Yes, you can open a bank account without a Social Security number, but the process and your options depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose.
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and report certain account information to the IRS. A Social Security number (SSN) is the easiest way to do this, but it is not the only way. If you do not have an SSN, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a passport, or other government-issued ID depending on the bank and your status in the United States.
The real constraint is not whether you can open an account—you can—but which banks will accept non-SSN identification and what documentation they will ask for. Large national banks have stricter policies than smaller regional banks and credit unions. Some banks will not open accounts for people without an SSN at all. Others will, but only if you have an ITIN or are a documented resident.
Key Takeaways
- An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the most common alternative to an SSN for opening a bank account and can be obtained from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work in the United States.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to accept non-SSN identification than large national chains, though policies vary by institution.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID (passport, visa, national ID card) and proof of address, regardless of whether you use an SSN or ITIN.
- Some banks require you to be a U.S. resident or have a specific immigration status; call ahead to confirm the bank's policy before visiting in person.
What an ITIN is and how to get one
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but do not have an SSN. You do not need to be authorized to work in the United States to get one. The IRS issues ITINs to people on certain visa types, undocumented residents, and dependents of U.S. citizens, among others.
To request an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can submit it by mail with certified copies of your identity documents and proof of residency, or you can explore in person at an IRS office or through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service or nonprofit). Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. In-person applications are faster but require an appointment.
Once you have an ITIN, most banks will treat it the same way they treat an SSN for account-opening purposes. You will still need to provide your passport or national ID and proof of your current address.
Which banks accept accounts without an SSN
Large national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—typically require an SSN or ITIN and will ask for it during the account-opening process. Some will refuse outright if you do not have either. However, their policies are not universal across all branches, so it is worth calling your local branch to ask before you visit.
Credit unions are generally more flexible. Many credit unions will open accounts for non-residents and people without an SSN, especially if you have an ITIN or a valid passport. You will need to be a member of the credit union (membership requirements vary), but membership is often open to anyone in a certain geographic area or profession.
Smaller regional and community banks vary widely. Some will open accounts for anyone with valid ID and proof of address. Others have strict SSN requirements. The only way to know is to contact the bank directly and ask what identification they accept.
Documents you will need to bring
Regardless of whether you use an SSN, ITIN, or neither, banks will ask for the same basic documents. Bring a government-issued photo ID—a passport, national ID card, visa, or driver's license from your home country. The ID must be current and must have your photograph on it.
You will also need proof of your current address in the United States. A utility bill, lease agreement, or government mail with your name and address will work. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept older documents if you explain the delay.
If you are explore with an ITIN instead of an SSN, bring your ITIN notice (the letter the IRS sent you when they issued it). If you do not have an ITIN yet, some banks will let you open an account and provide the number later, but confirm this with the bank before you visit.
The difference between in-person and online account opening
Opening an account in person at a branch is usually easier if you do not have an SSN. The bank employee can see your ID and address proof directly and can answer questions about what documents are acceptable. They can also tell you on the spot whether the bank will open an account for you.
Online account opening is harder without an SSN. Most online applications require you to enter an SSN or ITIN before you can proceed, and the system will not let you skip the field. Some banks allow you to start the process online and finish it in person, but you have to contact the bank first to ask. If you are opening an account online, call the bank's customer service number before you start the process and ask whether they can accommodate non-SSN applicants.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, the bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and debit card. If you provided an ITIN, the bank has already reported it to the IRS. You can use the account to deposit paychecks, receive wire transfers, pay bills, and access other banking services the same way anyone else would.
If you later obtain an SSN, you can contact the bank and ask them to update your account information. You will need to provide your SSN and usually a form of ID. The bank will update their records, and future tax reporting will use your SSN instead of your ITIN.
Alternatives if a bank will not open an account for you
If you cannot find a bank that will open an account without an SSN, you have other options. Some prepaid card companies will issue cards to people without an SSN—you load money onto the card and use it like a debit card. Prepaid cards are not bank accounts, so they do not offer the same protections or features, but they do let you receive direct deposits and make purchases.
Credit unions in your area may have different policies than the ones you have already contacted. Call several and ask specifically about their non-SSN policy. Some credit unions serve specific communities or professions and may be more willing to work with people in your situation.
Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram let you send and receive money without a bank account, but they charge fees for each transaction. This is not a substitute for a bank account, but it can work temporarily while you are working on getting an ITIN or finding a bank that will accept you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a U.S. resident to open a bank account?
Most banks require you to have a U.S. address, but not all require you to be a permanent resident or citizen. Some will open accounts for people on temporary visas, undocumented residents, or people who are in the process of immigrating. Call the bank and describe your situation—do not assume you are ineligible based on your visa status alone.
Can I open a joint account with someone who has an SSN if I do not?
Yes. If you are opening a joint account, the bank will ask for identification from both account holders. One person can provide an SSN and the other can provide an ITIN or other ID. The bank will report the account under both names.
What if I have a visa but no SSN yet?
A valid visa and passport are usually enough to open a bank account, even without an SSN or ITIN. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of address. Some banks may ask you to get an ITIN later, but many will open the account first and let you provide the number afterward.
How long does it take to open an account without an SSN?
In-person account opening usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, the same as for anyone else. If the bank needs to verify your ITIN or contact the IRS, it may take a few business days for the account to become fully active. Online applications may take longer because the system may flag accounts opened without an SSN for manual review.
Will I have trouble using my account if I do not have an SSN?
No. Once the account is open, you can use it normally. The bank has already verified your identity and reported your information to the IRS. You can receive direct deposits, write checks, use your debit card, and access all standard banking services.