Banks That Don't Require Social Security Number
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Looking to open a bank account without providing your Social Security Number? Read this guide to know which banks don't require an SSN.
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There are plenty of legitimate reasons why someone might not have a Social Security number. After all, the U.S. is a country of immigrants, and the gears of bureaucracy turn slowly.
And unfortunately, getting an SSN can take months, if not years.
The good news? Some banks know this shouldn't keep you from getting basic financial services. In this helpful guide, find out which banks don't require a Social Security number.
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Why Do Banks Need a Social Security Number?
A Social Security Number is a unique identification that keeps track of your entire financial life. It's used to report your income to the IRS and issue government benefits after you retire.
Banks usually ask for your SSN so they can verify your identity. They'll also use it to check your credit score and banking history to decide if they want to approve you for an account. Plus, if you earn any interest, that can be reported to the IRS.
How to Open a Bank Account Without a Social Security Number
If you don't have a Social Security number, there are some banks that let you open a checking account with other identification documents. Usually, you will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Typically, you will need to provide:
- Name and date of birth - This can be proved with a current passport, government-issued driver's license, birth certificate, or Consular ID card
- Proof of address - This can be utility bills, lease agreement, current driver's license or state ID
- Identification number - If you don't have a SSN, you can provide an ITIN or Alien Identification Number
Note: Some banks may have different requirements, but these are the ones that are broadly applicable.
An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, will serve as your identification number for filing your tax returns. If you do not qualify for an SSN, you will need to apply for an ITIN. You can obtain an ITIN by filling out Form W-7 and submitting it to the IRS. Most banks require you to have either a valid SSN or ITIN.
Banks That Don't Require a Social Security Number
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Below, let's take a look at what banks and credit unions will offer accounts for those without a Social Security number.
1. Bank of America
Bank of America is a well-known U.S. bank that provides a range of financial services, like checking and savings accounts, rewards credits cards, loans, investing services, and more.
They have thousands of ATMs and financial centers, ensuring you'll have access practically everywhere.
You can open a Bank of America account with an ITIN instead of an SSN, but you'll have to do it at a local branch as the option isn't offered online.
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $300 Bonus Offer
- The $300 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 01/31/2025.
- To qualify, open a new eligible Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive Qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $2,000 or more into that new eligible account within 90 days of account opening. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking accounts are not eligible for this offer.
- Once all requirements are met, Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- *A Qualifying Direct Deposit is a direct deposit of regular monthly income – such as your salary, pension or Social Security benefits, which are made by your employer or other payer – using account and routing numbers that you provide to them.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®
- Banking that helps you stay within your balance.
- 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 or maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®
- Flexible banking to meet your needs.
- Pay with a debit card, Mobile and Online banking or paper checks (if purchased).
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking®
- Benefits for higher balances, like fee waivers and interest.
- Earn interest on your balance.
- Option to enroll in Balance Connect® for overdraft protection.
- Overdraft fee without Balance Connect® : $10 each item, up to 2 items per day.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
2. Chase
Chase Bank has 4,700 branches and more than 15,000 ATMs[1] throughout the U.S. However, they tend to be near the coasts and around major cities.
If you live in more rural parts of the U.S., you may want to choose another option.
Chase offers personal banking services such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, home and auto loans, and investing through JPMorgan. You can also take advantage of online banking services through the Chase site and mobile app.
Like Bank of America, you can open a Chase account without a Social Security number, but the ability to do so may depend on your visa or Green Card status.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $40 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase College Checking℠ - $100 Bonus
- Enjoy $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment.
- $0 Monthly Service Fee while in school up to the graduation date provided at account opening (five years maximum) for students 17-24 years old.
- Wire funds internationally using the Chase Mobile® app or chase.com. Send money to recipients around the world with multiple currency options. Fees apply.
- Keep track of your money with confidence and control in the Chase Mobile® app. The Chase Mobile app helps you bank securely and conveniently from anywhere.
