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When opening a U.S. bank account, most banks ask for a Social Security Number (SSN) to verify your identity. For non-residents who don't have an SSN, many banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. These are often specifically issued to non-residents so they can use this number for tax purposes.
We'll teach you what you need to open a bank account without an SSN and provide a list of the best banks that don't require an SSN.
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Up to $300New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Minimum Opening Balance
$0
Monthly Fee
$0
Why We Like It
Earn a $50 or $300 bonus and up to 4.00% APY1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> on your money with eligible direct deposit
Limited-Time Offer: +0.70% Boost on Savings APY for 6 months on new accounts with eligible Direct Deposit. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
Most banks ask you for an SSN when you open a savings or checking account, but this doesn't mean it's the only form of ID you can provide. SSNs are mostly required for tax purposes. Since savings and checking accounts can earn you interest, you must pay taxes if that interest is over a certain limit, as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies this as income.
However, as long as you can provide another form of identification and have documentation proving you're legally allowed to live in the U.S., most banks still allow you to open an account.
Most banks require two forms of I.D., one being a state ID or driver's license, the other being your SSN. To represent your status as a tax-paying citizen, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
What is an ITIN?
ITINs are issued by the IRS to individuals in the U.S. who don't qualify for a Social Security number but must pay taxes. Generally, this includes those working in the U.S. who are non-citizens, resident aliens, and certain international students. ITINs get used in place of an SSN for any tax filing.
ITINs are simpler versions of Social Security numbers. Your bank (and other entities like the U.S. government) use both for tax reporting, but an SSN signifies more permanent residence. It gives you access to social programs like Social Security when you're older, as well as unemployment income and similar programs.
Tip
A Foreign Tax Identification Number is a number used by your country of tax residency to identify you as an individual or taxpayer. FTINs are issued by a country other than the U.S.
How to apply for an ITIN
Applying for an ITIN involves showing proof of residence and submitting an application. You'll need to bring the following documentation with you:
A W-7 form, which is the application and/or renewal form for your ITIN
A personal tax return
Eligible proof of identity, like a photo ID or birth certificate
Foreign status documents that show you're in the U.S. legally
Armed with these documents, you have a few options on how to submit this documentation, including:
Opening a checking account or savings account without an SSN is the same process as opening one with an SSN, except for which documentation you need. To verify your identity, banks require:
Your name
Your date of birth
Your ITIN or other accepted identification, like an alien identification card or a passport number
Proof of address, like a letter with your name on it, utility bills, or a pay stub
Proper identification, like your license, passport, student ID card, and U.S. employment authorization card
Opening deposit, if required
You'll use each of these during the sign-up process, which is relatively straightforward and includes just a few steps:
Choose the right bank for your needs: Many traditional banks allow you to open an account without an SSN, so you need to narrow down your choices. The best banks have low monthly fees, low minimum deposit requirements, and helpful extra features that make banking easy.
Go through the online (or in-person) application: If you select an online bank, you can often complete the application process in just a few minutes by submitting the required documentation and filling out the bank's application. Certain banks require you to visit a branch to open an account, where you'll submit the same documentation.
Wait for the bank to verify your information: Online banks tend to promise approval in a few minutes, but at others, it may take a day or two. During this process, the bank is verifying your information, including your ITIN.
Make an opening deposit: Some banks require an opening deposit to set up your account. When you get approved, you'll need to make this deposit before officially getting access to your account.
Financial institutions that don't require an SSN
National banks and credit unions offer alternative ways to open an account other than your SSN. The following banks allow you to open an account with an alternative to an SSN:
Citibank: Citibank allows you to open accounts with an ITIN or government-issued ID for non-resident aliens.
Bank of America: Bank of America requires you to provide two types of identification, such as a passport and a license, a U.S. employment card, a debit or Visa or Mastercard. You must also provide an ITIN or an FTIN if you don't have a U.S.-issued ITIN.
Self-Help Federal Credit Union: Self-Help was designed with underserved communities in mind. You can apply with either an SSN or an ITIN.
Ally: Ally allows you to open a bank account with either an SSN or ITIN.
HSBC: Like many other banks, HSBC allows you to apply with an ITIN if you also have a U.S. address/mobile number, and have had U.S. residency for the past year.
Why should I open a bank account?
Opening a bank account is beneficial to nearly every consumer, including those who aren't eligible for Social Security numbers. There's a reason so many of us use banks to conduct our financial business. Some key benefits of bank accounts include:
Security: If you know anyone who still stores money under their mattress they're likely from a much older generation. Banks provide security that mattresses, no matter how heavy, simply never will. Legitimate banks offer FDIC insurance in the event that anything happens to your money. Plus, many banks provide fraud and ID theft measures.
Creates a financial relationship: Having a bank account enables you to build a relationship with a financial institution. This is crucial for various financial transactions like applying for loans or renting an apartment.
Makes spending easier: Without a bank account, you can't swipe a debit card or use a check. This means you're stuck paying in cash for everything, which isn't inherently bad, but simply isn't as convenient.
Helps your savings grow: Banks offer interest on savings accounts and some checking accounts, allowing your money to grow over time. Get a fee-free savings account and all of the interest goes straight into your pocket.
4.3
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Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Enjoy $300 as a new Chase checking customer
When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.6 <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 1/21/2026.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
Use Cash App As Your All-in-One Financial Services Platform
Bank7 <p>Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p><p class="">Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Direct Deposit provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p> without all the fees—save, send, and spend your money the way you want.8 <p class="">Your balance is eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met. Cash App is a financial services platform, and not an FDIC-insured bank. Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See <a href="https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement">terms and conditions</a>. </p> Get paid up to 2 days early – up to 2 days earlier than most banks9 <p>Your first deposit may take longer depending on your employer.</p>
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
2025 award winnerBest Checking and Savings Combo
SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit
Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> FDIC Insured.5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
Most banks ask for an SSN when you apply, but not all require them. Banks like Bank of America, Citibank, and Ally, among others, accept alternate forms of tax identification like ITINs.
Can a non-U.S. citizen open a bank account?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens can open a U.S.-based bank account as long as they're living in the U.S. Resident aliens, international college students, and anyone else who can document their right to live in the U.S. can find a bank account that accepts ITINs.
What are the benefits of opening a bank account?
Opening a bank account provides a secure place to store money. It enables easy access to your funds via a debit card, and it helps you establish a financial history for future financial opportunities. A big plus is the potential to earn interest on your savings. Additionally, having a bank account online can simplify your financial management.
Bottom line
If you're a non-resident living and working in the U.S., you've likely wondered if you can open a bank account without an SSN. The short answer is, yes, at most banks. You typically need an alternative like an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or an non-resident alien work ID.
Choose the best checking account or the best savings account based on your needs, in addition to whether they accept ITINs or other ID documents. Think through fees, interest rates, and features like mobile deposit and overdraft fees.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence our ratings.
2025 award winnerBest Checking and Savings Combo
High APY of up to 4.00% on Savings (3.30% APY1 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.2 <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
Paycheck access up to 2 days early with direct deposit4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
Streamlined savings and savings goals with Vaults
Access to a large ATM network10 <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p>
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