What documents do I need to open an ITIN bank account?

You typically need your ITIN assignment letter (CP565 notice), a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport, and proof of US address like a utility bill or lease agreement. Some banks also require a secondary form of ID. Requirements vary by bank, so check with your chosen institution before visiting.

Can I open a business bank account with an ITIN?

Yes. If you have an LLC or sole proprietorship, you can open a business bank account using your ITIN. Banks like Mercury and Relay specialize in business accounts for ITIN holders. You will also need your EIN (Employer Identification Number) and business formation documents such as your Articles of Organization.

Do ITIN bank accounts have any restrictions?

ITIN bank accounts generally function the same as SSN-based accounts. You can receive direct deposits, send wire transfers, use a debit card, and set up bill payments. Some banks may limit initial deposit amounts or require additional verification, but once your account is open, you have access to standard banking features.

Can I build credit with an ITIN bank account?

Having a bank account alone does not build credit. However, once you have a banking relationship, many banks will offer you a secured credit card. Using that card responsibly and making on-time payments reports positive activity to credit bureaus, which builds your US credit score over time.

Which online banks accept ITIN holders?

Mercury, Wise, and Relay are the most popular online-friendly options for ITIN holders. Mercury is ideal for business banking, Wise offers multi-currency accounts with low transfer fees, and Relay provides free business checking with no minimum balance. All three allow you to apply online without visiting a branch.

Can I get a debit card with an ITIN bank account?

Yes. Most banks that open accounts for ITIN holders issue standard debit cards. You can use your debit card for everyday purchases, ATM withdrawals, and online transactions just like any other bank customer.

Do I need to be in the US to open an ITIN bank account?

It depends on the bank. Traditional banks like Bank of America and Chase typically require you to visit a branch in person. However, online platforms like Mercury, Wise, and Relay allow you to open an account remotely from anywhere in the world, making them the best choice if you are outside the US.

ITIN Bank Account: Open a US Bank Account Without SSN

Yes, you can open a US bank account with an ITIN. Many banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number, including major institutions like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, as well as online platforms like Mercury, Wise, and Relay. Whether you need a personal checking account or a business account for your LLC, an ITIN bank account gives you full access to the US banking system. You can receive direct deposits, send wire transfers, use a debit card, and start building the financial foundation you need to operate in the United States.

Which Banks Accept an ITIN Bank Account?

Not every bank accepts ITINs, but a growing number of institutions do. The list includes both traditional brick-and-mortar banks and modern online banking platforms. Here are the most popular options for ITIN holders looking to open a US bank account.

Mercury

Mercury is one of the best options for ITIN holders who need a business bank account. It offers free checking with no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and a clean online dashboard for managing your finances. Mercury is especially popular with founders, freelancers, and e-commerce sellers who have an LLC. You can apply entirely online without visiting a branch. Learn more in our guide to open Mercury Bank with ITIN.

Wise

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is ideal for ITIN holders who send and receive money internationally. You get a multi-currency account that holds over 40 currencies, a US bank account with routing and account numbers, and some of the lowest international transfer fees available. Wise accepts ITINs for both personal and business accounts. Read our full walkthrough on how to open Wise with ITIN.

Relay

Relay offers free business checking designed for small businesses and freelancers. It accepts ITINs for account opening, provides up to 20 separate checking accounts for organizing your finances, and integrates with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. There are no hidden fees and no minimum balance. Check out our guide to open Relay Bank with ITIN.

Bank of America

Bank of America is the largest traditional bank that consistently accepts ITIN holders. You can open a personal checking or savings account at any branch by presenting your ITIN, a valid passport, and proof of address. Bank of America also offers secured credit cards for ITIN holders who want to start building US credit.

Chase

Chase accepts ITINs for personal banking accounts at most branches. You will need to visit a branch in person with your ITIN letter, passport, and a secondary form of ID. Chase offers a wide network of branches and ATMs, which makes it convenient for everyday banking.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo also accepts ITINs for personal bank accounts. Like Chase and Bank of America, you need to visit a branch with your documents. Wells Fargo has a strong presence across the US and offers bilingual services in many locations, which can be helpful for non-English-speaking ITIN holders.

ITIN Bank Account Comparison

Use this table to compare your options at a glance. Each bank has different strengths depending on whether you need personal banking, business banking, or international transfers.

