Your first week in the USA. You need to pay rent, cash your first paycheck, and buy groceries. You walk into a bank. The teller asks for your Social Security Number. You explain you don’t have one yet. They slide a pamphlet across the counter and tell you to come back when you do.
This is a frustrating and entirely avoidable experience. The CFPB confirms that federal law does not require banks to demand an SSN. Financial institutions can use alternative IDs, including ITINs and foreign passports, to satisfy identity verification rules. Some banks built systems around this. Most did not.
I’ve spent years helping Latino immigrants understand the US financial system, and banking access is always the first barrier. This guide covers the banks that genuinely work for immigrants in the USA in 2026 — with real fees, real document requirements, and what to say at the branch window to avoid leaving empty-handed.
What US Banks Actually Require From Immigrants
Before picking a bank, understand what they’re checking and why.
Every US bank must verify your identity under the Bank Secrecy Act and FinCEN’s Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules. The law requires proof of who you are, not specifically an SSN. Banks just built their software around SSNs because that’s what most US customers have.
Documents that satisfy CIP requirements at immigrant-friendly banks:
- Passport (any country, unexpired)
- ITIN issued by the IRS (a 9-digit number starting with 9)
- Government-issued national ID from your home country
- Mexican Matrícula Consular or equivalent consular ID
- Foreign driver’s license (accepted at some banks as secondary ID)
- US visa or immigration documents (F1 I-20, H1B approval notice, DACA card)
The critical detail: each bank sets its own internal policies on top of these minimums. Bank A accepts a passport plus ITIN. Bank B requires a passport plus proof of US address. Bank C says “SSN required” on their website but branch managers have discretion to approve exceptions. I’ve watched immigrants waste three weeks going branch to branch because no one told them that Wells Fargo’s Clear Access account opens with a passport and a foreign ID, but only in person, not online.
One more thing worth knowing before you go: some accounts are “second chance” accounts that skip ChexSystems credit checks. Most new immigrants don’t need this because they have no prior US banking history to worry about. But if you had a prior account closed due to overdrafts, it becomes relevant.
The bottom line: bring your passport, your ITIN if you have one, and proof of a US address. Walk in. Don’t try to open traditional bank accounts online without an SSN — that path leads nowhere.
How to Open a Bank Account as an Immigrant — Step by Step
The process is not complicated. What makes it frustrating is not knowing which steps matter and which ones waste your time.
Step 1: Get your ITIN from the IRS (if you qualify)
You don’t need an ITIN for every bank on this list, but having one opens more doors. An ITIN proves you exist in the US tax system and signals to banks that you’ve already passed one federal identity process. Learn how to get your ITIN fast.
Step 2: Gather documents before you go
Most banks require two forms of ID. Bring everything in one trip so you don’t have to make a second visit:
- Passport (primary ID — bring the original, not a copy)
- Home country driver’s license or national ID (secondary ID)
- Proof of US address — a lease, a utility bill, or a cell phone bill with your name
- ITIN letter from the IRS, if you have one
- Any US visa or immigration document you hold
Step 3: Go to the branch in person
For traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, in-person is the only route that works without an SSN. Their online applications either require an SSN field or route non-SSN applicants to a call center that will say SSN is required. It is not. The branch can override this.
Step 4: Know what to say at the window
Say exactly this: “I’m an immigrant and I’d like to open an account using my ITIN and passport. I understand you have accounts for customers without a Social Security Number.” This signals to the teller that you know your options and usually results in being connected to someone with the authority to help.
Step 5: Make your opening deposit
Traditional banks require between $0 and $25 to open. Bring cash or a debit card from your home country. Neobanks require $0.
Step 6: Set up direct deposit as soon as possible
Three reasons this matters. First, direct deposit often waives the monthly fee. Second, having 60-90 days of regular deposits makes you eligible for secured credit cards at the same bank, which starts your US credit history. Third, some banks like Chime release direct deposit funds up to 2 days early.
Step 7: Check your fee waiver conditions monthly
Fee waivers at traditional banks usually require a minimum monthly direct deposit ($500 at Chase) or minimum average balance. If you miss the threshold, you pay the fee. Set a phone reminder to check your statement the first week of each month.
