Who writes these guides
I'm Kevin E., a Cal State University, Fullerton graduate with a concentration in finance. I built ITINWorks after spending years piecing together what was actually possible with just an ITIN — not what bank websites vaguely hint at, not what outdated forum posts say, but what actually works when you walk into a branch, fill out the forms, and build a life here.
- B.S., California State University, Fullerton — concentration in finance
- ITIN holder, navigating the U.S. financial system firsthand
- Banking, credit, investing, tax filing, and state DMV processes — personally completed
Why this site exists
I built this site after spending years figuring out what was actually possible with just an ITIN — piecing together information from IRS publications, bank policy pages, and a lot of trial and error. Every step had to be done in person, with the right documents, at the right institution. Most of that information existed somewhere — nobody had put it in one place.
ITINWorks is the guide I wish I'd had. Every article here is based on what I actually did, what the IRS and state agencies actually say, and what current policy at each bank or issuer actually allows. Where things vary by state or by issuer, I say so. Where I don't know, I say that too.
What this site is — and isn't
This is an education resource, written from lived experience and general finance training. It is not legal advice. It is not individualized financial advice. I am not an attorney, a CPA, a licensed financial advisor, or an accredited immigration counselor.
For decisions that depend on your specific immigration status, tax situation, or legal history — especially anything DACA, asylum, or deportation-adjacent — please consult a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited nonprofit. I link to reputable organizations throughout the site.
ITINWorks provides general educational information and firsthand experience. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and reading it does not create any attorney–client or advisor–client relationship. Policies at banks, state DMVs, USCIS, and the IRS change. Always verify critical details with the institution before acting.
How I fund this
Right now, ITINWorks is free and has no sponsors, no affiliate links, and no paywalls. If that changes — for example, if I add clearly-labeled affiliate links on banking or card pages to keep the site sustainable — I will disclose it on every page where it appears. I will never recommend a product I haven't used or researched, and my recommendations will not change based on who pays.
Get in touch
If you spot something out of date, want to share your experience, or need a guide written on a topic I haven't covered — reach out. I read everything.
Email: hello@itinworks.com