I just moved to Massachusetts from the UK and want to open a joint bank account with my wife. What are the best bank options for newcomers based on customer service, bonuses, mobile apps, and fees?

Yes, you can open a joint checking account in Massachusetts without a ,[object Object], (SSN), ,[object Object], (ITIN), or US credit history. The federal Customer Identification Program rule allows a non-U.S. person to use a foreign passport instead of a US tax number to open an account.

You do not need to wait to build credit or get a tax number before you can safely store your money and pay bills. Major banks are equipped to verify your identity using your UK passports and a shared Massachusetts address.

You asked if you need a US credit history to open an account. You do not. US credit history is not a prerequisite for opening a deposit account, so your lack of credit history will not block you.

You also asked about the best bank options based on customer service, bonuses, mobile apps, and fees. There is no official ranking for these features, as they vary by account and change frequently. You will need to compare current fees and bonuses directly. However, many major banks with mobile apps accept non-citizens without an SSN. Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, and PNC all allow you to open an account at a branch using alternative identification.

You must open this account in person. Because you do not have an SSN or ITIN, the banks' online digital verification systems cannot process your application. This blocks online account opening and forces an in-branch visit.

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Moving to the US?

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How people have used SettleKit

So much of moving here is rules and conventions nobody mentions unless you get them wrong. SettleKit tells you about them up front.

RemiFrance → New York

“My SSN appointment was in another city, and when I got there my printed employment letter wasn't acceptable. SettleKit tells you exactly which documents to bring so one trip is enough.”

LizGermany → Virginia

“We managed two months without a car…in a Kansas City winter, with a kid to get to school. No credit history, no car loan. SettleKit helped us understand how we could finally lease a car.”

NileenaIndia → Missouri

“In France there's one health plan. Here your employer hands you pages of them and wishes you luck. SettleKit compared them in words I could actually use.”

ValentinFrance → New York

“I got rejected for internet as a 'high-risk consumer' a week after landing. SettleKit explained why, and what to do about it.”

NadineSouth Africa → New York

“After getting rejected by banks and blocked by phone carriers, SettleKit was the first thing that treated me like a human.”

TahaPakistan → Illinois

“My first ten days here I had nothing on me but a passport. I barely left the house. I wish I'd had SettleKit's checklist on day one.”

OmarKazakhstan → New York

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