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Banks that accept ITIN — open a US bank account with ITIN

Complete guide to US banks that accept ITIN to open accounts. Comparison of neobanks (Chime, Varo, Current) vs traditional banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo) + credit-builder products (Self) with ITIN.

Before you start

  • Get an ITIN — most banks on this list accept an ITIN in place of an SSN

Coming up next: once you finish this, the next step is Start building credit with your ITIN.

US banks that accept ITIN

Yes — at least 16 US-chartered banks and credit unions open deposit accounts using an IRS-issued ITIN in place of a Social Security number. USA PATRIOT Act §326 (the Customer Identification Program rule, 31 CFR §1020.220) explicitly permits banks to accept the ITIN as a “taxpayer identification number” for account opening — it does not require an SSN. The 16+ institutions include digital-first neobanks (Chime, Varo, Current, SoFi), traditional banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, HSBC), and dedicated credit-builder products (Self). Most accept the matrícula consular as the identity document; some require a US street address and others accept a P.O. Box.

Quick summary

BankTypeMonthly feeSpanish supportBest for
ChimeOnline-first (no branches)$0Yes (app and phone support)No SSN, no fees, simple
SelfCredit-building product$9 (one-time setup)Limited (mostly English)Build credit from zero
VaroOnline-first (sin sucursales)$0Limited (mostly English, some Spanish resources)No SSN, no fees, simple
CurrentOnline-first (sin sucursales)$0LimitedNo SSN, no fees, simple
Bank of AmericaBanco tradicional (sucursales nacionales)$12-$25 (depende del producto)Yes (app and branches with bilingual staff)Mortgages and in-person service
Wells FargoBanco tradicional (sucursales nacionales)$10 (Everyday Checking — waived con requisitos)Yes (Spanish banking services, app)Mortgages and in-person service

Typically required documents

  1. IRS letter confirming your ITIN (CP-565 or equivalent)
  2. Photo ID: passport from your country, consular ID (matrícula), or state license
  3. Proof of address: utility bill, lease, recent pay stub
  4. Employment info (for traditional banks): employer, salary, position

Optimal combination:

  1. A checking account with a neobank (Chime or Varo) — to receive your salary without fees
  2. Self Credit Builder — to build credit history from zero ($25/month for 12 months)
  3. An account at a traditional bank (BofA or Wells Fargo) — for cash deposits and future mortgages

After 12-18 months with good history, you can apply for traditional credit cards (Capital One Quicksilver, Discover It) that also accept ITIN.

Banks in detail

Chime

Chime is a popular neobank among Hispanic immigrants. No monthly fees, no minimum deposit, 100% Spanish app. Accepts ITIN to open account. Offers physical debit card + Chime Credit Builder (secured credit card with no interest).

Self

Self is NOT a traditional bank — it’s a product designed specifically to build credit from zero. Accepts ITIN. Works like this: you sign up for a ‘Credit Builder Account’ (actually a CD/loan), pay $25-$150/month for 12-24 months, and at the end you have a credit score + the money paid (minus interest).

Varo

Varo is a 100% online bank (was the first neobank to obtain its own US national banking charter). Accepts ITIN. Offers checking + savings + debit card. No monthly fees. Overdraft up to $50 without fee.

Current

Current is a Chime-like neobank, originally focused on teenagers (custodial accounts) but now with adult accounts too. Accepts ITIN. No monthly fees. Frequent welcome bonus ($50-$100 with direct deposit).

Bank of America

Bank of America accepts ITIN to open checking and savings accounts. One of the few large traditional banks with this consistent policy. Has branches in nearly all states with significant Hispanic populations, mobile app in Spanish, and Spanish phone line.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is one of the large traditional banks that accepts ITIN for checking and savings accounts. Has branches in 36 states, full Spanish banking services, and mortgage programs designated as ‘Wells Fargo Mortgage for ITIN holders’.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Your next step
Start building credit with your ITIN

An account is step one — a credit history is what unlocks apartments, car loans, and eventually a mortgage.

Also related: Cheapest ways to send money home

Frequently asked questions

Which banks let me open an account with an ITIN?
Both online banks (neobanks) like Chime, Varo, and Current and major traditional banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo open accounts for ITIN holders, and nearly all credit unions do too. Online banks usually let you apply entirely from your phone; some traditional banks ask you to open the account in a branch. Policies vary by bank and even by branch, so if one says no, try another.
Do I have to apply in person?
Not always. Many online banks let you open an account fully online with an ITIN. Some traditional banks require an in-branch visit for ITIN accounts so a banker can verify your documents. Call ahead or check the bank’s website to confirm before you go.
What documents do I bring to open an account?
Typically: your ITIN, a second form of ID (passport, consular ID/matrícula, or foreign driver license), proof of a US address (lease, utility bill, or statement), and the opening deposit. Bring originals — some banks photocopy them for their records.
Is there a minimum opening deposit?
It varies. Many online banks open with $0, while traditional banks often ask for $25–$100. Watch for monthly maintenance fees too — many accounts waive them with direct deposit or a minimum balance.
Can I get a debit card, direct deposit, and online transfers?
Yes. An account opened with an ITIN works like any other account: you get a debit card, can set up direct deposit from an employer, pay bills, and in most cases use Zelle or similar transfer services. Your deposits are FDIC- or NCUA-insured up to $250,000.

ITIN taxes

General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.