Can Illegal Immigrants Open Bank Accounts? Here's How in 4 Ways.
Jarrod Suda
Guide
A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.
Byron Mühlberg
Reviewer
Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.
Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.
Read moreIf you've moved to the United States without documentation and without a social security number, then you may have found it frustrating to open a bank account.
However, you can obtain an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) as an undocumented immigrant and open a bank account with a traditional big bank, credit union, small regional bank, or neobank. We explain how to do so in this guide.
We also share 3 alternative US neobank accounts for undocumented immigrants, including Wise and Revolut, which do not require an SSN or ITIN.
Wise Multi-Currency Account: Gives you access to US bank account details without having to show proof of SSN or US residency. The account comes with a debit card, cheap international transfers, and an excellent mobile app. | Read the full Wise review.
Revolut: Get Revolut even without an SSN or ITIN by providing your US visa. Get an account number and debit card to hold and spend US dollars, and deposit your salary. | Read the full Revolut review.
Banks That Allow Undocumented Immigrants
- 01. Can undocumented immigrants open bank accounts?
- 02. Option 1 — Traditional banks that allow undocumented immigrants
- 03. Option 2 — Majority for all-in-one immigrant banking
- 04. Option 3 — Wise for an account without SSN or American ID
- 05. Option 3 — Revolut for a US account if you have a US visa
- 06. FAQ about bank accounts for illegal immigrants
Can Illegal Immigrants Open Bank Accounts?
Yes, undocumented immigrants in the United States are legally able to open bank accounts with traditional big banks, credit unions, small regional banks, and neobanks.
To do so, undocumented immigrants must first request an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. This is how undocumented immigrants are able to pay taxes to the government. If you are not eligible for a social security number but are liable to pay taxes to the United States government, then you may request an ITIN.
Learn more about if you can open a bank account in the USA as a foreigner.
Should I Open a Bank Account If I'm Undocumented?
You may be wondering if you should even open a bank account as an undocumented immigrant because it seems unsafe. However, banks should not ask you about your immigration status. Most banks do not have legal status requirements, especially for opening simple checking accounts.
US banks and credit unions of all sizes will accept ITINs from immigrants to open personal checking accounts, savings accounts, and even loans because ITINs are government-authorized forms of identification for taxpaying purposes.
How to Apply for an ITIN
Follow one of the three methods to receive an ITIN:
- Send Form W-7 with your tax return to the IRS on tax day;
- Bring your application to an IRS "accepted agent" office;
- Send the application in the mail.
Locate an accepted agent near you on the IRS website.
Read our dedicated guide to learn exactly what you need to apply for an ITIN.
Option 1 — Open an Account With a Bank That Allows Undocumented Immigrants
From a financial perspective, it is important to open a bank account because it provides you with pathways to access loans, credit, and a secure space to store money.
Here are a few reasons in sum why it's a good financial decision to open a bank account:
- Establish credit history: In order to buy a home, take our a business loan, get a credit card, or open a college savings plan in the future, you will need a bank account with some financial history.
- Save money: You can get your paycheck, cash checks, pay bills, and transfer money domestically for free with a bank account. With interest rates on the rise in 2022, some savings accounts now even offer you 1% or 2% annual interest.
- Protect your finances: It is safer to keep your money in the bank instead of at home in the form of cash, which can be lost or stolen. When you use an authorized American bank, your bank deposits will be insured by the federal government.
Below, we have compiled a list of US banks that do open bank accounts to undocumented immigrants and foreigners. You will not need to provide a social security number, but you will need to show them an ITIN.
17 Banks and Credit Unions That Don’t Require Social Security Numbers to Open an Account
The chart below will also show whether you can apply online and what other kinds of paperwork you may need to provide. All 17 banks listed here do require ITINs to open an account.
