Bank of America ITIN Account 2026: Open Checking with SafePass Debit

What Is Bank of America and Why Do ITIN Holders Choose It?

Bank of America is the second-largest bank in the United States with $3.2 trillion in total assets and 3,800+ branches across 38 states. ITIN holders choose Bank of America for its low direct deposit waiver threshold, SafePass no-overdraft debit card, and strong Spanish-language support.

Bank of America by the Numbers

• 3,800+ branches across 38 states
• 15,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
• $3.2 trillion in total assets (2nd largest US bank)
• $12/mo Advantage SafePass fee (waivable at $250 DD)
• $0 overdraft fees on SafePass accounts
• $0 for Zelle person-to-person transfers
• $250,000 FDIC insurance per depositor
• 67 million consumer and small business clients

Bank of America's key advantage for ITIN holders is the $250 monthly direct deposit waiver, the lowest among major banks. Chase requires $500 and Wells Fargo requires $500 for comparable fee waivers. This makes Bank of America the most affordable major bank for ITIN holders with modest regular income. Building a relationship with Bank of America also opens paths to ITIN credit cards and secured lending products.

Does Bank of America Accept ITIN Holders for Checking Accounts?

Yes. Bank of America accepts ITIN holders for personal checking, savings, and CD accounts. You must open your account in person at a Bank of America financial center. Online account opening is restricted to SSN holders.

Account Types for ITIN Holders

Bank of America offers 3 checking tiers to ITIN holders. Advantage SafePass Checking ($12/mo, waivable) includes a debit card that cannot overdraft. Advantage Plus Checking ($12/mo, waivable at $1,500 balance) includes standard overdraft options. Advantage Relationship Banking ($25/mo, waivable at $10,000 combined balance) includes premium benefits like free wire transfers and safe deposit box discounts.

SafePass Advantage for ITIN Holders

The SafePass account is designed specifically for customers who want to avoid overdraft fees entirely. Your debit card transactions are declined if your balance is insufficient. This eliminates the risk of unexpected $35 overdraft fees that can accumulate on standard accounts. For ITIN holders new to US banking, SafePass provides financial safety while you build your understanding of the US banking system.

What Documents Do You Need to Open Bank of America with an ITIN?

3 documents are required to open a Bank of America account with an ITIN. Have all originals ready before visiting a financial center.

• ITIN letter (CP565 or CP565B): The original IRS letter confirming your ITIN assignment. This replaces the SSN requirement. If your ITIN has expired (unused for 3 consecutive tax years), you need to renew your ITIN before opening an account.
• Valid passport: Your current, unexpired passport from your home country. Bank of America uses this as your primary photo identification. The passport must be in its original form (no copies).
• Proof of US address: A utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or government correspondence dated within the last 60 days. The document must display your full name and US street address.

How Do You Open a Bank of America Account with an ITIN?

The process takes 5 steps and approximately 30 to 45 minutes at a Bank of America financial center.

1. Find your nearest Bank of America financial center. Use the locator at bankofamerica.com/locateus. Bank of America operates 3,800+ branches across 38 states. Most branches are open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM with Saturday hours at select locations.
2. Bring your 3 required documents. ITIN letter (CP565), valid passport, and proof of US address dated within 60 days. Bring originals only.
3. Meet with a financial specialist. Tell the specialist you want to open a checking account using your ITIN. The specialist will verify your documents and enter your ITIN as your tax identification number.
4. Choose your account tier. Select Advantage SafePass ($12/mo, waivable at $250 DD), Advantage Plus ($12/mo, waivable at $1,500 balance), or Advantage Relationship ($25/mo, waivable at $10,000). SafePass is best for most ITIN holders.
5. Make your $25 minimum deposit and receive your debit card. Fund your account with cash, check, or transfer. Bank of America issues a temporary debit card at the branch. Your permanent SafePass Visa debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What Features Does Bank of America Offer ITIN Account Holders?

Bank of America provides ITIN holders with 7 key features identical to SSN account holders.

