How Immigrants Can Open a Bank Account in the United States (Step-by-Step)

An Important First Step for Many Newcomers

Opening a bank account is one of the first money tasks many of us take on after arriving in the United States.

A bank account can make it easier to receive income, pay bills, and use other financial services.

And yet, for many of us, opening that first account feels uncertain — even intimidating.

You may not be sure what documents to bring. You may worry about whether your immigration status will be a problem. You may not know which bank to choose. You may not yet feel fully confident in English.

These concerns are normal. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you know what to prepare and what to ask.

Can Immigrants Open Bank Accounts in the United States?

Many immigrants open U.S. bank accounts, including people who do not have a Social Security Number. What you need depends on the bank.

Federal rules require banks to verify the identity of new customers. This helps prevent financial crimes like money laundering. Under the federal customer identification rule, a bank must collect at least your:

• name
• date of birth
• address
• an identification number

For people who are not U.S. persons, that identification number can be a taxpayer identification number (such as an ITIN), a passport number and the country that issued it, an alien identification card number, or the number of another government-issued photo document.

Immigration status is not on that list. But each bank sets its own policies about which documents it accepts, so experiences can differ from bank to bank. Before you visit, ask the bank which documents it accepts.

What Documents Do You Need?

The documents required vary by bank. Many ask for some combination of the following.

Primary Identification

This document confirms who you are. Forms that some banks accept include:

• Passport. Many banks accept a foreign passport. It shows your name, date of birth, photograph, and country of citizenship.
• U.S. government-issued ID. A U.S. driver’s license or state ID, if you have one.
• Consular ID. Some countries issue identification cards through their U.S. consulates. Some banks accept them.
• National ID card. Some banks accept foreign national identity cards. Acceptance varies by institution.

Secondary Identification or Supporting Documents

Some banks ask for a second form of identification or a supporting document, such as a student or employee ID, a utility bill or lease agreement showing your name and U.S. address, or proof of enrollment at a U.S. school.

Taxpayer Identification

This part can be confusing, so it helps to understand your options.

Social Security Number (SSN). If you have one, the bank will likely ask for it.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security Number, you may have an ITIN. The IRS issues ITINs for federal tax purposes to people who need a U.S. taxpayer number but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. Some banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number, and some do not, so confirm before you visit.

No SSN or ITIN. Some banks may open an account using another identification number, such as a passport number. Options can be more limited. The CFPB notes that without a Social Security Number or ITIN, you may only be able to open an account that does not earn interest.

Should You Get an ITIN to Open a Bank Account?

An ITIN is not a banking document. The IRS issues ITINs for federal tax purposes, to people who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but do not have, and are not eligible for, a Social Security Number.

Some important points from the IRS:

• To apply, you generally file Form W-7 together with a federal tax return, unless you qualify for one of the exceptions the IRS lists.
• An ITIN does not change your immigration status or give you the right to work in the United States.
• You can apply by mail, in person at some IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers, or through IRS-authorized Acceptance Agents. Some Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites also offer free ITIN services.

If you need to file a U.S. tax return and are not eligible for a Social Security Number, an ITIN may be something you need anyway. But if you do not have a tax reason, you do not need to apply for an ITIN just to look for a bank account. Ask banks which other identification numbers they accept.

Understanding Checking Account Reports

Before opening an account, it helps to know about checking account reports.

Some banks check a report from a company that tracks checking account history. These reports can show past problems, like unpaid overdraft fees or accounts closed for misuse.

If you have never had a U.S. bank account, you may have little or no history in these reports. That is not the same as a negative record.

According to the CFPB:

• You can get a free copy of your checking account report every 12 months.
• If a bank denies your application because of information in one of these reports, the bank must tell you the name and contact information of the company that provided the report. You can then get a free copy.
• If information in the report is wrong, you have the right to dispute it.

How to Choose the Right Bank

Banks have different policies, fees, and services. Comparing them can help you avoid fees and find an account that fits your needs.