Institution | Apply Online | Other Requirements |
---|---|---|
Alliant Credit Union | 🟢 | Meet one Alliant membership criteria. |
Ally | 🟢 | Legal permanent residence. |
Axos | 🟢 | Legal resident. |
Bank of America | ❌ | Varies by branch. |
Charles Schwab | 🟢 | Legal permanent residence. |
Chase | 🟢 | Two forms of ID. |
Citi Bank | 🟢 | Legal permanent residence. |
Citizens Bank | 🟢 | Unexpired passport, refugee document, or employment authorization card. |
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) | 🟢 | Meet one DFC membership criteria. |
Fifth Third Bank | ❌ | Valid form of ID. |
HSBC | 🟢 | Citizen of approved country list. |
PNC | ❌ | Varies by branch. |
Santander Bank | 🟢 | Legal resident and proof of address. |
U.S. Bank | ❌ | Valid form of ID. |
Wells Fargo | 🟢 | Valid form of ID. |
Self-Help Federal Credit Union | ❌ | Accepts Matrícula consular. |
Latino Credit Union | ❌ | Government-issued ID from any country. |
Option 2 — Try Majority For All-In-One Immigrant Banking Services
Majority is ideal for immigrants because the mobile app comes with free international calling to 20+ countries including Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It also offers airtime top-ups, international money transfers, and multi-language customer service. Their debit card comes with exclusive deals on partner brands too. Majority does not allow you to build your credit history.
You need to show proof of US residency to open an account, but it does not require an SSN, ITIN, or US Visa.
For more info, see our full Majority review.
Option 3 — Try Wise For a Bank Account That Doesn't Require American ID
The Wise Account is an easy checking account that comes with a debit card, ACH routing number, American account number, and SWIFT/BIC code. Like Majority, the Wise account will allow you to receive a salary from an American employer.
For many people, this account is the fastest and easiest way to open a US bank account as a non-resident. You need to verify your identification and you need to be one of Wise's eligible nationalities. But you do not need to show proof of US residency, an SSN, an ITIN, or a US Visa.
For more info, see our full Wise review.
Option 4 — Try Revolut For a US Account With Your US Visa
Revolut is a powerful checking account that comes with a debit card, ACH routing number, American account number, and an international finance app.
You will need proof of identification and proof of a US visa on your passport, such as a student visa for studies in the United States, to quality. Then, you'll be able to hold US dollars in an American account and even receive your salary from an American employer.
For more info, see our full Revolut review.
FAQ About Banks For Immigrants
Should I open a bank account if I'm undocumented?
In general, opening up a bank account is a good financial decision that will provide you with financial safety, financial history, and the ability to build wealth. Big banks require ITINs from you, but they should not ask you about your legal status.
Which bank accounts don't require an SSN?
Majority and the Wise Account are three financial platforms that do not require an SSN to open an account. For a list of traditional American banks, have a look at our list above of 17 banks and credit unions for immigrants.
Can illegal immigrants open bank accounts?
Yes, illegal immigrants can open bank accounts. They are legally allowed to obtain ITINs from the IRS and apply for a bank account with their ITIN.
Can you open a bank account without a social security number?
Yes, you can. You can either open a bank account with an ITIN or consider US neobanks with easy-to-open applications. Majority and the Wise Account are three such neobanks that do not require social security numbers to open accounts.
Will they check for your green card during bank account opening?
No, banks will not require you to have a green card to open an account nor should they ask you about your legal status. Instead, they will require you to show some valid ID (like an unexpired passport) and your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Which banks allow undocumented immigrants?
Majority and the Wise Account are three financial platforms that can open US bank accounts for undocumented immigrants. For a list of traditional American banks, have a look at our list above of 17 banks and credit unions.
Can I open a bank account without an ID?
No, it is not possible to open a bank account without an ID. If you would like to open an American bank account without a US-issued identification, and instead use an ID from your home country, then consider the Wise Multi-Currency Account.
More Guides On Banks That Allow Undocumented Immigrants
The article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a source of law. The editors of the website make every effort to ensure that all published information is reliable and up-to-date, however, they do not constitute a binding interpretation of the applicable legal provisions.
Why Trust Monito?
You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.
Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.
Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.
Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.