Best Banks for Immigrants in the USA: Full Comparison
Data verified July 2026. Policies can change — confirm at the branch before opening.
| Bank | Account | SSN Required | Min. Deposit | Monthly Fee | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | SafeBalance Banking | No (ITIN/passport at branch) | $25 | $4.95 (waived students under 25) | No overdraft fees |
| Chase | Total Checking | No (ITIN at branch) | $0 | $12 (waived: $500/mo deposit) | Largest US branch network |
| Citibank | Access Account | No (ITIN accepted) | $0 | $0 | Zero fees, no minimum balance |
| Wells Fargo | Clear Access Banking | No (ITIN at branch) | $25 | $5 (waived ages 13-24) | No paper checks, no overdrafts |
| Chime | Spending Account | No (ITIN accepted) | $0 | $0 | 60,000+ ATMs, early direct deposit |
| Cheese | Checking | No (passport only OK) | $0 | $0 | No ITIN needed, cashback rewards |
| Majority | Checking | No (ITIN accepted) | $0 | $5.99 | International calls + SIM included |
Bank of America SafeBalance Banking
The SafeBalance account is Bank of America’s entry-level checking, designed to avoid the overdraft traps that hit people who are new to US banking. For immigrants, the main advantage is that ITINs and foreign passports are accepted at the branch, and the account design is genuinely simple.
When I first started recommending banking options to immigrants, Bank of America came up constantly because of its sheer size. You can find a branch in almost any major US city, which matters when you need in-person help with something.
Pros:
- No overdraft fees (the card declines instead of charging you)
- No minimum daily balance requirement after the $25 opening deposit
- 15,000+ ATMs and ~3,900 branches nationwide
- $4.95 monthly fee waived entirely for students under 25
Cons:
- $4.95/month for adults who don’t qualify for the student waiver
- In-person branch visit required for immigrants without SSN
- No paper check-writing, which can be inconvenient for rent payments
- Branch staff experience with ITIN accounts varies by location
Best for: New immigrants who want a stable traditional bank with in-person support and no overdraft surprises.
Chase Total Checking
Chase has the most branches of any US bank, over 4,700 locations across 48 states. For immigrants, this is the most practical advantage. You will likely need in-person banking help at multiple points during your first year, whether for wire transfers, account issues, or cashier’s checks for a security deposit.
Chase accepts ITINs at the branch, though their online application still demands an SSN. Call ahead before visiting to confirm your specific branch is comfortable with ITIN customers.
Pros:
- 4,700+ branches, the widest network in the US
- $12 monthly fee waived with $500/month in direct deposits
- Opens with no minimum deposit
- Strong mobile app with Zelle built in
Cons:
- Must open in person without SSN
- $12/month if you don’t meet the fee waiver conditions
- Some branches have staff less experienced with ITIN applications
- Online application unavailable for non-SSN applicants
Best for: Immigrants who move around the US frequently or need the largest possible ATM and branch network.
Citibank Access Account
The Citibank Access Account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, making it one of the cleanest options on this list. Citibank explicitly accepts ITINs, and the Access Account was designed to serve customers who may be new to banking or have thin financial histories.
Pros:
- $0 monthly fee, no conditions attached
- No minimum balance required
- No overdraft fees
- ITIN accepted at the branch level
Cons:
- Smaller branch network than Chase or Bank of America
- No paper checks
- Fewer fee-free ATMs (limited to Citibank network)
- Branches concentrated in major metro areas
Best for: Immigrants who want zero ongoing costs and live near a Citibank branch.
Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking
Wells Fargo is available across 36 states and accepts ITINs for the Clear Access account. The design reflects what a first-time banking customer actually needs: no overdraft fees, no paper checks (which reduces fraud risk for new users), and a low monthly cost.
Pros:
- $5/month, one of the lowest fees among traditional banks
- 4,500+ branches nationwide
- No overdraft fees
- Good mobile app with bill pay
Cons:
- Must apply in person without SSN
- Fee waiver only automatic for ages 13-24
- No check-writing, which some landlords still require
- $25 opening deposit required
Best for: Young immigrants and students who want affordable, accessible in-person banking.
Chime
Chime is not technically a bank. It’s a financial technology company that provides banking services through Stride Bank and The Bancorp Bank, both FDIC-insured. In practice, this means Chime can move faster and charge less than traditional banks, with no physical branches.
For immigrants who already have an ITIN, Chime is the fastest way to get a fully functional US bank account. The application takes under 10 minutes online. I’ve seen people go from applying to having a working debit card in three business days.
Pros:
- $0 monthly fee, no minimums, no hidden charges
- Direct deposit released up to 2 days early
- 60,000+ fee-free ATMs through MoneyPass and Allpoint networks
- Deposits FDIC-insured up to $250,000
Cons:
- Requires SSN or ITIN (not just a passport)
- No physical branches anywhere in the US
- No international wire transfers
- Some employers or landlords question neobank accounts
Best for: Immigrants with an ITIN who want the fastest and cheapest account setup.
Cheese
Cheese was built with immigrant communities in mind. The standout feature: you can open an account with just a passport and a foreign ID. No ITIN required. For immigrants who just arrived and haven’t applied for an ITIN yet, this is the fastest path to a working US account.
