Yes! That’s the answer to “Can I open a bank account without SSN or ITIN?” We’ve even created a dedicated free guide walking readers through the entire process of opening USA bank accounts, specifically bank accounts without an SSN or ITIN (though foreign tax IDs are still required).
As we’ve shared elsewhere, most people think this is an impossible feat… it’s not. In fact, opening a US bank account without an SSN or ITIN is 100% possible, 100% legal, and can even be done 100% remotely if you know where to look.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- Can I Open a Bank Account Without an SSN or ITIN?
- Who Can Open a Bank Account Without an SSN or ITIN
- How to Open a Bank Account in the US as a Non-Resident
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
Can I Open a Bank Account Without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes, you can open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN in the United States. Both foreign non-residents and foreign national US residents are eligible to open bank accounts without a US tax identification number. However, only a small number of banks will entertain account opening for non-resident individuals, especially remotely.
In the following sections, we will explore who can open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN. We will also answer two of the most frequently asked questions on the subject and we’ll share how you can start opening accounts right now.
Importantly, this article (and the other resources on our site), are designed to serve foreign non-resident individuals who do not live in the United States. So, if you are looking at opening US bank accounts with a different status or client profile, including as an illegal immigrant, then these resources will not generally apply.
Before diving in any further, if this is your first time visiting GlobalBanks, don’t forget to download your FREE US Banking Starter Guide. It’s designed to help non-residents with opening bank accounts at top financial institutions in the US.
Who Can Open a Bank Account Without an SSN or ITIN
A US bank account can be opened without an SSN or ITIN by individuals and companies from most countries. In fact, contrary to what most people believe, the US is one of the most accessible (and beneficial) banking jurisdictions in the world.
To help illustrate who can open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN, here is a list of the eligible profiles:
- Foreign non-residents
- Foreign US residents
- Former US citizens (renounced)
- Non-resident US LLCs
- Offshore holding companies
- Offshore operating companies
- Foreign companies with no US operations
- Foreign companies with operations or assets
In most cases, the only individuals or companies that cannot open US bank accounts are those that engage in high-risk activities or have ties to blacklisted jurisdictions.
Opening a Bank Account in the US as a Non-Resident
The most important takeaway from this article is that non-residents of the United States can open US bank accounts. In fact, non-residents can open a US bank account remotely without ever stepping foot in the United States.
That said, very few banks actually open accounts for non-US residents. And, there are very specific requirements that non-residents will need to navigate in order to open accounts. Not surprisingly, many of these requirements are difficult to overcome and (if you don’t know what you’re doing) can result in an application being denied.
How to Open a Bank Account in the US
If you would like to open a bank account in the US, you will need to first identify the specific banks that meet your profile. Additionally, you will need to carefully consider the account opening requirements imposed by banks, especially the deposit amount.
In many instances, the deposits and other requirements imposed by banks on non-residents are higher than those that they require from US residents. With this in mind, the information that is publicly listed on a bank’s website often does not apply to non-resident applicants.
If you decide to join GlobalBanks USA to get assistance with opening in the United States, you will be asked to complete an onboarding process. This process collects all of the information that helps our team of experts identify every US bank that you can consider opening with.
From there, we present you with the specific options, the pros and cons, their deposit and other requirements, and more. You can then decide which bank you are interested in opening with, at which time we will make a direct introduction to the bank so you can start the account opening process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are two of the most common questions that we receive from people wanting to open a bank account without an SSN or ITIN. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
Can a Non-US Citizen Open a US Bank Account?
Yes, a non-US citizen can open a US bank account. This includes opening accounts 100% remotely with top US banks. However, the process of opening accounts will depend on your citizenship, residency, ties to the United States, desired deposit amount, and more.
Can You Open a Bank Account in the US Without a Social Security Number?
Yes, you can open a bank account in the US without a Social Security Number (SSN). In order to do so, you need to know which specific banks will accept your client profile, offer opening with requirements you can meet, and are willing to accept your application remotely. If you need assistance with this process, our team can help you from start to finish right now with GlobalBanks USA.
Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
If so, you can get access to GlobalBanks USA (our dedicated US banking service) in just a few clicks.
GlobalBanks USA is a 100% personal account opening solution. It provides direct access to our team of US banking experts.
When you join, you receive…
+ Expert suggestions on where to open US bank accounts.
+ Step-by-step support to navigate opening US bank accounts.
+ Direct introductions to helpful and responsive bankers.
+ Plus, detailed guides to maximizing the value you get from your new US bank account.
And “yes!” GlobalBanks USA helps foreigners and non-resident individuals open bank accounts.
In fact, GlobalBanks USA even helps non-resident US LLCs and foreign & offshore entities.
To learn more about GlobalBanks USA, visit the product page to see how our team can help you successfully open US bank accounts!
