FAQs
To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number. An ID number can be a social security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). To get an ITIN, you will need to fill out a form with the.
Can I get a checking account without a Social Security number? ›
Banks need to verify account holders' identification, and some banks do this with an SSN. But there's no law that prevents a bank from opening a bank account for someone without an SSN. In the same vein, you do NOT need a Social Security Number to start your US credit history.
What is required to open a bank account? ›
Requirements for opening a checking account generally include a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. You'll also need basic personal information, such as your birthdate, Social Security number, taxpayer identification number or phone number.
Do banks ask for full Social Security number? ›
Under the current CIP requirement, a bank must collect the full SSN from an individual prior to opening an account, except with respect to credit card accounts, in which case a bank may obtain a SSN from a third-party source prior to extending credit to such individual.
What to put if you don't have a Social Security number? ›
If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) enter your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have an SSN or ITIN leave the entry field blank.
How to open Wells Fargo account without SSN? ›
Two forms of identification (ID) are needed to open at a branch
- State-issued or U.S territory driver's license.
- State-issued or U.S territory ID card.
- Passport.
- U.S. Armed Forces ID.
- Permanent resident card.
- Employment authorization card.
- Tribal Identification issued by a federally recognized U.S. tribal government.
Some popular banks that accept ITINs for credit card applications are Chase, Bank of America, American Express, Capital One, Citi and more. Banks and companies that unfortunately do not accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number—at least for credit card applications—are Discover, Barclays and Synchrony.
What are two forms of ID for a bank account? ›
What documents do you need to open a bank account?
- Passport w/photo.
- Driver's License Or State ID w/photo (U.S.)
- Social Security Card.
- Birth Certificate (minors only)
Summary: Easiest Bank Accounts To Open in 2024
| Account | Approximate time to complete application | Minimum opening deposit |
|---|
| Chime® Checking Account: Best for Bad Credit | 3 to 4 minutes | $0 |
| Current Savings Pod: Best for Debit Card Rewards | 3 to 4 minutes | $0 |
| Capital One 360 Checking Account: Best for ATMs | 3 to 4 minutes | $0 |
7 more rowsNon-residents who don't have a Social Security number can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This may be used as a substitute for an SSN on your bank account application if one is required by the bank.
Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security. American expatriates retiring in certain countries—and some retired immigrants to the U.S.—can't collect Social Security benefits. Divorced spouses married for fewer than 10 years cannot claim benefits based on the earnings of their ex-spouse.
What are the last 4 digits of Social Security number? ›
The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.
How do banks verify SSN? ›
eCBSV validation: The eCBSV is a Social Security number verification service operated by the Social Security Administration. An eCBSV check makes it possible for financial institutions to verify whether or not a person's SSN, name, and date of birth match Social Security records.
What can I use instead of SSN number? ›
An Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) may be required for individuals who do not have employment authorization and are not eligible for an SSN. ITINs are issued only for the purpose of federal tax reporting. Nonresidents filing an income tax return (e.g. 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ) may need an ITIN.
What number can be used instead of Social Security Number? ›
An alternative to the Social Security number is the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. (ITIN) This can be issued regardless of immigration status.
What if I don't have SSN or ITIN? ›
If the individual is not eligible for an SSN, refer them to the IRS for Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. For a taxpayer who cannot obtain an SSN and has not yet applied for an ITIN, you can use a temporary identification number to prepare the return in the tax software.
How to open a bank account as a non-US citizen? ›
Often, you may need to provide one or more of the following to verify your identity:
- A passport number and country of issuance.
- An alien identification number.
- Visa or other U.S. immigration documents.
- Driver's license with photo.
- School ID with photo.
- U.S. Employment Authorization Card with photo.
Apply for a Social Security or Individual Taxpayer ID number
U.S. banking regulations require anyone opening a financial services account to have a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN).
What banks can open accounts for foreigners? ›
Large banks
However, larger banks such as US Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will allow non-residents to set up a checking account and a savings account. Instead of your SSN, they'll ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and other documents.
Do you need a Social Security number to have a joint bank account? ›
All account holders, including the existing customers, will need to bring their social security number/card and U.S. Government issued ID.
