Bank of America will open a checking or savings account for you without an SSN, but you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport instead.

Bank of America does not require a Social Security Number to open most deposit accounts. The bank uses either an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN) or a valid passport as an alternative form of identification. The process is the same as opening an account with an SSN — you provide identification, proof of address, and initial deposit — but the documents you bring are different.

The account types available to you depend on your immigration status and the documents you have. If you have an ITIN, you can open a standard checking or savings account. If you only have a passport, Bank of America may still open an account, though some branches handle this differently. The best approach is to call your local branch or visit in person with your documents before you go, so the staff can confirm what they need.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America accepts an ITIN or valid passport in place of an SSN when you open a checking or savings account.
  • You will still need to provide proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government document with your name and current address) even without an SSN.
  • An ITIN is issued by the IRS and takes four to six weeks to receive by mail after you file Form W-7; you do not need to be employed or have filed taxes before to request one.
  • Some Bank of America branches are more experienced with non-SSN accounts than others, so calling ahead to confirm your branch can open the account saves a wasted trip.
  • Once your account is open, you can use it for direct deposit, bill pay, transfers, and all standard banking services the same way an account holder with an SSN would.

What documents Bank of America will accept instead of an SSN

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is the most straightforward path. It is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS that looks like a Social Security Number but starts with 9. You do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident to get one, and you do not need to be employed. You request an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service or nonprofit). The IRS mails the ITIN to you within four to six weeks.

A valid passport — from any country — can also work at Bank of America, though acceptance varies by branch. Some branches will open an account with a passport alone; others require an ITIN as well. This is why calling your specific branch before you visit matters. If your passport is your only document, ask the branch directly whether they will accept it.

You will also need proof of address no matter which ID you use. Bank of America accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, government-issued ID with your current address, or a recent bank statement from another institution. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually does not work.

How to get an ITIN if you do not have one

You request an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file by mail or in person through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent. If you file by mail, send the form to the IRS address listed on the form itself (it varies by state), along with a copy of your passport or other identification and proof of address. The IRS will mail your ITIN to you within four to six weeks.

Filing through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent is faster if you want to verify your identity in person. These agents include tax preparation services, community nonprofits, and some libraries. You bring your original passport and proof of address, the agent makes copies, and submits Form W-7 on your behalf. You still wait four to six weeks for the IRS to mail the ITIN, but you have confirmation that the form was filed correctly.

You do not need to have filed taxes before or to be employed to request an ITIN. The form itself asks why you are requesting one; "to open a bank account" is a valid reason. Some people request an ITIN specifically to establish a banking relationship before they need it for taxes.

What happens when you go to open the account

Visit your local Bank of America branch in person or call ahead to ask whether they can open an account without an SSN. Bring your ITIN (or passport if the branch accepts it), proof of address, and a second form of ID if you have one. You will fill out the account process, which asks for your name, address, date of birth, and identification number. The teller will verify your documents and run a check through ChexSystems (a banking history database) and sometimes a credit check.

You will need to make an initial deposit to open the account. The minimum varies by account type — typically $25 to $100 for a basic checking account, though Bank of America sometimes waives this for certain account types. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another account if you have one.

Once the account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days and online access when ready. You can set up direct deposit, bill pay, and transfers the same day. There are no restrictions on the account based on your immigration status or lack of SSN — it functions exactly like any other Bank of America deposit account.

Why Bank of America does not require an SSN

Federal banking law does not require a Social Security Number to open a deposit account. Banks must verify your identity and check you against terrorism and money-laundering databases (a process called Know Your Customer, or KYC), but they can do this with a passport, ITIN, or other government-issued ID. Bank of America chose to accept accounts without an SSN partly because many customers — including visa holders, refugees, and people in the process of getting permanent residency — do not have one.

The bank still reports account activity to the IRS if you provide an ITIN, because the IRS uses ITINs to track tax filing. If you do not provide either an SSN or ITIN, Bank of America may not open the account, because the bank needs a tax identification number for reporting purposes.

What you can and cannot do with an account opened without an SSN

Once your account is open, you can use it for nearly everything: direct deposit, bill pay, online transfers, ATM withdrawals, and debit card purchases. You can also explore for a credit card or loan through Bank of America, though approval depends on your credit history and income, not on whether you have an SSN.

You cannot open a retirement account (IRA or 401k) without an SSN, because the IRS requires one for tax-advantaged accounts. You also cannot use the account to file taxes unless you have an ITIN — and if you do have an ITIN, you can file taxes and use your account for refund direct deposit just like anyone else.

If your immigration status changes and you later receive an SSN, you can update your account information with Bank of America. You do not need to close the account and open a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America account online without an SSN?

Bank of America's online account opening process asks for an SSN and does not offer an alternative. You must visit a branch in person or call a branch to open an account without an SSN. Some branches can also open accounts over the phone if you have an ITIN and can provide proof of address by mail or email.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

The IRS mails ITINs within four to six weeks of receiving Form W-7. If you file by mail, add one to two weeks for postal delivery. If you file through an IRS-authorized acceptance agent in person, you have confirmation the form was submitted correctly, but you still wait four to six weeks for the IRS to mail the ITIN to you.

Will opening an account without an SSN affect my immigration status?

No. Opening a bank account is not a government action and does not affect your visa, work authorization, or immigration case. Banks are required to verify identity and report to the IRS, but they do not report to immigration authorities based on account opening.

What if my branch says they cannot open an account without an SSN?

Some Bank of America branches are less familiar with non-SSN accounts. Ask to speak with a manager or call the customer service line and explain your situation. You can also try a different branch in your area — larger branches and those in cities with more international residents are usually more experienced with this process.

Can I use a driver's license from my home country instead of a passport?

Bank of America typically requires a passport or ITIN, not a foreign driver's license. A foreign driver's license alone is usually not accepted as primary identification for account opening, though it may work as a secondary form of ID if you also have a passport or ITIN.