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Answered August 2026

Yes, Bank of America lets you open an account without an SSN — you can use your foreign tax ID number instead, and you do not need a U.S. TIN or ITIN unless you already have one.

“I am moving to Seattle next month on a K1 fiancé visa and won't have an SSN immediately. Which bank account will be the easiest to open without an SSN, and is it true that Bank of America doesn't require one?”

Summary

This is completely doable. Federal banking rules let banks identify you with a passport number instead of a Social Security number, and Bank of America has a dedicated in-person process for people in exactly your situation. You just need to walk into a Seattle financial center with the right documents.

You have two strong bank options in Seattle, each with a different trade-off on IDs and SSN requirements.

Bank of America — international professional routeno SSN needed

Bank of America's dedicated international page states: "Bank of America does not require a SSN to open a bank account in the U.S." and "A U.S. TIN/ITIN is not required unless you've been issued one." You provide your from your home country instead. You must visit a financial center in person with two forms of ID, both a foreign and U.S. address, and your FTIN. The listed primary IDs are a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa and Border Crossing Card (DSP-150) or certain consular IDs — your K-1 visa stamp in your passport should qualify, but bring your passport and any other government-issued photo ID as backup. The account requires a $25 opening deposit.

Chase — passport accepted as primary IDpassport is primary ID

Chase's official ID requirements for non-U.S. permanent residents explicitly accept a "Passport w/photo" as a primary ID and list secondary IDs such as a DS-2019, employer ID, or utility bill. Chase states that non-residents can apply for an to use in place of an SSN, but does not promise that an account can be opened with zero U.S. tax ID. Under federal law (31 CFR 1020.220), a bank may identify a non-U.S. person by passport number and country of issuance, so Chase branches have discretion. Ask the branch directly about opening with just your passport while your SSN application is pending.

Opening an account online without an SSNnot for you

Most major-bank online applications require an SSN or ITIN at the form-entry step. Bank of America's international account process requires an in-person visit to a financial center. Chase likewise recommends visiting a branch for non-U.S. citizens. Until you receive your SSN, online-only opening is generally not available at either bank.

Both options require you to visit a branch in person; neither bank lets a non-U.S.-citizen newcomer without an SSN open an account online.

Read the full explanation

Watch out for

BofA's generic FAQ may mention ITIN — use the international route insteadBank of America's general application FAQ page states that nonpermanent residents must provide an ITIN. However, the bank's dedicated international professional page at info.bankofamerica.com/en/international/professional-bank-account.html says "A U.S. TIN/ITIN is not required unless you've been issued one." These two pages appear to describe different pathways. To avoid confusion, use the dedicated international in-person route at a financial center, not the generic online application.
You need a foreign tax ID number (FTIN) — not having one could block youBank of America's international page requires an FTIN from your home country even though it waives the U.S. TIN. If your home country does not issue a tax ID, or you never received one, ask the branch how to proceed — but be aware this could delay your account opening.
Primary ID wording may not explicitly name a K-1 visaBank of America's listed primary IDs for non-permanent-residents include a "U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa and Border Crossing Card-DSP-150" and certain consular IDs. A K-1 visa stamp in your passport should satisfy this, but the exact match may depend on the branch associate's interpretation. Bring your passport plus a second government photo ID to cover this gap.
90-day marriage deadline on K-1 is strictThe State Department states: "The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival." Missing this deadline can jeopardize your immigration status. Open your bank account early so finances are in order well before the wedding.
Add your SSN to the account once you get itUnder 31 CFR 1020.220(a)(2)(i)(B), a bank may open an account while a customer's taxpayer ID application is pending but must obtain the number within a reasonable time. Once you receive your SSN (typically after filing Form I-485), update your bank account promptly to ensure tax reporting is correct and avoid potential account restrictions.

Next steps

These steps get you a working U.S. bank account in Seattle before you have an SSN.

Before arriving in the U.S.

Gather your home-country documents before you fly

Bank of America requires both a foreign address and two forms of ID. Your passport with K-1 visa is your primary ID. For your secondary ID, a foreign driver's license with photo is the easiest option. Your FTIN is mandatory — Bank of America's page states you need "An FTIN issued by a country other than the U.S." Write down or print your FTIN; you will give it at the branch.

Requirements

Valid passport with K-1 visa stamp
Foreign Tax Identification Number (FTIN) from your home country
Proof of your foreign permanent address
A secondary photo ID such as a foreign driver's license or Visa/Mastercard debit card

After arrival in Seattle

Secure a U.S. physical address in Seattle

Bank of America requires a U.S. physical address (no P.O. boxes). If you are staying with your fiance before the wedding, a lease or utility bill showing the address works. Bank of America's page lists acceptable proof as: "Government-issued ID with photo," "Current utility bill with your name and address," or "Other (rental agreement, etc.)."

Requirements

Signed lease or rental agreement, OR
A utility bill in your name at the Seattle address, OR
A government-issued ID showing the U.S. address

Schedule a Bank of America financial center appointment in Seattle

Go to https://secure.bankofamerica.com/secure-mycommunications/public/appointments/ and book an appointment. Seattle has multiple financial centers — for example, Stone Way at 3601 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103 (phone: 206-585-4951), or South Lake Union at 2202 Westlake Ave, Seattle, WA 98121. Choose a time convenient for you; walk-ins are also possible but an appointment avoids a wait.

