Does Citibank accept ITIN for a bank account?

Yes. Citibank accepts an ITIN as a substitute for a Social Security Number when opening a personal checking or savings account. You must apply in person at a branch — online applications require an SSN. Note that Citibank has a limited U.S. branch network, primarily concentrated in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

What documents do I need to open a Citibank account with an ITIN?

Citibank requires two forms of identification. You will need: (1) your ITIN number, (2) a primary government-issued photo ID such as a foreign passport or Matrícula Consular, and (3) a second form of ID or proof of U.S. address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days. An opening deposit may also be required — confirm the amount with your branch.

Which Citibank account is best for ITIN holders?

The Citi Access Account℠ is the best starting option for most ITIN holders. It has no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and is certified by the national Bank On program as an affordable, accessible account. It does not include paper check-writing. For full checking features, Citi Checking℠ is available with a monthly fee that can be waived with qualifying activity.

Citibank ITIN Account 2026 — How to Open Without an SSN

Q: Does Citibank have branches near me?

Citibank has a significantly smaller U.S. branch network than Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo. Branches are primarily located in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Houston, and a small number of other major metro areas. If you are not in one of these cities, Bank of America or Chase will be a more accessible option.

Q: Does opening a Citibank account affect my immigration status?

No. Banks are prohibited by federal law from sharing customer information with immigration authorities except under specific court orders or subpoenas. Opening a Citibank account has no impact on your immigration status. Citibank is bound by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and other federal privacy regulations.

Last updated: April 26, 2026
By Miguel Garcia

Does Citibank Accept ITIN?

Yes. Citibank accepts an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) as a substitute for a Social Security Number when opening a personal checking or savings account. You do not need an SSN.

Bottom Line

Citibank will open a checking or savings account for you with an ITIN. You must apply in person — online applications require an SSN. Citibank also requires two forms of identification, which is one more than most other banks. Most importantly: check if there is a Citibank branch in your city before planning to use them — their U.S. branch network is small compared to other major banks.

Citibank is a global bank with a presence in over 160 countries. For ITIN holders who need to send money internationally, receive wire transfers, or bank across borders, Citibank offers advantages that Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo do not. However, for everyday in-person banking, their limited U.S. branch footprint makes them the right choice mainly for people in large metro areas.

Check Branch Availability First

Citibank U.S. branches are concentrated in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Houston, Las Vegas, and a small number of other cities. If you are not in one of these areas, Bank of America or Chase will be a much more practical option. Use the Citibank branch locator at citibank.com before proceeding with this guide.

Which Accounts Are Available

Citibank offers two personal checking accounts that are accessible to ITIN holders.

Account	Monthly Fee	How to Waive	Best For
Citi Access Account℠	$0	No waiver needed — always $0	Starting out, no overdraft risk, no minimum balance
Citi Checking℠	Monthly fee applies	Waivable with qualifying balance or activity — confirm current terms with your branch	Full-featured checking with check-writing

Verify Fees Directly

Citibank has updated its account lineup several times in recent years. The fee and waiver terms for Citi Checking℠ can vary and may change. Always confirm the current monthly fee and waiver conditions directly with your branch or at citibank.com before opening an account.

Which Account Should You Open?

For most ITIN holders opening their first account at Citibank, Citi Access Account is the right choice. Here is why:

No monthly maintenance fee — ever
No overdraft fees — transactions are declined when funds run low
No minimum daily balance requirement
Bank On certified — meets national standards for affordable, accessible banking
Debit card, Zelle, online banking, and the Citi mobile app included
Access to the Allpoint ATM network — over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide

Note that Citi Access Account does not include paper check-writing. If you need to write checks — for rent or other payments — you will need Citi Checking instead. Confirm the current fees for Citi Checking with your branch before deciding.

ATM Advantage

Citi Access Account holders have fee-free access to the Allpoint ATM network — more than 55,000 ATMs across the country, found in CVS, Walgreens, Target, and other retailers. Even without a Citibank branch nearby, you can often access your money without ATM fees.

What to Bring to the Branch

Citibank requires two forms of identification — one more than most other banks. Have everything below ready before your visit.

