Created in 1936, the Social Security number established a way for the federal government to identify and track its citizens. Social Security numbers contain an area number (first three digits), a group number (second two digits), and a serial number (last four digits).
We often don’t learn about our Social Security numbers until we’re older, when they become necessary for official documentation. However, not everyone has a Social Security number.
This becomes a large problem when trying to open a bank account in America. Most banks require you to submit your Social Security number as a way to satisfy their know-your-customer (KYC) requirements by verifying your identity.
However, you can open certain bank accounts if you have an alternate form of identification. Sometimes a driver’s license will suffice, but other times you’ll need to produce your ITIN (individual taxpayer identification number) or passport to prove you are who you say you are.
Searching for banks that accept an alternate form of identification can require extensive research to find one that best fits your needs. However, we’ve put together a list of banks that offer accounts without the requirement of a Social Security number.
Are you ready to learn more about banks that don’t require Social Security numbers? Let’s get started!
Zolve is a platform that simplifies the process of building credit for individuals. With Zolve, it is now possible to open a U.S. bank account without the need for a Social Security Number. Additionally, Zolve offers a free Azpire credit card that enables users to start building credit.
Why Do Banks Require Identification
Verifying your identity is part of the KYC requirements banks must adhere to when granting access to a bank account. These requirements are satisfied by a Social Security number, passport, ITIN, or driver’s license.
There is no legal requirement that you have to have an SSN to open a bank account. However, banks may request that you provide additional personal details, such as your date of birth, address, and phone number.
Banks also use your SSN to report any interest you make on your account balances to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you’re in the process of obtaining an SSN but need a bank account now, several banks can help you achieve your goals.
8 Banks That Don’t Require Social Security Numbers
You’ll find some of the best national banks on this list, as well as a few of the best bank accounts to have, no matter your Social Security number status.
However, banks can change their rules at the tip of a hat, so it’s best to consult with a representative to verify the details below before you proceed any further.
1. Zolve
Zolve makes it easy and painless to open a bank account without an SSN. If you don’t have an SSN, you can use your ITIN to qualify for an account.
You can download the Zolve app for both Apple and Android devices or visit Zolve on the web. The application only takes a few minutes and nearly everyone is pre-approved.
Zolve offers several features, including:
- No annual fees or late fees
- No credit check or minimum security deposit required
- Up to 10% cash back at over 10,000 select retailers
- FDIC insurance up to $250,000
With the Zolve Aspire secured card, you can spend and earn money while building your credit score. Zolve reports your activity to all three credit bureaus at the end of each month to help you improve your credit with positive payment history.
After four months of on-time payments, Zolve allows you to upgrade to an unsecured credit card with a limit of up to $5,000. You can easily add money to your Zolve account from your Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or third-party bank accounts.
Zolve also offers deals on auto loans and insurance for you, your pet, and your pad. Withdrawals are free at partner ATMs and your Zolve Aspire card comes with Mastercard’s Zero Liability Protection.
Zolve is a platform that simplifies the process of building credit for individuals. With Zolve, it is now possible to open a U.S. bank account without the need for a Social Security Number. Additionally, Zolve offers a free Azpire credit card that enables users to start building credit.
2. Chase Bank
It is possible to open a bank account with Chase without a Social Security Number (SSN), but it can be more challenging.
Chase requires an identification number to open a bank account, and the most commonly used identification number is the SSN.
However, if you don’t have an SSN, you may be able to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of government-issued identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Chase may also require you to fill out a tax form for filing purposes. Bring your papers with you to a physical branch to open these Chase bank accounts without an SSN.
If you’re looking for bank accounts with bonuses, Chase is the place to earn more.
You’ll need to complete specific qualifying activities to earn these bonuses, but you only need a green card or visa to open a Chase bank account.
The best Chase Bank promotions include:
Chase Total Checking®
Earn a $200 bonus when you open a new account and set up direct deposit by July 19, 2023. This account, like nearly every Chase account, is FDIC insured up to $250,000.
If you’re new to Chase and open a Chase Total Checking® account, you can earn up to a $200 welcome bonus. To complete the requirements for this consumer checking account, set up a direct deposit within 90 days. You’ll receive your bonus within 15 business days.
Chase Secure Banking℠
As long as you make qualifying transactions, you can earn a $100 bonus by opening this account. In addition to getting paid up to two days early, this Secure Banking account lets you pay with Zelle for $4.95 per month. This offer expires on July 19, 2023, as well.
A $100 bonus is yours if you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days. Once you complete the requirements, you should receive your Chase Secure Banking bonus within 15 days.
Chase First Banking℠
Designed to be the first bank account for kids aged 6 to 17, Chase First Banking comes with no monthly fees. Parents must have an existing Chase account to open, but it’s a great conversation starter for discussing finances.
Consider choosing Chase as your child's first banking option, as it can be a beneficial choice. With Chase First Banking℠, your child can learn how to manage money effectively, without encountering any fees, as it is a free service.
Chase Private Client
Deposit $150,000 or more and maintain that balance to earn $1,000 with this account. This offer expires on July 19 as well. This account also comes with no account fees or wire transfer fees.
The Chase Private Client experience unlocks access to lower rates when financing a big purchase and connects you with a private banker and investment advisor whenever you like. Save time and money with better banking benefits and special services, plus a $3,000 welcome bonus.
Chase College Checking
Complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of opening and you can earn $100. There’s no monthly fee if you’re a student between the ages of 17 and 24. Open a new College Checking account before July 19 to take advantage of this offer.
3. Wells Fargo
If you don’t have a Social Security number, Wells Fargo allows you to use your ITIN instead. This nationally recognized bank offers several checking and savings accounts to choose from.
