Can I get a checking account without a social security number? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

Can I get a checking account without a social security number? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

As a U.S. citizen, you cannot open an account without providing a social security number (SSN). As a non-citizen, it require substantial time and documentation, including obtaining an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). For a business, you must obtain and provide an EIN (Employer Identification Number).

You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings account. To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number.

Requirements for opening a checking account generally include a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. You'll also need basic personal information, such as your birthdate, Social Security number, taxpayer identification number or phone number.

Under the current CIP requirement, a bank must collect the full SSN from an individual prior to opening an account, except with respect to credit card accounts, in which case a bank may obtain a SSN from a third-party source prior to extending credit to such individual.

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) enter your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have an SSN or ITIN leave the entry field blank.

Be at least 18 years old (for Alabama and Puerto Rico residents, age requirement varies by product) Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Some popular banks that accept ITINs for credit card applications are Chase, Bank of America, American Express, Capital One, Citi and more. Banks and companies that unfortunately do not accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number—at least for credit card applications—are Discover, Barclays and Synchrony.

Two latest passport size photographs. Address and identity proof documents. For a full list of address and identity proof documents, click here. Only a single copy of the document is required if it is listed under both address and identity proof, e.g. Passport / Aadhar Card.

You'll need one primary and one secondary ID per applicant. Your primary ID is a government-issued photo ID like a U.S. driver's license, learner's permit, state ID card or passport. Your secondary ID can include a student or work ID, proof of insurance, or bank card from another financial institution.

What bank does not ask for SSN? ›

Where Can I Open a Bank Account Without an SSN? The banks that allow undocumented immigrants are the following: Wells Fargo, PNC, U.S. Bank, BMO Harris, Alliant Credit Union, Bank of America, HSCB, TD Bank, among others.

eCBSV validation: The eCBSV is a Social Security number verification service operated by the Social Security Administration. An eCBSV check makes it possible for financial institutions to verify whether or not a person's SSN, name, and date of birth match Social Security records.

The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

An Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) may be required for individuals who do not have employment authorization and are not eligible for an SSN. ITINs are issued only for the purpose of federal tax reporting. Nonresidents filing an income tax return (e.g. 1040NR, 1040NR-EZ) may need an ITIN.

ITINs are issued by the IRS under special circ*mstances for some non-resident and resident aliens, their spouses and dependents who can't get SSNs. An ITIN is formatted like an SSN, with nine digits and dashes; the difference is that all ITINs begin with the number nine.

If the individual is not eligible for an SSN, refer them to the IRS for Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. For a taxpayer who cannot obtain an SSN and has not yet applied for an ITIN, you can use a temporary identification number to prepare the return in the tax software.

If lawfully present in the United States and your visa status allows you to work, then you must contact your local Social Security office to apply. What do I need to submit to the Social Security office? You need to prove your identity and work- authorized immigration status.

Non-U.S. citizens without a U.S. issued taxpayer identification number must provide a government issued ID that provides evidence of nationality or residence. Original versions of: Employee ID. Student ID.

Typically, minors can use their birth certificate or social security card for their primary ID. Financial institutions usually require a parent or guardian to serve as a shared account holder, which will require the typical documentation required for opening a bank account.

Credit card issuers generally require that you share your Social Security number (SSN) as a way to verify your identity. If you don't have an SSN, some issuers still make it possible to open a credit card. You still need to meet minimum card application requirements, even with alternative identification.