Bank accounts for immigrants in the US
A new immigrant bank account search often starts with a passport, an address and uncertainty about an SSN or ITIN. This guide compares two US checking options and their published document routes. Non-citizen access, tax-identification requirements and remote opening need to be checked separately.
Official sources · Checked 2026-10-08
US bank accounts and immigrant opening requirements
Amounts are in USD. These are selected checking products with published non-citizen document guidance, not dedicated immigrant promotions or a complete market ranking.
Scroll across the table to compare all fields and official sources.
| Bank / product | Monthly fee / opening deposit | SSN / ITIN | Passport and address evidence | Opening route | Official sources / checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance | $4.95 monthly; $25 opening deposit. Published waivers include age and balance conditions. | International guide says SSN is not required; tax ID requested if applicable. Confirm the route for your circumstances. | Two unexpired IDs; foreign passport is an accepted option. Address requirements differ for resident and non-resident aliens. | International professional guide directs applicants to an appointment with documents. | Bank of America — International professional account opening ↗Bank of America — SafeBalance fees ↗ |
| Chase Total Checking | $15 monthly; $0 with qualifying conditions, including $500 in qualifying electronic deposits. Confirm any opening deposit. | The ID list alone does not establish a no-SSN / no-ITIN route. Confirm tax-ID requirements at the branch. | Passport is listed as a primary ID for non-US citizens; secondary ID and address rules vary by residence category. | Confirm the branch route for your non-citizen document combination before applying online. | Chase — Acceptable forms of identification ↗Chase — Total Checking fees ↗ |
An accepted passport does not establish that every applicant can open an account, or that no tax identification is needed. Other transaction, ATM and service fees may apply.
Compare bank accounts for immigrants in the US →Can an immigrant open a bank account without an SSN?
Bank of America’s international-professional guide states that an SSN is not required for its published route. It still requires identity and address evidence and a tax identification number if applicable.
Do not generalize that statement to every bank or online application. Ask whether the provider accepts your tax-ID situation, whether an ITIN is required and which branch process applies. Chase’s acceptable-ID list is not evidence of a universal no-SSN route.
SSN, ITIN and residence evidence are different checks
A passport identifies you, an address establishes where you can be contacted or reside, and a tax identifier serves a different purpose. Having one does not automatically satisfy the other requirements.
Tell the bank your broad residence category and ask for its current document list. This page does not determine tax residency or advise you which tax form to use.
Which banks accept a foreign passport?
Bank of America lists a foreign passport among its identification options. Chase lists a passport with photo for non-US citizens, alongside a separate secondary-ID list.
For Chase non-citizens without a green card, its published list includes additional address requirements and a student-document exception. Read the relevant category rather than taking a passport alone to the appointment.
Compare costs before opening a US immigrant bank account
Check the regular monthly fee and whether your actual balance or incoming payments can meet a waiver. Include ATM use, transfers, overdraft treatment and any opening deposit in the comparison.
If neither option matches your documents or budget, research local banks and credit unions too. Confirm account availability and deposit-insurance information with the actual institution.
A practical opening checklist
Confirm the bank’s document and tax-ID requirements, arrange a branch appointment where needed, and review the final account disclosures. Submit sensitive documents directly to the provider, never to a research conversation.
- Accepted primary and secondary identification
- US and / or foreign address evidence for the applicable route
- Tax identification if required
- Opening deposit and fee-waiver conditions
- Official appointment and application channel
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-US citizen open a bank account?
Banks publish non-citizen routes, subject to identity, address and other checks. The comparison lists two examples with official document sources.
Can I open a US account with only a passport?
Do not assume so. Bank of America asks for two IDs, and Chase publishes primary and secondary ID lists with residence-specific requirements.
Can I open an immigrant bank account online?
A general online application may have narrower requirements than a branch route. Confirm support for your exact document and tax-ID situation before relying on remote opening.
Does an ITIN guarantee that a bank will open my account?
No. A tax identifier is only one part of the provider’s requirements and does not guarantee acceptance.
Are these accounts only for immigrants?
No. They are standard checking products shown alongside the banks’ published non-citizen document routes.
Official references
Edited by Pick Rabbit Studio. Comparison rows show their own source-review dates; terms can change. Compare the published conditions and confirm uncertainties with the provider. This guide does not predict approval.
Bank of America — International professional account opening ↗Bank of America — SafeBalance fees ↗Chase — Acceptable forms of identification ↗Chase — Total Checking fees ↗Chase — U.S. banking for non-residents ↗