Best Banks That Accept ITIN 2026

Last updated: June 23, 2026
By ITINWorks Team · How we verify

Can You Open a Bank Account Without an SSN?

Yes. Several major U.S. banks open checking and savings accounts with an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number — including Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo. An ITIN is a valid taxpayer identification number and satisfies federal identity verification requirements for banking. This guide covers what each of the 4 banks requires and which credit unions also accept ITIN.

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?

Yes. Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo all open checking accounts with an ITIN — no Social Security Number required. You must apply in person at a branch with your passport and proof of U.S. address; online applications typically require an SSN. Once open, ITIN checking accounts work identically to SSN accounts: debit card, direct deposit, bill pay, and Zelle.

Which Banks Accept ITIN in 2026?

In 2026, at least 4 national banks — Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo — plus several regional banks and dozens of credit unions accept an ITIN for checking and savings accounts. Most require an in-person branch visit with a passport and proof of U.S. address rather than an online application.

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

Most banks let you waive the monthly fee one of two ways — a qualifying direct deposit or a minimum balance. For new ITIN holders who haven't set up direct deposit yet, the balance route is the most reliable.

Fee waiver requirements are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm current terms directly with each bank before opening. DD = direct deposit.

Should I Use a National Bank, Credit Union, or Fintech App?

Not all institutions that accept ITIN are the same — the right choice depends on where you live, what fees you can absorb, and what products you need next. National banks offer the widest branch networks, credit unions typically have lower fees and ITIN-friendly lending, and fintech apps open accounts fully online. All three carry the same $250,000 federal deposit insurance (FDIC or NCUA).

The largest banks — Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, Wells Fargo — have branches nationwide, full FDIC insurance, and the widest product range (checking, savings, credit cards, mortgages). Best for ITIN holders who want a long-term financial home and a clear path to credit cards. Downside: not every branch handles ITIN accounts equally — call ahead before you visit.

Member-owned, nonprofit financial cooperatives. Typically lower fees, better savings rates, and more personalized service than big banks. Many — especially community credit unions and those in the Inclusiv network — explicitly welcome ITIN holders. Also NCUA-insured (same $250K protection as FDIC). Downside: membership is often geographically limited; you may need to live or work in their service area.

Most mainstream fintech apps (Chime, Current, Cash App) require an SSN. A small number of immigrant-focused fintechs — such as Majority — report accepting ITIN. 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?

All 4 major ITIN-friendly banks — Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo — open checking and savings accounts in person with an ITIN, a foreign passport or consular ID, and proof of U.S. address. Bank of America is the most consistent starting point; Chase pairs best with credit-building.

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

Every bank on this list requires the same 3 things: your ITIN (the IRS CP565 approval letter is the most authoritative proof), a government-issued photo ID such as a foreign passport or Matrícula Consular, and proof of a U.S. address — typically a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60–90 days.

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 Accept ITIN in 2026?

In 2026, dozens of U.S. credit unions accept ITIN to open checking and savings accounts, and they are often more flexible than major bank branches. Credit unions carry the same $250,000 deposit protection as FDIC-insured banks, provided through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Below are credit unions that publicly confirm ITIN acceptance.

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

Credit unions are member-owned and often more flexible than big banks — lower fees, better savings rates, and bilingual staff. For the full nationwide list with membership requirements and a comparison table, see Credit Unions That Accept ITIN →

What If a Bank Rejects My ITIN Application?

Not every branch visit goes smoothly, but a rejection is usually branch policy, not law — federal KYC rules require identity verification, not an SSN. If a bank declines to open your account with an ITIN, there are 5 steps to try before giving up: a different branch, a manager, extra documentation, a community credit union, or a different major bank.

1. Try a different branch of the same bank. Branch-level discretion is real — some bankers are unfamiliar with ITIN accounts or haven't processed one recently. A different branch, or even a different teller on a different day, can produce a different outcome.
2. Ask to speak with a branch manager or supervisor. Politely say you'd like to speak with a manager familiar with ITIN account openings. Managers typically have more authority and training to handle non-standard applications.
3. Bring extra documentation. In addition to your ITIN and passport, bring your IRS CP565 letter, proof of U.S. address (utility bill or lease), and a second form of ID. The more documentation you have, the easier it is for the branch to satisfy their Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
4. Try a community credit union. Credit unions — especially those in the Inclusiv network and community-focused ones — are often more flexible than major bank branches, with staff specifically trained to work with ITIN holders.
5. Try a different major bank. If one bank won't open the account, try Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, or Wells Fargo. Policies and staff training vary enough that a bank that hesitates at one location may approve you without question at another.

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). Several secured cards accept an ITIN.

Does Chime Accept ITIN?

No — Chime requires a Social Security Number and does not accept ITIN. The same applies to Current, Cash App, and most other fintech apps. These apps hold deposits through middleware partner banks rather than directly, and their onboarding requires SSN verification. ITIN holders should use a physical bank or credit union instead.

See the full comparison table above for ITIN-friendly options. If you're looking for a digital-first experience, some credit unions offer online account opening with ITIN. Self Financial also accepts ITIN for its credit-builder product.

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