Does the bank accept your documents? Confirm in advance whether they accept your specific identification, including foreign passport and ITIN if applicable. Call ahead or check their website before visiting.

What fees does the account charge? Ask about monthly service fees, minimum balance requirements, ATM fees, and overdraft fees, and how to avoid them.

Does the bank have branches or ATMs near you? Being able to visit a branch can help, especially at first. If you choose an online bank, make sure you are comfortable managing everything digitally.

Does the bank offer services in your language? Some banks and credit unions offer staff or materials in other languages. Ask if this matters to you.

Is your money federally insured? At a bank, look for FDIC insurance. At a credit union, look for NCUA insurance, which covers federally insured credit unions. Both protect deposits up to legal limits, generally $250,000 per depositor for each ownership category. Credit unions are not insured by the FDIC, but federally insured credit unions offer similar protection through the NCUA.

Does the bank work with customers in your situation? Some banks and credit unions have experience with customers who are new to the United States. Ask what documents they accept and whether they can help in person.

The Step-by-Step Process

Once you have chosen a bank and confirmed you have the right documents, here is what to expect.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Collect everything before you go:

• Primary identification (passport or accepted ID)
• Secondary identification or supporting document
• Social Security Number or ITIN, if you have one
• Proof of your U.S. address (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar)
• An opening deposit, if the account requires one (ask the bank; some accounts have no minimum)

Step 2: Visit a Branch or Apply Online

Many banks let you apply online. If you are using a passport, an ITIN, or other documents that an online form may not accept, visiting a branch can be easier because staff can look at your documents and answer questions.

Step 3: Complete the Application

You will provide basic personal information — name, address, date of birth, and identification details. You will also provide your taxpayer identification number if you have one and select the type of account you want to open.

Step 4: Fund Your Account

If the bank requires an opening deposit, you can fund it with cash, a money order, or a transfer from another account. If there is no minimum deposit requirement, this step is not needed to complete the opening.

Step 5: Receive Your Account Information and Debit Card

Once your account is open, you will receive your account number and routing number. Ask when and how you will receive your debit card. Some banks mail it, and some can give you one at the branch.

Step 6: Set Up Online or Mobile Banking

Register for online banking through the bank’s website or official mobile app. This lets you check your balance, review transactions, and pay bills.

Step 7: Set Up Direct Deposit

If you work, you can give your employer your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit, so your pay goes straight into your account.

What to Do If Your Application Is Declined

A rejection is discouraging, but you have options.

Ask for the reason. If the decision was based on a checking account report, the bank must tell you which company provided the report. Other reasons, such as the documents you brought, may be easier to fix.

Check your checking account report. Request your free report from the company the bank named and look for errors. You have the right to dispute wrong information.

Try a different bank or credit union. Policies and accepted documents differ between institutions.

Ask about second-chance accounts. Some banks offer accounts for people who have had banking problems in the past. These may have limits or fees, so compare the terms.

A Note for International Students

If you are an international student, your school’s international student office can be a helpful place to start. Some schools can tell you which local banks or credit unions are used to working with students. Our guide on how international students can open a bank account covers the steps for students. Document requirements still vary by bank, so confirm before you go.

An Important First Step

Opening your first U.S. bank account is an important step. It makes it easier to receive income, pay bills, and manage money.

You now know what banks are required to ask for, how SSNs and ITINs fit in, what to compare between banks and credit unions, and what to do if an application is declined.

Once your account is open, a simple budget can help you plan how to use it. Our guide on creating your first budget walks through the steps.

Sources and official resources

• eCFR: 31 CFR 1020.220, customer identification program requirements for banks
• CFPB: Checklist for opening a bank or credit union account
• CFPB: How do I get a copy of my checking account consumer report?
• IRS: Instructions for Form W-7 (ITIN)
• IRS: VITA sites with ITIN services
• FDIC: Understanding deposit insurance
• NCUA: Share insurance coverage

Financial rules and limits can change. This guide was reviewed using official sources in September 2026.

This guide is for educational purposes and is not individualized financial advice.