Opening a US bank account as an immigrant can be frustrating when you don't have a Social Security Number. We compared the top digital-first options that accept passports, visas, and ITINs — so you can start banking from day one.
Moving to the US is hard enough without getting stuck at the bank counter. Most traditional US banks require a Social Security Number (SSN) to open an account — but if you're on a visa, you might not have one yet. The good news: a handful of digital-first banks and fintechs have built their onboarding around passports, visas, and ITINs instead.
Here are the three best options we found for immigrants who need a US bank account without an SSN.
Revolut offers a US spending account with no monthly maintenance fees and a multi-currency account that lets you hold balances in 25+ foreign currencies.1 You can apply with a valid US visa — no SSN required.
Why it works for immigrants: Revolut was built for people who move between countries. You get local US account details (routing and account number), free ATM withdrawals up to a limit, and the ability to exchange currencies at interbank rates. Onboarding takes minutes through the app.
The catch: You need a valid US visa to apply. If you're a non-resident without a visa, this won't work.
| Spec | Revolut |
|---|---|
| ID required | Valid US visa |
| Residency needed | US resident with visa |
| International transfer fee | Low (interbank rates) |
Wise isn't a bank in the US — it's an electronic money institution — but it's one of the fastest and easiest ways to get a US bank account as a non-resident.2 You don't need an SSN, an ITIN, or even US residency.
Why it works for immigrants: Wise gives you US routing and account numbers so you can receive direct deposits, get paid by US employers, and send money internationally at the real mid-market exchange rate. No monthly fees, no minimum balance. If you're still living abroad but need a US account for freelance work or a US-based job, this is your best bet.
The catch: It's not a full-service bank — no physical branches, no credit cards, no loans. It's a money management tool with US account capabilities.
| Spec | Wise |
|---|---|
| ID required | Passport (no SSN/ITIN) |
| Residency needed | None (non-resident ok) |
| International transfer fee | Real mid-market rate + small fee |
If you prefer a traditional bank with a branch network and you already have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), Citibank is a solid choice. Citi will accept either an SSN or an ITIN to open an account.3
Why it works for immigrants: Citi gives you access to a full-service bank: checking and savings accounts, credit cards, ATMs nationwide, and in-person support. For immigrants who've been in the US long enough to get an ITIN, this is the most "normal" banking experience.
The catch: You need an ITIN — a passport alone won't cut it. And Citi's account fees can add up if you don't maintain minimum balances.
| Spec | Citi |
|---|---|
| ID required | SSN or ITIN |
| Residency needed | US resident |
| International transfer fee | Varies (wire fees apply) |
| Dimension | Revolut | Wise | Citi |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID required | Valid US visa | Passport (no SSN) | SSN or ITIN |
| Residency needed | US resident | Non-resident ok | US resident |
| International transfer fee | Low (interbank) | Real mid-market | Wire fees apply |
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