- Zelle® is available in more than 1,000 banking apps in the U.S. So, you can send and receive money from almost anyone you know and trust who has a bank account in the U.S.
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- With Fraud Monitoring, Chase may notify you of unusual debit card purchases and with Zero Liability Protection you won't be held responsible for unauthorized debit card purchases when reported promptly.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Up to $3,000 Bonus
- You're eligible for up to a $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities.
- Speak with a Private Client Banker to open your Chase Private Client Checking℠ account today. Schedule your meeting at your nearest branch to get started.
- Priority service for everyday banking. Receive personalized attention from a dedicated Chase Private Client Banker and 24/7 access to a U.S. based banking service line.
Earn $1,000 when you deposit $150,000 or earn $2,000 when you deposit $250,000 or earn $3,000 when you deposit $500,000. - No fees at Chase and non-Chase ATMs worldwide.
- No Chase fee on incoming or outgoing wire transfers.
- Enjoy higher limits on Chase Private Client debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals, as well as higher Zelle® and Chase QuickDeposit℠ limits.
- Preferred rates and perks which may make you eligible for a 0.25% auto rate discount and invitation-only events.
- Enhance your Chase relationship with access to a dedicated J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor who can help create a personalized investment strategy.
- Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Deposit products are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: •
3. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is another one of the big four banks in the US. It has over 4,800 branches well spread across the nation.
It lets you apply for an account online with an ITIN. You'll also need a driver license/state ID or matricula card.
If you don't have those, you can apply in-person at a branch. You can also prove your identity with a Green Card, visa, foreign passport, or alien ID card.
4. Alliant Credit Union
Alliant Credit Union is an online credit union open to everyone nationwide. It offers a free checking account with no monthly fees.
It lets you open an account with an ITIN and a valid US government-issued ID or foreign passport.
You can become a member of Alliant Credit Union by joining Foster to Success. Alliant will even pay the one-time $5 membership fee for you on your behalf.
5. Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Marcus by Goldman Sachs provides customers with a range of financial services:
- A variety of savings products
- A fee-free checking account
- Investing options
- Personal, home, and debt consolidation loans
- Financial education resources
Marcus is available in all 50 states in the U.S., comes with a free debit card, and doesn't charge for incoming wire transfers, either domestic or international.
There are no physical branches, meaning you'll have to take care of sign-up either online or over the phone.
You can open a Marcus account with an ITIN if you don't have an SSN.
6. Self-Help Credit Union and Self Help Federal Credit Union
Self-Help Credit Union and Self Help Federal Credit Union are nonprofit financial services providers.
They aim to provide banking services to low-income individuals. The first provides services in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia; the second in California, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Services they offer include personal checking, savings, and money market accounts, home, auto, personal, and immigration loans, IRAs, and more.
You can sign up with a valid driver's license, passport, an identification card from a Mexican consulate, a state-issued ID, a military ID, or a residency card.
7. Citibank
New York-based Citibank is another major U.S. bank. They offer personal checking and savings accounts, CDs and retirement accounts, credit cards, home loans, a variety of investing options, and wealth management services.
Citibank has over 2,600 branches in 19 countries.
If you can verify your address, you can open an account with Citibank with an ITIN instead of an SSN.
There are a number of other options for those looking to sign up for a bank without a Social Security number, but they may have geographical or other restrictions. They include:
- Latino Credit Union
- Alliant Credit Union
- PNC Bank
- Wells Fargo
- Alternatives Credit Union
- Ithaca Community Bank
- M&T
- Tompkins Trust Company and more
FAQs
What if I don't have a SSN or ITIN?
There are very few banks that will let you open an account without an SSN or ITIN. In that case, you will need to provide other forms of identity. This can be an alien registration number, passport, or government issued ID.
Can I open an account online without a SSN?
Yes, some banks let you open an account online without an SSN. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you don't have one, then you'll need to apply at a branch with other forms of ID.
Can a non US citizen open a bank account?
