How You Can Open a Bank Account With Only a Passport (2024)

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Whether you are a US passport holder or a non-US citizen with a foreign passport, you can open a bank account with your passport as your proof of identification.

Traditional American big banks require clients to provide a social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to open an account. If you do not have these forms of ID, then you can still open an account with a passport. But you will need to provide a second form of identification as well as proof of residency.

Virtual bank accounts (also called neobanks) get around this headache by offering easy sign-ups accessible directly from a smartphone app.

In the following guide, we explore your options from Chime® to Wise to Revolut for opening a bank with a passport only and explain how to open an account.

Can I Open a Bank Account With My Passport Only?

Many bank clients in the United States and around the world are turning to online banks (or neobanks) because accounts can be opened virtually online.

This comes as no surprise since most accounts are free from monthly fees. Clients no longer need to wait in line to cash a check and they can track their spending habits from the comfort of their mobile smartphones.

Traditional American Big Bank Application Process and Passport Requirements

All banks are legally required to verify your identity and will do so by asking for a photo ID, like a passport.

However, traditional big banks will often need to see the following in addition to photo ID:

1. SSN or ITIN: If you are an undocumented immigrant, you are legally allowed to apply for and receive an ITIN from the IRS.
2. Second Photo ID: Unexpired identification to prove your name and birthday, such as an alien registration card or a foreign driver’s license.
3. A Utility Bill: An electric or gas bill with your current address and your name to show proof of US residency.
4. Initial Deposit: Not all banks or credit unions will require an initial deposit, but many do.

US neobanks do not ask for an opening or minimum deposit. As we show further in this guide, you may be able to do online banking by simply showing proof of address or a passport.

How To Open a Bank Account Online for Free With a Passport

Each neobank will have its own requirements and documents needed to open an account for you.

Is the Documentation Different for Online-Only Banks?

For example, Chime does not require a passport or a photo ID to open. It even has no opening deposit or minimum deposit requirement. However, it only opens accounts for social security number holders, making it an ideal easy-to-open bank account for American citizens.

Revolut, on the other hand, does not have an SSN or ITIN requirement. You will only need a passport as a form of a photo ID and proof of your valid US visa.

Wise is an easy US checking account that requires neither an SSN nor proof of US residency. You can easily open a US bank account with a valid passport.

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8 Steps to Open an Online Bank Account Without a Physical Address

All in all, you can follow these general steps to open a low-barrier virtual bank account for free:

1. Compare checking accounts by reading Monito's neobank reviews;
2. Download the desired neobank app on your mobile phone;
3. Enter your phone number or email to begin sign-up;
4. Enter the verification code sent to you to confirm your phone or email;
5. Upload required documents (passport, SSN, address, etc);
6. Take a selfie to confirm your identification;
7. Wait for identity confirmation and notification of account activation;
8. Get debit card in mail and enjoy your new free online bank account.

6 Bank Accounts You Can Open With a Passport Online

While you will be required to show proof of ID before opening a free bank account online, we have provided a list of high-quality neobank accounts that have easy sign-up processes.

Have a look at these six excellent checking accounts that have online and mobile functionality available in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and around the world:

Chime — Mobile Financial App With No Opening Deposit

Chime is not only ranked as one of the best online accounts in the US on Monito. We also consider it an exceptional mobile financial app and debit card with no opening deposit.

You can sign up for the optional Chime (High Yield) Savings (“HYS”) Account with APY³ (which requires a Chime Checking Account), which builds your credit score without you having to take on any debt⁴. Chime's free ATM withdrawals¹ even range across the United States to parts of Mexico and the United Kingdom. Link up your other bank accounts for free and instantly send money to friends who are already Chime cardholders.

You must have a social security number to open an account.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  9.5

• Service & Quality

  8.8

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  9.8

• Customer Satisfaction

  9.6

Go to Chime ❯

• Availability: United States
• Requires ID: No
• SSN/ITIN: Yes
• Proof of Residency in US: No
• Monthly Fee: $0¹
• Opening Deposit: $0
• Read thefull Chime review.

Revolut — Open a US Account If You Have a 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. It comes with a multi-currency account to hold 20+ foreign currencies and a platform to send cheap international transfers.

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.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  8.9

• Service & Quality

  7.9

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  8.3

• Customer Satisfaction

  9.4

Go to Revolut ❯

• Availability: United States, United Kingdom, the European Economic Area (EEA), Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, and Japan
• Requires ID: Yes
• SSN/ITIN: No
• Proof of US Visa: Yes
• Monthly Fee: $0
• Opening Deposit: $0
• Read thefull Revolut review.

