To open a US bank account as an immigrant, you need a government-issued photo ID, a US address, and a phone number. No Social Security Number required.
Quick answer
Most banks and financial services require three things from immigrants applying for an account: a government-issued photo ID, a physical US address (no P.O. boxes), and basic contact information like a phone number and email. You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) or a US-issued ID. If you have a passport, a place to live in the US, and a phone number, you can open an account today.
What you need to know
Here is the complete document checklist for opening a US bank account as an immigrant:
- Government-issued photo ID: a passport from your home country, a US driver's license, an accepted national ID, or (for Venezuelan members) a prórroga. No SSN required.
- US physical address: a street address where you currently live, including apartment number if applicable. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
- Phone number: a working mobile number where you can receive verification messages.
- Email address: for account communications and sign-in.
- Full legal name and date of birth: entered exactly as they appear on your ID.
That is the full list. No tax documents, no employment records, no credit history, and no SSN.
Government-issued photo ID
Your photo ID is the foundation of the application. A passport is the fastest path because it is universally recognized across nationalities and nearly always clears verification quickly.
Other accepted IDs vary by provider. MAJORITY accepts passports from multiple nationalities, US driver's licenses, national IDs from select countries, and the Venezuelan prórroga. For a full breakdown of which specific IDs are accepted (including which national IDs qualify by country), see our other article: What IDs can newcomers use to open a US bank account. And if your main question is how to open an account without a Social Security Number, start with How to open a US account without an SSN.
A few upload tips that prevent delays: use good lighting, avoid glare on the ID surface, capture all four edges clearly, and submit the original. No photocopies.
Proof of US address
You need a physical US street address. This does not have to be a permanent address or a lease in your name. You just need a current address where you are living or staying. Apartment number matters: include it if your address has one.
P.O. boxes are not accepted by any US bank or financial service for account-opening purposes.
You will typically enter your address during the application form, not upload a utility bill or lease. The address is used to verify your location, not your ownership or tenancy.
Contact information
Two pieces of contact information are required:
- Phone number: a mobile number that can receive texts or calls for verification.
- Email address: used for account setup, receipts, and security alerts.
You do not need a US phone number, but make sure you can receive messages on the number you use during sign-up.
How the verification process works
Once you submit your application, identity verification usually takes a few minutes. In some cases it can take up to 1 business day.
During verification, the system matches the name and date of birth you entered against the ID you uploaded. This is why it is critical to enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID, because even a small mismatch (middle name omitted, accent mark missing) can slow things down.
Your selfie is also part of the process: you will be asked to take a photo of yourself so the system can confirm the face on your ID matches the person applying. Good lighting and a clear background help.
One important note: once submitted, your identity information cannot be updated. Double-check your name and date of birth before you tap submit.
What to do next
- Download the MAJORITY app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Start the sign-up and enter your full legal name and date of birth exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Enter your US physical address.
- Upload your government-issued photo ID and take a selfie.
- Provide your phone number and email address.
- Wait for verification, usually a few minutes.
How MAJORITY can help
You can open a MAJORITY account with an international government-issued ID and a US address. No SSN, no US credit history, and no minimum balance requirement. The $6.99/month membership includes your FDIC-insured MAJORITY account, the MAJORITY Visa® Debit Card, international money transfers, international calling to 20+ countries, and more.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to open a US bank account?
No. MAJORITY does not require an SSN. A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport) is sufficient for identity verification.
Can I use a foreign passport to open a US bank account?
Yes. A passport from your home country is one of the most widely accepted forms of ID for opening a US account, and it is the fastest to verify. MAJORITY accepts passports from multiple nationalities.
What if I do not have a US address yet?
You need a US physical address to open an account. A friend or family member's address where you are staying works. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
Do I need a US phone number?
Not necessarily. You need a working phone number that can receive verification messages, but it does not have to be a US number.
How long does identity verification take?
Verification usually takes a few minutes. In some cases it can take up to 1 business day.
What happens if I enter my name wrong?
Identity information cannot be updated after submission. Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID, including accent marks and any middle names that appear on your document.
Disclosures
Additional onboarding questions may apply for members with no SSN.
The MAJORITY app facilitates banking services through Axiom Bank, N.A. ("Axiom"), Member FDIC. The funds deposited in the account held at Axiom, Member FDIC, are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 per depositor in the event Axiom fails and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Non-deposit products or services such as money transfers and telecom services are not FDIC-insured.
MAJORITY Visa® Debit Card is issued by Axiom Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.