Opening a bank account is one of the first things you
need to do when you arrive in the United States. But
most banks ask for a Social Security Number — which
many new immigrants don’t have yet.

The good news: several U.S. banks and online financial
institutions accept an ITIN, a passport, or other
foreign identification to open an account.

Here are the best bank accounts for immigrants in 2026.

Why You Need a U.S. Bank Account

Without a bank account in the U.S. you cannot receive
direct deposits from your employer, pay bills online,
build a financial record for future credit applications,
or send and receive money easily. A bank account is
the foundation of your financial life in America.

What Documents Do You Need?

Most immigrant-friendly banks will accept a combination
of these documents: valid foreign passport, ITIN
(Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), proof of
U.S. address such as a utility bill or lease agreement,
and a secondary form of ID such as a foreign driver’s
license or consular ID card.

Best Bank Accounts for Immigrants in 2026

1. Bank of America
   One of the most immigrant-friendly major banks in the
   U.S. Accepts ITIN and foreign passports. Offers
   multilingual customer service in Spanish and other
   languages. The SafeBalance account has no overdraft
   fees and is waived for customers under 25.
2. Chase Bank
   Accepts foreign passports, Matricula Consular cards,
   and U.S. Employment Authorization cards as primary
   identification. Offers secured credit cards to help
   you start building credit immediately after opening
   your account.
3. Capital One
   Accepts ITIN for account opening. Offers both checking
   and savings accounts with competitive interest rates.
   Strong mobile app and no minimum balance requirements
   on most accounts.
4. Majority
   Designed specifically for immigrants and people new
   to the U.S. Accepts international IDs and passports
   with no SSN required. Includes free calls to over 20
   countries including Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela.
   Monthly fee of $5.99.
5. Firstcard
   No SSN or ITIN required. Apply with just your passport
   and visa. Includes a secured credit card to build
   credit from day one. Zero monthly fees.
6. Current
   Online bank that accepts ITIN in most cases. No
   credit check, no minimum balance, no monthly fees.
   Includes a debit card that reports to credit bureaus
   to help build your credit score.

How to Open a Bank Account as an Immigrant

Step 1: Choose a bank that accepts your form of
identification. Call ahead or check online to confirm
their requirements before visiting.

Step 2: Gather your documents. At minimum bring your
passport and proof of U.S. address. If you have an
ITIN bring that too.

Step 3: Visit a branch in person or apply online.
Many accounts can now be opened entirely online in
minutes.

Step 4: Make an initial deposit. Most accounts require
between $25 and $100 to open.

Step 5: Set up direct deposit from your employer as
soon as possible. This helps establish your financial
record immediately.

Tips to Avoid Common Problems

Always confirm whether the bank accepts your specific
form of ID before applying. Some branches accept
documents that others do not. If you are rejected at
one branch, try a different location or a different
bank. Online banks and fintech companies are often
more flexible than traditional banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an undocumented immigrant open a bank account?
Yes. Several banks accept foreign passports and
consular ID cards without requiring an SSN or ITIN.
Bank of America and Chase are among the most
accessible options.

Is my money safe in a U.S. bank?
Yes. U.S. banks are FDIC insured, which means your
deposits are protected up to $250,000 even if the
bank fails.

Can I open a bank account online without visiting
a branch?
Yes. Many online banks like Current, Firstcard, and
Majority allow you to open an account entirely online
using your passport and a selfie for verification.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?
Many immigrant-friendly accounts have no minimum
balance requirements. Always check the fee schedule
before opening an account.