N26 — Best Online Checking Account for EU Passport Holders

N26 has been ranked as the best neobank in the EU by Monito and is one of the most sought-after bank accounts in the world.

N26 is the first digital-only bank to be licensed by the German bank regulator and offers its smartphone bank account products to citizens of EU and EEA countries. It is fully integrated with Wise's international money transfer system, giving you direct access to industry-low international transfers to the United States and around the world.

You must be at least 18 years old, own a smartphone, and be a resident of one of N26's supported countries. All you need is a supported ID, such as a passport or residence card, to apply for an N26 bank account.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  7.9

• Service & Quality

  8.0

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  9.3

• Customer Satisfaction

  8.1

Go to N26 ❯

• Availability: EU & EEA
• Requires ID: Yes
• SSN/ITIN: No
• Proof of Residency in N26 Supported Country: Yes
• Monthly Fee: $0
• Opening Deposit: $0
• Read thefull N26 review.

Monese — Fastest Virtual Bank Account to Open in the UK

Monese is perhaps the UK's most accessible neobank, requiring just a phone number, email, and photo ID to open an account.

In minutes, you should be able to get a sort code for a British pound account and IBANs for a Euro account and a Romanian lei account.

The free account offers joint accounts, international money transfers, bill purchase protection, and access to insurance. Their exchange rate fees and ATM fees decrease if you pay for their membership plans.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  7.6

• Service & Quality

  9.0

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  6.6

• Customer Satisfaction

  8.7

Go to Monese ❯

• Availability: the United Kingdom, 30 EEA Countries
• Requires ID: Yes
• SSN/ITIN: No
• Proof of Residency in Monese Supported Country: No
• Monthly Fee: $0
• Opening Deposit: $0
• Read thefull Monese review.

Majority — International Calls and Support in Your Language

Majority calls themself the all-in-one bank for migrants and for good reason. The online bank account app comes with free international calls to Mexico, the United Kingdom, and 20 other countries. The offer low rates for other countries too.

The mobile app allows you to easily top up airtime to your family members' phones, send international money transfers, use a debit card with no foreign transaction fees, and call multi-lingual customer service. Majority membership costs $5.99 per month.

Majority does not require SSN but does ask for proof of US residency to open an account. You can use your non-US passport to open an account.

Monito Score

• Trust & Credibility

  7.9

• Service & Quality

  7.5

• Fees & Exchange Rates

  9.3

• Customer Satisfaction

  9.8

Go to Majority ❯

• Availability: United States
• Requires ID: Yes
• SSN/ITIN: No
• Proof of Residency in US: Yes
• Monthly Fee: $5.99
• Opening Deposit: $0
• Read thefull Majority review.

Wise Multi-Currency Account — Free Overseas Account in US, UK, & EU (and 7 More)

The Wise Multi-Currency Account is a powerful multi-currency account that is available to just about every region in the world, including Antarctica!

The mobile and desktop app offers four main features: cheap international money transfers, a multi-currency debit card, account details for 10 countries, and access to hold up to 53 currencies. The availability of these four products will depend on your nationality and country of residence.

Wise remains one of the best ways to get US, UK, and EU online banking for free without proof of US residency. You need only verify your identity with a passport or other valid ID and show proof of residency in one of the 218 countries, islands, and territories that Wise serves — including South Africa, Malaysia, India, Spain, and countless others.

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 ❯

• Availability: Worldwide
• Requires ID: Yes
• SSN/ITIN: No
• Proof of Residency in Wise Supported Country: Yes
• Monthly Fee: $0
• Opening Deposit: $0
• Read thefull Wise Multi-Currency Account review.

Recapping the Best Free Online Bank Accounts to Open With a Passport

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As a foreigner, you can open a US bank account with Revolut, Wise and Majority. If you are a resident of an EU/EEA country, then you can also open a euro account with N26 or UK account with Monese. US citizens can enjoy Chime without having to provide a passport or ID.

1. Chime — Best for Easy Mobile Finances With No Opening Deposit
2. Revolut — Best for a US Account If You Have a US Visa
3. N26 — Best Online Checking Account for EU Passport Holders
4. Monese — Fastest Virtual Bank Account to Open in the UK
5. Majority — Best for International Calls and Support in Your Language
6. Wise Account — Best US Bank Accounts for Non-Residents

Frequently Asked Questions About Banks That Don’t Need an ID To Open an Account

• Can foreigners open US bank accounts?