SafePass Debit Card (No Overdraft Fees)

The SafePass Visa debit card prevents overdrafts entirely. If your account balance is insufficient, the transaction is declined instead of charging a $35 overdraft fee. This feature protects ITIN holders from unexpected charges while learning US banking practices.

Bank of America Mobile App

The mobile app supports mobile check deposit, bill pay, account transfers, Erica (AI financial assistant), and spending summaries. Available in English and Spanish. Rated 4.7 stars on the App Store. ITIN holders get full app access including fingerprint and Face ID login.

Fee-Free ATM Network

Access 15,000+ Bank of America ATMs across the US with $0 fees. Deposits, withdrawals, and transfers are free at Bank of America ATMs. Non-Bank of America ATMs cost $2.50 per transaction plus any fee charged by the ATM owner.

Zelle Transfers

Send and receive money instantly to any US bank account holder using Zelle through the Bank of America app. Zelle transfers are free. Send up to $3,500 per day and $10,000 per month. Transfers arrive within minutes.

SafeSend to Mexico

Bank of America offers SafeSend for lower-cost transfers to Mexico directly from the mobile app. Transfer fees start at $0 for Preferred Rewards members and $2.50 for standard accounts. Funds arrive at participating Mexican banks within 1 business day. This feature is valuable for ITIN holders sending remittances to family in Mexico.

Preferred Rewards Program

ITIN holders with $20,000+ in combined Bank of America and Merrill accounts qualify for Preferred Rewards Gold tier. Benefits include a 25% credit card rewards bonus, free ATM usage nationwide, and fee waivers on select services. Higher tiers (Platinum at $50K, Diamond at $100K) offer additional benefits.

What Does Bank of America Cost for ITIN Holders?

Bank of America charges identical fees to ITIN and SSN holders. Here is the complete fee schedule as of April 2026.

How Does Bank of America Compare to Chase and Capital One for ITIN Holders?

All three banks accept ITINs for personal checking. The best choice depends on fee waivers, branch access, and online features.

For detailed comparisons, see our Chase Bank ITIN guide and Capital One ITIN guide. For all banking options, visit our ITIN bank account guide.

Can You Build Credit with Bank of America Using an ITIN?

Yes. Bank of America offers the BankAmericard Secured Credit Card to ITIN holders, making credit building possible from day one. This is a major advantage over Chase, which typically requires 12 months of banking history before considering ITIN holders for credit cards.

The BankAmericard Secured Card requires a minimum $300 security deposit (up to $4,900). Your credit limit equals your deposit. The card charges no annual fee in the first year ($39 after). Bank of America reports to all 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) monthly. After 12 months of on-time payments, Bank of America reviews your account for upgrade to an unsecured card with return of your deposit.

For more options, see our complete ITIN credit card guide covering secured and unsecured cards available to ITIN holders.

Who Should Use Bank of America with an ITIN?

Bank of America is the best fit for 4 types of ITIN holders.

ITIN Holders with Modest Direct Deposits

Bank of America's $250 monthly direct deposit fee waiver is the lowest among major banks. If you receive regular income of $250+ per month through direct deposit, your account is effectively free. This is half of Chase's $500 requirement.

ITIN Holders Who Want No Overdraft Risk

The SafePass account eliminates overdraft fees entirely. Transactions are declined instead of creating overdrafts. This protects ITIN holders new to US banking from unexpected charges that can total $100+ per day at other banks.

ITIN Holders Who Send Money to Mexico

Bank of America's SafeSend feature offers low-cost transfers to Mexico directly from the mobile app. Fees start at $0 for Preferred Rewards members. Funds arrive at participating Mexican banks within 1 business day.

ITIN Holders Who Want Immediate Credit Access

Unlike Chase and Wells Fargo, Bank of America offers a secured credit card to ITIN holders without requiring 12 months of banking history first. Open a checking account and apply for the BankAmericard Secured Card on the same day to start building US credit immediately.