You can open a bank account without an SSN using an ITIN, passport, or state ID
Banks in the United States will open accounts for people without a Social Security Number, but the process and requirements vary by institution. The most common path is to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to non-citizens who need to file taxes. Some banks will also accept a valid passport, state-issued ID, or consular ID from your home country as your primary identification instead.
The specific documents you'll need depend on which bank you choose and whether you're a non-resident alien, permanent resident, or visa holder. Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have different requirements than credit unions or online banks. Some institutions have dedicated programs for international customers; others treat each application individually.
Key Takeaways
- An ITIN is the most widely accepted substitute for an SSN when opening a bank account, and you can obtain one through the IRS even if you don't plan to file taxes.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks often have more flexible ID requirements than large national chains and may accept a passport or consular ID alone.
- You will need to provide proof of address, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued document showing your current residence.
- Online banks typically have stricter verification processes and may require an SSN or ITIN, so calling ahead to confirm their policy saves time.
- Some banks will freeze or close accounts if they later discover you don't have an SSN or ITIN, so be transparent about your status from the start.
Getting an ITIN if you don't have one
An ITIN is a nine-digit number formatted like a Social Security Number but issued by the IRS to individuals who are required to file taxes but are not may be able to access for an SSN. You do not need to be employed or have income to obtain one—many people get an ITIN specifically to open a bank account or build U.S. credit history.
To request an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS along with proof of identity and proof of foreign status. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, national ID card, or driver's license from your home country. You can mail the form and documents to the IRS address listed on the form, or in some cases visit an IRS office in person. Processing typically takes four to six weeks by mail.
Once you receive your ITIN, you can use it on bank account applications just as you would an SSN. Keep your ITIN letter in a safe place—you'll need the number when you open the account, and the bank may ask to see the original letter as proof.
Which banks accept accounts without an SSN
Credit unions are often the most flexible option. Many credit unions will open accounts for non-citizens using an ITIN, passport, or consular ID, and some do not require an ITIN at all if you provide other government-issued identification. Call your local credit union and ask directly whether they have a process for non-SSN holders; the answer varies widely by institution.
Online banks have mixed policies. Some, like Wise and Revolut, are designed for international customers and have streamlined processes for non-citizens. Others, like Ally and Charles Schwab, require an SSN or ITIN and will not open accounts without one. Before you start the online application, call the bank's customer service line and confirm their policy—it's faster than submitting an application and being denied.
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally require either an SSN or ITIN. Some branches may have more flexibility than others, so if you have a local branch, visiting in person and speaking to a manager can sometimes open options that the standard application process does not. Bring your passport, ITIN letter (if you have one), and proof of address.
Documents you'll need to bring
| Document Type | Purpose | Acceptable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ID | Prove your identity | Passport, national ID card, consular ID, state driver's license |
| Tax ID Number | Substitute for SSN | ITIN letter from IRS, SSN (if you have one) |
| Proof of Address | Verify your current residence | Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, government mail dated within the last 90 days |
| Visa or Immigration Status (sometimes) | Confirm legal presence | Passport with visa stamp, I-94 arrival/departure record, green card, employment authorization document |
Proof of address is required by federal law and cannot be skipped. If you've just arrived and don't have a utility bill or lease yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer, a government agency letter, or a statement from a relative who can vouch for your address. Ask the bank what they will accept before you visit.
When you bring documents in person, bring originals or certified copies—banks will not accept photocopies for identity verification. If any document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. Some banks have translators on staff; others will direct you to a certified translation service.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, the bank will report your information to ChexSystems, a banking history database. This record helps other banks assess your account history if you open accounts elsewhere. If you later obtain an SSN, you can contact the bank and update your account information.
Some banks conduct additional verification after opening the account, especially if they discover discrepancies in your information. If the bank later learns you don't have an SSN or ITIN and did not disclose this upfront, they may freeze or close the account. This is why transparency at the start is important—tell the bank you're opening the account without an SSN and explain what ID you're using instead.
You can use your account to receive direct deposits, pay bills, and build a banking history in the United States. This history can help you later when you apply for credit cards, loans, or other financial products.
Alternative options if banks turn you down
If you cannot open a traditional bank account, a prepaid debit card is a backup option. Companies like Wise, PayPal, and Revolut issue prepaid cards to non-citizens without requiring an SSN. These cards let you receive money, make purchases, and withdraw cash, though they don't build credit history the way a bank account does.
A second address can sometimes help. If you have a friend or family member in the U.S. whose address you can use as your mailing address (with their permission), some banks will open an account using that address as proof of residence. This is not ideal, but it works when you're newly arrived and don't have your own lease yet.
Some employers offer payroll cards or direct deposit to accounts at specific banks that partner with the employer. If your employer has such a program, they may handle the account opening process differently than a retail bank would. Ask your HR department whether this option is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no ITIN?
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks will, but most large national banks require either an SSN or ITIN. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy before you visit. If they say no, try a credit union in your area—they often have more flexibility.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
The IRS processes Form W-7 applications in four to six weeks by mail. If you need an ITIN quickly, some tax preparation services can help you file in person at an IRS office, which may speed up processing, though this varies by location.
What if I don't have proof of address yet?
Ask the bank what documents they will accept. Many will take a letter from your employer, a government agency letter, or a signed statement from someone who can confirm your address. Some banks also accept a lease agreement that's been signed but not yet dated.
Will opening a bank account without an SSN affect my credit?
No. Opening a bank account does not affect your credit score. However, the bank will report your account to ChexSystems, which is a separate banking history database used by banks to assess risk.
Can I convert my account if I later get an SSN?
Yes. Contact your bank and provide your new SSN. They will update your account information, and you won't need to close and reopen the account.