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account in the US. Non-residents and their spouses and dependents can apply for an ITIN, which banks will accept as an alterative ID number.
How can I get an ITIN number quickly?
To apply for an ITIN number, you need to fill out Form W-7 and submit it to the IRS. You can either mail it in or apply in-person at IRS locations or IRS-authorized acceptance agents. You'll get your ITIN within 7 weeks if you qualify.
How much money do I need to open a bank account?
There are lots of banks that let you open an account with $0. Other banks may require $25, $50, $100, or more minimum deposit.
What Are The Benefits of Opening A Bank Account?
Not sure if it's worth it to open a bank account? Let's consider some of the benefits of having a bank account below.
Banks are safer
If your housing situation is uncertain, keeping your money in a bank will help protect it from burglaries, natural disasters, fires, and floods.
Plus, keeping large amounts of cash at home may appear suspicious to law enforcement, even if you're doing absolutely nothing wrong.
Banks are cheaper
Worried that banks will nickel-and-dime you with fees and charges? Luckily, many are moving away from that business model. Some even offer free checking accounts with no minimum.
Plus, there are unseen costs of not having a bank account.
Some service providers see an unbanked person as a potential risk, and may charge you additional fees for not having an account. With a bank account, you can cash checks and pay bills for no additional charge.
Banks help you build a financial history
Without financial history (like a credit score), it may be impossible to get a loan for a car, home, college education, or a business. You may not be able to get credit cards, either.
Simply by doing business with a banking institution over time, you can start to build your trustworthiness in the eyes of the financial community.
Many banks also offer ways to improve your credit score without taking on debt. Credit history may seem unnecessary now, but in the long term, it can be an invaluable asset.
Bottom Line
It's wise not to underestimate the value of having a bank account. Besides the obvious protections, it can help provide a starting point for your financial future. You'll also save time, money, and frustration when dealing with service providers.
You might be worried about the process, but rest assured, there are plenty of banks and credit unions interested in making it possible to open an account without a Social Security number.
All you need to do is choose which one is right for you, and get started.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early-exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $40 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase College Checking℠ - $100 Bonus
- Enjoy $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment.
- $0 Monthly Service Fee while in school up to the graduation date provided at account opening (five years maximum) for students 17-24 years old.
- Wire funds internationally using the Chase Mobile® app or chase.com. Send money to recipients around the world with multiple currency options. Fees apply.
- Keep track of your money with confidence and control in the Chase Mobile® app. The Chase Mobile app helps you bank securely and conveniently from anywhere.
- Zelle® is available in more than 1,000 banking apps in the U.S. So, you can send and receive money from almost anyone you know and trust who has a bank account in the U.S.
- With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
- With Fraud Monitoring, Chase may notify you of unusual debit card purchases and with Zero Liability Protection you won't be held responsible for unauthorized debit card purchases when reported promptly.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Up to $3,000 Bonus
- You're eligible for up to a $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities.
- Speak with a Private Client Banker to open your Chase Private Client Checking℠ account today. Schedule your meeting at your nearest branch to get started.
- Priority service for everyday banking. Receive personalized attention from a dedicated Chase Private Client Banker and 24/7 access to a U.S. based banking service line.
Earn $1,000 when you deposit $150,000 or earn $2,000 when you deposit $250,000 or earn $3,000 when you deposit $500,000. - No fees at Chase and non-Chase ATMs worldwide.
- No Chase fee on incoming or outgoing wire transfers.
- Enjoy higher limits on Chase Private Client debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals, as well as higher Zelle® and Chase QuickDeposit℠ limits.
- Preferred rates and perks which may make you eligible for a 0.25% auto rate discount and invitation-only events.
- Enhance your Chase relationship with access to a dedicated J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor who can help create a personalized investment strategy.
- Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Deposit products are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: •
References
- ^ "About Chase": Chase, 2022.
Jeremy Harshman is a creative assistant at CreditDonkey, a bank comparison and reviews website. Write to Jeremy Harshman at jeremy.harshman@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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