Citizens Bank accepts ITIN numbers to open a checking account, but you will need additional documents that prove your identity and address
Yes, Citizens Bank will open a checking account for you using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is a tax identification number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States.
Citizens Bank is one of the larger banks in the country that explicitly accepts ITIN numbers for account opening. However, the bank still needs to verify who you are and where you live, so you will bring more documents than someone opening an account with a Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- Citizens Bank accepts ITIN numbers for checking accounts, but requires a second form of government-issued ID and proof of your current address.
- Acceptable government IDs include a passport, consular ID, driver's license, or state ID card — the document does not have to be from the United States.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- You can open an account in person at a Citizens Bank branch or online, though the online process may ask you to visit a branch to complete verification.
- Citizens Bank does not charge monthly fees on most checking accounts, but confirm the current terms when you explore because account features change.
What documents to bring to Citizens Bank
Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS (the document that shows your ITIN number) and at least one other government-issued photo ID. The second ID can be a passport, a consular ID card from your home country, a driver's license, or a state ID card. Citizens Bank accepts foreign government IDs, so your passport or consular card will work even if it was issued outside the United States.
You also need proof that you live at the address you give the bank. This can be a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a government letter addressed to you. The document must show your name, your current address, and a date within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name yet, some branches may accept a letter from a landlord or employer on letterhead that confirms your address, though policies vary by branch.
Bring the original documents or certified copies — do not bring photocopies. If a document is in another language, ask the branch whether they need a certified English translation before you go.
Opening an account in person versus online
You can start the process online at Citizens Bank's website or visit a branch in person. If you open online, the bank will ask you to verify your identity through their system, which may involve answering security questions or uploading photos of your documents. After that, you may be asked to visit a branch to complete the account opening in person, or the bank may mail you a debit card and send you instructions to set up the account.
Opening in person at a branch is often faster and clearer if you are new to banking or if English is not your first language. A banker can answer questions on the spot and confirm that you have brought everything you need. Find the nearest Citizens Bank branch on their website and call ahead to ask whether they have experience opening accounts with ITIN numbers — most do, but confirming saves a trip if there is a problem.
What to expect after you open the account
Once your account is approved, Citizens Bank will issue you a debit card, which usually arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive online banking login information so you can check your balance and move money from a computer or phone. Some accounts come with a checkbook, though you can also request one after opening if you need it.
Citizens Bank does not charge a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts, but the bank offers different account types with different features. Ask the banker which account type they are opening for you and what the terms are, because features and fees can change. Some accounts require a minimum balance or direct deposit to avoid fees, so understand what the account requires before you sign.
If Citizens Bank denies your account
If Citizens Bank declines to open an account for you, ask why. The bank must tell you the reason. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ITIN letter and the name on your other ID, an address that cannot be verified, or a flag in the bank's fraud-detection system that needs to be cleared.
If the issue is a name mismatch, you may need to update your ITIN with the IRS before trying again. If the issue is your address, bring a different document that shows where you live. If there is a fraud flag, the bank can sometimes clear it on the spot, or you may need to wait a few days and try again.
If Citizens Bank will not open an account for you, other banks and credit unions also accept ITIN numbers. Community banks and credit unions sometimes have more flexibility than large national banks, and some have staff who specialize in working with people new to the banking system.
How an ITIN checking account works once it is open
An ITIN checking account works exactly like any other checking account. You can deposit money by visiting a branch, using an ATM, or setting up direct deposit from an employer. You can withdraw money at any Citizens Bank ATM or at ATMs in their network. You can write checks, pay bills online, and send money to other people using the bank's mobile app or website.
The main difference is that some services may require extra verification because you do not have a Social Security number. For example, if you want to set up a wire transfer or send money internationally, the bank may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. This is normal and not a problem — it just means the process takes a few extra minutes.
Building credit history with your checking account
Opening a checking account does not build credit by itself, because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, having a checking account is often the first step toward building credit in the United States. Once you have an account, you can use it to show a bank that you manage money responsibly, which makes it easier to get a credit card or a small loan later.
If you want to build credit, ask Citizens Bank or another bank about a secured credit card, which is a credit card backed by money you deposit. Using a secured card responsibly — charging small amounts and paying the bill in full each month — creates a credit history that can help you get better terms on loans and credit cards in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open a Citizens Bank checking account?
No. Citizens Bank accepts ITIN numbers instead. You will need your ITIN letter from the IRS and a second government-issued photo ID, plus proof of your current address. The process is the same as for someone with a Social Security number, except you bring an ITIN instead.
What if my ITIN letter is old or I do not have it with me?
Bring the most recent ITIN letter you have from the IRS. If you have lost it, you can request a replacement from the IRS before opening the account, though this takes time. Ask the Citizens Bank branch whether they can work with an older letter while you get a new one, because some branches may accept it.
Can I open a Citizens Bank account online if I have an ITIN?
You can start the process online, but Citizens Bank may require you to visit a branch in person to finish opening the account. Call your local branch first to ask whether they can complete the process online or whether you will need to come in. This varies by branch and by the bank's current procedures.
Will having an ITIN checking account affect my immigration status?
No. Opening a bank account is a financial transaction, not an immigration matter. Banks are required to verify identity for all customers, regardless of immigration status. Your bank account information is separate from immigration records and is protected by banking privacy laws.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your Citizens Bank account stays open and works the same way. You can update your address online or by visiting any Citizens Bank branch. If you move far from a Citizens Bank branch, you can still use your debit card and online banking to manage your money, though you may want to find a new bank closer to where you live.