Money & Debt

Yes, you can open a bank account, even if you are a noncitizen, whether documented or undocumented. While you can open a bank account with a Social Security Number A number that the federal government gives to each U.S. citizen. It keeps track of their earnings and retirement benefits. (SSN), you do not need an SSN to open a bank account. Instead, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks also allow you to open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN.

Why should I open a bank account?

Opening a bank account can provide many benefits. You can:

• Get a debit card
• Get statements for proof of address
• Access funds at an ATM
• Access investment opportunities
• Manage funds online or on a mobile device
• Keep records of your transactions
• Protect your money

A good credit history is important for getting loans, renting apartments, and even getting a job. You build your credit history by using credit products like credit cards and loans responsibly. Although a bank account is not required to build a credit history, having one can help. It can increase your chances of getting approved for credit by:

• Verifying your identity in a credit application,
• Proving financial stability with regular direct deposits like paychecks, and
• Showing responsible financial behavior with regular savings.

Additionally, if you are going to start or have already started an immigration process or application having a bank account can serve Giving court documents to someone as proof that you have participated in the financial system of the U.S. It can also show a record of the dates you have lived in the U.S. and the taxes you have paid. Having a joint bank account that both spouses regularly use can serve as proof of a real, or bona fide, marriage for a marriage-based immigration application.

What do I need to open an account?

Not all banks will let a noncitizen open a bank account, so make sure that the bank you want to open an account with has that option. Many big-name banks and financial institutions will offer you the option to open a bank account.

To open a bank account, check with your bank to know the kinds of documents they accept. Any documents you provide that are not in English must include a certified English translation. Typically, you will need the following documents:

Identification documents

Primary identification (typically required):

• Birth certificate A legal document with a person's place of birth, time of birth, and parents
• Valid foreign passport A document that lets a person travel outside the country with or without a visa
• U.S. non-immigrant visa or border crossing card
• Government-issued driver’s license or learner's permit
• Government-issued ID card, such as:
  • U.S. State ID
  • Consular ID from your country of citizenship, such as Mexico, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, or Colombia
  • Canadian citizenship certificate card

Secondary identification (may be required):

• Work ID card or badge issued by your employer
• Debit or credit card issued by a reputable bank or financial institution
• Retail credit card from a nationally-known company
• U.S. State Department ID, such as a U.S. passport card or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
• Social Security card
• Foreign voter registration card

Proof of address (must have your name and current address)

• Utility bills (for the phone, gas, electricity, etc.)
• Lease contract

Tax ID

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Initial deposit

• This depends on your bank, but it can range from $25 to $100 or be waived

Learn more about opening a bank account for the first time.

How do I apply for an ITIN?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS issues ITIN’s to help people complete their tax reporting requirements. You can only get an ITIN if you do not have and cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN).

Please note that an ITIN does not:

• Authorize work in the U.S.
• Provide eligibility for Social Security benefits
• Qualify a dependent A person who relies on another for support, such as a child or person with a disability for Earned Income Tax Credit Can reduce the amount of tax a person owes or increase their tax refund Purposes

Learn more about applying for an ITIN.

Note: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide information about undocumented immigrants who have filed documents like tax returns with the IRS to DHS in an effort to assist with deportations. It is recommended that you speak with an immigration lawyer Someone who represents clients in courts or who gives legal advice about your specific immigration and tax situation.

Some other things to keep in mind

For immigrants opening a bank account in the U.S., there are several things to keep in mind:

• Age: Regardless of your immigration status, you typically must be at least 18 years old to set up a U.S. bank account without parental consent When someone gives permission for someone else to do something .
• Research: Take some time to compare different banks, credit unions, and account options to find the one that works best for you. Consider factors such as fees, online banking services, and accessibility of branches and ATMs.
• Language: If English is not your first language, ask whether the bank offers language assistance services to help you understand the account terms and procedures.
• Immigration Status: Do not misrepresent or lie about your immigration status on any bank paperwork, as this could have negative effects on a current or future immigration case. For example, if you are not a U.S. citizen, do not write or indicate anywhere on any bank paperwork that you are.

What if I still don’t qualify to open a bank account?

If you do not qualify to open a U.S. bank account, there are still other options available:

• You could rely on a bank in your home country. Some foreign banks also have relationships with U.S. banks. If your bank is one of them, it might be able to help you open a U.S. bank account.
• Consider a prepaid debit card, which is a card you buy with money loaded on it. You can use it to make purchases and pay bills online.
• Go to check-cashing retailers or stores to cash checks for a fee.
• Use money transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram to send and receive money domestically and internationally.
• Explore digital wallet services such as PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or Google Pay to store funds, make purchases online and in-store, and send money to others without needing a traditional bank account.