Can You Get a Bank Account without an SSN?

Whether you’re a new US resident or a foreign exchange student, opening a bank account without a Social Security number (SSN) might seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible. We’ll guide you through the essential steps and alternative documents needed so you can easily open an account that suits your needs.

Do I need an SSN for a bank account?

Some banks do require an SSN to open a bank account, but many will accept alternative forms of identification.

To open an account without an SSN, you’ll find that each bank has its own criteria. If you don’t have an SSN, a bank may require alternative forms of identification like a passport or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) along with US government-issued IDs to verify your identity.

What’s an ITIN, and how do I get one?

An ITIN is a unique number given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need to pay taxes in the US but aren’t eligible for an SSN. It’s a way for non-US citizens, such as foreign workers or resident aliens, to comply with tax laws. An ITIN is also a handy number that can be used to confirm your identity.

Here are three options to acquire an ITIN, according to the IRS:

1. Mail Application: Complete Form W-7 and submit it with your tax return and proof of identity and foreign status to the IRS.
2. In-Person with a CAA: Apply through an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent to avoid mailing original documents.
3. Visit the IRS: Schedule an appointment at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center to apply in person and keep your documents with you.

What else do I need for a bank account?

Here’s a quick checklist of common documents you may need to open a bank account:

• Mailing address
• Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, SSN, ITIN, etc.)
• Opening deposit, if required
• Student US visa, if applicable

Dive deeper: How to open a bank account

6 banks that don’t require an SSN

These banks don’t require an SSN to open an account, but many require an ITIN. Some, like Revolut, let you open an account with passport or student visa.

1. SoFi®

SoFi is an online bank that accepts ITINs. You can open a SoFi Checking and Savings account as a US citizen, lawful permanent resident or a non-resident if you’re 18 or older and have a physical US address.

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SoFi Checking and Savings

With SoFi Checking and Savings account, you get two for one.

• Up to 3.60% APY on savings by meeting deposit requirements or by paying the SoFi Plus subscription fee every 30 days
• Get a $50 or $300 bonus by meeting direct deposit requirements.
• $0 account or overdraft fees

Partner terms and conditions

New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.

SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.

We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.

Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.

Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Enroll in SoFi Plus between 9/18/25 and 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/sofi-plus SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2. Revolut

Revolut offers borderless personal and business accounts well-suited for frequent travelers or businesses that work internationally. You don’t need an SSN or ITIN to apply for a Revolut account. Revolut accepts government-issued IDs, including your passport or valid student US visa, to open an account.

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Revolut

The Revolut account offers a prepaid card with multi-currency features, ideal for frequent travelers.

• $0/month plan available
• International and travel perks
• Earn up to 5.5% APY on balances in High Yield Account and up to 3.75% APY in Savings, depending on plan
• Unlocks Revolut Kids & Teen account

Partner terms and conditions

Revolut is not a bank. Fees may apply. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The Revolut USA Prepaid Visa and Prepaid Mastercard are issued by Lead Bank pursuant to licensing by Visa® U.S.A. Inc. and Mastercard International for Mastercard cards. Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Lead Bank, Member FDIC, in the event Lead Bank fails. See revolut.com/en-US/ for more details.

The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is a variable rate and may change at any time. APYs are accurate as of 29 September 2025. APYs vary by plan and account type. The rates are as follows:
Standard Plan: 4.00% APY for balances in a High Yield Account; 3.25% APY for balances in other Savings Accounts.
Premium Plan: 4.50% APY for balances in a High Yield Account; 3.35% APY for balances in other Savings Accounts.
Metal Plan: 5.50% APY for balances in a High Yield Account; 3.75% APY for balances in other Savings Accounts.
Plan fees and cancellation fees apply for Premium and Metal plans. T&Cs apply. No min balance to open; $0.01 min. to earn APY. Only 1 High Yield Account is permitted and is limited to $10,000 USD in user initiated deposits. The max combined balance of all Savings Accounts is $250,000 per user. Savings Account services provided by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, insured up to $250,000.

3. Bank of America

Bank of America does not require an SSN to apply for a bank account. However, you must provide both a foreign and US address, along with two forms of ID and a tax identification number, such as ITIN or FTIN.

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Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®

If you're looking for simple banking, Advantage SafeBalance Banking provides a straighforward, easy-to-use experience that lets you focus on the basics.

• $0 or $4.95 monthly maintenance fee*
• No overdraft fees
• Smart Money management tools

*No monthly maintenance fee each statement cycle when you meet one of the following: an owner of this account is under the age of 25, maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards.

4. Chase

Chase is the largest bank in the US and offers multiple deposit account options. To apply for an account with Chase, including any of its savings or checking options, you must provide an SSN, US address and a state ID. Non-US citizens can use a visa or ITIN instead of an SSN.

5. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo requires either an SSN or ITIN for identification when applying for a checking or savings account, along with a physical US address and mobile phone number. The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account is a popular, no-frills account.

6. Citibank

To apply for a checking or savings account with Citibank, or just Citi, you must be a US citizen or a resident alien at least 18 years old. Citi requires applicants to provide a physical US address of birth and identification documentation, such as an SSN or ITIN.

Are there international debit cards?

Yes, there are international debit cards available with great perks. Some come with no foreign transaction fees, making them perfect for overseas use, while multi-currency options like Revolut let you hold and spend in different currencies.

For more details, explore our list of the best international debit cards.

Related: Credit cards without an SSN requirement

Can I be denied a bank account?

Yes, it’s possible to have your bank account application denied. Common reasons for denial include unpaid negative balances on another account, suspicion of fraud on a previous account or not meeting the bank’s specific requirements, like having a valid ID or a minimum opening deposit.

If you’ve been denied, you can consider a second-chance bank account designed for individuals with less-than-perfect banking histories.

Bottom line

While opening a bank account without an SSN is possible, it varies by bank, each with specific requirements. Many institutions accept alternative forms of identification such as an ITIN, passport or visa. By understanding what documents you need and exploring options like international debit cards or second-chance accounts, you can find a solution that fits your needs.

For further assistance in finding the right bank account or navigating different account options, check out our detailed guides on checking accounts and the best checking accounts.

Frequently asked questions

Can an undocumented person open a bank account?

Yes, you can open a bank account without a Social Security number or as an undocumented immigrant. You’ll need to present alternative identification, like a passport or ITIN, based on the bank’s requirements. Undocumented immigrants can also apply for an ITIN, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

Can you open a bank account with just a passport?

While banks may use your passport to verify your identity during your application process, you’ll still need to provide additional information, like your address and tax status, which may require an SSN or ITIN.