Opening a U.S. bank account can make everyday life easier—from receiving your paycheck to paying rent and buying groceries. But when you have just moved, it can be difficult to know which banks accept your documents or whether you need a Social Security number.
You may be able to open a U.S. bank account without an SSN. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN. Others offer an application process using a foreign passport and additional identification. Requirements depend on the bank, account and your circumstances.
This guide helps you work out where to start, what to bring and which fees to compare.
Explore banking options on NewcomerFi →
Start with your SSN or ITIN status
Before comparing account features, check whether you meet the application requirements.
| Your situation | Where to start | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| I have an SSN | Compare accounts that accept your residency status and documents. | Whether you can apply online, what address evidence is needed and how monthly fees work. |
| I have an ITIN but no SSN | Look for accounts that explicitly accept an ITIN. | Whether your residency status qualifies and whether an in-person appointment is required. |
| I have neither an SSN nor an ITIN | Contact banks that publish alternative identification requirements. | Whether your passport, secondary ID and any foreign tax number are sufficient for your situation. |
| I have not arrived in the U.S. yet | Check whether the bank supports applications from abroad. | Whether a U.S. address or branch visit is required before the account can be opened. |
An accepted tax ID is only one part of eligibility. For example, Capital One’s published 360 Checking requirements accept an SSN or ITIN but also restrict eligibility to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, alongside other requirements. An ITIN alone does not make every newcomer eligible.
What documents do you need to open a U.S. bank account?
Banks need to verify your identity. Prepare the following information, then confirm the exact requirements with your chosen bank before applying.
| Information or document | Examples to ask the bank about |
|---|---|
| Government-issued identification | An unexpired passport, U.S. driver’s license, state ID or permanent resident card. |
| A second form of identification | Another accepted government ID or another document from the bank’s identification list. |
| Address information | Your residential address and, where applicable, a separate mailing or foreign address. Ask what evidence is accepted. |
| Tax identification information | Your SSN, ITIN or foreign tax identification number, depending on the bank’s requirements. |
| Contact details | Email address and phone number; some accounts require a U.S. mobile number. |
| Opening deposit | Money to fund the account if a minimum opening deposit applies. |
These are preparation categories, not a universal document checklist. Banks can require different combinations of identification and supporting information.
If you are staying with friends or family
Ask what the bank accepts when you do not have a lease or utility bill in your own name. Explain your living arrangement before booking an appointment so you can bring the correct evidence.
If you are an international student
Ask whether the bank needs school-issued documents in addition to your identification and address information. Student account eligibility and fee waivers can depend on age, enrollment or other conditions.
Can you open a bank account without an SSN?
Yes, some banks offer this option.
Bank of America, for example, states that an SSN is not required to open an account through its published process for international professionals. It lists two unexpired forms of identification, address requirements and a tax identification number if applicable.
Its requirements distinguish between resident and nonresident applicants. Nonresident applicants are asked for both a physical foreign address and a U.S. mailing address. The bank directs applicants to arrange a financial center appointment.
Before visiting any bank, ask:
“I’m new to the U.S. and don’t have an SSN. I have [your documents]. Can I apply for this specific checking account, and what else should I bring?”
Compare banking options and review their application requirements →
Do you need to get an ITIN first?
Not necessarily. Check the bank’s requirements before assuming you need one.
An ITIN is issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes to people who are not eligible for an SSN. The IRS states that it does not issue ITINs solely to open banking or investment accounts.
Compare monthly fees before choosing an account
A bank account advertised as “$0 monthly fee” may require qualifying deposits, a minimum balance or another condition.
The useful question is: What will this account cost with the income and balance I expect to have?
Examples of published checking account fees
Information checked October 15, 2026. These examples are a starting point for comparison, rather than a ranking or guarantee of eligibility.
| Account | Standard monthly fee | Examples of ways to avoid the fee | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking | $4.95 | Maintain a minimum daily balance of $500, or have an account owner under 25. Other qualifying waivers apply. | No paper check writing. Confirm the documents required for your application. |
| Chase Total Checking | $15 | Receive at least $500 in qualifying electronic deposits, or maintain at least $1,500 at the beginning of each day. Other qualifying waivers apply. | Check which deposits qualify before relying on a waiver. |
| Capital One 360 Checking | $0 | No monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement. | Published eligibility includes U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency and other requirements. |
Sources: the banks’ official account pages and disclosures.
