Best Banks That Accept ITIN 2026

Last updated: October 12, 2026
By ITINWorks Team · How we verify

How Should I Compare Banks That Mention ITIN?

Compare each institution’s account fees, location access, online features, eligibility, and document rules. Requirements vary across banks and products. Wells Fargo publishes an online ITIN application path for eligible applicants; other institutions describe distinct requirements. Confirm the terms that apply to your situation before choosing.

Documents and application channels differ by institution and applicant. Wells Fargo says eligible applicants can apply online with an ITIN and physical U.S. address; non-permanent U.S. residents need to apply in person. Check the bank’s current checklist before applying. Details are in the bank-by-bank section below.

Can You Open a Bank Account Without an SSN?

Several major banks publish guidance about using an ITIN for some deposit accounts, but an ITIN is a taxpayer identification number, not proof of identity or a guarantee of approval. Banks set account-specific eligibility and identity-document requirements. This guide summarizes available guidance and explains what to confirm with each bank before applying.

The IRS issues ITINs under Internal Revenue Code section 6109. If you don't have one yet, here's how to apply for an ITIN.

New to the U.S. and not sure where you fit? See best banks for immigrants for a breakdown by immigration status, or our step-by-step banking guide for immigrants for opening and using your first account. Once your account is open, learn how immigrants build credit in the U.S. and compare the best credit cards for immigrants.

Can You Open a Checking Account With an ITIN?

Several major banks publish guidance mentioning ITIN use for some deposit-account applications, including Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo. The exact account, identity documents, address rules, funding, and application channel vary. Confirm the current product terms before applying; account features also vary by bank and account.

Which Banks Publish ITIN-Related Guidance in 2026?

In 2026, Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo publish ITIN-related guidance for some deposit accounts, alongside regional banks and credit unions with their own policies. Application channels and documents vary: Wells Fargo lists an online ITIN path for Everyday Checking, while other products may require a branch. Verify before applying.

Full Fee & Feature Comparison

Fees and minimums are approximate and change frequently — confirm current terms directly with each institution. "Confirm" = ITIN acceptance not independently verified; call ahead.

How to Avoid the Monthly Fee

Fee-waiver options differ by account and may include qualifying electronic deposits, balances, linked accounts, or age-based conditions. Check each bank’s current fee schedule before opening.

Fee waivers and their conditions vary by account and may change. Confirm current terms directly with each bank. DD = direct deposit.

Should I Compare Banks, Credit Unions, or Fintech Apps?

Banks, credit unions, and fintech providers differ in location, fees, services, and eligibility. The FDIC generally covers eligible deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category; NCUA coverage follows its own rules. Fintech services are not themselves insured, so compare how providers hold deposits and what protection applies.

Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo have different branch networks and account products. Eligibility for ITIN-related applications depends on the bank, account, and applicant; confirm current terms with the institution.

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives. Fees, rates, services, eligibility, and membership rules vary by institution and location. Some publish information about serving ITIN holders; confirm current terms directly. Eligible deposits at federally insured credit unions may be covered under NCUA rules and applicable limits.

Some mainstream fintech products may require an SSN; check each provider’s current eligibility rules. Some immigrant-focused fintechs report accepting ITIN, but verify current eligibility directly with the provider. However, fintech apps carry extra risk: many are not banks themselves and hold deposits through middleware partner banks. The 2024 Synapse Financial collapse left thousands of fintech customers temporarily locked out of their funds. If you use a fintech, verify it names its FDIC-insured partner bank directly — not just "funds FDIC insured" in fine print.

What Do the Top ITIN-Friendly Banks Offer?

Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo publish ITIN-related guidance, but supported products, application channels, and documents differ. Wells Fargo allows eligible applicants to apply online; Bank of America’s international-professional page describes an appointment and two forms of identification. Compare account terms and confirm requirements before applying.

What Documents Do I Need to Open a Bank Account With an ITIN?

Documents vary by institution, account, application channel, and applicant. Banks may ask for a taxpayer identification number, one or more identity documents, and proof of address; some specify document age, language, or original-document requirements. Ask the bank for its current checklist before visiting, and do not assume the IRS ITIN assignment letter replaces photo identification.

1. Your ITIN — either memorized, written down, or bring your IRS CP565 letter (the letter the IRS sent when they approved your ITIN). The letter is the most authoritative proof.
2. Government-issued photo ID — a foreign passport is the most widely accepted. A consular ID card (like a Matrícula Consular) works at most branches. A driver's license from your home country also works at some banks.
3. Proof of U.S. address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and current U.S. address. Must typically be dated within the last 60–90 days.

Which Credit Unions Publish ITIN-Related Guidance?

Some U.S. credit unions publish ITIN-related membership or account guidance. Eligibility and membership rules vary by institution and location. Eligible deposits at federally insured credit unions may be covered under NCUA rules and applicable limits. The examples below have publicly available ITIN information; confirm current terms directly with each credit union.

Verify coverage at NCUA.gov, and use the NCUA credit union locator to find one near you.

Credit unions are member-owned institutions; account terms, fees, services, and eligibility vary by credit union. For the full nationwide list with membership requirements and a comparison table, see Credit Unions That Accept ITIN →

And if your priority is the interest rate rather than a branch, some online providers may offer savings products to applicants with ITINs; check current account eligibility and rates directly with each provider. See High-Yield Savings Accounts With an ITIN →

What If a Bank Rejects My ITIN Application?

A bank may decline an application based on eligibility, identity-verification, or documentation requirements. Ask which requirement was not met, request its current checklist, and compare another institution. Federal bank-identification rules do not make an ITIN proof of identity or guarantee that an account must be approved; policies and documents vary by account and applicant.

1. Ask the bank for clarification. Confirm which requirement was not met and whether another product or application channel is available.
2. Review the bank’s current document checklist. Ask whether additional identity or address records would resolve the issue.
3. Compare another institution. Banks and credit unions set different account eligibility, membership, and documentation rules.
4. Try a community credit union. Credit unions have institution-specific eligibility and membership requirements; confirm directly with one serving your area.
5. Ask about other application channels. Some banks offer online applications to eligible applicants, while others may require a branch visit.

What Should I Do After Opening a Bank Account With an ITIN?

Once your account is open, your next step is to start building a U.S. credit history. A bank account alone does not build credit — you need a credit card or credit-builder loan that reports to the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Some issuers publish guidance about ITIN use for credit applications; check the current requirements for each product.

Does Chime Accept ITIN?

Chime’s current identification requirements should be checked directly with the provider. Rules for Chime, Current, Cash App, and other fintech apps can change. Review which institution holds deposits and what protections apply to the account.

See the comparison table above and confirm current ITIN-related eligibility with each institution. Some credit unions offer online applications, subject to their membership and account rules.

Frequently Asked Questions