Yes, you can open a bank account with a passport as your main ID

A passport is a valid form of government-issued identification at most banks in the United States. You do not need a driver's license. If a passport is the ID you have, bring it — most banks will accept it without asking for anything else.

The reason banks ask for ID at all is federal law. The Bank Secrecy Act requires banks to verify who you are before opening an account. A passport satisfies that requirement completely. The bank's job is to confirm the ID is real and that you are the person in it, not to prefer one type of ID over another.

That said, some banks may ask for a second document — usually something with your current address, like a utility bill or lease. This is separate from the ID requirement and varies by bank. If you bring your passport and the bank asks for more, ask what they need and whether you can provide it on the spot or come back with it later.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. passport is a government-issued ID that banks accept to open an account without a driver's license.
  • Banks may ask for a second document showing your current address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement.
  • If you have a passport but no address document, call the bank before you go in and ask what they will accept.
  • A passport from another country may work, but you will likely need additional documents — ask the specific bank first.

What to bring when you go to the bank

Bring your passport and one document that shows your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. The document should have your name and address on it and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days — banks vary on how recent they require it to be.

If you do not have an address document, call the bank before you visit. Some banks will accept a signed letter from a landlord or a government notice sent to your address. Others will let you provide the address document later, within a set number of days. Do not assume — ask first.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can write it on the process form, or bring a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you do not have either, tell the bank — they have a process for that too, though it may take longer.

Passport from another country

A non-U.S. passport is usually not enough on its own. Banks are required to verify that you are who you say you are, and a foreign passport raises additional questions about your immigration status and tax obligations.

If you have a non-U.S. passport, call ahead and ask what the bank needs. Many will ask for a visa, a green card, or a work permit alongside the passport. Some banks have specific procedures for non-citizens and may ask more questions or require more documents. The answer depends on the bank and your immigration status, so do not show up unprepared.

If you are in the U.S. on a visa or have a green card, bring that document with you. If you are undocumented, some banks will still open an account — many have policies that allow it — but you will need to ask directly. Not all banks advertise this, so calling first saves you a wasted trip.

What happens if the bank says no

If a bank turns you down, ask why. The most common reasons are: you do not have an address document, the bank cannot verify your identity from your passport, or you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN and the bank's policy requires one. If the reason is fixable, fix it and try again or try a different bank.

If the reason is that you are on a bank's exclusion list — usually because of a past account closure or unpaid fees — that is harder to resolve quickly. You can ask the bank to explain what happened and whether you can resolve it. You can also try a different bank; not all banks use the same lists.

Community banks and credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than large national banks. If you hit a wall at one bank, try a smaller local bank or a credit union in your area. They may have different requirements or be willing to work with you on documentation.

Online accounts versus in-person accounts

Some banks let you open an account entirely online. If you open online, you will upload a photo of your passport and sometimes a photo of an address document. The bank verifies these electronically and may ask follow-up questions by email or phone.

Online accounts are faster — you can finish in 10 to 15 minutes — but they require you to have a working email address and a way to take clear photos of your documents. If you do not have those, opening in person at a branch is simpler.

In-person accounts take longer because you have to go to the bank, but the staff can answer questions on the spot and can often work around missing documents more easily. If you are unsure whether you have everything you need, in-person is the safer choice.

After you open the account

Once the account is open, the bank will give you a debit card, a checkbook if you asked for one, and online banking access. You can set up online banking right away using your email and a password you create. The debit card usually arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Until your debit card arrives, you can withdraw cash at the bank's teller window or at an ATM using a temporary card or PIN the bank gives you. You can also set up direct deposit of paychecks or benefits right away — ask the bank for your account and routing number so you can give it to your employer or benefits administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open an account with a passport?

Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have one, tell the bank when you explore. Some banks will open an account anyway, but the process takes longer and may involve additional verification. Call ahead to ask whether the specific bank you want to use will work with you.

Can I use an expired passport?

An expired passport is still valid ID for opening a bank account — the bank is checking that the document is real and that you are the person in it, not whether your travel rights are current. Bring it. If the bank hesitates, ask them to call their compliance department; they will confirm it is acceptable.

What if I do not have an address document?

Call the bank and ask what they will accept instead. Some take a signed letter from a landlord, a government notice, or a recent phone bill. Others will let you provide the document within 30 days of opening the account. Do not assume you cannot open an account — ask first.

How long does it take to open an account with a passport?

In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents. Online, 10 to 15 minutes. If the bank needs to verify anything or if you are missing a document, it can take longer. The account itself opens when ready, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open an account if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Banks are required to verify your identity and tax status, not your citizenship. If you have a visa, green card, or work permit, bring it with your passport. If you are undocumented, some banks will still open an account — call ahead to ask. The answer varies by bank and location.