Current for ITIN — does it accept ITIN? Requirements, pros and cons

Detailed guide on Current for immigrants with ITIN. Requirements to open account, fees, physical card, Spanish support, and comparison with alternatives.

Current for ITIN holders

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).

Key facts

ItemInformation
Accepts ITIN✅ Yes
Bank typeOnline-first (sin sucursales)
Monthly fee$0
Minimum deposit$0
Physical card✅ Yes
Spanish supportLimited

Pros

  • No monthly fees
  • Accepts ITIN
  • Automatic round-up to save change from purchases
  • Physical Visa card with cashback on select categories
  • FDIC coverage via Choice Financial Group + Cross River Bank

Cons

  • Support only in English (no Spanish app)
  • No physical branches
  • Fewer financial features than Chime

How to open an account with ITIN

  1. Visit Current
  2. Start the “Open Account” process
  3. When asked for tax ID, select “ITIN” (sometimes appears as “Other Tax ID”)
  4. Provide your passport or other photo ID
  5. Provide US residential address (utility bill, lease, pay stub)
  6. If traditional bank with branches (BofA, Wells Fargo): in-person appointment may be smoother than online
  7. Wait for approval (instant for neobanks, 1-3 days for traditional)

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.

Recent ITIN-friendly banking context (2025-2026)

ITIN-only banking is fully legal under 31 CFR 1020.220 (Customer Identification Program rules). Banks rated NCUA/FDIC are not required to refuse ITIN customers, and most major US banks accept ITIN. The 2026-05-29 H.R.1 / OBBBA changes did NOT affect ITIN banking eligibility.

Major banks accepting ITIN (verify at branch): Bank of America (checking + savings), Wells Fargo (checking + savings), Chase, Citibank, US Bank, BBVA (now PNC), Capital One (limited), Self Financial (credit-building accounts), Chime (limited products), Varo, T-Mobile Money. Most credit unions accept ITIN — credit unions often have lower minimum balances and fewer fees than major banks.

The Bank Secrecy Act (31 USC 5311) requires Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) for cash transactions over $10,000, applied uniformly regardless of ITIN/SSN status. Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) similarly apply uniformly. Banks are explicitly prohibited from sharing account information with ICE absent a federal subpoena under 31 USC 5318.

ITIN mortgage lending: portfolio CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) lenders and select community banks offer non-QM ITIN mortgages with typically 1-2% higher rates than FHA, 20%+ down payments, and 15-30 year terms. The 1099-INT issued by your bank for interest earned must be reported on Form 1040 (with ITIN). For Form 1099-DIV (dividends) and 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income): same reporting obligation applies.

Lifeline phone subsidy: $9.25/month phone or internet discount for households under 135% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — apply at lifelinesupport.org. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): suspended June 2024 pending Congressional refunding. Contact IRS for ITIN questions: 1-800-829-1040 Monday-Friday 7:00am-7:00pm local time.

Frequently asked questions

Does Current accept an ITIN?
Yes. Current is a fintech banking app that lets you open an account with an ITIN and a photo ID instead of an SSN. Banking services are provided through FDIC-insured partner banks.
Does Current charge monthly fees?
Current has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance. It offers early direct deposit and fee-free overdraft up to a limit once eligible. Confirm current terms in the app or at current.com.
Is the money in a Current account FDIC-insured?
Yes. Current provides accounts through FDIC-insured partner banks, so eligible deposits are protected up to $250,000 — independent of immigration status.
Can I use Current to receive a paycheck or tax refund?
Yes. You get a routing and account number for direct deposit, so you can receive wages and even an IRS refund by direct deposit, which is faster than a paper check.