How Non-Citizens Can Open a US Bank AccountSummary
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to individuals who need to file US taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. Major US banks including Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and PNC Bank accept ITINs as valid identification to open personal checking and savings accounts. Some fintech platforms, including Revolut and SoFi, also accept ITINs or equivalent international identification for account opening.
What Is an ITIN and Who Needs One?
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a nine-digit number in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX, issued by the Internal Revenue Service to foreign nationals, undocumented immigrants, non-resident aliens, and other individuals who have US tax obligations but do not qualify for a Social Security Number. It serves exclusively as a tax identification mechanism and does not authorise work in the United States, confer immigration status, or serve as a form of government identification in the traditional sense.
Despite these limitations, the ITIN has become a widely accepted alternative to the SSN for the specific purpose of opening a US bank account. Banking regulators require financial institutions to verify customer identity under the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act. An ITIN, presented alongside supporting identity documents such as a valid passport and proof of US address, typically satisfies these requirements at banks that have established ITIN-acceptance policies.
Common situations in which a person holds an ITIN but not an SSN include: recent immigrants awaiting SSN eligibility, international students on F-1 or other academic visas, individuals with US investment income such as rental property or dividends, foreign nationals conducting business in the United States, and individuals with certain visa statuses that permit US residency but not employment.
Having a US bank account is practically significant beyond simple financial access. A bank account provides the basis for establishing a US credit history, which is required for credit card applications, rental agreements, and loan eligibility. It enables direct deposit of wages and government payments, facilitates bill payment through automatic transfers, and reduces reliance on fee-heavy check-cashing services that disproportionately affect lower-income and recently arrived populations.
Major US Banks That Accept ITIN Numbers
Bank of America
Bank of America is among the most consistently cited ITIN-accepting institutions and is often recommended as a first choice for individuals without an SSN. The bank accepts an ITIN alongside a valid foreign or US passport and requires both a US address and a foreign address on the account application. In major metropolitan areas, Bank of America branch staff tend to be familiar with the ITIN-based account opening process, reducing friction for applicants. One important limitation is that Bank of America's ITIN-based applications must be completed in person at a branch; the online account opening pathway requires an SSN. Preferred Rewards members receive enhanced services and fee waivers that can extend to currency exchange discounts.
Chase Bank
Chase, operating as the consumer and community banking arm of JPMorgan Chase, accepts either an SSN or ITIN for standard account opening. Non-US citizens may provide a valid visa or ITIN in lieu of an SSN. Like Bank of America, Chase generally requires an in-person branch visit for ITIN-based applications, along with proof of US address and secondary identification documents. As the largest US bank by assets, Chase's branch network is extensive, which provides applicants with greater geographic convenience than smaller regional banks. Certain Chase credit products, including some credit card applications, may also be available to ITIN holders.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo accepts ITIN numbers for its checking and savings accounts as well as for personal loans and some credit card applications. The bank offers the advantage that many of its ITIN-based account applications can be completed online, making the process smoother than at Bank of America or Chase, where in-person visits are typically required. Wells Fargo accepts a range of secondary identity documents alongside the ITIN, including valid passports, government-issued identification cards, and US-issued driver's licences where available. The bank's long history of serving immigrant communities, particularly in states with large Hispanic and Latino populations, has contributed to relatively well-developed ITIN onboarding procedures.
Citibank
Citibank, as a global institution with branches in over 160 countries, has well-established processes for serving international customers and accepts ITINs for personal checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and retirement accounts. The bank's international presence makes it particularly practical for applicants who already hold a Citibank account in their home country, as this can streamline the US account opening process through existing customer relationships. Citigold and Citi Priority clients benefit from enhanced services, including reduced or waived fees on currency exchange orders.
PNC Bank
PNC Bank accepts ITINs for its Virtual Wallet accounts, which combine a checking account with savings tools and spending analytics. International students can apply with a valid passport plus a secondary form of identification. PNC's Virtual Wallet accounts carry no monthly maintenance fees and require no opening deposit minimum, making them accessible for new arrivals with limited initial funds. The bank also notes that small business accounts can be opened in person without an SSN, which is relevant for self-employed immigrants. PNC operates in approximately 27 states, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Marcus by Goldman Sachs, the consumer banking arm of Goldman Sachs, accepts ITINs for its savings account. Marcus offers a high-yield online savings account that consistently ranks among the more competitive rates offered by major US financial institutions. As a purely online bank, Marcus does not have branches, which simplifies the application process for ITIN holders who prefer digital onboarding. The savings account carries no fees and no minimum balance requirement.
