Moving to the U.S. and wondering how to open a bank account when you do not have a Social Security number? The answer has two layers: what federal rules require, and what each individual bank decides for itself. Here is both, with a checklist.
Is an SSN legally required? What the federal ID rule says
Banks must verify who you are before opening an account. The federal Customer Identification Program rule, 31 CFR 1020.220 (also on eCFR), asks the bank to collect your name, date of birth, a residential or business street address, and an identification number.
For a person who is not a U.S. person, the rule lets that number be a taxpayer ID number, or a passport number with the country that issued it, an alien identification card number, or the number and issuing country of another government-issued document that shows nationality or residence and has a photo or similar safeguard.
So federal rules allow these alternatives. They do not force any particular bank to accept every one of them. Each bank writes its own policy.
IDs banks commonly ask about
Call ahead and ask which documents the bank takes. Common ones:
- A passport from your home country.
- A U.S. state driver's license or state ID, if you have one.
- Your ITIN assignment letter from the IRS (notice CP565), if you have one.
- A consular ID card. Some banks take it and some do not, so ask first.
A note about the ITIN: the IRS issues it for federal tax purposes only, and it does not serve as identification outside the tax system. An ITIN can expire if unused on a federal tax return for three years in a row (IRS FAQs). If you owe or file U.S. taxes, see our income tax calculator.
What to bring: a checklist
- Primary photo ID. Usually a passport or another government-issued photo ID.
- Second ID if asked.
- Proof of address (a residential street address). Federal rules do not say it must be in the U.S., but some banks require a U.S. address and specific documents, such as a lease or utility bill. Ask first.
- Tax or ID number if you have one. Bring it, but ask the bank what it can use instead if not.
- Opening deposit. Ask about the minimum before you go.
Banks vs. credit unions, and checking deposit insurance
Both banks and credit unions offer checking and savings. Confirm that the institution is federally insured.
- Banks: the FDIC says deposits are automatically insured to at least $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category (FDIC deposit insurance). Check a bank with our FDIC bank lookup, or use the FDIC's BankFind Suite.
- Credit unions: the NCUA insures member share accounts at federally insured credit unions on the same $250,000 basis. Use the Locate a Credit Union tool, and see MyCreditUnion.gov for details.
Fees and account features to ask about
Ask about monthly fees and how to avoid them, the minimum balance, and overdraft fees. By federal rule, a bank cannot charge you an overdraft fee on ATM withdrawals or one-time debit card purchases unless you agree to (opt in to) overdraft coverage. You can say no, and you can withdraw your consent later (12 CFR 1005.17, checked 2026). Our budget tracker can help you plan for fees.
If your application is denied
A denial is sometimes based on a report from a checking account screening company. According to the CFPB, a bank that denies you based on such a report must send a notice naming the company and its contact information. You can then ask that company for a free copy of your report, promptly (within 60 days), and send a written dispute if something is wrong. You can also request one free report a year from each nationwide checking account reporting company.
A bank may also deny an application if it cannot verify your identity. In that case, ask what documents would work, or try a different institution.
Prepaid cards and check-cashing are different from a bank account
The CFPB explains that a prepaid card is not linked to a bank or credit union account: you load money first and then spend it. Check-cashing services turn a check into cash, often for a fee. Read fee tables carefully.
After you open the account
If you send money abroad, the currency converter shows reference exchange rates, for example USD to MXN; the rates and fees a provider actually charges vary. From 2026, a 1% federal excise tax applies to many international money transfers paid in cash, by money order or by cashier's check; transfers funded from a U.S. bank account or U.S.-issued card are generally exempt (IRC section 4475; IRS proposed rules not yet final, so check IRS.gov). Free lessons: FDIC Money Smart.
Key facts (as of 2026, checked October 2026)
| Fact | Source |
|---|---|
| Non-U.S. persons may give a passport number, alien ID number or other government ID number instead of a taxpayer ID | 31 CFR 1020.220 |
| FDIC insurance: at least $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category | FDIC |
| ITIN is for federal tax purposes only | IRS |
| No debit card overdraft fee without your opt-in | 12 CFR 1005.17 |
Frequently asked questions
Does a bank have to accept my passport?
No. Federal rules allow a passport number to be used as the identification number, but each bank sets its own list of documents. Call ahead and ask.
How do I know my money is insured?
Search for the bank in the FDIC BankFind Suite (or our FDIC bank lookup), or for a credit union with the NCUA's Locate a Credit Union tool.
General information only, checked October 2026; not legal, tax, immigration or financial advice. Bank and credit union policies vary and change; confirm with the institution and the official sources linked above.
Written by the CentDaily editorial team with AI assistance; facts checked against the official sources listed in this guide and in the Sources box below. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.