Quick Answer
Yes — Citibank accepts an ITIN instead of an SSN for personal checking and savings. If you're a U.S. citizen or resident alien, the online application may accept an ITIN; otherwise, open at a branch with two forms of ID. Citi Access Checking costs $5 a month, waived with $250+ in monthly direct deposits. It's strong for international wires, but its U.S. branch network is small.
Federal rules, October 2026: Banks can still open accounts with an ITIN. A May 2026 executive order lets banks ask more questions of ITIN customers, and regulators are reviewing consular IDs like the matrícula by mid-November — see what's changing.
- ✓ITIN accepted? Yes — in place of an SSN. U.S. citizens and resident aliens may be able to apply online; a branch visit with two IDs is the reliable route.
- ✓IDs required: 2 forms — typically a foreign passport plus proof of U.S. address dated within 60 days.
- ✓Lowest monthly fee: $5 on Citi Access Checking — waived with $250+ in monthly direct deposits or for owners 23 or younger; no overdraft fees.
- ✓ATM access: 65,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide.
- ✓Best for: international wires (160+ countries) and people in major metro areas.
Not in a Citibank city? Compare banks that accept an ITIN, or read the Bank of America and Chase guides — both have far larger branch networks.
Does Citibank Accept ITIN?
Yes. Citibank accepts an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number for personal checking or savings accounts. Its online application may accept an ITIN if you're a U.S. citizen or resident alien; otherwise apply at a branch with 2 forms of ID. Its U.S. branch network is small, so confirm there's a branch near you before you go.
Account options are listed on Citibank's site. Call ahead to confirm they can open an ITIN account.
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 Citibank Accounts Can ITIN Holders Open?
Citibank offers 2 personal checking accounts accessible to ITIN holders: Citi Access Checking ($5 a month, waived with $250+ in monthly direct deposits or if you're 23 or younger; no overdraft fees) and Regular Checking ($15 a month, waived with the same $250 in deposits), which adds paper checks.
| Account | Monthly Fee | How to Waive | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Access Checking | $5.00 | $250+ in direct deposits or qualifying ACH transfers each month, OR account owner age 23 or younger, OR $30,000+ in combined Citi balances | Starting out, no overdraft risk, no minimum balance |
| Citi Regular Checking | $15.00 | $250+ in direct deposits or qualifying ACH transfers each month, OR $30,000+ in combined Citi balances | Full-featured checking with check-writing |
Verify Fees Directly
Citibank has updated its account lineup several times in recent years. Mobile check deposits, cash deposits, transfers between Citi accounts, and wires don't count toward the $250 waiver; Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal money counts only when it arrives as an ACH transfer. Pricing can vary by location, so confirm current fees on Citi's checking account page before opening an account.
Which Account Should You Open?
For most ITIN holders opening their first account at Citibank, Citi Access Checking is the right choice. Here is why:
- $5 monthly fee, waived with $250+ in monthly direct deposits or if you're 23 or younger
- 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 65,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
Note that Citi Access Checking does not include paper check-writing. If you need to write checks — for rent or other payments — you will need Regular Checking instead ($15 a month, waived with the same $250 in monthly direct deposits).
ATM Advantage
Citi checking customers get fee-free access to more than 65,000 ATMs across the country, many of them inside retail stores. Even without a Citibank branch nearby, you can often access your money without ATM fees.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Branch?
Citibank requires 2 forms of identification — one more than most other banks — plus your ITIN and proof of U.S. address dated within 60–90 days. A foreign passport plus a Matrícula Consular or foreign driver's license covers the ID requirement. Have everything ready before your visit.
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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. No ITIN yet? Apply through the IRS with Form W-7.
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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.
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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.
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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.
How Do I Open a Citibank Account Step by Step?
Confirm there is a branch near you
Step 1: 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 Citi Access Checking 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 fee-free ATMs through the Citi app from day one.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Citi Access Checking costs $5 a month but is easy to waive with $250 in monthly direct deposits, and it has no overdraft fees — yet the branch network is small and you need 2 forms of ID to open. If a branch is convenient, it's a solid low-cost choice; otherwise Bank of America or Chase is more practical.
Pros
- ITIN accepted — no SSN needed
- Citi Access Checking's $5 monthly fee is waived with $250+ in monthly direct deposits
- Citi Access is Bank On certified for affordable, accessible banking
- No overdraft or returned-item fees on Citi Access Checking
- 65,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Strong international banking — useful for sending money abroad
- Well-rated Citi mobile app with full banking features
Cons
- Online application may not take your ITIN — a branch visit is the reliable route
- $5 monthly fee on Access Checking if you don't meet a waiver
- Requires two forms of ID — more preparation than other banks
- Very limited U.S. branch network — major cities only
- Citi Access Checking 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.