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Can I open a bank account with a passport?

Short answer

Yes, you can open a US bank account with a passport, but usually not with the passport alone. Federal rules let a non-US person give a passport number instead of an SSN or ITIN. Banks like Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo also ask for a second ID, and often a US address.

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By · Founder of ITIN Club

Updated

What the federal rule allows

Every bank must collect your name, date of birth, address and an identification number before it opens an account. That's the Customer Identification Program rule. For someone who isn't a US person, the OCC lists the passport number and issuing country as a valid identification number, along with a taxpayer ID, an alien ID card number or another government photo ID that shows nationality or residence.

The bank then checks your details against documents, and the OCC names the passport as one of them. So a passport covers both the ID number and the photo ID. What the rule doesn't do is stop a bank from asking for more.

What big banks ask for

These lists are examples. Chase says ID rules can change, so check with your branch.
BankHow the passport countsWhat else you need
ChasePrimary IDA secondary ID, like a utility bill or bank statement from the last 60 days, a student ID or a foreign national ID. Without a green card, one of the two must show a US address
Bank of AmericaPrimary ID, with or without a US visaA secondary ID, like a driver's license or a Visa or Mastercard card, plus a tax ID if you have one. Nonresident aliens give a foreign home address and a US mailing address
Wells FargoPrimary ID in a branchA secondary ID. Without an SSN or ITIN, a government ID that shows your nationality or residence. Online applications need an SSN or ITIN

Bank of America says it doesn't require an SSN to open an account, but it does require two IDs.

Before you go to the branch

  1. 1

    Bring the original passport

    Copies, screenshots and expired passports aren't accepted at Chase.

  2. 2

    Add a second ID

    A foreign driver's license, a credit or debit card, a student ID or a recent bill, depending on the bank's list.

  3. 3

    Have a US address ready

    Wells Fargo's online application requires one, Chase needs one of your two IDs to show it if you don't have a green card, and Bank of America asks for a US address too. Bring a document with your name and that address.

  4. 4

    Book an appointment

    Bank of America asks you to schedule a visit to a financial center for this account.

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Bank account document checklist

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Related questions

Sources

  1. HelpWithMyBank.gov (OCC): ID needed to open a bank accounthelpwithmybank.gov
  2. 31 CFR 1020.220: Customer Identification Programecfr.gov
  3. Chase: acceptable forms of identification (PDF)chase.com
  4. Bank of America: opening an account as an international professionalinfo.bankofamerica.com
  5. Wells Fargo: identification required to open Everyday Checkingwellsfargo.com

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