Bank of America will open a checking account without an SSN if you have an ITIN or passport
Bank of America does not require a Social Security Number to open a checking account. Instead, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a valid passport, or a state ID issued to non-citizens. The bank uses these documents to verify your identity and meet federal anti-money-laundering rules, which require them to know who you are—not specifically to have your SSN.
The account itself works the same way as any other checking account: you get a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to receive direct deposits and write checks. The difference is only in what document you show at the branch to prove who you are.
You will need to visit a Bank of America branch in person. You cannot open this type of account online or by phone, because the bank needs to see your ID document and verify it matches the information you provide.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America accepts an ITIN, valid passport, or state ID issued to non-citizens in place of an SSN when opening a checking account.
- You must visit a branch in person with your ID document; online and phone applications will not work without an SSN.
- The bank will ask for your name, date of birth, address, and contact information, and will run a ChexSystems check to see your banking history.
- Some branches may ask additional questions about your immigration status or the source of your funds, depending on their local procedures.
- Once open, the account functions identically to any other Bank of America checking account, with no restrictions on deposits, transfers, or withdrawals.
What documents Bank of America will accept
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN. If you have filed a US tax return, you likely have an ITIN already. You can bring the IRS letter that assigned it to you, or your most recent tax return showing the number. Bank of America staff can look up the ITIN in their system to verify it is real.
A valid passport from any country works as your primary ID. The bank will photocopy it or scan it into their system. It does not have to be a US passport.
A state ID card issued to non-citizens—sometimes called a "Real ID" or "REAL ID compliant" card—is accepted in most states. These are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to people who cannot get a driver's license because they lack an SSN or proof of legal residency. Not all states issue these cards; check your state's DMV website to see if yours does.
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. The bank staff will verify it is real by checking security features and running it through their system. If you bring a photocopy or a photo on your phone, they will ask you to come back with the original.
What information you will provide at the branch
When you sit down with a Bank of America representative, they will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. They will also ask whether you have a US tax ID number (your ITIN) and may ask you to provide it or show documentation of it.
The bank will run a ChexSystems report on you. This is a banking history check that shows whether you have had accounts closed due to overdrafts, fraud, or other issues at other banks. If you have never had a US bank account, the report will come back empty, which is fine. If you have had accounts elsewhere, the report will show that history.
The representative may ask where the money you plan to deposit comes from—your job, a family member, a business you own, or savings from another country. This is a standard anti-money-laundering question and does not mean they suspect anything. Answer honestly and straightforward: "I work as a [job title]" or "I am transferring savings from my home country" is sufficient.
Timing and what happens next
The account opens on the same day you visit the branch, assuming your ID verifies and the ChexSystems check returns clean. You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch or be told when to pick one up. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online banking access is usually available when ready after you leave the branch. The representative will give you a temporary password, and you can log in to set up your own password and security questions. You can then transfer money, set up bill pay, and check your balance right away.
If the ChexSystems report shows a problem—such as an unpaid overdraft from another bank—the representative will tell you at the branch. You may be asked to pay the old debt before the account opens, or Bank of America may decline to open the account. If this happens, ask what the specific issue is and whether it can be resolved.
Minimum balance and account fees
Bank of America's checking account options vary by branch and region. Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement; others require you to keep a certain amount on deposit (often $500 or $1,500) to avoid a monthly fee. Ask the representative which accounts are available at your branch and what the requirements are.
Most Bank of America checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee of $12 to $15 if you do not meet the minimum balance or set up a direct deposit. If you receive a paycheck or regular transfer deposited directly into the account, the fee is usually waived. Ask specifically whether your account will waive the fee with direct deposit before you open it.
There are no extra fees for not having an SSN. The account is treated the same as any other for fee purposes.
What to bring to the branch
| Item | Required or Optional | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID (passport, ITIN letter, or state ID) | Required | Must be original, not a copy. Bank will photocopy or scan it. |
| Proof of address | Required | Utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Can be in your name or a family member's name if you live together. |
| Initial deposit | Required | Usually $25 to $100 minimum. Can be cash, check, or transfer from another account. |
| Phone number and email | Required | You will provide these verbally; no document needed. |
| ITIN documentation | Optional but helpful | If you have an ITIN, bring the IRS letter or a copy of your tax return showing it. Speeds up verification. |
If your local branch turns you away
Some Bank of America branches are stricter than others about non-SSN accounts. If a representative tells you they cannot open an account without an SSN, ask to speak to the branch manager. Explain that you have a valid ID and an ITIN, and that Bank of America's policy allows it. Many times the first representative is straightforward unfamiliar with the process.
If the branch still refuses, try a different Bank of America branch in your area. Policies can vary by location, and another branch may be more experienced with these accounts. You can call ahead to the branch and ask whether they open accounts without an SSN before you visit.
If no local branch will help, consider other banks that are known to open accounts for people without an SSN: Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions have fewer restrictions. However, Bank of America is usually the easiest option if you can find a cooperative branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account online without an SSN?
No. Bank of America's online account opening requires an SSN. You must visit a branch in person and show your ID document to a representative. This is because the bank needs to physically verify your identity document before opening the account.
What if I don't have an ITIN yet?
You can still open the account with a valid passport or state ID. An ITIN is helpful but not required. If you plan to file taxes later, you can get an ITIN from the IRS by filing a tax return or submitting Form W-7. Once you have it, you can update your Bank of America account information.
Will Bank of America report my account to immigration authorities?
No. Bank of America is required to verify your identity for anti-money-laundering purposes, but they do not report account holders to immigration agencies. Opening a bank account does not affect your immigration status. The bank's job is to know who you are, not to enforce immigration law.
Can I use a consular ID or national ID from my home country?
It depends on the specific document and the branch. A valid passport works at any branch. A consular ID or national ID may work, but some branches will not accept it. Call your local branch ahead of time and describe the document to ask whether they will accept it.
What if I have a ChexSystems problem from another country?
ChexSystems only tracks US banking history. If you have never had a US bank account, your report will be empty. If you had problems with a bank outside the US, that will not show up on the ChexSystems report, and Bank of America will not see it.