Updated
Wise Account with ITIN: Can Non-Residents Use Wise in 2026?
What Is Wise and Why Do ITIN Holders Use It?
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a UK-regulated financial platform offering multi-currency accounts, cross-border transfers at the mid-market FX rate, and local account details in 10+ currencies. For ITIN holders, Wise is one of the few major institutions that opens US account details (ACH routing + account number) to non-residents using an ITIN.
For the canonical Wise-with-ITIN guide, see the ITIN Wise page.
How Do You Open a Wise Account With an ITIN: 7 Steps?
- Visit wise.comand select "Open an account." Choose Personal or Business.
- Enter your email and create a password. Confirm the email link.
- Provide personal details: full legal name, date of birth, current US address, phone number.
- Enter the ITIN in the tax ID field.Wise labels this as "US tax ID" or "SSN/ITIN."
- Upload identity verification: passport (or alternative government ID) and proof of US address.
- Wait for verification. Wise targets 24 to 72 hours; status updates arrive by email.
- Activate the account and order the debit card. Wise mails the card within 7 to 14 business days.
Which Wise Features Are Available to ITIN Holders?
- USD account details: ACH routing and account numbers for receiving US payments, payroll, marketplace payouts.
- Multi-currency balances: hold and convert between 40+ currencies at mid-market FX.
- Wise debit card: Visa or Mastercard usable worldwide, no foreign transaction fee.
- International transfers: send and receive in local currency at mid-market rate.
- Direct debits and bill pay: standard US ACH capabilities including paying utilities and credit cards.
- Interest on USD balance via the Wise Assets feature (subject to availability and KYC).
How Does Wise Compare to Mercury and Relay for ITIN Holders?
| Feature | Wise | Mercury | Relay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal account | Yes | No | No |
| Business account | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-currency | 40+ | USD only | USD only |
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Debit card | $9 once | Free | Free |
| International transfers | Best FX | Higher fees | Higher fees |
For the broader bank comparison, see the banking hub.
What Common Wise Verification Problems Hit ITIN Holders?
- Address mismatch: US address on Wise must match the address on the proof document. Re-upload if recently moved.
- ITIN-name mismatch: the full legal name on Wise must match the name registered with the IRS for the ITIN. Discrepancies cause TIN matching to fail.
- Expired passport: Wise rejects expired government IDs. Renew the passport before applying.
- Region restrictions: some ITIN holders in sanctioned countries or on OFAC lists cannot open Wise even with a US address.
When Should ITIN Holders Choose Wise Over a Traditional Bank?
Choose Wise when cross-border activity dominates: receiving payments in multiple currencies, paying bills abroad, traveling often, or working with international clients. Choose a traditional US bank (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo) when you need a US mortgage, US credit card stack, brick-and-mortar branch access, or ITIN-specific lending products. Many ITIN holders run both in parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wise With an ITIN
Yes. Wise accepts ITINs as valid US tax identification. During account setup, enter the 9-digit ITIN in the field where an SSN would normally go. Wise treats ITINs equally with SSNs for verification and 1099 reporting. ITIN holders get full access to multi-currency balances, USD account details (ACH and wire routing), debit card, and international transfers.
Wise requires a government-issued photo ID (passport for most ITIN holders), proof of US address (utility bill, lease, bank statement dated within 90 days), and the ITIN itself. For business accounts, add the business formation documents and any EIN documentation. Verification typically completes within 24 to 72 hours once documents are uploaded.
Yes for full US functionality. Wise issues US account details (routing and account numbers) only to accounts with a verified US address. Non-residents with no US address can still open a Wise personal account in their home country, but US account details are not provided. Some ITIN holders use a registered agent or mail forwarding service for the US address.
Wise charges a one-time $9 fee for the debit card. There is no monthly maintenance fee for a personal account. Transfer fees range from 0.43 percent to 1.2 percent depending on the currency pair. ATM withdrawals are free up to $100 every 30 days, then $1.50 plus 2 percent. Currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate.
Wise targets 24 to 72 hours for ITIN verification, the same window as SSN-based applications. Verification can extend to 5 to 7 business days if Wise requests additional documents or if the ITIN cannot be matched against IRS records on the first attempt. Once approved, the account is fully functional including USD account details and debit card.
Wise is consumer-focused with multi-currency strength; Mercury and Relay target US business banking. Wise has lower fees and superior FX rates but does not offer business credit cards or full business banking. Mercury and Relay offer free business checking with no transfer fees inside the US but charge more for international transfers. ITIN holders often use Wise for personal cross-border activity and Mercury or Relay for their US business.
Need an ITIN to open your Wise account? Apply with a Certifying Acceptance Agent — $297 flat, ready in 7 days.