When a U.S. citizen or LPR is petitioning for their spouse to obtain lawful residence, they must show evidence of a legitimate marriage. A great way to show USCIS that you're marriage is legitimate is by providing proof of combined finances with a joint account.
However, some undocumented individuals have reported difficulties opening a bank account. This article lists some of the banks that you may be able to open an account with as an undocumented immigrant.
- Bank of America: Bank of America allows immigrants currently living in the U.S. to open an account in person at one of their financial centers. You must be able to provide both your permanent (foreign) and local address, as well as, your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
What to bring to your appointment:
- Proof of U.S. residency - For example: U.S. government-issued photo ID, student/employer photo ID, current utility bill or rental agreement (documents must show your name and U.S. physical address);
- One primary photo ID - For example: Foreign passport (with or without passport visa), U.S. Non-Immigrant visa and Border Crossing Card-DSP-150, Canadian Citizenship card (with photo), Mexican, Guatemalan, Dominican or Colombian Consular ID (with photo); and
- One secondary ID - For example: Foreign or U.S. driver's license (with photo), student/employer ID (with photo), major debit or credit card with Visa® or Mastercard® logo, major retail credit card from a nationally well-known company, U.S. Department of State Diplomat ID.
- Capital One: To open a 360 Checking account with Capital One, as an undocumented resident, you may use a ITIN. You can open a bank account online with Capital One in about 5 minutes.
Documents you need:
- Two forms of ID (such as a driver's license, Social Security card, passport or birth certificate), ITIN instead of Social Security; and
- Proof of address (such as utility bill, ID, or lease).
- Chase: Undocumented immigrants can open a checking account with Chase online or in-person. If you decide to open your account in-person, you should check with your financial institution to determine what documents you will need.
This Identification could be a valid:
- Government issued photo ID or driver’s license
- Social security number (SSN) or ITIN
- Passport (any country)
- Birth Certificate (any country, a translated copy may be required if in a language other than English)
- Proof of Address: It must show your name and address of your residence. This could be a current and valid:
- Lease document
- Mortgage document
- Utility bill
- Bank statement or credit card statement
- Citi Bank: You may open a bank account with Citibank Online or in-person, by filling out an application.
You'll need to provide:
- Identifying information which may include your name and date of birth. For undocumented immigrants, this could be a valid pasport or birth certificate;
- Proof of address; and
- SSN, ITIN, or certain U.S. tax forms and certifications to verify your identity
Substitute for not having a SSN: As mentioned above, some banks require an ITIN as a substitute for a SSN. An ITIN can also be obtained from the IRS by completing Form W-7 and providing proof of identification.
In conclusion, opening a bank account as an undocumented immigrant can be challenging, but some banks are willing to work with you. A strategy that can be use to overcome this issue is to have your U.S. citizen or LPR partner/spouse add you to an already established account. By providing the required documents and substitutes for not having a social security number, you can successfully open a bank account and have access to financial services.
We encourage you to research other banks that may provide banking services to undocumented immigrants and to visit the listed banks' websites for more information on the requirements to open a bank account.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. It's essential to consult with an attorney for personalized guidance on your specific situation.
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