Opening a U.S. Bank Account Without an SSN — A Brazilian Entrepreneur's Experience

Problem

Rafael ran a digital marketing agency with U.S. clients. Receiving payments via international wire transfer cost $25–45 per transaction, and some clients refused to pay internationally. He needed a U.S. bank account with a routing number so clients could pay by ACH — just like a local vendor.

Approach

Rafael's income from U.S. clients created a U.S. tax nexus, qualifying him for an ITIN. We prepared his W-7 application, certified his Brazilian passport, and submitted to the IRS. Once his ITIN arrived, we provided guidance on which U.S. banks open accounts for non-residents using an ITIN.

Outcomes

• ITIN issued in 66 days
• Checking account opened at a U.S. community bank using ITIN
• ACH payment details shared with all U.S. clients
• Monthly transfer fees eliminated — saving $150–300/month
• Business revenue collected in USD without conversion losses

For non-U.S. residents who do business with American clients, having a U.S. bank account is a significant competitive advantage. It means lower fees, faster payments, and appearing as a local business to your clients.

Most major banks require an SSN to open an account. But a growing number of U.S. banks and credit unions accept an ITIN — especially for personal checking and savings accounts.

With a U.S. bank account, you can receive ACH payments with no transfer fees, get a U.S. debit card, use payment apps like Zelle or Venmo Business, open a verified PayPal or Stripe account with U.S. bank details, and receive checks from U.S. payers.

Banks known to accept ITIN for account opening include certain community banks and credit unions, Bank of America at select branches, and Wells Fargo's non-resident program. Requirements vary by branch, so it's worth calling ahead.

When visiting a branch, bring your ITIN assignment letter (CP565), your passport, proof of foreign address, and an initial deposit. For non-residents who can't visit a U.S. branch in person, some banks offer account opening via mail or at international branches.

Rafael's ITIN paid for itself within the first month — just from the wire transfer fees he stopped paying.