Bank Account Without a Social Security Number

Can you open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, in many cases. You don’t need to be a citizen or have a Social Security number (SSN) to try, but you do need to bring certain documents and know that each bank or credit union decides which IDs it accepts.

What the federal rule says

Banks must have a Customer Identification Program (CIP), regulated under Title 31 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 1020.220. Before opening an account, the bank must obtain at least your name, date of birth, an address, and an identification number.

For a non-U.S. person, that identification number may be one or more of the following: a taxpayer identification number (such as an ITIN), a passport number with its country of issuance, an alien identification card number, or the number and country of issuance of any other government-issued document showing nationality or residence that bears a photograph or similar safeguard.

However, the same rule requires each bank to use procedures based on its own risk assessment. That’s why, even though the law allows it, one bank may ask for different documents than another.

Documents they usually accept

• An official photo ID, from the U.S. or another country. According to the CFPB, some banks and credit unions accept foreign passports and consular IDs.
• The matrícula consular, an official ID from the government of Mexico issued by its consulates in the U.S. Other countries offer similar documents. Confirm with each institution whether it accepts it.
• An identification number: SSN, ITIN, passport number with country of issuance, alien identification card number, or another official number.
• A second document, if they ask for it: for example, a utility bill with your name and address, or your birth certificate.

The ITIN is a 9-digit number the IRS issues only for federal tax purposes. The IRS notes it doesn’t work as identification outside the tax system, but the CFPB and FDIC indicate that many banks accept it as an identification number when opening an account. Also, according to the CFPB, you need an SSN or ITIN to open an interest-bearing account; without one of them, you may only be able to open an account that pays no interest.

Proof of address

The bank needs a physical home or work address. If the address on your ID isn’t current, the FDIC notes they may ask for a recent proof, such as a bill or a lease. If you don’t have your own address, the federal rule allows you to give the address of a close relative or another contact person.

Step by step to open your account

1. Choose two or three institutionsCompare banks and credit unions near your home or work.
2. Call or visit firstAsk which IDs they accept if you don’t have an SSN, driver’s license, or state ID.
3. Gather your documentsBring your photo ID, your ITIN or passport number, and proof of address.
4. Open the account in personTo open one online they usually ask for an SSN or ITIN; if you can’t complete the process online, the FDIC suggests going to a branch or calling.
5. Make your first depositAccording to the FDIC, the initial deposit is usually between $25 and $100; confirm the amount with your bank.

What to ask the bank

• What minimum balance do I need to avoid monthly fees?
• How much is the monthly fee, and is it waived with direct deposit?
• Do they charge per check, per transaction, or for using ATMs?
• Do online banking and bill pay cost anything?
• How much do they charge for overdrafts, and how can I avoid them? Do they offer low-balance alerts?

Credit unions

Credit unions are nonprofit institutions owned by their members. To join, you must share a common bond with the other members — for example, your employer, your family, the area where you live, or a group you belong to. Because they return their earnings to members, they tend to offer lower fees. You can find one near you with the NCUA’s credit union locator.

Bank On certified accounts and second-chance accounts

Bank On certified accounts meet national low-cost standards. Under the 2025–2026 standards, they must accept ITINs and government-issued IDs, including consular ones; the opening deposit can’t exceed $25, and the monthly fee can’t exceed $5 (or $10 if there’s a way to waive it). Bank On describes them as accounts with no overdraft fees. At joinbankon.org there’s a list of certified accounts by state.

If you were denied an account because of your banking history, the CFPB explains that many institutions offer accounts designed to reduce risk, which avoid overdrafts. You can request your free report from the company the bank names in its rejection notice (such as ChexSystems) and dispute any errors in writing.

Your money is protected

In an FDIC-insured bank, the standard coverage is $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for each account ownership category. In an NCUA-insured credit union, each member has at least $250,000 in coverage. This insurance is automatic and doesn’t cover stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. You can check whether your bank or its website belongs to an insured institution with the FDIC’s BankFind tool.

Stop paying to cash checks

If you don’t have an account, the CFPB notes that, as a rule, a bank or credit union can charge you a fee to cash a check. With your own account you can deposit your checks or receive your pay by direct deposit. Some states require your employer to pay you in a way that lets you receive your wages without fees; check with your state’s banking or labor department.

Warning signs and fraud

• Government agencies, like the FDIC, don’t send unsolicited messages asking for money or personal data.
• Be suspicious if they demand payment with gift cards, money orders, or digital currency.
• Check links and logos carefully: scammers use names almost identical to the real ones.
• Never receive or transfer money on behalf of strangers: you could unknowingly be acting as a money “mule”.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• eCFR: 31 CFR 1020.220, Customer Identification Program
• CFPB: Checklist for opening an account (in Spanish)
• CFPB: Why was I denied a checking account?
• CFPB: Fees for cashing checks without an account
• FDIC: How to open a bank account
• FDIC: Deposit insurance
• FDIC Consumer News: how to protect yourself from scams
• MyCreditUnion.gov (NCUA): Share insurance
• MyCreditUnion.gov (NCUA): What is a credit union?
• Bank On: 2025–2026 National Account Standards (in Spanish)
• Bank On: List of certified accounts
• IRS: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Reviewed on October 14, 2026.