Yes, you can open a bank account with a passport

A passport works as a valid form of identification at most banks in the United States. You do not need a driver's license or state ID card. However, the bank will also ask for a second piece of information to verify your identity — usually your Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or tax ID — and proof of your current address.

The reason banks ask for multiple forms of proof is federal law. The Bank Secrecy Act requires banks to confirm who you are before opening an account. A passport alone satisfies the photo ID part, but you will need to provide the other pieces separately.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN yet, some banks will still open an account for you, though the process takes longer and may have limits on what you can do with the account initially. This is covered in more detail below.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport is accepted as photo identification at virtually all U.S. banks and credit unions.
  • Banks will also ask for your Social Security number, ITIN, or tax ID, plus proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number yet, some banks can open an account using your ITIN or passport number, though verification may take longer.
  • Bring your passport and one piece of mail showing your current address when you visit the bank in person.

What documents to bring with your passport

When you go to the bank, bring your passport and one additional document that shows your current address. This is usually a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address on it. The document typically needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank.

You will also need to provide a tax identification number. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, this is your Social Security number. If you are not yet may be able to access for a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. Some banks will accept your passport number as a temporary identifier while you are waiting for an ITIN or Social Security number to arrive.

Call the bank branch before you go in and ask what documents they specifically need. Different banks have slightly different requirements, and some branches may ask for additional items depending on your situation.

Opening an account without a Social Security number

If you do not yet have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still open a bank account at many institutions. The process is slower because the bank has to verify your identity through other means, and you may face temporary limits on the account.

Some banks will open an account using your passport and ITIN. Others will use your passport number as a placeholder and ask you to provide a Social Security number or ITIN within 30 days. A few banks will not open an account at all without one of these numbers, so it is worth calling ahead to ask.

If you are waiting for a Social Security number, you can explore through your local Social Security Administration office. The process takes roughly two to four weeks. If you need an ITIN, you can explore through the IRS, which typically takes four to six weeks.

Banks and credit unions that accept passports

Major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all accept passports as valid identification. Credit unions also accept passports, though requirements vary slightly by institution.

Community banks and smaller regional banks are equally likely to accept a passport. The key difference is not the size of the bank but whether they have a physical branch you can visit in person. Most banks require you to open an account face-to-face when you are using a passport, because the teller needs to see the document and verify it matches your appearance.

Some online-only banks do not have physical branches, which means you cannot open an account in person. These banks may not accept passports for initial account opening, though policies vary. If you are interested in an online bank, contact them directly to ask whether they can work with a passport.

In-person versus online account opening

Opening an account in person at a bank branch is the most straightforward route when you have a passport. The teller will look at your passport, verify your address, take down your tax ID number, and open the account on the spot. You usually walk out with a debit card or a temporary card number you can use when ready.

Online account opening is faster in theory, but it is harder to do with a passport alone. Most online banks use automated identity verification systems that work best with a driver's license or state ID. If you try to open an account online and the system does not recognize your passport, you will be asked to visit a branch or mail in copies of your documents, which defeats the speed advantage.

Your best option is to find a bank branch near you and open the account in person. Bring your passport, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive online banking login information so you can check your balance and transfer money from home.

If you opened the account without a Social Security number or ITIN, the bank may place a temporary hold on certain features — for example, you might not be able to set up wire transfers or link the account to other banks until you provide the missing number. Once you submit your Social Security number or ITIN, these limits are usually lifted within one to three business days.

Keep your passport in a safe place. You may need to show it again if you ever need to prove your identity to the bank, such as if you forget your password or want to add a co-owner to the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport from my home country, or does it have to be a U.S. passport?

A passport from any country is accepted as valid identification at U.S. banks. It does not have to be a U.S. passport. The bank straightforward needs a government-issued photo ID, and a foreign passport meets that requirement.

What if my passport is expired?

Most banks will not accept an expired passport for account opening. The ID needs to be current and valid. If your passport has expired, you will need to renew it before opening a bank account. Check your country's passport renewal process — for U.S. passports, you can renew by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Can I open a joint account with someone else using only a passport?

Yes. Both account holders need to bring valid identification — a passport works for both of you — plus proof of address and a tax ID number. You will both need to be present in person at the bank branch to sign the account opening paperwork.

What if the bank says my passport is not enough?

If a bank refuses to open an account with your passport, ask them to explain which requirement you do not meet. Usually the issue is a missing tax ID number or proof of address, not the passport itself. If they say they cannot work with a passport under any circumstances, try a different bank or credit union — most will accept one.

Do I need to bring the original passport or can I bring a copy?

You need to bring the original passport. The bank teller needs to see the actual document to verify it is genuine and to confirm that you are the person in the photo. A photocopy is not acceptable for account opening.