What documents does Wells Fargo require from ITIN applicants?

Wells Fargo requires the IRS CP565 ITIN assignment letter (or the W-7 acceptance copy), an unexpired foreign passport, a secondary government-issued ID (foreign driver's license or national ID), and a US address proof such as a lease, utility bill, or government letter. An opening deposit of $25 (Clear Access Banking) or $25 (Everyday Checking) is required.

Can I open a Wells Fargo account online with an ITIN?

No. Wells Fargo's online deposit-account application flow requires an SSN as of 2026. ITIN holders must visit a branch in person. Branches in California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and New York are most experienced with ITIN onboarding.

Will Wells Fargo issue a credit card to an ITIN holder?

Wells Fargo unsecured credit cards generally require SSN-based credit history. ITIN-only applicants are most often offered a secured credit card after an existing deposit relationship is established. The secured card builds credit history reportable to the three major bureaus.

Can a non-resident with no US visit open Wells Fargo remotely?

No. Wells Fargo's ITIN onboarding currently requires a US branch visit and proof of US address. Non-residents who do not plan to travel to the United States are better served by remote-first US banking platforms (Mercury for LLCs, Wise for personal multi-currency, Relay for business).

Updated June 25, 2026

Wells Fargo ITIN: Account Opening for Non-Residents (2026)

Does Wells Fargo Accept an ITIN to Open an Account?

Yes. Wells Fargo treats an ITIN as a valid taxpayer identification number under the IRS Customer Identification Program (CIP). The bank verifies the ITIN against the CP565 letter on file and pairs it with an unexpired foreign passport for identity. Account opening is conditional on a successful CIP check and an in-person branch visit.

Which Wells Fargo Accounts Are Available with an ITIN?

Everyday Checking— standard checking, $10/month or waivable.
Clear Access Banking— checkless account, no overdraft, $5/month or waived for ages 13-24.
Way2Save Savings— automatic savings, $5/month or waived.
Platinum Savings— higher rate, $12/month or waived with $3,500 balance.

Credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans are evaluated separately and typically require US credit history. See ITIN credit cards for available alternatives.

What Documents Does Wells Fargo Require from an ITIN Applicant?

IRS CP565 ITIN letter or a copy of the approved Form W-7 if CP565 is in transit.
Unexpired foreign passport (original, not a copy).
Secondary ID— foreign driver's license, foreign national ID card, or US visa stamp.
US address proof— US lease, US utility bill, US government letter, or signed residency affidavit at a relative's US address.
Opening deposit— $25 minimum.

How Do I Open a Wells Fargo ITIN Account Step by Step?

Confirm the ITIN. Wells Fargo verifies the ITIN against the CP565 letter, so have the letter on hand.
Call the branch ahead. Ask whether the branch regularly opens ITIN accounts; not every branch is equally experienced.
Book an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but an appointment reduces wait.
Visit the branch with all documents and the opening deposit.
Sign the signature card and Form W-9 (Substitute) with the ITIN entered in the SSN field.
Receive the debit card— permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What If I Cannot Travel to a Wells Fargo Branch?

Wells Fargo currently requires an in-person visit for ITIN accounts. Non-residents unable to travel typically use Mercury (US LLC), Relay (US LLC), Wise (multi-currency personal), or Brex (startup business). Each is online-first and accepts the ITIN remotely. See the ITIN bank account guide for full comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wells Fargo and ITIN

Yes. Wells Fargo accepts an ITIN as the taxpayer identification number for opening Everyday Checking, Clear Access Banking, and Way2Save Savings accounts. The application must be submitted in person at a US branch; ITIN account opening is not supported on the Wells Fargo mobile or web app.

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