You can open a checking account without a Social Security card, but the bank will need a way to identify you and verify your tax status

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and determine whether you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien for tax purposes. A Social Security number is the most common way to do this, but it is not the only way. If you do not have a Social Security card or number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a passport, a state ID, or other government-issued documents depending on the bank's policies.

The specific documents you will need vary by bank and by your immigration status. Some banks are more flexible than others, and some have dedicated processes for customers without a Social Security number. The key is to call ahead and ask what your particular bank accepts before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks must verify your identity and tax status, but they can do this with documents other than a Social Security card.
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a common alternative that the IRS issues to people who cannot get a Social Security number.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, state driver's license, or consular ID card.
  • Call your bank before visiting to confirm which documents they accept, because policies differ between institutions.

What banks are actually checking for

When a bank asks for a Social Security number, they are really asking two questions: Who are you? And what is your tax status? Federal law requires banks to verify both before opening an account. The Social Security number answers both questions at once, which is why banks ask for it first.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you need to answer those questions a different way. You prove who you are with a government-issued photo ID. You prove your tax status with either a Social Security number, an ITIN, or a visa or passport that shows you are a U.S. resident or citizen.

Banks also run your name through ChexSystems, a checking account history database, to see whether you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks. This check does not require a Social Security number.

Using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who are required to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. This includes many non-citizens, undocumented immigrants, and people in the U.S. on certain visa types. If you have an ITIN, most banks will open an account for you using it instead of a Social Security number.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS along with proof of identity and proof of residency. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office or an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Once you have the ITIN, you can use it at banks the same way you would use a Social Security number.

Some banks have a specific form or process for ITIN accounts, so call ahead and ask whether they offer them. Larger national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo do accept ITINs, but smaller regional banks may not.

Documents you will need to bring

Regardless of whether you use a Social Security number or an ITIN, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents usually include a U.S. passport, a state driver's license, a state ID card, a consular ID card issued by your country's embassy or consulate, or a Trusted Traveler card such as a NEXUS or SENTRI card.

You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your name and address on it. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by bank.

Bring your ITIN or Social Security number in writing if you have one. Some banks will ask you to fill out a form; others will ask you to state it verbally. If you do not have either, bring whatever tax identification document you have, such as a letter from the IRS confirming your ITIN or a copy of a filed tax return.

Banks that are known to accept non-Social Security customers

Larger national banks tend to have more established processes for customers without a Social Security number because they serve more diverse populations. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have experience opening accounts for ITIN holders and non-citizens. However, their policies and required documents can differ by branch and by region, so call your local branch first.

Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than banks, especially if you are a member of a community-based credit union that serves immigrant populations. Call ahead to ask whether they have a process for ITIN accounts or non-citizens.

Online banks generally require a Social Security number or ITIN and a U.S. address, but they cannot verify your identity in person, so they may be more restrictive about which documents they accept. If you are considering an online bank, contact their customer service team before you start the process.

What happens if a bank turns you down

If one bank says no, it does not mean all banks will. Banks have different risk tolerances and different customer bases. A bank that serves a neighborhood with many immigrants may have a smoother process than a bank in a different area.

If you are turned down, ask the bank in writing why they declined. Federal law requires them to tell you. Common reasons include: you do not have an ITIN or Social Security number, your address cannot be verified, or you have a ChexSystems flag from another bank. If the reason is something you can fix—like getting an ITIN or clearing up a ChexSystems error—you can address it and try again.

If you have a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems by visiting their website and requesting your report. You have the right to see what is on file and to dispute inaccurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account with just a passport and no Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN or if your passport shows you are a U.S. resident or citizen. You will also need proof of your current address. Call your bank first to confirm they accept this combination of documents, because policies vary.

What if I am waiting for my ITIN to arrive in the mail?

Some banks will open an account if you show them the IRS receipt notice (Form W-7-R) that confirms you applied for an ITIN. Others will wait until you have the actual number. Ask your bank whether they accept the receipt notice while you wait for the ITIN itself.

Do I need a U.S. address to open a checking account?

Yes, banks require proof of a current U.S. address. This can be a lease, a utility bill, or a government document. If you are living with someone else, a bill or lease in their name with your name added, or a notarized letter from them stating you live there, may work. Call your bank to ask what they accept.

Will opening an account with an ITIN affect my immigration status?

No. Opening a bank account is not a legal action that affects immigration status. Banks report account information to the IRS for tax purposes, not to immigration authorities. Having a bank account does not change your status or create a record that immigration can use against you.

What if my bank asks for a Social Security number and I do not have one?

Tell them you have an ITIN instead, or ask whether they have a process for customers without a Social Security number. If the person you are talking to says it is impossible, ask to speak to a manager or call the bank's main customer service line. Policies at individual branches can be stricter than the bank's actual policy.