Yes, you can open a bank account in the US without an SSN, but the process and your options depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose

A Social Security Number is not the only way to prove your identity to a US bank. Banks are required by federal law to verify who you are, but they can do this using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a passport, a state ID, or other documents. The catch is that not all banks accept all documents, and some require you to be physically present in the US or have a US address.

The path forward depends on three things: whether you have an ITIN, which banks operate in your state, and whether you can visit a branch in person. Some banks will open accounts for non-citizens with just a passport and proof of address. Others require an ITIN or will only work with people who have a visa or green card. A few online banks have no physical branch requirement, but they still need to verify your identity somehow.

Key Takeaways

  • An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the most common substitute for an SSN when opening a bank account, and you can get one from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work in the US.
  • Some banks accept a passport and proof of address alone, while others require an ITIN, visa, or green card—call ahead to confirm what your bank will take.
  • In-person visits to a branch are often required for non-SSN account openings, even at banks that offer online accounts to US citizens.
  • Credit unions sometimes have more flexible identity requirements than large national banks, though policies vary by location and membership rules.
  • Once your account is open, you will not be able to earn interest on savings or get a credit card without an SSN or ITIN, even if the bank accepted your passport to open the account.

What an ITIN is and how to get one

An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people who need to file taxes but do not have an SSN. You do not need to be authorized to work in the US to get one. You do not need to have a visa. You can get an ITIN if you are a student, a temporary visitor, or someone living in the US without legal status.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS along with proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a national ID card from your home country, or a visa. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a bank statement, or a government document with your US address. You can mail the form and documents to the IRS, or you can explore in person at an IRS office or through an authorized acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service or nonprofit organization).

The IRS typically processes ITIN applications in four to six weeks if you mail them, or sometimes faster if you explore in person. Once you have your ITIN, you can use it to open a bank account at most institutions that accept ITINs. You will also need it to file taxes, rent an apartment, or get a driver's license in some states.

Banks that accept non-SSN identification

Large national banks vary in their policies. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all have branches nationwide, but their willingness to open accounts without an SSN depends on the specific branch and the state. Some branches will accept an ITIN and a passport; others will not. Your best move is to call the branch directly and ask what documents they need, rather than walking in unprepared.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions are often more flexible. Many credit unions will open accounts for non-citizens if you have a passport and proof of address, and some do not require an ITIN at all. The catch is that credit union membership rules vary—some require you to live or work in a specific area, or to be part of a particular organization or employer group. Check whether you meet the membership requirements before you visit.

Online banks like Chime, Wise, and Revolut have different rules. Some will open accounts for non-US residents with just a passport and proof of address, while others require an SSN or ITIN. These banks typically do not have physical branches, so you will complete the process online, but they may still require you to verify your identity through video call or by uploading documents. Read the fine print on their website or contact their support team before you start the process.

Documents you will need to bring

The exact documents depend on the bank, but here is what most will ask for:

  • A valid passport (yours or your country's national ID card)
  • Proof of US address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days)
  • An ITIN (if the bank requires one)
  • A visa or green card (some banks ask for this; others do not)
  • A secondary form of ID (driver's license, state ID, or another government-issued document)

If you do not have a US address yet, some banks will accept a temporary address or a friend's address if you can show proof that you are living there. A few banks will accept a foreign address, but this is rare. If you are staying in a hotel or with a host family, ask the bank whether they will accept a letter from the hotel or host confirming your stay.

Bring originals, not copies. Banks need to see the actual document to verify it is real. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified translation as well.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can deposit money, withdraw cash, and make transfers. However, some features may be blocked if you do not have an SSN or ITIN. Interest-bearing savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs) often require an SSN or ITIN for tax reporting purposes. Credit cards almost always require an SSN or ITIN.

If you opened the account with an ITIN, you should be able to access most features. If you opened it with just a passport, the bank may upgrade your account once you get an ITIN, or they may ask you to provide one later. Some banks will freeze your account or close it if you do not provide an SSN or ITIN within a certain time frame—usually 30 to 90 days. Ask the bank about this when you open the account.

Debit cards are usually available regardless of whether you have an SSN or ITIN. You can use a debit card to make purchases, withdraw money from ATMs, and pay bills online. Some banks may limit the number of transactions you can make per month if you do not have an SSN or ITIN, but this is less common.

In-person vs. online account opening

Most banks that accept non-SSN identification require you to open the account in person at a branch. This is because the bank needs to see your original documents and verify your identity face-to-face. If you are in the US, this is straightforward—find a branch near you and bring your documents.

If you are outside the US and want to open an account before you arrive, your options are limited. Some online banks will open accounts for non-US residents, but they typically require an SSN or ITIN. A few banks, like Wise and Revolut, will open accounts for people outside the US using a passport and video verification, but these are not traditional US bank accounts—they are more like digital wallets or money transfer services. They work well for moving money between countries, but they do not offer the same features as a regular checking or savings account.

If you are planning to move to the US and want to open a bank account before you arrive, your best option is to wait until you are in the country. Once you are here, you can visit a branch in person and open an account with your passport and ITIN (or just your passport, depending on the bank).

Alternatives if a bank will not work with you

If you cannot open a traditional bank account, there are other ways to manage money in the US. Prepaid debit cards do not require an SSN or ITIN and can be loaded with money online or at retail locations. You can use them to make purchases and withdraw cash, but you cannot deposit checks or earn interest. Money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram, and Wise let you send and receive money internationally, though fees are higher than a bank transfer.

Some nonprofits and community organizations offer second-chance banking programs for people who cannot open accounts at traditional banks. These programs often have lower fees and more flexible identity requirements. Search for "second-chance banking" or "community banking" in your area to find options near you.

If you are in the US temporarily (as a student, for example), you may also be able to open an account at a bank near your school or university. Many colleges have partnerships with banks that offer student accounts with flexible requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in the US to open a bank account?

Most banks require you to open an account in person at a branch, so yes, you usually need to be in the US. A few online banks will open accounts for non-US residents using video verification and a passport, but these are typically digital money services rather than full bank accounts. Once you arrive in the US, you can visit a branch and open a traditional account.

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no ITIN?

Some banks and credit unions will, but not all. Call ahead to ask. If the bank says no, you can get an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7, which takes four to six weeks. Having an ITIN makes it easier to open accounts and access more features once the account is open.

What if my address keeps changing?

Banks need a current US address to open an account. If you are moving around, use a friend's address, a host family's address, or a mail forwarding service address. Once the account is open, you can update your address online or by visiting a branch. Some banks allow you to use a PO box, but most prefer a physical street address.

Will I be able to get a credit card without an SSN?

No. Credit card companies require an SSN or ITIN for credit reporting and fraud prevention. Once you have an ITIN, you may be able to get a credit card, though approval depends on your credit history and income. If you do not have a credit history in the US, you may need to start with a secured credit card.

How long does it take to open an account without an SSN?

If you have an ITIN, the process is the same as for anyone else—usually a few minutes in person or a few hours online. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you will need to get one first, which takes four to six weeks through the mail or sometimes faster in person. Plan for at least six weeks total if you are starting from scratch.