S. address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail it to the IRS address listed on the form for your region. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail.
If you go in person to an IRS office, bring the same documents and your original passport. The IRS will review your documents on the spot and issue your ITIN the same day or within a few days. Find your nearest IRS office on irs.gov.
Once you have your ITIN, most banks will treat it the same way they treat an SSN for account-opening purposes. Some banks will open an account without an ITIN if you have a valid passport, but having an ITIN makes the process faster and gives you access to more account types.
Banks that explicitly accept non-citizens
Citibank has a program called Citibank Account for Non-U.S. Citizens and accepts applications from people with an ITIN or a valid passport. You can open an account online or in a branch. The online process requires a video call to verify your identity. Minimum deposit is typically $1,500.
Bank of America accepts accounts from non-citizens with an ITIN or passport in most states. You must open the account in person at a branch. Bring your passport, proof of address, and your ITIN if you have one. Minimum deposit varies by account type but is usually $25 to $100.
Wells Fargo will open accounts for non-citizens with an ITIN or passport, but policies vary by branch and state. Call ahead to confirm your local branch will do this, because some branches have refused. Minimum deposit is typically $25.
Chase does not have a published policy for non-citizens without an SSN. Some branches will open accounts with an ITIN; others will not. Call your local branch and ask directly before visiting.
Many regional and community banks will open accounts for non-citizens but do not advertise this. Call and ask whether they accept ITINs or foreign passports. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than large banks, especially if you have a local connection or employer sponsorship.
What documents you need to bring
Every bank will ask for the same core set of documents. Bring originals, not copies, to your first visit.
| Document | What counts | Why they need it |
|---|---|---|
| Government ID | Passport, national ID card, or driver's license from your home country | Proof of identity |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days | Proof you live in the U.S. |
| Tax ID | ITIN, SSN, or (at some banks) nothing if you have a passport | Compliance with anti-money-laundering rules |
| Initial deposit | $25 to $1,500 depending on the bank and account type | Funding the account |
If your passport is in a language other than English, some banks will ask for a certified English translation. You can get this from a certified translator or from your country's consulate in the U.S. This adds 1 to 2 weeks to the process if you need it.
If your proof of address is a lease, make sure it shows your name and current address. If it is a utility bill, it must be in your name. A bank statement from another bank counts if it is dated within 60 days and shows your address.
Opening an account without an ITIN or SSN
Some banks will open an account if you have only a valid passport and proof of address, with no U.S. tax ID at all. This is less common and usually comes with restrictions.
Citibank and Bank of America will sometimes do this, but you should call ahead to confirm. The account may have lower wire transfer limits, may not allow you to send money internationally, or may require you to get an ITIN within a certain time frame (usually 90 days) or the account will be closed.
Online banks almost never accept this. They have no way to verify your identity in person and cannot meet the anti-money-laundering requirements that come with opening an account for someone without a U.S. tax ID.
If you open an account without an ITIN, plan to get one within the first few months. The process is straightforward, and having an ITIN removes the restrictions on your account.
What to expect during the account-opening visit
Arrive at the branch with all your documents and your initial deposit. The banker will ask you to fill out a signature card and a form that asks for your name, address, date of birth, country of citizenship, and tax ID (ITIN, SSN, or "none"). They will photocopy your ID and proof of address.
The banker will then run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This checks whether you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks. If you are new to the U.S. banking system, this check will come back clear and take a few minutes.
If everything clears, the banker will deposit your initial deposit and give you a temporary debit card on the spot or mail one within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive online banking login credentials either that day or by email within 24 hours.
The entire visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. If the banker hesitates or says they need to check with a manager, ask them to do so. Do not leave without a clear answer about whether the account will be opened.
Restrictions and limits on accounts opened without an SSN
An account opened with an ITIN has no restrictions—it functions exactly like an account opened with an SSN. An account opened without any U.S. tax ID may have limits on wire transfers, international payments, or the total amount you can deposit per month.
Some banks will limit wire transfers to $2,500 per transaction or $10,000 per month. Some will not allow you to send money internationally at all. Some will require you to get an ITIN within 90 days or close the account.
Ask the banker about these limits before you open the account. If the limits are too restrictive for your needs, get an ITIN first and then open the account. The ITIN process takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail or a few days in person, so plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account online without an SSN?
Most online banks require an SSN or ITIN and cannot verify your identity without it. Citibank has an online process that uses a video call to verify your passport, but this is rare. For online-only banks, you will need an ITIN or SSN. If you do not have one, open an account in person at a physical branch instead.
What if my passport is expired?
Banks will usually accept an expired passport as long as it is not more than 5 years expired and the photo is still recognizable. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm. If your passport is older than that, bring a second form of ID if you have one, such as a national ID card or driver's license from your home country.
Do I need a U.S. address to open an account?
Yes. Banks require proof of a current U.S. address dated within the last 60 days. If you just arrived and do not have a lease or utility bill yet, ask your landlord or employer for a letter on letterhead confirming your address, or use a temporary address like a hotel or shelter and update it once you have permanent housing.
Can I use my ITIN to send money internationally?
Yes, an ITIN account has no restrictions on international transfers. However, the bank may charge higher fees for wire transfers to certain countries, and some countries have sanctions that prevent U.S. banks from sending money there. Ask your bank about fees and destination countries before you send.
What happens if I get an SSN after I open an account with an ITIN?
You can update your account information with your new SSN by visiting a branch or calling customer service. The bank will update their records, but your account will continue to work normally. You do not need to close the account and open a new one.