Understand these three different amounts
Minimum opening deposit: Money you need to put into the account when opening it.
Minimum balance: An amount you may need to maintain to meet account conditions or avoid a fee.
Monthly maintenance fee: A recurring charge that may apply unless you qualify for a waiver.
Your opening deposit remains your money; it is different from a fee.
For perspective, a $15 monthly fee adds up to $180 over a year. A fee waiver is valuable only if you can meet its conditions consistently.
Compare account costs and features →
Which account features matter most for newcomers?
A fee structure you can manage immediately
If you have not started work yet, consider whether you can avoid monthly fees before your first paycheck arrives. Do not assume transfers from your own accounts count as qualifying payroll or electronic deposits.
Convenient access to your money
Check nearby ATMs and branches, cash deposit options, mobile check deposits and customer support. Choose features that match how you expect to receive and spend money.
Clear overdraft rules
An overdraft can happen when a transaction takes your account below zero. Review whether transactions are declined, whether fees can apply and what account settings are available.
Deposit insurance
For eligible deposits at an FDIC-insured bank, standard coverage is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per account ownership category. FDIC coverage is not limited to U.S. citizens or residents.
Affordable international transfers
If you support family abroad, compare exchange rates and the amount your recipient receives, alongside transfer fees. Your everyday bank account and your international transfer provider can serve different needs.
Compare options for sending money abroad →
How to open your first U.S. bank account: step by step
1. Shortlist accounts you can apply for
Start with SSN or ITIN acceptance, residency requirements and available application methods. Then compare fees and everyday features.
2. Confirm your documents
Use the bank’s official requirements or speak with a representative. If your situation involves foreign documents or alternative identification, confirm the requirements before visiting.
3. Check the full fee schedule
Review monthly maintenance, ATM, overdraft and wire transfer charges. Read the exact conditions for any fee waiver.
4. Apply online or book an appointment
Use the application method available for your circumstances. A bank may offer online applications generally while requiring some applicants to visit a branch.
5. Fund the account
Follow the bank’s instructions and check when deposited money becomes available. A deposit appearing in your account does not always mean the full amount is immediately available to spend.
6. Set up everyday banking
Activate your debit card, enable account security features and turn on transaction and low-balance alerts. If you receive a paycheck, ask your employer how to set up direct deposit.
What if your application is declined?
Ask whether the issue involves identity verification, missing documents, account eligibility or information in a checking account consumer report.
If the decision was based on a consumer report, review the notice you receive and request the relevant report. Incorrect information can be disputed. Some institutions also offer accounts designed for people rebuilding their banking history.
Understanding the reason can help you choose a useful next step before submitting another application.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-U.S. citizen open a bank account?
Yes. Some U.S. banks accept noncitizen applicants, subject to their identification, address, tax information and other eligibility requirements. Citizenship is not the only factor that matters.
Can I open a U.S. bank account with only a passport?
Do not assume a passport alone is sufficient. A bank may also require a second form of ID, address information and applicable tax identification details.
Can I open a bank account online with an ITIN?
Some accounts accept an ITIN, but online availability depends on the provider and your eligibility. Check residency and identity verification requirements as well as tax ID acceptance.
Do I need U.S. credit history?
Requirements vary. Banks may use identity checks, checking account reports or other consumer information when assessing applications. Having no U.S. credit history is different from having a negative banking history.
Does using a debit card build credit?
Ordinary debit card use does not build credit history. You are spending money from your account rather than borrowing and repaying it. Credit-building products work differently.
Is a bank account with no monthly fee completely free?
Not necessarily. Other charges may apply to particular services, such as outgoing wires or cashier’s checks. Review the full fee schedule rather than the monthly fee alone.
Find an account that fits your first months in the U.S.
Start with what you have today: your identification, SSN or ITIN status, address documents and expected monthly balance.
Then compare accounts you may qualify for, understand their costs and confirm the requirements before applying.
Explore banking options on NewcomerFi →
This guide provides general educational information. Account availability, eligibility and fees can change. Confirm current terms directly with the bank before applying.