Quick Answer
Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for immigrants in 2026 — no Social Security number, green card, or specific visa required. Banks verify identity, not immigration status, so a foreign passport plus an ITIN and proof of a U.S. address is enough at most branches. Credit unions are a strong lower-fee alternative.
Whether you are a naturalized citizen, a green-card or visa holder, or undocumented, the banks below open accounts for immigrants. The main thing that changes by status is which ID and tax number you use. This guide compares your options, then points you to step-by-step details for opening an account with an ITIN specifically.
| Bank | Opens without SSN | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Yes | New immigrants opening a first U.S. account |
| Chase | Yes | Pairing an account with credit-building cards |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Wide branch network in the West and South |
| Citibank | Yes | Major-city residents; no-overdraft Access account |
| Credit unions | Yes | Lower fees and bilingual, community-focused service |
| Chime / Cash App | SSN Only | Not an option without an SSN — use a bank instead |
Chime and Cash App are fintech apps, not banks, and generally require an SSN — confirm any provider's current ITIN policy directly before relying on it.
What are the best banks for immigrants in 2026?
The best banks for immigrants are Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — all four open checking and savings accounts without an SSN, accepting a foreign passport and an ITIN instead. Bank of America is the easiest first account; Chase pairs best with building credit. All carry $250,000 FDIC deposit insurance, and many community credit unions are even more flexible.
Major banks rarely advertise this, but their account websites only show "SSN required" because online applications are automated. In a branch, staff can accept an ITIN and a passport. You can confirm any bank's deposit insurance at FDIC.gov.
Can immigrants open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes. Immigrants can open a U.S. bank account without an SSN. Under the Bank Secrecy Act and USA PATRIOT Act, banks must verify your identity — not your immigration status — and an ITIN counts as a valid taxpayer identification number. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau confirms a Social Security number is not legally required to open an account.
The federal consumer agency spells this out directly: see the CFPB's answer on opening a checking account without a Social Security number. If you don't have a tax ID yet, here's how to apply for an ITIN.
Which banks are best for new immigrants and newcomers?
For brand-new arrivals, Bank of America and Chase are the most newcomer-friendly major banks, because their branches routinely open accounts with a foreign passport and ITIN. Newcomers who already hold a credit history abroad can also look at immigrant-focused fintechs that import foreign credit. Start with a major bank for FDIC safety, then add cards later.
- Naturalized citizens & green-card holders — any bank works; you'll typically use an SSN.
- Visa holders (F-1, H-1B, J-1, etc.) — most major banks open accounts with a passport, visa, and SSN or ITIN.
- Undocumented immigrants & ITIN holders — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and many credit unions open accounts with an ITIN and passport. See the best banks for ITIN holders.
What documents do immigrants need to open a bank account?
Most banks ask immigrants for three things: a government-issued photo ID, a tax identification number, and proof of a U.S. address. A foreign passport is the most widely accepted ID, an ITIN or SSN serves as the tax number, and a utility bill or lease dated within 60–90 days proves your address. A consular ID is accepted at many branches.
- Photo ID — foreign passport (most accepted), consular ID (Matrícula Consular), or U.S. driver's license/state ID.
- Tax ID — your SSN if you have one, otherwise your ITIN or the IRS CP565 letter confirming it.
- Proof of U.S. address — utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60–90 days.
Are credit unions a good option for immigrants?
Yes — credit unions are often the best option for immigrants who want low fees and personal service. Member-owned and nonprofit, many community credit unions and Inclusiv-network members welcome ITIN holders, offer bilingual staff, and carry the same $250,000 NCUA insurance as FDIC banks. The tradeoff is geographic: membership usually requires living or working in their service area.
For a nationwide list with membership rules, see credit unions that accept ITIN, and find one near you with the NCUA credit union locator.
What's the best bank if you only have an ITIN?
If you only have an ITIN, Bank of America is the most reliable starting point, with Chase close behind for credit-building. All four major banks open accounts in person with an ITIN, a passport, and proof of address — no SSN. The full step-by-step process, fee comparisons, and a real member's experience are covered on our dedicated ITIN banking guide.
Go deeper
Read the complete walkthrough on best banks that accept ITIN → — including what to bring, fee waivers, and which credit unions confirm ITIN acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can immigrants open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes. U.S. banks must verify your identity, not your immigration status. Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts using a foreign passport plus an ITIN or other approved ID instead of an SSN. You usually need to apply in person at a branch with proof of a U.S. address.
Which bank is best for new immigrants?
Bank of America is generally the most newcomer-friendly major bank because branch staff are used to opening accounts with a foreign passport and ITIN. Chase is the strongest long-term choice if you also want to build credit, since it accepts ITIN on several credit cards. Credit unions often charge lower fees.
Do undocumented immigrants need a green card to open a bank account?
No. You do not need a green card, visa, or any specific immigration status to open a U.S. bank account. Federal law requires banks to verify identity, not citizenship. An ITIN issued by the IRS, plus a passport and proof of address, satisfies the requirement at major banks and most credit unions.
What documents do immigrants need to open a bank account?
Most banks ask for three things: a government photo ID (a foreign passport is the most widely accepted), a tax ID such as an ITIN or SSN, and proof of a U.S. address like a utility bill or lease dated within 60–90 days. A consular ID (Matrícula Consular) is accepted at many branches.