6 Banks that Don’t Require Social Security Numbers

Can you open a U.S. bank account without a Social Security number? Yes. Plenty of banks will take an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, and a few will open an account with a passport and no U.S. tax number at all.

The catch is where you apply. With an ITIN you can often apply online. With no SSN and no ITIN, plan on walking into a branch with two forms of ID.

Here are six banks and credit unions that say so on their own sites, and what each one asks for.

What Banks Do Not Require an SSN?

Every bank on this list still has to verify who you are. That’s federal law, so “no SSN” never means “no ID.”

1. Bank of America

This is the clearest policy of the six. Bank of America says flat out that it doesn’t require an SSN to open a bank account in the U.S.

What you’ll need instead:

• Two unexpired forms of ID. The primary one can be a foreign passport (with or without a U.S. visa), a U.S. permanent resident card or an employment authorization ID.
• A second ID, like a foreign or U.S. driver’s license, a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card, or a Mexican voter registration card with photo.
• A tax ID number if you have one. That can be a foreign tax ID from your home country, or an SSN or ITIN if the U.S. has issued you one.
• A physical address where you live. If you live abroad, you’ll need your foreign address plus a U.S. mailing address.

You can’t do this one online. You set an appointment at a financial center and bring everything with you.

Official URL: Bank of America

2. Wells Fargo

Have an ITIN? Then Wells Fargo treats you like anybody else. You can open an Everyday Checking account online if you’re 18 or older, know your SSN or ITIN, have a physical U.S. address and have your own cell phone number.

No ITIN yet? You’ll go to a branch. Wells Fargo says non-U.S. citizens without a U.S. taxpayer ID number have to show a government-issued ID that proves nationality or residence, and everybody opening at a branch needs two forms of ID.

Its list of primary IDs is long. It includes a passport, a permanent resident card, an employment authorization card and consular cards issued by Colombia, Guatemala or Mexico.

Make an appointment before you go. If you aren’t a permanent U.S. resident, in person is the only way to apply.

Official URL: Wells Fargo

3. PNC Bank

PNC spells this out on its page for international students, and it splits people into two groups.

If you have an SSN or an ITIN, you can apply for PNC Simple Checking online or at a branch with one photo ID: a state driver’s license, a state ID, a U.S. military ID or a valid passport.

If you have neither, you have to apply in person. Bring a valid passport with a photo (PNC also wants a photocopy of it) and a second ID, which can be your U.S. student visa or student photo ID. You’ll fill out a W-8BEN tax form too, either ahead of time or at the branch.

PNC won’t take an online application from a non-U.S. person who doesn’t have an SSN or ITIN, so don’t waste time trying.

Official URL: PNC Bank

4. Chase

Chase handles this at the branch. Its ID sheet has a section for non-U.S. citizens who aren’t permanent residents, and no Social Security card is on it.

You bring a primary ID and a secondary ID, both original and not expired. No copies and no screenshots.

• Primary: a passport with photo, a Matrícula Consular card or a U.S. Employment Authorization card.
• Secondary: things like a bank statement or utility bill less than 60 days old, a student ID with photo, a foreign national ID or the DS-2019 form exchange students carry.

One of the two has to show a U.S. address. Chase also recommends having a U.S. phone number before you go.

What about an ITIN? Chase’s guide for non-residents says an ITIN may be used in place of an SSN on a bank application if the bank requires one. So if you have one, bring it.

ID rules can change with the account and the customer, so call your local branch before you make the trip.

Official URL: Chase

5. Alliant Credit Union

Alliant is the online option. It’s a credit union with nationwide digital banking, and you apply for membership on its site.

In place of an SSN, Alliant takes an unexpired ITIN along with a completed W-8BEN form. You’ll still need a photo ID and proof of your address. And you can apply even if you live outside the U.S., as long as you have an SSN or a valid ITIN.

The catch is simple: no ITIN, no account. If you don’t have a U.S. tax number of any kind, pick one of the branch banks above.

Where to sign up: Alliant Credit Union

6. Citi

Citi’s application asks for a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number, so an ITIN gets you in the door. You also don’t need a minimum deposit to open any Citi checking account.

Citi doesn’t publish a path for people with neither number. If that’s you, call or stop by a branch and ask before you count on it.

Where to sign up: Citi

How to Open a Bank Account Without an SSN, Step by Step

1. Figure out which group you’re in. ITIN in hand? You have more choices and can usually apply online. No U.S. tax number at all? You’re looking at a branch visit.
2. Pick a bank from the list and read its ID page. The requirements are different at every one.
3. Gather your documents. Usually that’s a passport, a second ID and something with your U.S. address on it, like a lease or a utility bill. Bring originals.
4. Book an appointment if you’re going in person. Bank of America requires one and Wells Fargo recommends it.
5. Bring money for the opening deposit if the account has one.
6. Ask about the monthly charge before you sign, and what it takes to avoid it.

Don’t have an ITIN and want one? You apply to the IRS with Form W-7. It takes a while, so the branch route is faster if you need an account now.

Bottom Line

You don’t need a Social Security number to get a bank account. You need the right documents and the right bank.

If you have an ITIN, start with Alliant, Wells Fargo or PNC online. If you have no U.S. tax number, Bank of America is the one that says most plainly it will work with you, and Wells Fargo, PNC and Chase all take a passport at a branch.

Still comparing? Here’s our list of the best national banks and the best digital banks.