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How to Open a US Bank Account Without an SSN
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If you’re wondering if you can open a US bank account without a Social Security number, the short answer is yes.
No federal law requires an SSN to open a bank account: an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or in some cases just a valid passport, is enough at most banks and credit unions.
It’s one of several practical hurdles most newcomers run into. Our post on the financial barriers many US immigrants face covers a few of the others. Here’s what to focus on for the bank account itself.
What You Need to Open a Bank Account Without an SSN
The exact list varies slightly by bank, but you’ll generally need:
Identification: an ITIN plus a government-issued photo ID (like your passport). In some cases, a passport alone suffices.
An opening deposit: often small, sometimes as little as $25
A US phone number: not always required, but it can speed up verification and account alerts.
Once money is moving through your new account, sending it home is the natural next step. Ria lets you transfer straight from your bank account to family abroad.
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Which Banks and Credit Unions to Consider
Several major national banks are commonly reported to accept an ITIN in place of an SSN, including:
Chase
Bank of America
Wells Fargo
Capital One
PNC
US Bank
However, this often means opening the account in person at a branch rather than online. Requirements can vary by location, so be sure to confirm directly with your local branch.
We’ve put together a closer look at some of the best US banks for migrants if you want to compare a few options.
It’s also worth looking beyond the big national names. Community banks, credit unions, and CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) that specifically serve immigrant communities tend to be more flexible about documentation and often offer bilingual service.
Step by Step
Call ahead to confirm the branch’s specific document requirements for an ITIN-based account.
Bring your ITIN (or ITIN confirmation letter), a photo ID, proof of address, and your opening deposit.
Decide between checking and savings first (more on that below). Many people open both.
Complete the application.
Set up online and mobile banking and any debit card right away so you’re not relying on paper statements.
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Why Applications Actually Get Rejected
Most rejections come down to your banking history, not your immigration status:
More than 90% of banks check a screening service called ChexSystems before approving a new account.
ChexSystems tracks things like unpaid overdrafts, forced account closures, and suspected fraud.
Negative items typically stay on your ChexSystems record for five years.
If you’re denied because of ChexSystems, you have real rights:
The bank is required to tell you ChexSystems was the reason for the denial.
You’re entitled to a free copy of your ChexSystems report within 60 days of the denial.
You also have the right to a free report once every 12 months, regardless.
The CFPB’s guide on being denied a bank account walks through your rights and how to dispute an error, which typically gets investigated within 30 days.
If you don’t have any US banking history at all, a rejection is more likely to come down to a documentation gap.
If you are turned down, ask the branch what specifically triggered it before assuming the worst.
Checking vs. Savings: Which to Open First
A checking account is built for everyday use. It's where your paycheck lands, where your rent and bills get paid from, and it usually comes with a debit card for day-to-day spending. Most checking accounts let you withdraw money anytime with no limit on transactions.
A savings account works differently. It's designed to hold money you're not touching regularly, and in exchange, it typically earns a small amount of interest, which checking accounts almost never do.
Most people open a checking account first, since it's what you'll use for everyday spending, direct deposit, and paying bills.
A savings account is worth adding once your checking account is set up. Even a small amount set aside monthly starts building a financial cushion. Having both accounts at the same bank is usually simpler to manage than splitting them across institutions: you can typically move money between them instantly, see both balances in one app, and avoid paying two separate sets of account fees.
A common approach once both are open: direct deposit goes into checking, and a fixed amount is automatically transferred into savings each payday, so building a cushion doesn't depend on remembering to do it manually.
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What This Unlocks Next
Once your account is open, a few things tend to follow naturally:
You can set up direct deposit for a paycheck once you have a work permit.
You can start building US credit history, which most lenders and even some landlords will eventually ask about.
You can send money home through a US bank account instead of relying only on cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
No. The FDIC confirms an ITIN is an accepted alternative at most banks and credit unions. There’s no federal law requiring an SSN specifically.
Can I open an account before I have my ITIN?
Some banks will accept a valid passport alone, without an ITIN or SSN, though policies vary a lot by institution and sometimes by branch. If your ITIN application is still pending, it’s worth calling ahead to ask specifically.
What if I'm denied even with an ITIN?
Ask the branch what specifically triggered the denial. A ChexSystems flag and a missing document are fixed very differently. If it’s ChexSystems, request your free report and check it for errors. If it’s a documentation gap, a community bank, credit union, or CDFI serving immigrant communities is often a more flexible next stop than another large national bank.
Send Money With Ria
Once your account is set up, sending money home gets a lot easier. Ria lets you send fast, cashless transfers straight from your bank account. Start your transfer today.
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About the author
Gabriela Solis
Gabriela Solis is Ria's Senior Content Writer. Located in Querétaro, México, she focuses on telling stories that show the myriad human faces of remittances.
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