Does Bank of America Accept ITIN?
Quick Answer
Yes — Bank of America accepts ITIN for checking and savings accounts, but only at a branch — online applications require an SSN. To apply, bring these documents:
- ITIN (CP565 letter as backup)
- Foreign passport or Consular ID (matrícula)
- Proof of U.S. address dated within 60 days (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
Call your branch ahead to confirm a banker familiar with ITIN accounts is available. Use the Bank of America branch locator to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment.
An ITINWorks Member's Experience
I opened my Bank of America checking and savings in person at the Santa Ana branch. In my case the accounts were approved the same day, but timing varies by branch and banker. I walked in with the same three documents I used at Chase: my physical ITIN letter, my Mexican passport, and my California driver's license. The banker who helped me was familiar with the ITIN process — but not every branch handles ITIN openings the same way. I'd recommend calling the branch ahead of your visit and asking whether a banker familiar with ITIN accounts is available. I have not opened a credit card with BofA — I went the Chase route for that — but the deposit accounts have worked well for me.
Bank of America is a practical option for many ITIN holders because it has thousands of branches across the U.S., strong Spanish-language customer service, and an account tier designed for non-residents and non-citizens with no prior U.S. banking history.
Which Accounts Can ITIN Holders Open?
Bank of America offers three checking account tiers under its Advantage Banking product. All three are available to ITIN holders.
| Account | Monthly Fee | How to Waive | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage SafeBalance Banking® | $4.95 | Free if you're a student under 25; enrolled in Preferred Rewards | Starting out, no overdraft risk |
| Advantage Plus Banking® | $12.00 | One qualifying direct deposit of $250+/month, or maintain $1,500 daily balance | Regular direct deposits |
| Advantage Relationship Banking® | $25.00 | Maintain $20,000 combined balance across BofA accounts | Higher balances, interest-bearing |
Which Account Should You Open?
For most ITIN holders opening their first U.S. bank account, Advantage SafeBalance Banking is the right choice. Here is why:
- No overdraft fees — the account declines transactions when funds run low instead of charging fees
- Low $4.95 monthly fee, waivable for students under 25
- No minimum opening deposit beyond the initial $25
- Debit card, Zelle, and online banking all included
Once you have consistent direct deposits of $250 or more per month — from freelance work, an employer, or any other source — upgrade to Advantage Plus Banking so the monthly fee is waived entirely.
Tip
Bank of America also offers a savings account (Advantage Savings) that can be opened at the same time. It pays interest and has a $8/month fee waivable if you link it to a BofA checking account.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Branch?
Bring all of the following. Missing any one item will delay or cancel your appointment.
An ITINWorks Member's Experience
The three documents that worked for me at the Santa Ana branch: my physical ITIN letter from the IRS, my Mexican passport, and my California driver's license. Branches vary — some bankers ask for an additional proof of address (utility bill or lease) even if you have a CA driver's license. Call ahead to confirm what your branch needs, and bring extra documents in case they ask.
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Your ITIN. Bank of America accepts your ITIN in place of an SSN — the banker enters it where the SSN normally goes. The physical CP565 letter isn't always required, but bring it as backup since some branches ask to see it to verify the number. Calling ahead lets you confirm what your branch wants. Don't have an ITIN yet? Apply through the IRS with Form W-7.
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A valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted IDs include: foreign passport (most common), Matrícula Consular (Mexican consular ID), other foreign national ID cards. A U.S. driver's license or state ID is also accepted if you have one, but is not required.
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Proof of U.S. address. Must be dated within the last 60 days. Accepted documents: utility bill (electric, gas, water), lease or rental agreement, bank or credit card statement, cell phone bill, or government-issued mail addressed to you.
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Opening deposit. Minimum $25 in cash or a check. You can also fund the account via a transfer from another bank account at the branch.
Important
Not every Bank of America branch handles ITIN accounts equally. Some branch employees are unfamiliar with the process or may incorrectly tell you an SSN is required. Call ahead and ask specifically: "Can I open a checking account with an ITIN?" If they hesitate, try a branch in a higher-traffic area or near a large immigrant community — these branches process ITIN accounts regularly.
How Do I Open a Bank of America Account Step by Step?
Gather your documents
Collect your ITIN, photo ID, and proof of address before going to the branch. Make sure your proof of address is dated within 60 days.
Call your local branch first
Find your nearest branch at bankofamerica.com and call to confirm they can open an account with an ITIN. Ask to schedule an appointment — walk-ins are accepted but an appointment avoids waiting.
Go to the branch in person
Arrive at your appointment with all documents. Tell the banker you want to open an Advantage SafeBalance Banking account and that your tax ID is an ITIN. The banker will enter your ITIN where the SSN field normally appears.
Complete the application
The banker will fill out the account application with your information. You will sign and provide your opening deposit. The entire process takes 20–40 minutes.
Receive your debit card
A temporary card may be issued immediately. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail within 7–10 business days. You can enroll in online banking and the Bank of America app the same day.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Pros
- ITIN explicitly accepted — no SSN needed
- Thousands of branches nationwide
- Strong Spanish-language support at branches and in the app
- SafeBalance account has zero overdraft fees
- Zelle, online banking, and mobile deposit included
- Access to credit cards and loans once you establish a banking history
- Preferred Rewards program for long-term customers
Cons
- Cannot apply online — must go in person
- Monthly fees apply if you don't meet waiver requirements
- Some branches are unfamiliar with the ITIN process
- Savings account interest rates are low
- Out-of-network ATM fees ($2.50 per transaction)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does opening a bank account affect my immigration status?
No. Banks are prohibited by federal law from sharing your information with immigration authorities except under a specific court order or subpoena. Opening a Bank of America account has no impact on your immigration status. Bank of America is bound by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and other federal privacy regulations.
Can I open a joint account with an ITIN?
Yes. Bank of America allows joint accounts where one account holder has an ITIN and the other has an SSN. Both account holders must be present at the branch with their own identification documents.
Can I get a credit card from Bank of America with an ITIN?
Bank of America's standard credit card applications require an SSN. However, after establishing 6–12 months of banking history with Bank of America, some customers report success applying for a secured credit card in-branch. For credit cards that explicitly accept ITIN, see our credit cards for ITIN holders guide.
What if the branch tells me I need an SSN?
This happens occasionally due to employee unfamiliarity. If a branch employee tells you an SSN is required, politely ask to speak with the branch manager and explain that Bank of America's policy permits ITIN account opening. Alternatively, try a different branch. Branches in urban areas and cities with large immigrant populations are generally most experienced with this process.
How long does it take to open the account?
The in-branch process typically takes 20–40 minutes if you have all your documents. Your account is active immediately. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7–10 business days, but a temporary card or digital card number may be issued the same day.