Wells Fargo is currently running a promotion that allows you to receive up to $2,500 when you upgrade to a Premier account.
All you have to do is deposit $250,000 or more within 45 days of opening the account and maintain that balance until 90 days after opening the account have passed.
Related: Finding Your Wells Fargo Bank Routing Number
4. PNC Bank
PNC Bank’s Virtual Wallet accounts are well-known in the industry and feature no monthly fees, minimum opening deposits, or minimum balance requirements. However, PNC’s overdraft fees are not waived.
U.S. citizens and resident aliens will need their Social Security numbers but if either of these doesn’t apply to you, you can schedule an appointment to fill out your application.
Current offers for new members include earning a cash reward for opening an account, maintaining an average balance for the first three statement cycles (90 days), and making at least 20 qualifying transactions. A deposit of $5,000 will earn you $300 while a $30,000 deposit gets you $500.
Related: PNC Bank Hours and Holidays
5. Citi
Deposit between $10,000 and $29,999 within 20 days of opening your new Citi account and you could earn up to $200 in bonus cash. You’ll need to maintain that balance for 60 more days to earn this bonus, which is deposited 30 days after you complete the above requirements.
Citi is one of the largest banks in the United States that offers a wide range of products, from checking and savings accounts to loans. As you can see, Citi also offers year-round tiered bonuses that help you earn more for bringing your finances to this bank.
To earn the $200 bonus above, you’ll also need to open the account before July 23, 2023. Should you deposit $300,000 or more between your checking, investment, and retirement accounts, you can earn up to $2,000 in bonus cash.
6. Bank of America
Bank of America promotions run throughout the year. With so many accounts to choose from, your options are wide open for picking out which best fits your needs.
Customers who don’t have a Social Security number will need to make an appointment at a local Bank of America branch to open an account. Be sure to bring your ITIN and proof of address with you.
Related: Bank of America Hours
7. Alliant Credit Union
Credit union promotions like those offered by Alliant often require you to become a member to earn rewards. To obtain membership with Alliant, you’ll need to be at least 18, have a valid ID, and have either an SSN or ITIN.
Joining Alliant doesn’t take a huge commitment. You can become a member of Foster Care to Success for a one-time $5 fee after submitting a soft credit check.
8. Marcus by Goldman Sachs
This online-only bank is available in all 50 states and offers a wide range of services from free checking and savings accounts to investments and loans. You can open a Marcus account with your ITIN, online of course, and receive a free debit card.
Though Marcus doesn’t have any physical branches, it doesn’t charge fees for wire transfers. If you want to open a new checking account online without jumping through too many hoops, Marcus could be the right fit.
How to Open a Bank Account Without a Social Security Number
Earning some of the best bank account bonuses or accessing 5% interest savings accounts can be well worth the trouble of proving your identity when you don’t have a Social Security number.
Opening a bank account without an SSN can require extra steps, and there’s no one path to obtaining a U.S. bank account.
1. Figure Out What Type of Bank Account You Want
A bank account that requires alternate forms of identification isn’t the easiest bank account to open online. In fact, banks may even require that you visit a branch in person to open these types of accounts.
Before you even visit a location, however, you’ll want to pick out which account(s) you want to open. You will be somewhat restricted by eligibility qualifications in some cases, but you can still potentially open a checking and savings account.
2. Determine What Identification Documents You Have
Part of determining which account(s) you want to open is knowing what documentation you have to prove your identity. If you have an ITIN, passport, or driver’s license, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a bank account to open.
3. Find Banks That Don’t Require a Social Security Number
Our list of banks that don’t require a Social Security number to open an account can help you narrow down your selection. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t perform your own research and find accounts that may better fit your needs.
4. Compare and Contrast Bank Account Features
Once you’ve come up with a short list of the banks that don’t require an SSN, take a moment to compare them. Focus on the included features, potential fees, perks, and other fine details.
For example, some bank accounts allow you to get reimbursed for ATM fees or avoid overdraft fees if you meet certain requirements. Other banks offer cashback debit and credit cards you can use to earn rewards for the purchases you already make.
Related: 17 Banks That Let You Overdraft Immediately
5. Complete the Bank Application
When you’ve decided on the bank account you’d like to open, you can visit a branch to complete the application. Some banks let you create an account online depending on what identification you have, but it is often best to visit in person to head off any issues.
It’s important to bring your identification with you when you visit a bank branch. You will likely need to provide your date of birth, proof of address, and any other identifying documents necessary.
FAQs
Yes, you can open a bank account without a Social Security number. You just need to prove your identity in another way with banks that allow alternate forms of identification.
Zolve, Chase, Wells Fargo, Alliant Credit Union, and Bank of America don’t require a Social Security number to open a bank account. Instead, these banks require alternate forms of identification to prove your identity.
Depending on the bank, you can use several alternative forms of identification to open a bank account. These include an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), a passport, or a driver’s license in some cases.
Banks need your Social Security number for many reasons. Your SSN will verify your identity and allow the bank to report your interest earnings to the IRS.
Bank Accounts and SSNs: Two Important Numbers
Of all the numbers we encounter in our lives, Social Security numbers and bank account numbers can make a large difference. One gives us access to our identity as recognized by the government while the other helps us access our funds.
We hope this article has helped you to learn more about Social Security numbers and what bank accounts you can open without one. While SSNs can make the application process easier, they are not a requirement for many banks.
As long as you have an alternate form of identification and have no outstanding criminal issues, you should be able to qualify for a U.S. bank account. There might be more steps involved, but the result is the same.
What other doors can your identification open for you?
- Get spotted up to $250 without fees
- Join 10+ million people using the finance super app
- Banking with instant discounts on gas, food delivery, groceries and more
- Start investing, saving, and budgeting for free
