Major national banks in the United States accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in place of a Social Security Number when you open a personal account. Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Capital One, PNC, and U.S. Bank all confirm on their own websites that an ITIN works for account opening.1Bank of America. Applying for Bank Accounts FAQs2Chase. How to Open a U.S. Bank Account for Non-Residents Federal customer identification rules specifically list the ITIN as an acceptable taxpayer identification number for opening a bank account, so you do not need an SSN to start banking here.3eCFR. 31 CFR 1020.220 – Customer Identification Program The ITIN itself is a nine-digit number beginning with “9” issued by the IRS to people who need to file federal taxes but cannot get an SSN.4Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN)
National Banks That Accept an ITIN
Each of the following banks publishes its ITIN policy. Confirm the details before you go, since terms change.
- Bank of America. Accepts an ITIN for U.S. visa holders and other residents opening accounts in person at a financial center. You will be asked for both a foreign and a local address along with your ITIN.1Bank of America. Applying for Bank Accounts FAQs
- Chase. Lists the ITIN as accepted identification for a checking account and tells non-residents to use an ITIN as a substitute for an SSN on the application.2Chase. How to Open a U.S. Bank Account for Non-Residents
- Wells Fargo. Accepts an ITIN for its Clear Access Banking checking account, both online and at a branch.5Wells Fargo. What You’ll Need to Open a Clear Access Banking Account
- Capital One. Accepts an ITIN during the online account application for its bank accounts.6Capital One. Opening a Bank Account Online
- PNC Bank. Accepts an ITIN for its Simple Checking account, opened online or at a branch, along with a valid government-issued photo ID.7PNC Bank. International Student Banking and Finance Services
- U.S. Bank. Accepts an ITIN for most accounts, including savings and money market accounts, when you visit a branch.8U.S. Bank. Matricula Consular Mexicana – Open an Account
Basic checking at these banks generally carries a monthly maintenance fee between $0 and $15, waivable in most cases with a minimum balance or direct deposit. Opening deposits typically fall between $25 and $100. Once open, the account comes with the same debit card, mobile banking, and nationwide ATM network any other customer gets.
One caveat worth planning around: corporate policy and branch experience do not always match. If a branch employee tells you the bank does not accept ITINs, ask for a manager or try another branch. Printing the bank’s own web page listing the ITIN as acceptable identification and bringing it with you tends to resolve the confusion quickly.
Credit Unions and Regional Banks
Local credit unions and smaller regional banks often run programs built for immigrant customers. Self-Help Federal Credit Union, for example, uses ITINs for member identification and account access.9Self-Help Federal Credit Union. Bank from Anywhere These institutions can be a good fit if you want lower minimum balances, reduced fees, or multilingual service.
Credit union membership rules vary. Some are open to anyone living or working in a defined area; others are tied to an employer or organization. Call before you go, confirm that the credit union accepts ITINs, and ask what you need to qualify for membership.
What to Bring
Federal law requires the bank to verify your name, date of birth, address, and taxpayer identification number before opening the account.3eCFR. 31 CFR 1020.220 – Customer Identification Program Gather these before your visit:
- Your ITIN assignment notice, IRS Notice CP565. This is the letter the IRS mailed when it approved your ITIN. Bring the original. Some banks will not accept a photocopy.10Internal Revenue Service. How to Apply for an ITIN
- Government photo ID. A valid, unexpired foreign passport is the most widely accepted. Many banks also accept a consular ID card such as the Matrícula Consular issued by Mexican consulates.8U.S. Bank. Matricula Consular Mexicana – Open an Account
- A secondary ID. Some banks ask for a second document. A foreign driver’s license, national ID card, or U.S. state ID works. Municipal ID cards are accepted in some cities.
- Proof of U.S. address. A recent utility bill, a signed lease, or government mail showing your current physical address. The address on your paperwork should match what you put on the application.
One important distinction: to open an interest-bearing account, including most savings accounts, you need either an SSN or an ITIN. Without one of those numbers, you may only qualify for a non-interest checking account.11Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Checklist for Opening a Bank or Credit Union Account
How to Apply
For most ITIN holders, a branch visit is the reliable route. Online applications are usually built around SSNs and often will not process an ITIN correctly. Wells Fargo and Capital One indicate that their online systems can handle an ITIN, but even at those banks scheduling a branch appointment avoids the guesswork.5Wells Fargo. What You’ll Need to Open a Clear Access Banking Account6Capital One. Opening a Bank Account Online
At the branch, an employee reviews your Notice CP565 and photo ID, verifies your identity, and has you sign the account agreement and fee schedule. You make an initial deposit to activate the account. Debit cards typically arrive by mail within seven to ten business days, and you can enroll in online and mobile banking once the account is live.
If you have a spouse or partner with an SSN, joint accounts are generally available. Each of you provides your own taxpayer number, one an SSN and the other an ITIN. Policies vary, so ask when you schedule.
If Your Application Is Denied
A denial does not always come down to your ITIN. Banks also screen for negative history in your prior checking accounts. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends a few steps if you are turned away:12Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Why Was I Denied a Checking Account?
- Ask the bank which checking-account reporting company it used, then request your free report from that company and dispute any errors.
- Pull your credit reports from the major bureaus. Some banks check those, too, when deciding on a checking account.
- Ask about a second-chance account. Many banks offer these with fewer features and easier approval. If you owe fees from an old account at another bank, paying those off can clear the path.
If the reason was really that a branch employee did not know the bank’s ITIN policy, try another branch of the same bank, or apply at a credit union whose staff handles ITIN applications routinely.
Keep Your ITIN Current
An expired ITIN can create problems at your bank and may block you from opening new accounts. Your ITIN expires if you do not use it on a federal tax return for three consecutive tax years, taking effect on December 31 of that third year.13Internal Revenue Service. How to Renew an ITIN
To renew, submit a new Form W-7 with the required identification documents. A valid passport is the only single document that proves both identity and foreign status; every other acceptable document has to be submitted in combination.14Internal Revenue Service. Instructions for Form W-7 You can mail originals, send certified copies from the issuing agency, or bring your documents to an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or an authorized acceptance agent for in-person verification.
If you become eligible for a Social Security Number later, notify the IRS so it can combine your records under the new SSN, and stop using the ITIN for tax purposes.15Internal Revenue Service. Additional ITIN Information Update your bank as well, since it needs the correct taxpayer number for reporting any interest your accounts earn.