How to Open a Bank Account in the USA Without an SSN

Introduction

A bank account in the USA = essential: direct deposit, bills, building credit. It is possible without an SSN – you just need to know where and how.

What You Need

• Valid Passport
• Second Document – Polish driver's license, ID card, consular ID
• Address in the USA – gas bill, lease agreement (sometimes not required)
• SSN or ITIN (catch, see below)
• Initial Deposit: 25-100 USD

What is ITIN

• ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) – for individuals without work authorization
• Form W-7 to IRS with the first tax return
• Time: 7-11 weeks
• With ITIN, the bank treats you almost like an SSN holder

Banks Accepting Without SSN

Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union (PSFCU) – BEST OPTION

• Accepts passport + second document; SSN/ITIN preferred but not always required
• Service in Polish
• Membership: 5 USD + 5 USD deposit
• Branches: Greenpoint, Maspeth, Ridgewood, Wallington (NJ), Linden (NJ), McCook (IL), Mt. Prospect (IL), Trenton, Philadelphia
• No monthly fees, debit card, CO-OP network (30k free ATMs)

Chase Bank

• Accepts passport + ITIN
• Without ITIN sometimes "Chase Secure Banking" with passport + address
• 12 USD/month, waived with direct deposit of 500+

Bank of America

• Passport + ITIN
• "Advantage SafeBalance" – 4.95 USD/month, no overdraft

Wells Fargo

• Passport + ITIN
• Sometimes opens with just a passport (depends on the branch)

Capital One

• ITIN OK; harder without SSN
• "Capital One 360" – online with no fees

Online Banks (with SSN/ITIN)

• Ally Bank – high interest, no fees
• Discover Bank – no fees
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs – savings APY

Fintech Apps (without SSN)

• Revolut USA, Wise – multi-currency account with USD routing/account
• NOT full banks; do not build credit

Types of Accounts

• Checking – current, debit card, checks
• Savings – savings account, 3-4% APY in high-yield
• Money Market – hybrid, higher interest
• CD – deposit for 3-60 months

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Choose a bank (PSFCU for Poles without ITIN)
2. Schedule an appointment
3. Prepare documents + initial deposit of 25-100 USD
4. Fill out W-9 (with SSN/ITIN) or W-8BEN (non-resident)
5. Account number + temporary card; proper card by mail in 7-14 days
6. Online banking – with number + SSN/ITIN
7. Direct deposit at work – routing + account number

Fees to Avoid

• Monthly maintenance: 5-15 USD (waived with direct deposit)
• ATM fees: 3-5 USD out of network
• Overdraft: 30-35 USD/instance – opt-out or overdraft protection
• Foreign transaction: 3%
• Wire transfer: 25-45 USD; better to use Wise/Remitly

After Opening an Account

• Direct deposit at work
• Bill pay – automatic payments
• After 3-6 months: first credit card
• Apps: Venmo, Zelle, Cash App

Common Mistakes

• Trying to open an online bank account without SSN – impossible; go to a branch
• Not paying maintenance fee → overdraft
• 10k+ USD in cash instead of in the bank – no FDIC, no interest
• Not choosing PSFCU for Poles