How To Open A Bank Account Without ID- Briefly Explained In 2024

To open a bank account without ID- Find a bank that accepts a secondary ID, fill up their form, provide the required documents, and wait for their approval. 


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Trying to open a bank account without ID? 

Then this post can help. Because here I am going to briefly explain how to open a bank account without ID. Moreover, I will also answer many more related questions. So, stay with me till the end. 

Let’s start with How can I set up a bank account with no ID. 


Check Out Can you open a free online bank account without an ID


How To Open A Bank Account Without ID

How To Open A Bank Account Without ID

To open a bank account without ID, you will need other identification documents. Because US banks are required by Law to verify their customer. So, what documents can you use?

Required Documents To Open A Bank Account Without ID

Instead of an ID, you can use the below documents to open a bank account without ID

  1. Passport  
  2. Driver’s license. 

In case you don’t have any of them then you will need a secondary identification document such as 

  • ITIN
  • Social Security Card 
  • Utility Copy with Your Name and Address
  • Birth Certificate 

If you are a non-resident immigrant then you will require either of these documents

  • Valid Passport
  • Driver’s license (Non-US)
  • Consular ID
  • Birth certificate 

Please keep these documents ready to open a bank account without an ID. So, how to open a bank account without an id? 

Find Banks That Accept Secondary Identification 

To open a bank account without a photo ID, first, you need to look for banks or credit unions that accept secondary identification methods for opening a bank account. Here are some of the banks that accept secondary identification methods

  • Bank Of America
  • Charles Schwab
  • Capital One
  • Citibank

These banks will let you open a bank account with secondary identification like SSN, ITIN, and Utility Copy with your address. Among these banks, Bank Of America and Citibank are the easiest bank account to open without ID. However, you might have to verify your address in that case. 

Moreover, some regional banks and credit unions also let you open a bank account with secondary identification. So, you can look for banks and credit unions in your region too.  

Get Your Documents Ready

Once you have found banks that accept secondary identification then it’s time to contact them and ask what you will require to open an account. 

Get all your documents ready according to their instruction. 

Submit An Application

After getting all the documents ready you can go to the bank branch. Then choose the account type and get a new account form. 

Fill in the form and attach the required documents. Then submit your application. Before submitting your application please double-check all the personal information. 

Wait For The Approval 

Once you have submitted the application, your bank will start to verify all your information. This might take 1 week or more depending on the bank. If they find all the information correct then they will accept your application. 

Moreover, your bank might ask for additional information or verify your address within this time. 

This is how to get a bank account without ID. But what if you don’t have an SSN? 


Find out How Long does it take to Open a Bank Account


How Can I Open A Bank Account Without ID Or SSN?

If you don’t have an ID or SSN then you can apply for a bank account with your ITIN number. Some banks like Bank Of America and Citibank accept ITIN number. However, you might also need a utility copy with your ID and name on it. 

In case you don’t have an ITIN, then this is how to apply for ITIN.

On the other hand, if you are an immigrant then you have to provide your passport, driving license, or birth certificate. 


Here is a List of Virtual Bank Accounts That Do Not Require SSN


How To Open A Bank Account Online Without Id

You can open a bank account online by going to the bank websites that accept secondary IDs for opening an account. 

The process of opening a bank account online without an ID is almost similar to the offline method. The only difference is that you are submitting the application online. Here is how you can do it online

  • After you find your desired bank, go to their website or App.  
  • Select sign up. 
  • Fill out the form with your personal document and submit digital copies of your document. 
  • Then double-check all the information and hit submit. 

The bank will send a confirmation mail after they evaluate your information and accept your application. Now, let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions. 

How To Open A Bank Account Without Identification?

You can not open a bank account without any form of identification in the United States. Because KYC and Patriot act states that 

A bank or financial institution must verify the identity of its customer. 

So some banks even ask for a secondary ID. However, some banks allow you to open an account without an ID if you have additional documents.  

Do You Need An Id To Open A Bank Account Under 18?

No, you won’t need an ID to open a bank account in case you are under 18. 

If you’re under 18 then you will require your birth certificate to open a bank account. Moreover, your parents will have to co-sign the account and provide their ID. However, different banks have different policies regarding this. So, it’s better to contact the bank. 

Can I Open A Bank Account With Out Of State ID?

Yes, it’s possible to open a bank account with out of state ID or driver’s license. But you might need to provide additional documents. 

Though it’s possible to open a bank account with out of state driver’s license. However, some banks do not allow it. So, you have to provide your SSN, ITIN, or other documents. You might as well need to verify your address too. 

Can I open A Prepaid bank account with no ID?

No, you can not open a prepaid bank account no ID. You will require some sort of identification. So, to open a prepaid bank, contact a bank that accepts secondary documents for verification. 

In Summary

Opening a bank account without an ID can be tough. But with a little bit of persistence and secondary identification, it is possible. In case the bank rejects your application, contact them and find out why it is rejected. Then fix the issue and apply to another bank.

However, please read the bank policies before signing up. And never open an account in a Bank that is not FDIC insured.  

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