Banking by immigration status — all paths
How to open a US bank account by immigration status: SSN, ITIN, DACA, undocumented. Personal + business banking, fintech vs traditional.
Banking by immigration status — all paths
US banks are legally allowed to open accounts for non-citizens. Each bank has its own internal policy on ITIN, matricula consular, and DACA. Below are paths by status.
About this page: This is procedural information organized by immigration status. We list the path each status can take — you self-identify which applies. This is not personalized legal advice or eligibility determination.
Path 1: SSN holders (USC, LPR, work-authorized)
If you have SSN and are work-authorized
Open any bank account at any US bank — fintech (Chime, Varo), traditional (Chase, BofA), online (Capital One). Bring SSN + photo ID + address proof.
Documents typically needed:
- SSN
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of address
Cost: $0-$25 minimum deposit
Timeline: Same day (online) or in branch (15 min)
Path 2: ITIN holders (any status)
If you have ITIN but no SSN
Open accounts at ITIN-friendly banks: Bank of America (Advantage Plus), Chase, Citi, Capital One, Wells Fargo. Most major banks accept ITIN. Online: BlueVine, Mercury, Lili (business). See our state-by-state filter at /tools/itin-bank-state-filter/.
Documents typically needed:
- ITIN card from IRS
- Passport (preferred over consular ID)
- Proof of US address
Cost: $0-$25 minimum deposit
Timeline: Same day or 1-2 days
Path 3: No SSN, no ITIN, with foreign passport
If you only have foreign passport and no US tax ID
Limited options. Most banks require ITIN at minimum. Some credit unions (Latino Community Credit Union, Self-Help FCU) accept matricula consular. Plan: get ITIN first (free, takes 7-11 weeks), then open standard account.
Documents typically needed:
- Foreign passport
- Matricula consular (specific community credit unions only)
Cost: $0-$100
Timeline: After ITIN issued (7-11 weeks)
Path 4: DACA recipient
If you have DACA + EAD
Apply with SSN (you got one when DACA was approved). Treated exactly like SSN holders by banks. Some additional fintech options (Chime, Varo accept DACA EAD).
Documents typically needed:
- SSN card
- EAD card
- Photo ID or driver’s license
- Address proof
Cost: $0-$25 minimum
Timeline: Same day
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information based on official sources. Not personalized legal advice. For specific situations consult an attorney or BIA-accredited representative.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
Frequently asked questions
Why list options by immigration status?
Will authorities report me if I use these services?
What if my status changes while I'm in process?
Is this list legal and official?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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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.