  Yes, foreigners can open US bank accounts. Wise is the fastest way to get a US bank account without proof of residency and can be opened with a passport. Revolut is another option, which requires proof of US visa.

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

• Can I open a bank account without an ID?

  No, you cannot open a bank account without an ID. Banks are required by law to ensure you meet age and residency eligibility.

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

  Yes, you can. Revolut, and Wise are two virtual bank accounts that do not require social security numbers or ITINs to open a bank account.

• Can I open a bank account with no deposit?

  Yes, N26, Monese, Revolut, Wise, and most neobanks have no opening deposit requirement. This is one major benefit of switching from traditional banking to neobanking.

• Is there a no credit check credit union account?

  Yes. Chime is an online financial app that offers credit builder cards (the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card²) without credit checks and no minimum deposits.

• Which banks don't need an ID to open an account?

  There is no regulated and authorized bank that opens accounts for clients who do not provide proof of identification. If someone claims to be able to open a bank account for you without requiring ID, then beware that it is very likely not a credible or legit form of business.

• Can you open a bank account online without ID?

  No, you cannot open a bank account online without an ID. Online banking sign-ups will require you to upload one or two forms of proof of identification.

• Can I open a bank account with a passport?

  Yes, you can open a bank account with a passport. Wise is a US online bank account that allows non-U.S. citizens to open bank accounts with their passports and proof of US visa. N26 is available for EU/EEA citizens. Monese is available in the UK and can also be opened with a passport.

• What is the best free online checking account with no opening deposit?

  Chime ranked as the best free online checking account with no opening deposit on Monito. See our full list of the best US neobanks for more information and reviews.

• Can free checking accounts have fees?

  Even if an account charges monthly or annual maintenance fees, it may still charge the following fees:

  • ATM fees,
  • Overdraft fees,
  • Bounced check fees,
  • Balance inquiry fees,
  • Fees to stop a check payment,
  • Fees on inactive accounts,
  • Check-printing fees.
• How do you open a bank account without identification?

  You cannot open a bank account from an authorized and credible financial institution without identification.

  To open an easy checking online banking account with low requirements, follow these steps instead:

  1. Compare checking accounts by readingMonito's neobank reviews;
  2. Download the desired neobank app on your mobile phone;
  3. Enter your phone number or email to begin sign-up;
  4. Enter the verification code sent to you to confirm your phone or email;
  5. Upload required documents (photo ID, SSN, address, etc);
  6. Take a selfie to confirm your identification;
  7. Wait for identity confirmation and notification of account activation;
  8. Get debit card in mail and enjoy your new free online bank account.
• What is the easiest bank to open online?

  Wise is likely the easiest online banking platform to open because it offers a US bank account number and 9 other overseas account details without requiring an SSN or US proof of residency.

  Otherwise, Chime is an award winning mobile financial app and debit card with no deposit. Sable and Revolut offer simple checking without SSN or ITIN.

  Monese is available in the UK and the EU and requires only a phone number, email, and photo ID. N26 is another easy-to-open online account for EU/EEA residents.

• Do you need ID for online banking?

  Yes, you need a form of identification to conduct online banking with a credible and authorized financial institution. N26, Monese, Majority, and Wise are some of the most accessible bank accounts available but still require photo ID.

• Can I open a bank account online without an ID in the UK?

  You cannot open a UK bank account online without an ID. However, you can open a bank account with Monese, which requires only a photo ID, a phone number, and an email. Proof of residency and national insurance number is not required.

• What bank is free online?

  Most neobanks have zero monthly or annual fees, offer debit cards with no foreign transaction fees, and have no sign-up fees.

  Neobanks are incredible ways for free online checking that you can manage from your smartphone, which is why we recommend you consider switching away from traditional banking to online banking with neobanks.

  Read our comprehensive list of the best neobanks worldwide.

Disclaimers

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.

¹ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal andover-the-counter advance fees may apply. See here for details.

² To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

³ The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change anytime. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance is required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

⁴ On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Results may vary.

⁵ SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no-interest/no-fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Credit Builder Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no-fee overdraft service attached to the Chime Checking Account available to qualifying members after Visa debit card activation. Both SpotMe on Credit and SpotMe on Debit are sometimes collectively referred to as "SpotMe" or, if you have signed up to use SpotMe with only one account, "SpotMe" means the elected service. To qualify for SpotMe, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account monthly. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or Secured Deposit Account (associated with your Chime Credit Builder credit card) up to $20 but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe Debit Terms and Conditions and SpotMe on Credit Terms and Conditions.

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