Which Bank of America accounts can I open with an ITIN?

Advantage SafeBalance Banking, Advantage Plus Banking, and Advantage Relationship Banking are all available to ITIN holders. The Advantage Savings account is also available. Investment, credit-card, and mortgage products require additional underwriting and a credit history.

Do I have to visit a US branch to open the account?

Yes. As of 2026, Bank of America does not allow ITIN holders to open a personal deposit account fully online. The initial visit requires the original passport, the IRS CP565 letter (or W-7 acceptance copy), and a US address proof. Some branches in major immigrant-population markets are specifically staffed for ITIN onboarding.

Can I get a Bank of America debit card with an ITIN?

Yes. The standard Visa debit card is issued with every Advantage checking account regardless of whether the customer has an SSN or ITIN. The debit card works for ATM withdrawals, purchases, and online payments anywhere Visa is accepted.

Can I get a Bank of America credit card with only an ITIN?

Bank of America underwrites credit cards using SSN-based credit history, so ITIN-only applicants are generally declined for unsecured cards. A secured credit card can be issued if the applicant has an existing Bank of America deposit relationship and provides a refundable security deposit.

Updated June 25, 2026

Bank of America ITIN: Account Opening Guide (2026)

Does Bank of America Accept an ITIN Instead of an SSN?

Yes. Bank of America accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN to satisfy the IRS Customer Identification Program (CIP) for deposit accounts. The bank's public account-opening documentation explicitly lists ITIN as an acceptable taxpayer identification number for non-SSN customers. The CIP rules require the bank to collect a government-issued ID and a verifiable address; the passport and US address proof cover both.

Don't have an ITIN yet? Start the application at How to Get an ITIN Number.

What Documents Do I Need to Open a Bank of America Account with an ITIN?

IRS CP565 letter showing the assigned ITIN (or a copy of the approved Form W-7 if CP565 is in transit).
Foreign passport (original, unexpired) as the primary identity document.
Secondary ID:a foreign driver's license, national ID card, or US visa stamp.
US address proof:US lease, US utility bill, US government letter, or a relative's US address with a signed residency affidavit.
Opening deposit: $25 minimum for Advantage SafeBalance, $100 for Advantage Plus.

What Are the Steps to Open a Bank of America ITIN Account?

Get your ITIN first. Bank of America requires the ITIN at the time of account opening; the CP565 letter is the acceptable proof.
Locate a branch. Use the Bank of America branch locator and call ahead to confirm the branch handles ITIN onboarding. Urban branches in California, Texas, Florida, and New York typically do.
Book an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but an appointment cuts wait time. Mention ITIN onboarding when booking.
Visit the branch. Bring all documents listed above and the opening deposit.
Sign the signature card and W-9. ITIN holders sign Form W-9 (Substitute) with the ITIN in the SSN field.
Receive debit card. A temporary card may be issued same-day; the permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Which Bank of America Accounts Are Available with an ITIN?

Account	ITIN Eligible	Notes
Advantage SafeBalance	Yes	No overdraft, $4.95/month or waived
Advantage Plus	Yes	Most flexible, $12/month or waived
Advantage Relationship	Yes	Higher balance, waivable fee
Advantage Savings	Yes	Standard savings, FDIC insured
Unsecured credit card	No (typically)	Requires US credit history
Secured credit card	Sometimes	Existing deposit relationship required

For credit-card options across all US banks, see ITIN credit cards.

Can I Open a Bank of America Account Online with an ITIN?

No. Bank of America's online application flow requires an SSN. ITIN applicants must visit a US branch. Online-first alternatives include Mercury (US LLCs), Relay (US LLCs), and Wise (multi-currency); these accept ITIN remotely but with different product scope.

Compare alternatives on the ITIN bank account guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bank of America and ITIN

Yes. Bank of America accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN to open checking and savings accounts. The applicant must visit a US branch in person; ITIN accounts cannot be opened entirely online at Bank of America. Identification requirements include the ITIN letter (CP565), a foreign passport, and a US address proof.

Need your ITIN first? Apply with a Certifying Acceptance Agent — $297 flat, ready in 7 days.