Checking account WITHOUT Social Security Number

You sure? I know it is at my local CU.

CurlyKicker said: On behalf of a recent immigrant with only an immigrant VISA & passport, does anyone know of a few different banks that allow you to open a checking account without a SS?

Use an ITIN .

All banks should accept that.

RJG said: If you have a work visa, you are given a social security number. Otherwise this person has a tourist visa.
It could also be a student visa.

Chase also does. You just need two forms of ID, normally a passport and then something showing your US address to have statements/debit cards sent here.

dcg9381 said: You sure? I know it is at my local CUI am sure it is not required for almost all National Banks.

At your local CU you are must also have an interest-earning Share account, that could require an ITIN or SSN. It is not the Checking Account that is requiring an SSN.

chevette said: Really. They don't pull that bull about the patriot act?

It's a legitimate response if a bank/financial institution has defined requiring a SSN as a part of their auditing standards. Different institutions implement variations of this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customer_Identification_Program

GermanExpat said: Tried with a friend of mine 2 years ago (he has a work visa but getting the social security number can take a little while and he wanted to have a debit card). He tried the local BoA near our office and they refused. Tried a BoA in a part of town with lots of immigrants and they had no issue opening the account. Took around 10 minutes and the local people there did have lots of experience.
I would suggest to pick a bank in an area with lots of immigrants.

There were even banks out that catered to illegal immigrants with home loans. Not sure thats still happening after the bust.

Bank of America has always been illegal friendly, from bank accounts to credit cards to other loans. I think for a while there they were actually advertising it as a positive, at least out here.

I'm feeling like Chevette, though. (At least, I think I am; if I'm not, I apologize to you Chevette.) What's the point of the patriot act? if illegals can set up accounts, why are the rest of us being asked to provide information illegals aren't being asked to provide?

And how is it ethical for services provided in spite of a lack of proof of identity to be provided on one side of town but not the other? isn't that a form of discrimination?

Nonaii said: GermanExpat said: Tried with a friend of mine 2 years ago (he has a work visa but getting the social security number can take a little while and he wanted to have a debit card). He tried the local BoA near our office and they refused. Tried a BoA in a part of town with lots of immigrants and they had no issue opening the account. Took around 10 minutes and the local people there did have lots of experience.
I would suggest to pick a bank in an area with lots of immigrants.

There were even banks out that catered to illegal immigrants with home loans. Not sure thats still happening after the bust.

Bank of America has always been illegal friendly, from bank accounts to credit cards to other loans. I think for a while there they were actually advertising it as a positive, at least out here.

I'm feeling like Chevette, though. (At least, I think I am; if I'm not, I apologize to you Chevette.) What's the point of the patriot act? if illegals can set up accounts, why are the rest of us being asked to provide information illegals aren't being asked to provide?


Exactly. The 911 excuse is very lame. How many terrorist have bank accounts? Probably the the same amount as drug dealers. Heck I even get pissed filling out a SAR report. It's my freakin money!!
And how is it ethical for services provided in spite of a lack of proof of identity to be provided on one side of town but not the other? isn't that a form of discrimination?

scottxmso said: Stop laundering money, deadbeat!

Yea I know right? lol