Robinhood with ITIN: Investing in US Stocks Without SSN

Can You Use Robinhood With Only an ITIN in 2026?

No. Robinhood's own account requirements say you must “have a valid Social Security Number (not a Taxpayer Identification Number)” and be a US citizen, US permanent resident, or hold a valid US visa. An ITIN is a Taxpayer Identification Number, so the application stops at the SSN step.

This is Robinhood's policy, not a federal rule. Other brokers accept an ITIN, which is why the rest of this guide focuses on them. The full list is in the ITIN brokerage account guide.

Can You Switch an Existing Robinhood Account to Your ITIN?

No. A Robinhood account opened with an SSN can't be converted to an ITIN. The usual path is to transfer your positions through ACATS to a broker that accepts an ITIN, which moves the holdings without selling them.

Which Brokerages Accept ITIN as a Substitute for SSN?

See the full broker comparison in the ITIN brokerage account guide.

How Do You Open a Charles Schwab International Account With ITIN?

1. Go to international.schwab.com and click Open an Account.
2. Select your country of residence and confirm eligibility.
3. Provide legal name, date of birth, and the 9-digit ITIN.
4. Upload a passport photo page for ID verification.
5. Upload proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, lease).
6. Complete W-8BEN to claim tax treaty benefits where applicable.
7. Fund the account by wire from your home bank or US bank.
8. Most accounts are approved within 5-7 business days.

What Tax Forms Apply to ITIN Investors in the US?

• W-8BEN. Filed by non-resident investors to certify foreign status and claim tax treaty benefits.
• W-9. Filed by US-tax-resident ITIN holders to certify US status for withholding purposes.
• 1042-S. Issued by the broker to non-resident investors showing dividends and tax withheld.
• 1099-DIV. Issued to US-resident ITIN holders for dividend income.
• 1099-B. Issued to US-resident ITIN holders for stock sale proceeds and cost basis.
• Form 1040-NR. Annual federal return filed by non-resident ITIN investors.
• Form 1040. Annual federal return filed by US-resident ITIN investors.

How Are US Stock Dividends Taxed for ITIN Holders?

Non-resident ITIN holders pay 30% withholding on US-source dividends by default. If your country has a tax treaty with the US, that rate is reduced (typically to 10-15%). Common treaty rates: Mexico 10%, Spain 15%, Argentina 15%, Venezuela 15%, India 25%, China 10%. You claim the treaty rate by filing W-8BEN with the broker.

Capital gains on US stocks are generally not taxed by the US for non-residents (with some exceptions for US real property interests). Your home country may still tax the gains under its own rules. US-resident ITIN holders pay regular US income tax and capital gains tax on all investment income.

What Are Common Mistakes ITIN Investors Should Avoid?

• Wasting time on Robinhood.Don't apply if you only have ITIN; go directly to a broker that accepts an ITIN, such as Webull or IBKR.
• Skipping W-8BEN. Without it, non-resident investors pay 30% withholding when treaty rates would apply.
• Using an expired ITIN. Renew first; brokers flag inactive ITINs during periodic re-verification.
• Mismatched name on application. Use exact legal name from CP565 notice on every form.
• Not filing 1040-NR annually. Required for non-residents claiming refunds of excess withholding.