How to Open A Bank Account As an Immigrant

Banks offer secure storage for money, protecting it from theft and loss while providing access to essential services like loans, credit, and investment options. Additionally, banks offer convenient money transfer options, making it easier to send funds to family abroad. Enrolling in a bank also helps immigrants establish a financial history and build credit, which is crucial for securing loans and renting a home.

To open a bank account, you are required to present proof of identity and proof of residence. You will need documentation containing your legal name and date of birth to prove your identity. To fulfill these requirements, you may submit a birth certificate, a valid passport, a driver’s license or other government-issued ID, or a consular ID. A bank might specifically require a photo ID or multiple forms of identification to verify your identity. Utility bills, rental leases, government-issued IDs, or mailpieces that contain your name and address may be submitted to prove your residence. Most banks will also require you to provide a government ID number, such as a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), when applying to enroll. Non-citizens are not eligible to receive Social Security numbers, though they can apply for an ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, it is advisable to apply for an ITIN as this allows you to pay income taxes and will likely make the enrollment application process smoother. Some banks may accept an Alien Registration Number, a passport from your country of origin, or certain government-issued IDs as sufficient alternatives to an SSN or ITIN. Documentation requirements and policies vary by financial institution. Some banks and credit unions even offer services specially tailored to the needs of immigrant communities.

Some banks that do not require an SSN for enrollment include:

• Bank of America

• Citibank

• Chase

• Wells Fargo

• PNC Bank