Newcomers can open a US bank account with a foreign passport, a US driver's license, a national ID, or another government-issued photo ID, plus a US address.
Quick answer
Most US financial providers ask for one piece of government-issued photo identification, proof of a US address, and basic personal information when you open an account. A foreign passport is the most widely accepted document if you're new to the country, and many providers also accept US driver's licenses or state IDs, national ID cards from your home country, and in some cases an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number (SSN).
What you need to know
- A valid government-issued photo ID is the core requirement. The most common options are a foreign passport, a US driver's license or state ID, or a national identity card from your country of origin.
- You usually need proof of a US residential address. Utility bills, rental agreements, and bank statements are typical examples.
- You generally do not need US citizenship to open an account. Newcomers, visa holders, and ITIN holders can qualify with most newcomer-focused providers.
- An SSN is not required at every US financial provider. Some providers accept an ITIN, and some accept alternative verification using a foreign passport or national ID.
- The ID must be valid (not expired) and original. Photocopies and screenshots are typically rejected, and the photo of the document must show all four corners clearly.
- You will usually be asked to take a selfie so the provider can match your face to the photo on your ID.
Accepted forms of identification, by document type
The table below summarises the most common photo IDs newcomers use to open a US financial account, what each one is, and where they're typically accepted.
| ID type | What it is | Who it's typically issued to |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign passport | A photo ID issued by your home country's government | Citizens of any country with a national passport |
| US driver's license or state ID | A photo ID issued by a US state DMV | Anyone living in a US state who meets that state's eligibility rules |
| National ID card | A photo ID issued by your home country's civil registry (for example, the Mexican INE, the Colombian cédula, the Dominican cédula) | Citizens of countries that issue a national identity card |
| Passport extension (prórroga del pasaporte) | An official extension of an existing passport's validity period | Venezuelan citizens whose passport is being renewed under the prórroga policy |
| ITIN documentation | A 9-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS to people who need a US tax ID but are not eligible for an SSN | Resident and non-resident migrants who file US taxes |
A foreign passport is the most universally accepted document because every country issues them in a similar format, and verification systems can read them quickly. If you only have one document available, a valid passport is usually the safest choice.
What about a matrícula consular or other consular ID?
Some US financial providers, particularly community banks, credit unions, and newcomer-focused fintechs, accept the matrícula consular de alta seguridad issued by Mexican consulates, and a handful of other consular IDs from Latin American countries. Acceptance varies by provider and by state, so confirm directly with the provider before you start the application. If a provider's accepted-ID list does not name your specific consular ID, ask whether a passport from the same country is accepted instead.
What about people without an SSN?
Federal law does not require every US financial provider to collect an SSN to open an account. Under the Customer Identification Program rules in the USA PATRIOT Act, providers must verify each member's identity, but they have flexibility in how they do it. SSN is one accepted identifier; an ITIN is another; in many cases a passport plus address verification is enough.
This is why some providers, especially those built for newcomers, can open accounts for people who haven't yet received an SSN, including people on a work or student visa, ITIN holders, and recent arrivals waiting on their SSN application.
Documents you'll usually be asked for at sign-up
When you start a US financial account application, expect to be asked for:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, state ID, or national ID).
- Your full legal name and date of birth, exactly as they appear on the ID.
- A current US residential address. P.O. boxes are typically not accepted; you'll need a physical address.
- A US phone number for receiving a verification code.
- Your SSN or ITIN, if you have one. If you don't, many newcomer-focused providers let you select "I do not have one" and continue.
- A selfie, taken in the app, so the provider can match your face to the photo on your ID.
Tips for getting your ID approved on the first try
Most rejected ID uploads come down to image quality, not the document itself.
- Lay the document flat on a dark, plain surface.
- Use natural light if you can; avoid direct flash, which causes glare on holograms.
- Make sure all four corners of the document are visible in the frame.
- Don't crop, edit, or filter the image.
- Don't upload a photocopy or a screenshot. Most providers only accept a photo of the original physical document.
- If the document is double-sided (most national IDs and driver's licenses), upload both sides when prompted.
How MAJORITY can help
MAJORITY is a financial membership built for migrants in the US, and an SSN is not required to sign up. The accepted documents are a US driver's license, a passport from many supported countries, a national ID card for certain countries, or a Venezuelan prórroga del pasaporte. The app facilitates banking services through Axiom Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, and the Visa® Debit Card is included with membership.
If you'd like to see whether your specific document is accepted, the in-app verification flow shows the accepted IDs after you select your country of origin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a US bank account with only a foreign passport?
Yes, at many newcomer-focused providers. A valid foreign passport plus proof of a US address is often enough to complete identity verification, even without an SSN. Specific requirements vary by provider, so check the accepted-ID list before you start.
Do I need to be a US citizen or permanent resident to open a US bank account?
No. Citizenship is not a federal requirement for opening a US financial account. Most newcomer-focused providers accept members on visas, with ITINs, or with foreign passports as their primary ID.
What's the difference between an SSN and an ITIN, and which do I need?
An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration to US citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file US taxes but are not eligible for an SSN. Either one can be used at most US financial providers. If you have neither, some providers will still let you open an account using a foreign passport or national ID.
Do I need a US address before I can open an account?
Yes, in almost every case. US financial providers must verify a residential address as part of identity verification. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your name and current US address is the most common way to do this. P.O. boxes are typically not accepted.
Why does the provider want to see a selfie?
The selfie is part of identity verification. The provider compares the live image of your face to the photo on the ID you uploaded, which helps confirm that you're the person named on the document and prevents identity fraud.
How long does identity verification usually take?
Verification is typically digital and takes a few minutes. In some cases, it can take up to one business day if a manual review is needed.
Disclosures
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.
MAJORITY Visa® Debit Card is issued by Axiom Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.