# A bank account without a Social Security number

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/bank-accounts/

A bank or credit union account lets you receive wages and tax refunds, pay rent and avoid keeping cash. Many banks ask for a Social Security number (SSN), but not all: some accept a passport, the City's IDNYC card or a tax number called an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Choose a bank or credit union that accepts your documents, not the first one you pass. QARAVAN does not give financial or legal advice; City and nonprofit services can help with questions about accounts and taxes.

## Start here

- Get an IDNYC, the free City ID card for residents age 10 and older. It is issued whatever your immigration status.
- Ask the bank first whether it accepts IDNYC or a foreign passport and needs an SSN or ITIN: every bank has its own rules.
- With neither an SSN nor an ITIN, ask the Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union whether you can open an account: email lespfcu@lespfcu.org or visit a branch, such as 37 Avenue B in Manhattan (Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm).

## How to open an account if you do not have an SSN

1. Find out what the bank asks for The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the federal agency that insures deposits, says you usually need an SSN or ITIN and an ID: a driver's license, state or military ID, or a passport. But many banks accept other documents, such as a foreign passport, a consular ID or an ITIN. Every bank and credit union sets its own rules.
2. Get an IDNYC Some banks and credit unions accept IDNYC as a primary ID. If you have a valid foreign passport, bring it too.
3. Ask beforehand Write to the bank or stop by and ask: do you accept IDNYC or a foreign passport; do you need an SSN or ITIN; do you need proof of address; what is the first deposit; is there a monthly fee and how can I avoid it (exactly what FDIC suggests asking). Credit unions also require you to qualify for membership.
4. Look at Bank On accounts FDIC says accounts certified by Bank On have low, clear costs and no overdraft (spending more than you have) or insufficient-funds fees. Use "Find a bank" [on the FDIC website](https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked) and look for the Bank On label.
5. Apply and make the first deposit Apply in person, online or in an app. FDIC says you may be able to start with as little as $25; make the first deposit by debit or prepaid card, transfer or at a branch. Then set up online banking and your card.
6. Set up direct deposit The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the federal tax agency, is phasing out paper refund checks, so you need an account for a refund too. Give your account number on your tax return and to your employer.

## IDNYC: the City's ID card

1. Check your documents You need documents worth 3 points to prove your identity and one 1-point document to prove you live in New York City, plus a photo ID and a document with your date of birth. [The Document Calculator on the IDNYC website](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/idnyc/) shows which documents work.
2. Book an appointment or walk in Book in the IDNYC online portal (available in Russian) or through [311](tel:311); new slots for the next week open on Fridays. Five centers take walk-ins, each on its own day of the week.
3. Go to the center You hand in the application and documents and have your photo taken; originals are returned right away. Applications by mail are not accepted.
4. Receive the card If approved, the card is mailed to you in 10 to 14 business days. If you have no address or do not want it on the card, pick it up at an IDNYC location: Brooklyn Public Library, Queens (Jamaica) Public Library, IDNYC Union Square in Manhattan, Bronx Department of Finance or IDNYC Staten Island.

## Comparison: which documents are accepted

What they ask for when you open an account

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## Where to open an account and get help

- Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union Any status NYC residents Low cost A credit union on the Lower East Side in Manhattan; it says its services are available whatever your immigration status. It accepts a passport, IDNYC, a consular ID or a driver's license with proof of address. To avoid a $3 monthly fee, keeping $75 is suggested; the $25 minimum share must stay in the account, and a $5 annual fee is charged on July 31. Members with neither an SSN nor an ITIN can have accounts that earn no interest; ask whether an SSN or ITIN is needed by email at lespfcu@lespfcu.org. Membership is open to people in certain neighborhoods or any New York City resident earning under $50,000 (proof required). It offers a Saving & Credit Builder Loan from $500 for up to 24 months with no application fee. It is also an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent for ITINs. [lespeoples.org](https://www.lespeoples.org/become-a-member/) 37 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009
- IDNYC Any status NYC residents Free A free City ID for New York City residents age 10 and older. It is valid for two years for children under 16 and five years for everyone else. It works as a library card and is accepted at some banks. You can choose X, M or F as your gender marker or leave it blank; status is not asked. You apply in person after booking online on the IDNYC portal: [a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov](https://a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov). [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page)
- IDNYC walk-in Enrollment Centers Any status NYC residents Free Walk-ins, first come, first served: Staten Island, 201 Bay Street, 2nd Floor, Mondays; East New York, 2400 Fulton Street, 5th Floor, Tuesdays; Bronx, 1910 Monterey Avenue, 3rd Floor, Wednesdays; Manhattan Union Square, 109 East 16th Street, 1st Floor, Thursdays; Queens Public Library at Central, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Fridays. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page)
- NYC Financial Empowerment Centers Any status NYC residents Free Free, confidential sessions with a financial counselor from the City's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP): budgeting, credit, debt, and an affordable, safe account. You must be 18 or older and live or work in New York City; income and status do not matter. Sessions are in person or by phone, in your language. Book online: [a866-dcwpwb.nyc.gov/talkmoney/book-appointment](https://a866-dcwpwb.nyc.gov/talkmoney/book-appointment). [access.nyc.gov](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-financial-empowerment-centers/)
- FDIC GetBanked Any status Free FDIC's website: "Find a bank", how to open an account, and Bank On accounts. [fdic.gov](https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked)

## If a bank asks for an ITIN

1. First ask about another ID Some banks accept a foreign passport or consular ID instead of an ITIN. Ask before you apply for an ITIN.
2. Learn what an ITIN is The IRS issues an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for federal taxes. It does not give work authorization, change immigration status or count for Social Security.

## Glossary: definitions of special terms and abbreviations

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This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.

[All pages: Money, food, benefits and taxes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/money/)

**Sources, checked November 2026**

- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page)
- [lespeoples.org/become-a-member](https://www.lespeoples.org/become-a-member/)
- [fdic.gov/getbanked](https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked)
- [access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-financial-empowerment-centers](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-financial-empowerment-centers/)