Can Non-U.S. Citizens Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

To open a bank account, you generally need to provide the following information:

Identification to Verify Personal Details

By law, banks have to collect your name, birth date, address and identification number to open an account for you. For U.S. citizens, the identification number requirement can be met by providing a Social Security number.

If you’re not a U.S. citizen and don’t have a Social Security number, you’ll have to meet that requirement a different way. You can instead submit an ITIN, your passport from your country of citizenship, your Alien Registration Number or another type of government ID that shows residence or nationality and includes security features like a photo (more on acceptable alternative forms of ID below). Banks often require two types of identification, a primary and a secondary ID.

While some banks may not require an ITIN to open an account, having one may give you more banking options or make the account opening process easier. Plus, there are additional benefits to applying for an ITIN if you don’t have or can’t get a Social Security number. These include allowing for streamlined tax reporting (since all immigrants are required to file U.S. taxes) and documentation of work history.

Proof of Address

You’ll need to supply proof of your residential address if it’s not included on your ID. You can do so by sharing a recent pay stub, utility bill, tax return, apartment lease, loan statement or other document accepted by the bank that includes both your name and address.

Minimum Deposit, if Required

You may have to add a certain amount to your new account to open it, which is known as a minimum deposit. The required amount can range from $25 to $100, though some banks and credit unions require no minimum deposit at all. Others only require a minimum deposit for you to take advantage of special features, like higher interest rates.

Alternative Forms of Identification

At many banks, there are several ways for non-U.S. citizens to meet identification requirements, though they depend on your resident status. Check the bank’s rules beforehand to make sure you can supply the types of ID required. Here’s what to know.

For U.S. Permanent Residents

If you’re a non-citizen permanent resident, meaning you hold a green card, banks may accept as a primary ID a passport from your country of citizenship, a U.S. driver’s license or other state ID, your permanent resident card (known as your green card), a U.S. Employment Authorization Card or other documents, depending on the bank’s rules.

As a secondary ID, options may include any of the acceptable primary ID types plus a pay stub, an employer or student ID that includes a photo, or a consular ID card, known as the matrícula consular for citizens of Mexico.

For Non-U.S. Permanent Residents

Non-citizens who aren’t permanent residents can open a bank account at many banks, but the acceptable types of primary ID can vary. At some banks, for example, you’re only able to provide a foreign passport, consular ID or U.S. Employment Authorization Card as a primary ID.

The national Bank On network, however, which sets standards that bank accounts should meet to be included, strongly recommends that its member banks accept ITINs and multiple types of government ID, including municipal IDs, as primary identification. Municipal IDs are issued to non-citizens by certain local governments, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and several municipalities in New Jersey. You may also be able to get a driver’s license without proof of legal residency in your state.

Check the National Conference of State Legislatures’ list of regulations for your state’s rules on obtaining a driver’s license. And explore Bank On accounts in your area as a first step when choosing a bank to see if you can meet the identification requirements.

Alternatives to a U.S. Bank Account

It is typically possible to open a U.S. bank account as a non-citizen, even if you need to apply for an ITIN first. But if you’re denied a checking account, try one of these alternatives:

• Look for a financial institution with special services for non-citizens. Credit unions, which are member-owned financial cooperatives, typically offer resources that traditional banks don’t, including guidance in understanding the U.S. banking system. For example, you can search for a credit union in your area with the Juntos Avanzamos designation, which indicates that the credit union has unique services for Spanish-speaking members no matter their immigration status.
• Use prepaid debit cards. While a bank or credit union is the safest and lowest-cost place for your money, you can opt for prepaid debit cards if you don’t have access to a bank. You can top up the card with cash, a paycheck via direct deposit or government benefits, and then use it as you would a traditional debit card. Drawbacks include high fees and no guarantee you can use the card everywhere you want to. Plus, it’s important to confirm that your funds will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) as they would be at a bank.

Benefits of Opening a Bank Account

There are many reasons to open a bank account, despite the extra work it may take to find the right bank. Here are the top benefits of opening a bank account as a non-citizen:

• Steer clear of fees. Banks and credit unions allow you to save and access your money for free. On the flip side, if you’re unbanked, you could pay high fees for one-time services like paying a bill, sending money to friends or family or cashing a check.
• Safeguard your money. The federal government insures your funds at banks and credit unions, so you’ll never lose money if the institution no longer operates. Keeping cash at home puts it at risk of theft or loss in a natural disaster.
• Make it easier to file taxes. A bank account helps you keep a record of the money you’ve earned and how you’ve spent it, which can be useful when filing taxes.
• Pay bills and shop online. With a checking account and an associated debit card, you can take advantage of convenient options like autopay or online bill pay to cover utility bills or other regular payments. You can also shop online with a debit card, though it’s safer to use a credit card if possible.

The Bottom Line

As a non-U.S. citizen, you have several options for opening a bank account in the U.S. Your best bet for banking in terms of low fees and consumer-friendly features is likely to be a credit union, but it’s also worth considering accounts at community banks and big-name banks. Searching widely will help you find a bank that welcomes your business no matter your unique circumstances, access to an ITIN or availability of other ID.