Yes, but only certain banks accept it, and you'll likely need additional documents
A passport works as a government-issued photo ID at many banks, but it is not the standard document they ask for. Most banks prefer a driver's license because it includes your address, which they need to verify. If you use a passport alone, you may hit delays or be turned away—some banks have policies that require a state ID or driver's license specifically.
The real question is not whether your passport is valid, but whether the specific bank you're walking into will take it. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo generally accept passports, though they often ask for a second form of ID or proof of address. Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary widely. Your best move is to call ahead or check the bank's website before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- A passport counts as government-issued photo ID at most banks, but many prefer a driver's license because it shows your address.
- You will almost certainly need to bring a second document—either proof of address or a second form of ID—even if the bank accepts your passport.
- Call the specific bank branch before you visit to confirm they will accept a passport, because policies differ by institution and sometimes by branch.
- If you don't have a driver's license, a passport plus a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement usually satisfies the address requirement.
What banks actually require when you show a passport
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address under the Customer Identification Program (CIP). A passport proves who you are, but it does not prove where you live—and that is where the friction starts. The bank needs both pieces of information before they open your account.
When you bring a passport, expect the bank to ask for one of these: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, recent bank statement, or government-issued mail (like a tax return or benefits letter). The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, depending on the bank's policy. Some banks will accept a second form of ID instead—a state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID—if it shows your address.
A few banks will let you verify your address online after you open the account, which speeds up the process if you don't have a recent document on hand. Ask about this option when you call ahead.
Which major banks accept passports and what they ask for
| Bank | Accepts Passport | What Else You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | Yes | Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or recent statement) or second form of ID |
| Bank of America | Yes | Proof of address or second form of ID |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Proof of address or second form of ID |
| Citibank | Yes | Proof of address or second form of ID |
| US Bank | Yes | Proof of address or second form of ID |
| Credit unions | Varies | Varies—call your local branch |
These policies can change and may differ by branch location. Before you visit, call the specific branch where you plan to open the account. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime also accept passports, but they verify your address digitally during the sign-up process rather than in person.
If you don't have proof of address yet
If you just moved, are homeless, or are new to the country, you may not have a recent document showing your address. Banks know this happens, and most have workarounds—they just vary by institution.
Some banks will let you open the account with your passport and a signed statement from you confirming your address, then verify it later by mailing a postcard to that address or by calling you. Others will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or government office on letterhead that confirms your address. A few will let you use a cell phone bill or insurance document if it shows your name and address, even if it is not on the standard list.
Online banks are often more flexible here because they do not need to match a physical address to a branch. If you are stuck, opening an account online first, then visiting a branch later to add services, can be faster than trying to solve the address problem in person.
What happens if a bank won't take your passport
If the bank you chose has a strict policy against passports, you have three options: get a state ID card from your local DMV, find a different bank that accepts passports, or open an account online where the verification process is different.
A state ID card takes one to two weeks to arrive in most states and costs between $10 and $30. If you need a bank account sooner, switching banks is usually faster. Call three or four banks in your area and ask directly: "Do you accept a passport as ID to open an account?" You will get a yes or no in seconds.
Online banks almost never turn away passports because they verify everything digitally. If you are willing to bank online, this is the fastest route.
Passport requirements for different account types
The type of account you open does not change what ID the bank needs. A checking account, savings account, money market account, or CD all require the same identity and address verification. However, if you are opening a joint account with someone else, both account holders must bring ID and proof of address.
If you are opening an account for a business or as a representative of someone else (power of attorney, guardian, trustee), you will need additional documents beyond your passport. Bring the business registration, trust document, or power of attorney paperwork along with your ID and address proof. Banks treat these differently because they need to verify not just who you are, but your authority to act on behalf of the account.
International visitors and non-citizens
If you are visiting the United States on a visa or are a non-citizen, a passport is actually your strongest form of ID. Banks accept foreign passports the same way they accept U.S. passports. You will still need to provide proof of a U.S. address—this is where many international visitors get stuck.
If you are staying in a hotel, some banks will accept the hotel confirmation or a letter from the hotel on letterhead. If you are staying with a friend or family member, ask them for a letter on their utility bill or lease confirming you live there, or ask the bank whether they will accept a signed statement from you with their address. Some banks will also accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) letter from the IRS as proof of address if you have one.
Online banks are often easier for international visitors because they can verify your address through your passport number and do not require a U.S. address to open the account—though you will need one eventually to receive mail or make withdrawals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just my passport and nothing else?
No. Banks need both your identity and your address. A passport proves identity but not address. You will need a second document showing your current address—a utility bill, lease, recent bank statement, or government mail—or a second form of ID that includes your address.
Do I need an original passport or is a copy okay?
Banks require the original passport so they can verify it is real and see the security features. A photocopy will not work. Bring the actual document.
What if my passport is expired?
An expired passport still works as ID for opening a bank account because it still proves who you are. The bank is verifying your identity, not your travel status. However, if you are also using it as your only form of ID, some banks may ask for a second document. Call ahead to confirm.
Can I open a bank account online with my passport?
Yes. Online banks verify your passport information digitally and do not require you to show the physical document. You will answer questions about your passport details, and the bank will cross-check them against government records. This is often faster than visiting a branch in person.
What if I'm a U.S. citizen but don't have a driver's license?
A passport plus proof of address works at most banks. If you want a second form of ID instead, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV, which is cheaper and faster than renewing a driver's license. Some banks will also accept a military ID, tribal ID, or passport card.