Opening a Bank Account

Having a bank account in the U.S. is essential - it's how you receive payments, build a financial history, and access credit. The good news is that several major banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number to open a checking or savings account.

Important

Most major bank websites show SSN as a requirement - but that only applies to online applications. Walk into a branch in person, ask to open an account with your ITIN, and the process is straightforward. Always go in person.

Banks That Accept ITIN Holders

Bank of America

Opens checking and savings accounts with an ITIN. One of the most ITIN-friendly major banks. Must apply in person at a branch.

Bring: ITIN, foreign passport or consular ID, proof of U.S. address (utility bill or lease)
Chase

Opens checking and savings accounts with an ITIN. Also accepts ITIN for business accounts and credit card applications. In-person branch visit required.

Bring: ITIN, valid passport, proof of U.S. address
Citibank

Accepts ITIN for personal checking and savings accounts. In-person branch visit required. Bring two forms of ID.

Bring: ITIN, passport, proof of U.S. address
Wells Fargo

Accepts ITIN for personal accounts. Must visit a branch. Once you establish a credit history, you may also qualify for their financial products.

Bring: ITIN, passport or government ID, proof of U.S. address

✅ Pro Tip - Call Ahead

Before visiting, call the branch and tell them you want to open an account with an ITIN. This ensures you speak with a representative who knows the process and can prepare the right paperwork. Not all branch staff are equally familiar with ITIN accounts.

⚠ FDIC Insurance

All four banks above are FDIC insured, meaning your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per account. This is a major advantage over keeping cash at home - your money is safe even if the bank fails.

Credit Cards You Can Get With an ITIN

Building credit with an ITIN is absolutely possible. Chase, American Express, and Capital One all accept ITIN on credit card applications. The cards below have been personally used by the founder of this site - these are not guesses.

✅ Personally Verified

Every card listed below was obtained using an ITIN. You will need an established credit history and a U.S. address to qualify for most of these. Start with a secured card first if you are just beginning - see the credit building section below.

Chase Cards

C
Chase

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

1.5–5% cash back on all purchases. No annual fee. Excellent starter rewards card. Accepts ITIN online or in person.

No Annual Fee
C
Chase

Chase Sapphire Preferred®

5x points on travel through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, and a $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit. Lower annual fee than Reserve, with good travel rewards. Requires good to excellent credit. ITIN accepted.

$95/yr

American Express Cards

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American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card

3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail, and U.S. gas stations. No annual fee. Great everyday card. ITIN accepted.

No Annual Fee
A
American Express

Blue Business Plus Credit Card

2x Membership Rewards points on all purchases up to $50,000/year. No annual fee. Excellent for freelancers and self-employed ITIN holders.

No Annual Fee
A
American Express

American Express® Gold Card

4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights. $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash annually. Premium dining and food card. ITIN accepted.

$325/yr

Capital One Cards

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Capital One

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards

3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and grocery stores. No annual fee. ITIN accepted. Great for everyday spending.

No Annual Fee

💡 How to Apply With an ITIN

When filling out a credit card application online, look for the field labeled "Social Security Number." Most Chase, Amex, and Capital One applications include an option to enter an ITIN instead. If you don't see it, select "I don't have an SSN" or apply in person at a branch.

How to Build Credit From Zero

If you just got your ITIN and have no U.S. credit history, you cannot jump straight to the cards above. You need to build a credit foundation first. Here is the exact path that works.

1

Open a Secured Credit Card

A secured card requires a cash deposit (usually $200–$500) that becomes your credit limit. Use it for small purchases like gas or groceries. Pay the full balance every month - never carry a balance. Discover it® Secured and Capital One Platinum Secured both accept ITIN. After 6–12 months of on-time payments your score will begin to climb.

2

Add a Credit-Builder Loan

Credit unions and apps like Self (self.inc) offer credit-builder loans specifically for people with no credit history. You make monthly payments and the on-time payments are reported to all three credit bureaus, building your score from multiple angles at once.

3

Become an Authorized User

Ask a family member or trusted friend to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. Their positive payment history gets added to your credit report. You do not need to use the card - just being added helps. Capital One and Chase allow adding authorized users without requiring an SSN for the authorized user.

4

Keep Utilization Below 30%

Credit utilization - how much of your available credit you're using - is the second biggest factor in your score. If your limit is $500, keep your balance under $150. The lower the better. Paying in full each month keeps this at 0% which is ideal.

5

Apply for Unsecured Cards After 12 Months

After 12 months of on-time payments and low utilization, your score will typically be in the 680–720 range. This is when you can apply for the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One Savor. Continue the same habits and your score keeps climbing.

✅ It Works

Following this exact process, it is possible to build a 750+ credit score using only an ITIN - no SSN, no work authorization needed. The key is patience, consistency, and always paying on time.

Understanding Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850 that tells lenders how trustworthy you are as a borrower. The higher the number, the better the terms you receive on cards, loans, and even apartment rentals. As an ITIN holder, the same scoring system applies to you - your score is calculated exactly the same way as anyone else's.

