Can I get a checking account without a social security number? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2023)

FAQs

Can I open a bank account without SSN or ITIN? ›

While most banks require this information to open an account with them, it is possible to request a basic current account. To confirm your identity without a SSN, banks in the US will likely ask for at least two forms of identification like a passport and US driver's license.

Note, however, that a bank does not need to obtain a taxpayer identification number when opening a new account for a customer that has an existing account, as long as the bank has a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of the customer.

What's required to open a checking account is probably right at your fingertips. If you open it in person, you'll likely need two forms of ID (such as a driver's license, Social Security card, passport or birth certificate) and proof of address (by way of a utility bill, mortgage statement, lease or similar document).

Here are some banks and credit unions that don't require you to have an SSN to open an account: Bank of America. Chase. Wells Fargo.

The CIP rule provides for an exception for opening an account for a customer who has applied for a tax identification number (TIN) and an alternative process for obtaining CIP identifying information for credit card accounts.

An undocumented immigrant will need an alternative to the Social Security number, or SSN, in order to open a bank account. This number is called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, and you can apply for one through the RIS. Many financial institutions will accept an ITIN in place of a SSN.

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.

Now, you might be wondering, “Can a non-citizen open a bank account in the US?” Yes, you can. The process might be a bit complicated for non-citizens, but it's not impossible. Whether it's for business, travel, or personal reasons, setting up a US bank account will be worth the trouble.

What are the 3 key requirements to validate a client's CIP? ›

A compliant CIP has three major components to due diligence: planning and implementation, oversight and accountability, and independent auditing. Each of these may be more or less complex depending on the financial institution's business lines, size, structure, and risk profile.

1. What is an AML Compliance Program required to have? The Bank Secrecy Act, among other things, requires financial institutions, including broker-dealers, to develop and implement AML compliance programs. Members are also governed by the anti-money laundering rule in FINRA Rule 3310.

To meet KYC requirements, clients must provide proof of their identity and address, such as ID card verification, face verification, biometric verification, and/or document verification. Examples of KYC documents include a passport, driver's license, or utility bill.

Become a CIP

To earn your CIP designation you must complete 10 courses and at least one year of full-time employment in the general insurance, life insurance, or a related financial services industry.

There is no regulated and authorized bank that opens accounts for clients who do not provide proof of identification. If someone claims to be able to open a bank account for you without requiring ID, then beware that it is very likely not a credible or legit form of business.

No, you cannot open a bank account without an ID. Banks are required by law to ensure you meet age and residency eligibility.

A bank can deny your request to open an account because of past accounts that were closed due to negative balances, a history of overdrafts or problems verifying your identity.

Almost every bank requires you to present a valid government-issued photo ID when opening a checking account. This verifies that you are who you say you are and allows the bank to match your name to your face. The most common form of government-issued photo ID is a driver's license.

Identification: This could be a valid: Government issued photo ID or driver's license. Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Can a non US citizen open a bank account? ›

Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in the U.S., it just takes some additional paperwork to make it happen. If you have a foreign government ID, passport or resident alien number from a green card, those will help. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need an ITIN.

These banks require a social security number, which non-citizens don't have. This is the most common problem that foreigners realize. However, larger banks such as US Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will allow non-residents to set up a checking account and a savings account.

Reasons You May Have Been Denied a Checking Account

Too many past bounced checks or overdrafts. Unpaid fees or negative balances from a current or closed account. Suspected fraud or identity theft. Too many accounts applied for over a short amount of time.

Such negative activities that show up on your report and hurt your approval chances include bouncing checks, leaving an overdraft balance unpaid, abusing a debit card or applying for too many accounts in a short period of time, according to credit bureau Experian.

Yes. Banks generally have discretion to determine to which parties and under what conditions they provide their products and services.

Applying for an Under 19s Account

One form of ID, such as passport, birth certificate or adoption certificate, as well as proof of the parent's identity and address are required.

What forms of identification are acceptable when conducting business with the bank? We require two forms of identification to verify your identity. You must bring at least one form of identification from the Primary ID List. The second form of identification can be from the Primary ID List or Secondary ID List.