What to Know About Getting a Checking Account That Does Not Require SSN

There are two major requirements when you want to open a bank account in the USA. One of them is the actual identification. Banks need to ensure you’re 18 years old or older, unless this account is opened by a parent or a tutor for a youth customer.

Second, you need the SSN. It’s the second most important requirement. Now, what do you do if you don’t have an SSN? Can you get a checking account that does not require SSN? Here’s everything you need to know about the banking system, its implications and alternatives to the classic SSN.

Facts About Banking Without an SSN​

Long story short, you can open a bank account in the USA, even if you don’t have an SSN. Unlike most expectations, many banks actually approve opening an account without SSN, yet they may have more extra requirements to ensure they’ll make this exception for the right people.

Different banks have different rules. For example, Bank of America won't ask you for a social security number in order to open an account. Instead, you'll be asked for two forms of identification. A passport is one of them, but you can also use your driver's license, as it's got your photo on it.

The SSN is usually associated with residents who work. Undocumented people often believe they can’t have a bank account. However, the checking account that does not require SSN is actually addressed to such people, as it’s a primary choice for both non-citizens and non-residents.

Finally, it's worth noting that not all banks will accept you without an SSN. Therefore, you need to do your homework and research different banks. Some can take other documents, others won't even discuss them with you if you can't provide the SSN, so double check upfront.

Accounts You Can Get Without an SSN​

Most commonly, accounts without SSN are meant for those without residency. They’re aimed at immigrants. It doesn’t mean you’ll get all the benefits associated with a traditional bank account, as they often come with limitations, not to mention their specific status.

Based on the features you require, you can get a classic bank account that allows you to send or receive money, which is what most people use banks for anyway. You’ll be able to get your wages into an account, but you’ll also be able to get a card and use it for daily activities.

Accounts for non-residents may allow you to send money abroad as well, which is a plus.

Generally speaking, if a bank allows you to get an account without an SSN, you can get both checking and savings accounts as well.

Once again, rules may vary from one bank to another. The best thing to do is figure out what you truly need from a bank account, then research banks and what they have to offer.

Accounts with limited features aren’t necessarily coming from banks. For example, some locals use Cash App or Venmo for transactions. They can receive and send money, yet these transactions don’t work like traditional bank accounts. Furthermore, they still require verification.

Other than that, some companies provide access to international debit cards, which can be opened in more currencies. They won’t always ask for your SSN, but verification is still required.

Checking Accounts for Non-Residents​

Once again, your best bet when you don’t have an SSN is to look for banks and financial institutions with certain services aimed at non-residents. Since they know non-residents are less likely to have an SSN, they won’t ask for one.

Now, a checking account that does not require SSN will have other requirements instead. You’ll usually have to provide more than just one form of identification. Some of the most popular forms of ID include:

• Valid passport. This is usually the main requirement, so make sure your passport is well in date before applying for a checking account.
• Driver’s license. The driver’s license can be issued by American authorities, but many banks also accept driver’s licenses issued by other countries, so you won’t necessarily have to exchange your original license for an American one.
• Consular ID. Based on your immigration status in the USA, you might have to use a consular ID. This rule applies to certain countries.
• Birth certificate. In most countries, the birth certificate doesn’t count as an ID because it doesn’t have your photo on it. Many banks in the USA accept it as a form of identification, but not by itself. In other words, it’s a complementary ID.

Even if you apply for a checking account that does not require SSN as a non-resident, you’ll still have to show proof of address. A utility bill usually does the trick. A municipal ID or a driver’s license will also work, assuming you have enough other documents for identification.

Alternatives to the SSN for Banking​

Unable to get an SSN for your bank account? No problem. You’ll be surprised to find out that many banks offer you alternatives. The best alternative is the ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You don’t need an SSN to obtain it.

The ITIN is issued by the IRS. It’s aimed at people who aren’t eligible for the actual SSN, but need some form of tax identification number for money-related transactions. The IRS Form W-7 is suitable to apply for the ITIN.

Now, just because banks don't always require the SSN, it doesn't mean you can get a bank account without having the ITIN as well. You need one or the other. Luckily, the ITIN is relatively simple to obtain compared to the SSN.

Banks in the USA & Their SSN Requirements​

Some of the banks and financial institutions that allow you to open a checking account that does not require an SSN include:

• Bank of America
• Revolut
• Alliant Credit Union
• Wells Fargo
• Chase Bank
• Citibank
• Capital One
• American Express

Once again, most banks will require SSN or ITIN. However, there are a few financial institutions that don’t need any of them. Revolut, for example, won’t bother you with the SSN or ITIN. Capital One and Chase are in the same category.

However, since you don’t need these, you’ll need to provide more documents in terms of identification and proof of address.

Once again, you’ll have to research local institutions to figure out which one offers what you actually need.

FAQs​

Still unsure about a checking account that does not require SSN?

Can I open a bank account in the USA from abroad?​

In theory, yes. American citizens can usually open bank accounts in the USA without being there. However, depending on your nationality, you may not be able to do it entirely online. Sure, there are banks that can accept you without an SSN or ITIN, but that’s not everything. In some situations, you may need to get into a branch in person.

Can I get a credit card without an SSN?​

While you can get a checking account that does not require an SSN without too much hassle, chances are it's harder to have the same benefits if you want a credit card. The credit card implies asking for credit. Some institutions are more cautious when it comes to offering money, so their requirements will also be stricter. A credit card is more difficult to get without an SSN, yet you may still find some institutions offering such services.

What’s easier to get, SSN or ITIN?​

The SSN has stricter eligibility standards. The ITIN doesn't. In theory, the ITIN is easier to get. However, the SSN is much faster. For instance, all you need to do to get an SSN is go into a nearby Social Security office and apply for it. To get an ITIN, you'll need to complete a form and mail it, which is more time-consuming. It depends on your status and needs.