Credit Score Ranges - FICO

300–579 Poor  ·  580–669 Fair  ·  670–739 Good  ·  740–799 Very Good  ·  800–850 Exceptional

Most lenders consider 670+ as good credit. For the best rates on cards and loans, aim for 740+. FICO scores are used by 90% of top lenders.

The 5 Factors That Make Up Your Score

Your FICO score is calculated from five categories. Understanding each one helps you make smarter decisions that improve your score faster.

35%
of score
Payment History
The single most important factor. Do you pay on time? One late payment (30+ days) can drop your score 60–150 points and stays on your report for 7 years. Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment on every account.
30%
of score
Credit Utilization
How much of your available credit you are using. If your limit is $1,000 and your balance is $300, utilization is 30%. Keep it below 30% - ideally below 10% - for the best score impact. Pay your balance before your statement closes each month for fastest results.
15%
of score
Length of Credit History
How long your accounts have been open. The older your oldest account, the better. Never close your oldest credit card even if you don't use it. Time is the only thing that improves this factor - keep accounts open.
10%
of score
New Credit (Hard Inquiries)
Every credit application creates a hard inquiry, dropping your score 5–10 points. Do not apply for multiple cards at once. Hard inquiries stop affecting your score after 12 months and fall off your report after 2 years.
10%
of score
Credit Mix
Having different types of credit - cards, installment loans, auto loans - shows you can manage multiple products. Having both a credit card and a credit-builder loan helps more than just one card alone.

How to Check Your Credit Score as an ITIN Holder

The standard method - AnnualCreditReport.com online - requires an SSN and doesn't work for ITIN holders. But your credit report absolutely exists, and you have the legal right to access it for free. The easiest approach is creating a free myEquifax account using your ITIN in the SSN field, which gives you 6 free reports per year and a monthly VantageScore. If the portal rejects your ITIN, call Equifax at (888) 378-4329 or mail a request with your ID to any of the three bureaus.

Deep-Dive Article
How to Check Your Credit Score With an ITIN
Equifax online, bureau mail requests, what to check for errors - complete guide
→

Investing With an ITIN

Yes, undocumented immigrants can invest in the U.S. stock market. Investing is a passive activity - it is not considered employment and does not require work authorization. Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard all accept ITIN for individual brokerage accounts and IRA retirement accounts. Robinhood does not accept ITIN as of 2026. You will report dividends and capital gains using your ITIN at tax time - keeping your ITIN active by filing annually is essential.

Deep-Dive Article
How to Invest With an ITIN
Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, Roth IRA, index funds, and tax basics - complete guide
→

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a credit card with an ITIN? +
Yes. Chase, American Express, and Capital One all accept an ITIN on credit card applications. Verified cards include the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Blue Cash Everyday, American Express Gold Card, and Capital One Savor. When applying online, enter your ITIN in the Social Security Number field - most applications include an ITIN option or an "I don't have an SSN" choice.
Can undocumented immigrants get a credit card? +
Yes. Undocumented immigrants can get a credit card in the U.S. using an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number. Chase, American Express, and Capital One all accept ITIN applications. You will need an established U.S. credit history and a U.S. address - if you're just starting out, begin with a secured card like Discover it Secured or Capital One Platinum Secured.
Can I invest in the stock market with an ITIN? +
Yes. ITIN holders can invest in the U.S. stock market through Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard - all three accept ITIN for individual brokerage accounts. Investing is a passive activity and does not require work authorization. You will report dividends and capital gains using your ITIN when you file taxes each year. Robinhood does not currently accept ITIN.
Can I open a Roth IRA with an ITIN? +
Yes. Fidelity and Charles Schwab both allow ITIN holders to open Roth IRA and Traditional IRA accounts. You can contribute up to $7,000 per year (2026 limit) as long as you have earned income - including freelance, self-employment, or any cash income you report on your taxes. A Roth IRA is especially powerful because your investments grow completely tax-free.
How do I check my credit score with an ITIN? +
The easiest method is to create a free myEquifax account at equifax.com, entering your ITIN in the SSN field. This gives you 6 free credit reports per year and a free monthly VantageScore. If the online portal doesn't work with your ITIN, call Equifax at (888) 378-4329. You can also mail requests to all three bureaus - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - with a copy of your ID and proof of U.S. address. Full instructions are in the credit score section above.
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security Number? +
Yes. Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo all accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number. You must apply in person at a branch - bank websites show SSN as a requirement but ITIN works when you go in person. Bring your ITIN, a valid passport or government ID, and proof of U.S. address such as a utility bill or lease.
Which banks accept ITIN holders? +
Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo all accept ITIN holders for checking and savings accounts. All require an in-person branch visit. Bring your ITIN, a valid passport, and proof of U.S. address. It helps to call the branch ahead of time to confirm they are ready to process an ITIN account opening.
How do I build credit from zero with an ITIN? +
Start with a secured credit card - Discover it Secured and Capital One Platinum Secured both accept ITIN. Use it for small purchases and pay the full balance every month. After 6–12 months of on-time payments your score will begin to climb. Add a credit-builder loan from Self (self.inc) or a credit union to build faster. After 12 months you can typically qualify for unsecured cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited. Full step-by-step instructions are in the build credit section above.