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

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.