Bank	Account Type	Monthly Fee	Apply Online	Best For
Mercury	Business	$0	Yes	LLC owners, startups
Wise	Personal / Business	$0	Yes	International transfers
Relay	Business	$0	Yes	Freelancers, small biz
Bank of America	Personal	$4.95+	No (in-branch)	Traditional banking
Chase	Personal	$12+	No (in-branch)	Branch/ATM network
Wells Fargo	Personal	$10+	No (in-branch)	Bilingual services

Documents Needed to Open an ITIN Bank Account

Banks require identification documents to verify your identity and comply with federal Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. While exact requirements vary by institution, most banks ask for the following:

ITIN assignment letter (CP565 notice): This is the official IRS letter confirming your ITIN. It serves as your primary tax identification document.
Valid passport: A current, unexpired passport from your home country. This is the most universally accepted form of photo ID for ITIN holders.
Proof of US address: A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and a US address. Some banks accept a letter from your employer or school.
Secondary ID (some banks): A national ID card, consular ID (like a Matricula Consular), or driver's license from your home country.

Pro tip:

Call your chosen bank before visiting to confirm their specific document requirements for ITIN holders. Branch-level policies can vary, and knowing exactly what to bring saves you a wasted trip.

For business accounts, you will also need your EIN confirmation letter (CP575), Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation, and your LLC operating agreement if applicable.

How to Open a US Bank Account with an ITIN

The process is straightforward whether you choose an online bank or a traditional branch. Follow these steps to open your ITIN bank account:

Get your ITIN first. You need an active, valid ITIN before any bank will open an account for you. If you do not have one yet, apply for your ITIN through itin.so to get started.
Choose your bank. Decide whether you need a personal or business account. For business banking, Mercury, Wise, and Relay are top choices. For personal banking with branch access, consider Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo.
Gather your documents. Collect your CP565 notice, passport, proof of address, and any secondary ID your chosen bank requires. For business accounts, also prepare your EIN letter and formation documents.
Apply online or visit a branch. For Mercury, Wise, or Relay, complete the online application and upload your documents. For traditional banks, visit a branch in person with your originals.
Fund your account. Make an initial deposit to activate your account. Some banks have no minimum deposit, while others may require $25 to $100 to open.
Set up online banking and your debit card. Once your account is active, enroll in online banking, set up direct deposit if applicable, and activate your debit card when it arrives.

How to Open a US Bank Account with an ITIN

Business vs Personal ITIN Bank Accounts

The type of account you need depends on how you plan to use it. Mixing personal and business finances is one of the most common mistakes ITIN holders make, and it can create serious tax and legal complications.

Personal Accounts

A personal checking or savings account is for your everyday finances: receiving wages, paying rent, buying groceries, and saving money. Traditional banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo are strong options for personal banking because they offer branch access, ATM networks, and in-person support.

Business Accounts

If you own an LLC, work as a freelancer, or sell on platforms like Amazon or Etsy, you need a separate business bank account. This keeps your business income and expenses separate from personal finances, which simplifies tax filing and protects your LLC's liability shield. Mercury and Relay are built specifically for business banking and make the process seamless for ITIN holders.

Why separation matters:

If you run business transactions through a personal account, you risk “piercing the corporate veil,” which means losing the liability protection your LLC provides. A dedicated business account keeps your finances clean and your business legally protected.

Building Credit After Opening Your ITIN Bank Account

Opening a bank account is the first step in building a US financial identity. The next step is establishing a credit history, which unlocks better financial products and opportunities over time.

Once your bank account is active, ask your bank about secured credit cards. A secured card requires a refundable deposit (usually $200 to $500) that serves as your credit limit. Use the card for small purchases each month, pay the balance in full, and your bank reports your positive payment history to the credit bureaus.

After 6 to 12 months of responsible usage, you will begin building a credit score. A score of 680 or higher opens the door to unsecured credit cards, auto loans, apartment rentals without extra deposits, and eventually mortgage eligibility. For more details, read our guide on how to build US credit with ITIN.

Your ITIN bank account is the foundation for everything you can do with an ITIN in the US financial system. Once you have banking and credit established, you can pursue car loans, mortgages, and other financial products that require a US banking history.

Frequently Asked Questions About ITIN Bank Accounts

Yes. Many US banks accept an ITIN in place of an SSN for opening checking and savings accounts. Major banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo all have programs for ITIN holders. Online-friendly platforms like Mercury, Wise, and Relay also accept ITINs, making it easy to open an account remotely.

Need an ITIN to open your US bank account? Apply for your ITIN today.