✓
Your ITIN number. Citibank accepts your ITIN in place of an SSN. Having your IRS CP565 assignment letter available is helpful for confirmation, but the nine-digit ITIN number itself is sufficient. The banker will enter it in the tax identification field.
✓
Primary government-issued photo ID. A foreign passport is the most universally accepted. Matrícula Consular (Mexican consular ID) and other foreign national ID cards are also accepted at most Citibank branches. Confirm acceptance with your specific branch when scheduling your appointment.
✓
Second form of ID or proof of U.S. address. Citibank requires a second form of identification. A utility bill (electric, gas, water), lease or rental agreement, cell phone bill, or bank statement from another institution — all dated within the last 60 days — satisfy this requirement as proof of address.
✓
Opening deposit. Confirm the minimum opening deposit amount with your branch when scheduling your appointment, as it may vary by account type and location. Having $25–$50 in cash or a check ready covers most scenarios.

Step-by-Step: How to Open the Account

Confirm there is a branch near you

Use the Citibank branch locator at citibank.com. If no branch is nearby, Bank of America or Chase are better options — they have far more locations nationwide. If a Citibank branch is accessible to you, proceed to the next step.

Call ahead and schedule an appointment

Call your chosen branch and confirm two things: that they open accounts for ITIN holders, and that they accept your specific type of photo ID (passport or consular ID). Ask about the current opening deposit amount. Schedule an appointment to avoid waiting.

Collect your documents

Gather your ITIN number, primary photo ID, a second form of ID or proof of address dated within 60 days, and your opening deposit. Citibank's two-ID requirement means being underprepared is more costly here than at other banks — double-check before you leave.

Go to the branch and complete the application

Tell the banker you want to open a Citi Access Account and that your tax identification number is an ITIN. The banker will enter your ITIN where the SSN field normally appears, verify both forms of ID, and complete the application with you. The process takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Set up online access and receive your debit card

Enroll in Citi Online and download the Citi mobile app the same day your account opens. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5–7 business days. You can locate surcharge-free Allpoint ATMs through the Citi app from day one.

Pros and Cons

Pros

✓ ITIN accepted — no SSN needed
✓ Citi Access Account has $0 monthly fee — no conditions
✓ Citi Access is Bank On certified for affordable, accessible banking
✓ No overdraft fees on Citi Access Account
✓ 55,000+ surcharge-free Allpoint ATMs nationwide
✓ Strong international banking — useful for sending money abroad
✓ Well-rated Citi mobile app with full banking features

Cons

✗ Cannot apply online — must go in person
✗ Requires two forms of ID — more preparation than other banks
✗ Very limited U.S. branch network — major cities only
✗ Citi Access Account does not include paper checks
✗ Fewer branch employees familiar with the ITIN process than at BofA or Chase

Frequently Asked Questions

Does opening a Citibank account affect my immigration status? +

No. Banks are prohibited by federal law from sharing your financial information with immigration authorities except under a specific court order or subpoena. Opening a Citibank account has no impact on your immigration status. Citibank is bound by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and other federal privacy regulations.

Why does Citibank require two forms of ID? +

Citibank's standard account opening process requires two forms of identification for all customers — not just ITIN holders. This is their internal policy for identity verification, not a special requirement tied to ITIN status. A passport plus a utility bill or lease agreement is the most reliable combination to bring.

Can I open a joint Citibank account with an ITIN? +

Yes. Citibank 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, and each must bring two forms of identification.

Is Citibank good for sending money internationally with an ITIN? +

Yes. As a global bank operating in over 160 countries, Citibank offers international wire transfers and foreign currency services that smaller banks cannot match. If sending money to family abroad is a priority — particularly to Mexico, Latin America, or Asia — Citibank is worth considering. Confirm current wire transfer fees and rates with your branch, as they vary by destination.

What if the branch tells me I need an SSN? +

If a banker says an SSN is required, ask to speak with the branch manager and explain that Citibank's policy allows ITIN holders to open accounts. Because Citibank has fewer branches than other major banks, there are fewer locations to try if one refuses — if you continue to have difficulty, Bank of America or Chase may be a more practical choice in your area.

Can I get a Citibank credit card with an ITIN? +

Citibank's standard credit card applications require an SSN. After establishing a banking relationship with Citibank, some ITIN holders have been able to apply for a secured credit card in-branch — but this is not a guaranteed process. For a full list of credit products available to ITIN holders, see our credit cards for ITIN holders guide.