Pros:
- Accepts passport alone (no ITIN or SSN needed)
- $0 monthly fee
- Cashback rewards at partner stores
- Bilingual customer support
Cons:
- Online only, no physical branches
- Smaller ATM network than established banks
- Less name recognition than Chime or Chase
- Fewer account features than full-featured neobanks
Best for: Immigrants who don’t have an ITIN yet and need an account this week.
Majority
Majority is designed around the immigrant lifestyle. At $5.99/month, it’s the only option on this list that charges a recurring fee without being a traditional bank. What you’re paying for is genuinely different: the membership includes unlimited international calling to 50+ countries, a US SIM card, and built-in money transfers.
If you’re calling home regularly and sending money abroad, Majority can cost less overall than paying separately for an international calling plan plus Western Union.
Pros:
- International calling to 50+ countries included
- US SIM card included (sets up your US phone number)
- Money transfers built in to the app
- No minimum balance
Cons:
- $5.99/month adds up to $71.88/year
- Online only, no physical branches
- Transfer limits can frustrate heavy remittance users
- Less useful if you don’t call home or send money abroad regularly
Best for: Immigrants who regularly call home or send money abroad and want one account to handle everything.
Common Mistakes Immigrants Make When Opening US Bank Accounts
Trying to open accounts online without an SSN
Traditional bank websites are not built for non-SSN applicants. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo online applications will either reject the form or route you to a call center that says SSN is mandatory. It is not. But only the branch can make exceptions.
Forgetting proof of address
Even if a bank accepts your passport and ITIN, most still want proof you’re living in the US. A signed lease, a utility bill, or a cell phone bill with your name on it all work. If you just arrived and don’t have any of these yet, a letter from your employer or school with your US address on letterhead is often accepted.
Not reading the fee waiver conditions
The most common mistake I see: a new immigrant opens a Chase account, gets excited about the $0 opening deposit, and then gets hit with a $12 fee on month two because they didn’t know about the $500 direct deposit requirement. Read the fee waiver conditions before you walk out of the branch.
Opening only one account
The setup that actually works: a neobank (Chime or Cheese) for daily spending and a traditional bank (Chase or Bank of America) for situations that require a physical check or wire transfer. Both are free or nearly free. Having two means you’re never stuck if one account has an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a US bank account with just a passport and no SSN or ITIN?
Yes, at some institutions. Cheese accepts passports and foreign IDs with no ITIN required. Many traditional banks accept passports plus proof of US address at the branch. The key is going in person to a traditional bank, not applying online.
What is an ITIN and do I need one before opening a bank account?
An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS. It’s a 9-digit number starting with 9. You don’t need it to open an account at every bank, but having one gives you access to more options. Here’s how to get your ITIN number fast.
Will opening a bank account affect my immigration status or visa?
No. Banking activity does not affect immigration proceedings. Banks report certain transactions to financial regulators (cash transactions over $10,000), but this reporting is separate from immigration enforcement and does not trigger any visa or residency review.
Can undocumented immigrants open bank accounts in the USA?
Yes. Banks are required to verify identity, not immigration status. A Matrícula Consular, a passport, or an ITIN are all accepted at various banks and none require proof of legal status. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have historically served undocumented customers at the branch level.
Is my money safe if I don’t have an SSN?
Completely. FDIC insurance protects deposits up to $250,000 per depositor regardless of immigration status. Your citizenship, visa type, or documentation status does not affect FDIC coverage.
What if my bank account gets closed without warning?
This can happen if a bank cannot verify your documents or flags unusual activity. Request a written explanation within 30 days. Then open at a different institution. Cheese and Majority tend to be more flexible on document requirements than traditional banks. Having two accounts prevents this situation from cutting off your access to money entirely.
Do neobanks like Chime share customer information with immigration authorities?
No. Banks are required to report suspicious financial activity and large cash transactions to FinCEN. They do not share customer identity information with immigration enforcement agencies as a matter of routine.
Bottom Line
For most immigrants, the right setup is two accounts: Chime for daily spending (if you have an ITIN) and Bank of America or Chase in person for a traditional account that handles checks and wires. If you don’t have an ITIN yet, open a Cheese account now with just your passport, then add a traditional bank account once your ITIN arrives.
No bank can legally require an SSN from you. Show up to the branch with your passport, a secondary ID, and proof of your US address. Name the specific account you want. If one teller says no, ask for a manager.
Getting your bank account set up is step one. Once you have 60-90 days of direct deposit history, you become eligible for a secured credit card at the same institution, which is how you start building a US credit score from zero. See which credit cards accept ITIN numbers.
The EducaDinero editorial team specializes in personal finance for Latino immigrants in the USA. Our content is reviewed against official sources including the IRS, CFPB, and federal financial regulators. We cover credit building, ITIN banking, and financial products for immigrants — topics we have researched across hundreds of hours of interviews with immigrants, bank representatives, and certified financial counselors. We do not accept payment for product placement.