Best Banks That Accept ITIN for Account Opening (2025)
2025 list of banks and credit unions that accept ITIN. Document requirements, minimum deposits, account features, and credit-building opportunities.

Best Banks That Accept ITIN for Account Opening (2025)
Opening a bank account with an ITIN shouldn't be difficult—but it often is.
Many banks train their staff primarily on SSN procedures. Walk in with an ITIN and you might get confused looks, incorrect denials, or requests for documentation that doesn't apply to you.
The banks on this list have confirmed policies for accepting ITIN holders. Some are easier than others. All are possible with the right documentation and approach.
Best National Banks for ITIN Holders
Bank of America
ITIN Policy: Accepts ITIN for personal checking, savings, and CDs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Checking, Savings, CD, Money Market |
| Application Method | In-branch only |
| Minimum Deposit | $25-$100 depending on account |
| Monthly Fee | $0-$12 (waivable) |
| ITIN-Specific Notes | Must apply in person with ITIN letter |
Required Documents:
- Valid ITIN (CP565 letter from IRS)
- Government-issued photo ID (passport works)
- Proof of US address (utility bill, lease)
- Initial deposit
Tips:
- Call ahead to confirm the branch handles ITIN accounts
- Bring original documents, not copies
- Ask for a manager if staff seems unfamiliar with ITIN process
Chase
ITIN Policy: Accepts ITIN for most personal accounts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Checking, Savings |
| Application Method | In-branch only |
| Minimum Deposit | $0-$25 |
| Monthly Fee | $0-$12 (waivable) |
| ITIN-Specific Notes | May require additional verification |
Required Documents:
- Valid ITIN
- Passport or foreign government ID
- Secondary ID (foreign driver's license, national ID)
- Proof of US address
Tips:
- Some branches are more experienced with ITIN applications
- Chase Private Client locations often handle complex situations better
- Be prepared to wait for verification (may take several days)
Wells Fargo
ITIN Policy: Accepts ITIN for personal accounts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Checking, Savings |
| Application Method | In-branch only |
| Minimum Deposit | $25 |
| Monthly Fee | $0-$10 (waivable) |
| ITIN-Specific Notes | Strong ITIN acceptance history |
Required Documents:
- ITIN (CP565 letter or IRS documentation)
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Initial deposit
Tips:
- Wells Fargo has long experience with ITIN accounts
- Staff in immigrant-heavy areas are often more knowledgeable
- Ask about credit card options once account is established
Citibank
ITIN Policy: Accepts ITIN for personal banking
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Checking, Savings |
| Application Method | In-branch |
| Minimum Deposit | Varies by account type |
| Monthly Fee | $0-$25 (waivable with balance) |
| ITIN-Specific Notes | May have higher minimum balance requirements |
Required Documents:
- Valid ITIN
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Additional ID may be requested
Tips:
- Citibank is more common in urban areas
- Account fees tend to be higher than competitors
- Strong international wire transfer capabilities
US Bank
ITIN Policy: Accepts ITIN at most branches
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Checking, Savings |
| Application Method | In-branch |
| Minimum Deposit | $25 |
| Monthly Fee | $0-$6.95 (waivable) |
| ITIN-Specific Notes | Regional availability varies |
Required Documents:
- ITIN documentation
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of address
Best Online Banks for ITIN Holders
Online banks can be trickier for ITIN holders since verification happens electronically. However, some work well.
Chime
ITIN Policy: Accepts ITIN for Spending Account
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Type | Spending (Checking), Savings |
| Application Method | Online + verification |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 |
| ITIN-Specific Notes | One of the most ITIN-friendly online options |
Why Chime works:
- Specifically designed for underbanked populations
- No minimum balance or monthly fees
- Mobile-first experience
- Offers secured credit card (Credit Builder)
Required:
- ITIN
- US address
- Email and phone number
Mercury (Business Banking)
ITIN Policy: Accepts ITIN for business accounts (with EIN)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Type | Business checking, savings |
| Application Method | Online |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 |
| ITIN-Specific Notes | Focus on startups and tech companies |
Why it works for ITIN holders:
- Business account uses EIN, not personal SSN/ITIN
- ITIN holder can be the LLC owner
- Modern interface and API access
Novo (Business Banking)
ITIN Policy: Accepts business accounts from ITIN holders
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Type | Business checking |
| Application Method | Online |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 |
Setup path:
- Form LLC (ITIN-friendly state like Wyoming)
- Get EIN for LLC
- Apply for Novo using EIN
- ITIN holder listed as owner
Best Credit Unions for ITIN Holders
Credit unions often have more flexible policies than national banks.
Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU)
Location: North Carolina
ITIN Policy: Specifically serves immigrant communities
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Checking, Savings, Loans |
| Application | In-person at NC branches |
| ITIN Experience | Extensive—core demographic |
Self-Help Credit Union
Location: Multiple states (CA, NC, FL, IL, WI)
ITIN Policy: Welcomes ITIN holders
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Types | Full range of banking products |
| Application | In-person |
| ITIN Experience | Mission-driven to serve underbanked |
Local Credit Unions
Many community credit unions accept ITIN even without specific policies. Steps to find one:
- Search: "Credit union ITIN [your city]"
- Call ahead: "Do you accept ITIN for account opening?"
- Visit: If unsure, visit in person with all documents
Credit unions to try:
- Navy Federal (may have restrictions)
- BECU (Pacific Northwest)
- Alliant Credit Union
- PenFed Credit Union
Documents to Bring
Required by All Banks
-
ITIN Documentation
- CP565 letter (original ITIN assignment)
- Or: Recent tax return showing ITIN
- Or: IRS letter with your ITIN
-
Government-Issued Photo ID
- Passport (most accepted)
- Foreign driver's license
- National ID card
- Matricula Consular (accepted by some)
-
Proof of US Address
- Utility bill (recent, in your name)
- Lease agreement
- Bank statement from another institution
- Government correspondence
-
Initial Deposit
- Cash or check for minimum opening amount
- Typically $25-$100
Sometimes Required
- Secondary ID (two forms of ID total)
- Employment verification
- Proof of income
- Reference letter (rare)
What to Do If Denied
Step 1: Ask Why
Request specific reason for denial:
- Missing documentation?
- Verification issue?
- Policy confusion?
Step 2: Escalate
If staff seems confused about ITIN policy:
- Ask for a supervisor or manager
- Reference the bank's official ITIN policy (research beforehand)
- Remain calm and professional
Step 3: Try Different Branch
Some branches are more experienced with ITIN applications. Try:
- Branches in diverse neighborhoods
- Larger branches with more staff
- Different location of same bank
Step 4: Try Different Bank
If one bank won't work, move to the next on this list. Don't waste time fighting a battle you can avoid.
Step 5: Consider Credit Union
Credit unions often have more flexibility and personal service. A local credit union may approve you when big banks won't.
After Opening: Next Steps
Build Relationship
- Set up direct deposit (if applicable)
- Use account regularly
- Maintain positive balance
- Sign up for online banking
Ask About Credit Products
After 3-6 months, inquire about:
- Secured credit card
- Credit-builder programs
- Small personal loans
Many banks offer credit products to established customers that aren't available to new applicants.
Consider Business Account
If you have (or form) an LLC:
- Open business checking with EIN
- Separate personal and business finances
- Build business credit through business accounts
Banks to Avoid
Some banks are consistently difficult for ITIN holders:
PNC Bank: Inconsistent ITIN policies, frequent branch-level denials
TD Bank: Mixed experiences, some regions better than others
Discover Bank: Online-only model doesn't work well with ITIN verification
Most Online-Only Banks: Automated verification systems often reject ITIN
Bank Account Opening Checklist
Before Visiting
- Research bank's ITIN policy
- Call branch to confirm they handle ITIN accounts
- Gather all required documents
- Make copies (but bring originals)
- Prepare initial deposit amount
At the Bank
- Ask specifically to open account with ITIN
- Provide all documentation
- Ask about processing time
- Get confirmation of account opening
- Request debit card and checks
After Opening
- Activate debit card
- Set up online banking
- Set up direct deposit (if applicable)
- Monitor account for any issues
- Ask about credit products in 3-6 months
Next Steps
Having a US bank account is the foundation for everything else—credit cards, credit building, even business formation. Pick a bank from this list, gather your documents, and open your account this week.
If the first bank doesn't work, don't give up. Try another. One of these will work for you.
Need help navigating banking with ITIN? Freedom Consulting helps ITIN holders access financial services. Book a free consultation to create your banking and credit strategy.
Related: Building Credit with ITIN | ITIN vs SSN
Disclaimer: Bank policies change. Verify current policies before visiting. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Continue Learning
This article is part of our Building Credit with ITIN: The Complete Guide for Non-Citizens guide series.
Related articles in this series:
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