4 Ways Undocumented Immigrants Can Open Bank Accounts (2024)

Aditya Vyas on Unsplash

If you've moved to the United States without documentation and without a social security number, then you may have found it frustrating to open a bank account.

However, you can obtain an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) as an undocumented immigrant and open a bank account with a traditional big bank, credit union, small regional bank, or neobank. We explain how to do so in this guide.

We also share 3 alternative US neobank accounts for undocumented immigrants, including Wise and Revolut, which do not require an SSN or ITIN.

Get a Wise Multi-Currency Account ❯

Can Illegal Immigrants Open Bank Accounts?

Yes, undocumented immigrants in the United States are legally able to open bank accounts with traditional big banks, credit unions, small regional banks, and neobanks.

To do so, undocumented immigrants must first request an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. This is how undocumented immigrants are able to pay taxes to the government. If you are not eligible for a social security number but are liable to pay taxes to the United States government, then you may request an ITIN.

Learn more about if you can open a bank account in the USA as a foreigner.

Should I Open a Bank Account If I'm Undocumented?

You may be wondering if you should even open a bank account as an undocumented immigrant because it seems unsafe. However, banks should not ask you about your immigration status. Most banks do not have legal status requirements, especially for opening simple checking accounts.

US banks and credit unions of all sizes will accept ITINs from immigrants to open personal checking accounts, savings accounts, and even loans because ITINs are government-authorized forms of identification for taxpaying purposes.

How to Apply for an ITIN

Follow one of the three methods to receive an ITIN:

1. Send Form W-7 with your tax return to the IRS on tax day;
2. Bring your application to an IRS "accepted agent" office;
3. Send the application in the mail.

Locate an accepted agent near you on the IRS website.

Option 1 — Open an Account With a Bank That Allows Undocumented Immigrants

Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash

From a financial perspective, it is important to open a bank account because it provides you with pathways to access loans, credit, and a secure space to store money.

Here are a few reasons in sum why it's a good financial decision to open a bank account:

• Establish credit history: In order to buy a home, take our a business loan, get a credit card, or open a college savings plan in the future, you will need a bank account with some financial history.
• Save money: You can get your paycheck, cash checks, pay bills, and transfer money domestically for free with a bank account. With interest rates on the rise in 2022, some savings accounts now even offer you 1% or 2% annual interest.
• Protect your finances: It is safer to keep your money in the bank instead of at home in the form of cash, which can be lost or stolen. When you use an authorized American bank, your bank deposits will be insured by the federal government.

Below, we have compiled a list of US banks that do open bank accounts to undocumented immigrants and foreigners. You will not need to provide a social security number, but you will need to show them an ITIN.

Option 2 —Try Majority For All-In-One Immigrant Banking Services

Majorityis ideal for immigrants because the mobile app comes with free international calling to 20+ countries including Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It also offersairtime top-ups,international money transfers, and multi-language customer service. Their debit card comes with exclusive deals on partner brands too. Majority does not allow you to build your credit history.

You need to show proof of US residency to open an account, but it does not require an SSN, ITIN, or US Visa.

For more info, see our fullMajority review.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  7.9

• Service & Quality

  7.5

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  9.3

• Customer Satisfaction

  9.8

Go to Majority ❯

Option 3 — Try Wise For a Bank Account That Doesn't Require American ID

The Wise Account is an easy checking account that comes with a debit card, ACH routing number, American account number, and SWIFT/BIC code. Like Majority, the Wise account will allow you to receive a salary from an American employer.

For many people, this account is thefastest and easiest way toopen a US bank account as a non-resident. You need to verify your identification and you need to be one of Wise's eligible nationalities. But you do not need to show proof of US residency, an SSN, an ITIN, or a US Visa.

For more info, see our fullWise review.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  9.3

• Service & Quality

  8.9

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  7.6

• Customer Satisfaction

  9.6

Go to Wise Multi-Currency Account ❯

Option 4 — Try Revolut For a US Account With Your US Visa

Revolut is a powerful checking account that comes with a debit card, ACH routing number, American account number, and an international finance app.

You will need proof of identification and proof of a US visa on your passport, such as a student visa for studies in the United States, to quality. Then, you'll be able to hold US dollars in an American account and even receive your salary from an American employer.

For more info, see our fullRevolut review.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  8.9

• Service & Quality

  7.9

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  8.3

• Customer Satisfaction

  9.4

Go to Revolut ❯

FAQ About Banks For Immigrants

• Should I open a bank account if I'm undocumented?

  In general, opening up a bank account is a good financial decision that will provide you with financial safety, financial history, and the ability to build wealth. Big banks require ITINs from you, but they should not ask you about your legal status.

• Which bank accounts don't require an SSN?

  Majority and the Wise Account are three financial platforms that do not require an SSN to open an account. For a list of traditional American banks, have a look at our list above of 17 banks and credit unions for immigrants.

• Can illegal immigrants open bank accounts?

  Yes, illegal immigrants can open bank accounts. They are legally allowed to obtain ITINs from the IRS and apply for a bank account with their ITIN.

• Can you open a bank account without a social security number?

  Yes, you can. You can either open a bank account with an ITIN or consider US neobanks with easy-to-open applications. Majority and the Wise Account are three such neobanks that do not require social security numbers to open accounts.

• Will they check for your green card during bank account opening?

  No, banks will not require you to have a green card to open an account nor should they ask you about your legal status. Instead, they will require you to show some valid ID (like an unexpired passport) and your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

• Which banks allow undocumented immigrants?

  Majority and the Wise Account are three financial platforms that can open US bank accounts for undocumented immigrants. For a list of traditional American banks, have a look at our list above of 17 banks and credit unions.

• Can I open a bank account without an ID?

  No, it is not possible to open a bank account without an ID. If you would like to open an American bank account without a US-issued identification, and instead use an ID from your home country, then consider the Wise Multi-Currency Account.

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