SoFi
SoFi accepts ITINs for its combined Checking and Savings account product. US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and non-residents aged 18 or older with a physical US address are eligible to apply. SoFi's account carries no monthly fee, provides access to a network of over 55,000 ATMs, and offers competitive APY on savings balances for customers who set up qualifying direct deposit. The platform's digital-first design makes application straightforward without requiring a branch visit.
Alternative Options Without an ITIN
Some financial platforms accept account opening with only a passport and secondary identification, without requiring either an SSN or ITIN. Revolut's US account can be opened with a government-issued ID including a passport or valid student US visa, making it accessible to international visitors and students who have not yet obtained or applied for an ITIN. These accounts typically provide prepaid card functionality and multi-currency features rather than full demand deposit account status, but they serve as practical transitional solutions for individuals newly arrived in the United States.
Credit unions also represent an important category of ITIN-accepting institutions. The Self-Help Credit Union, which operates in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, accepts ITINs alongside a range of identity documents including Mexican consulate identification cards, state-issued IDs, military IDs, and residency cards. Credit unions affiliated with specific immigrant communities frequently have more accommodating identification policies than national banks and may be a practical first point of contact for individuals navigating the ITIN-based banking landscape.
How to Apply for an ITIN
Applying for an ITIN involves completing IRS Form W-7, which is available through the IRS website. The form requires documentation proving both identity and foreign status. A valid passport satisfies both requirements on its own; alternatively, combinations of other documents such as a national identification card and birth certificate may be accepted.
The completed Form W-7, supporting documents, and a US federal tax return must typically be submitted together, unless the applicant qualifies for one of several exceptions. Applications can be mailed to the IRS, submitted in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, or processed through an IRS-authorised Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA), who can certify document copies so that originals do not need to be mailed.
Standard ITIN processing takes approximately seven weeks from the date of submission. During peak tax season, from January through April, processing times can extend to eleven weeks. Applicants should therefore begin the ITIN application process well in advance of needing it for a bank account opening, particularly if they are new arrivals who need banking access promptly.
FAQs
Can I open a US bank account online with an ITIN?
Availability of online application with an ITIN varies by institution. Wells Fargo allows many ITIN-based applications to be completed online. SoFi and Marcus by Goldman Sachs are fully online and accept ITINs digitally. Bank of America and Chase typically require in-person branch visits for ITIN-based account applications. Applicants should confirm current requirements directly with the institution before beginning the application process, as policies may change.
Is an ITIN the same as a Social Security Number?
No. An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration and is tied to employment eligibility, Social Security benefits, and a broad range of government services. An ITIN is issued solely by the IRS for tax filing purposes and confers no employment rights, immigration status, or entitlement to Social Security benefits. Both serve as nine-digit identification numbers, but they are administered by different agencies and serve distinct legal purposes. Most US banks will accept either as a taxpayer identification number for account opening purposes.
Can I build US credit with an ITIN?
Yes, building US credit with an ITIN is possible and increasingly practical. Having a bank account is often the first step, as it provides the account history used as a reference for credit applications. Several major credit card issuers, including Bank of America, Capital One, and Citibank, accept ITINs for credit card applications. Approximately seven of the top ten US credit card issuers accept ITINs. Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans through community banks or credit unions are also accessible with an ITIN and can help establish a credit file for consumers who are new to the US financial system.
What documents do I need to open an account with an ITIN?
Standard documentation requirements include the ITIN itself, a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport or foreign national identification card, and proof of US address such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement. Some banks require two forms of identification. If the applicant's primary ID is a foreign document, a secondary US-issued ID, student ID, or employment verification may be requested. Requirements vary by institution, and applicants should confirm current documentation requirements before attending a branch appointment or initiating an online application.
Do credit unions accept ITIN numbers?
Many credit unions in the United States have been early adopters of ITIN-based account policies, particularly those serving immigrant communities or operating in states with large non-citizen populations. The Self-Help Credit Union network is a well-known example, accepting ITINs alongside consular ID cards, military IDs, and residency cards. Local community credit unions and those affiliated with immigrant advocacy organisations are often more flexible in their identification requirements than national banks and can be a practical resource for individuals with limited documentation options.