Requirements

U.S. phone number (get a prepaid SIM or use your fiance's number)

Open the Advantage SafeBalance Banking account at the branch

At the appointment, tell the banker you are opening an account as an international newcomer without an SSN. The Advantage SafeBalance Banking account has a $25 minimum opening deposit and a $4.95 monthly maintenance fee, which is waived if you keep a $500 daily balance or if an account owner is under age 25. The banker will collect your documents and FTIN. You will receive a debit card and online banking access.

Requirements

Passport with K-1 visa stamp (primary ID)
Foreign driver's license or Visa/Mastercard debit card (secondary ID)
FTIN from your home country
Proof of U.S. address (lease, utility bill, or government ID)
Proof of foreign permanent address
$25 minimum opening deposit (cash, check, or transfer)

Within 90 days of U.S. entry

Apply for your SSN after marrying and filing for adjustment of status

On a K-1 visa, you must marry your U.S. citizen fiance within 90 days of entry. After marrying, you will file Form I-485 to adjust to permanent resident status, and you can apply for an SSN on that form or separately at your local Social Security Administration office. Once you receive your SSN, add it to your Bank of America account for tax-reporting purposes — the bank will need it for interest reporting.

Requirements

Marriage certificate
Filed Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or receipt notice

Others who faced this

You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.

Texas State ID for F-1 student (COS from H4) – Are my documents sufficient?

u/ComedianGlittering62r/immigrationJun 27, 2026

Hi everyone, I’m planning to apply for a Texas State ID and wanted to check if my documents are sufficient before I book my DPS appointment. **My situation:** Changed status (COS) in the U.S. from **H-4 to F-1**. I **do not have a new F-1 visa stamp** yet because I haven’t traveled outside the U.S. I **do not have an SSN**. I **do not have an EAD** and I’m currently **not working**. I **have an ITIN**. I recently opened a **Bank of America checking account**, but my **first bank statement has not been generated yet**. I **do not have a Texas driver’s license** yet. **Documents
0 View on Reddit

Legal sources

These facts come from the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (FinCEN's Customer Identification Program rule), Bank of America's official international account-opening pages, Chase's official ID-requirements document, the IRS's ITIN page, and the U.S. Department of State and USCIS visa classification pages.

31 CFR 1020.220(a)(2)(i)(A)(4)

Federal law allows banks to identify a non-U.S. person by passport number, alien ID, or other government-issued document number — an SSN is not required.

 31 CFR 1020.220(a)(2)(i)(A)(4)

(a)(2)(i)(A)(4)(ii)

For a non-U.S. person, one or more of the following: A taxpayer identification number; passport number and country of issuance; alien identification card number; or number and country of issuance of any other government-issued document evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard.

Read the full text

31 CFR 1020.220(a)(2)(i)(B)

A bank may open an account for someone who has applied for but not yet received a taxpayer identification number, as long as it confirms the application was filed and obtains the number within a reasonable time.

 31 CFR 1020.220(a)(2)(i)(B)

(a)(2)(i)(B)

Instead of obtaining a taxpayer identification number from a customer prior to opening the account, the CIP may include procedures for opening an account for a customer that has applied for, but has not received, a taxpayer identification number.

Read the full text

Bank of America International Professional Account Page

Bank of America's official international page confirms that no SSN is needed and no U.S. TIN/ITIN is required unless already issued, and lists the exact ID and document requirements for a non-U.S.-citizen, non-permanent-resident account opening.

 Bank of America International Professional Account Page

Bank of America does not require a SSN to open a bank account in the U.S. ... A U.S. TIN/ITIN is not required unless you've been issued one.

Read the full text

BofA SafeBalance Clarity Statement

The Advantage SafeBalance Banking account requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and has a $4.95 monthly fee waivable with a $500 balance.

 BofA SafeBalance Clarity Statement

Opening Deposit $25 or more Monthly Maintenance Fee $4.95 each month.

Read the full text

Chase Acceptable Forms of Identification (PDF)

Chase accepts a passport with photo as a primary ID for non-U.S. permanent residents (without a Green Card), making it a backup option if BofA's ID list causes issues.

 Chase Acceptable Forms of Identification (PDF)

Non-U.S. permanent resident section

For non-U.S. permanent resident (without a Green Card) – Non-U.S. citizens, the following are acceptable forms of identification: Primary ID ... Passport w/photo

Read the full text

State Department K-1 Visa Page

The K-1 is classified as a nonimmigrant visa with a 90-day marriage requirement after U.S. entry.

 State Department K-1 Visa Page

The fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States (U.S.) citizen. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.

Read the full text

IRS ITIN Page

An ITIN is only for federal tax purposes; it does not authorize work, change immigration status, or serve as identification outside the tax system.

 IRS ITIN Page

An ITIN doesn't: Qualify you for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit Provide or change immigration status Authorize you to work legally in the U.S. Serve as identification outside the federal tax system

Read the full text

These are the official rules as published on the cited dates; bank policies and federal regulations can change at any time.

This is general information about official banking and immigration processes, not legal or financial advice — SettleKit is not a law firm or a licensed financial advisor.

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