Can i open bank account without id card

“Do I need an ID for opening an online bank account?” has always been a big question for many. However, there are fewer resources that provide the exact answer. So, this topic remains a point of discussion for a lot of people. 

However, don’t worry, we are here to help. Because in this article we are going to discuss if it’s really possible to create a free online bank account without id and all the relevant topics. 

So, stay tuned. 

Contents

• 1 Free Online Bank Account Without Id-Possible or Not?
  • 1.1 Why Online Banking Without ID Is Not Always Possible
  • 1.2 Verifying Identity Of Minors And Immigrants For Opening  Free Online Bank Account
    • 1.2.1 1. For Minors
    • 1.2.2 2. For Immigrants
  • 1.3 FAQ
    • 1.3.1 Can I Open A Bank Account Online Without Id?
    • 1.3.2 How To Make a Bank Account Without id?
    • 1.3.3 What Bank Account Can I Open Online Without id?
  • 1.4 Final Words

In most online US banks, it’s not possible to open a free online bank account without id due to regulations for stopping money laundering and crimes. 

Though it is possible for you to open a free checking account online. But it will require some sort of government verification in the US. There is no way you can open a bank account without identification.

For opening a free bank account online you will also require 

1. Your Social Security Number  
2. Your current residential address
3. A valid email address
4. Co-applicant’s personal information( if any)

These are the requirements for opening a bank account online in most banks. However, some of these might get excluded in some banks. 

But Social Security Number and Government verified Photo ID are a must for most banks. The Government verified IDs include a valid passport, driving license, SSN, Municipal identification cards, etc. Some banks might ask for a secondary ID too. So, it’s quite difficult to open an online bank account without id. But is it impossible? 

No, actually some banks do not require a photo ID for opening a free online account. So, in these banks, you can open an online bank account without id. Here is a list of banks that allow banking without id

1. Bank Of America: You won’t require an ID. But you have to submit your ITIN number.
2. Citibank: No ID required. But you will need to verify your address and provide SSN.

Apart from them, Capital One and Charles Schwab also let you open a free online checking account without id. Furthermore, there are some shadow banks that might allow you to open a bank account without id. As they have less government oversight. But it’s not suggested to open an account in any unknown shadow banks. Because these banks have a habit of running away with customers’ money. You can also open a PayPal account without an ID. You will require only a phone number or email. 

Moreover, there are some virtual banks that allow you to open an account without id. But not all virtual bank account no id is safe for you. So, it’s suggested to avoid virtual bank account no id. 

Also, Check whether it’s possible to link bank accounts without verification.

Now, let’s have a look at why you can’t open a free online bank account without ID in most banks. 

Why Online Banking Without ID Is Not Always Possible

There are 2 particular acts that prohibit customers from opening an online bank account without ID. They are 

1. KYC Rule
2. Patriot Act

First, let’s learn about the KYC. 

The KYC or Know Your Customer rule is the US and international AML or anti-money laundering rule. It encourages financial institutions like banks to always know and verify the identity of the customer or business. It is also done for reviewing the suitability and risk involved in the business relation. KYC was made mandatory for all US Banks on  October 26, 2002. 

The KYC rule is followed even in offshore banks. Currently, the IRS has agreements with 56 countries. So, you will require a notarized copy of your passport even if you try to open an online offshore bank. So, it’s not possible to do online banking without an ID even offshore. As a result, id free bank account is so hard to create. 

Secondly, let’s have a look at the patriot act. 

The USA Patriot Act was mainly created to fight terrorism. According to Section 326 of the patriot act,

“Prescribes regulations establishing minimum standards for financial institutions and their customers regarding the identity of a customer that shall apply with the opening of an account at the financial institution.” 

This section is created to stop funding terrorist activity. This is also known as CIP or a customer identity program. As a result, every registered bank must set its own criteria for verifying every customer. There are four criteria for verifying the identity of a customer. They are

• Name 
• Address
• Date of Birth and 
• Taxpayer identification number

As primary photo identification can be faked with identity theft. So, the regulatory body suggested secondary photo identification. These secondary IDs include birth certificates, Medicare cards, U.S. voter registration cards, school ID cards, or institutional or military ID. 

Though secondary ID is not mandatory for all free online bank accounts. However, some might ask for it, and making id free bank account becomes more difficult.

So, it’s not possible to do online banking no photo id required. This strong personal identity verification is one of the reasons why almost 10 million Americans do not have a bank account. However, these regulations are for the betterment and security of everyone. 

Now, what if you don’t have a government verified ID and want to open an online bank account. 

Verifying Identity Of Minors And Immigrants For Opening  Free Online Bank Account

There can be some situations where you do not have any proper photo ID but want to open a free online bank account. So, how do you open account without id. If you face this then you are probably a minor or an immigrant. 

To open a free online account 

1. For Minors

For opening a free online bank account for minors, you may have to show your birth certificate or SSN depending on the bank policy. Even if you are a minor and want to make a bank account without id then you will require the identity card or SSN of your parents or legal guardian before signing the minor account. 

Opening a bank account before 18 is a good financial decision. You can check out our article on merging bank accounts for knowing more about personal financial decisions. 

2. For Immigrants

Different banks have different policies for online accounts of immigrants. If you are an immigrant and want to open a bank account, they can use ITIN or your passport for photo verifications. Check out our article on opening a bank account for immigrants for more information.  

So, even for immigrants getting a bank account without id is not possible. As a result, if you are an immigrant and want to make a bank account without id then you will require ITIN or your passport. 

Now, let’s have a look at some of the frequently asked questions about free online banking no id required

FAQ

Can I Open A Bank Account Online Without Id?

Yes, you can open a free bank account without id in Bank Of America, Capital One, Charles Schwab, and Citibank. But these accounts will also require some sort of identification like ITIN, or SSN. Moreover, there are some shadow banks or virtual banks that allow no id bank account. But you need to be really careful about these. As some of these can be scams.

How To Make a Bank Account Without id?

To open a bank account without identification, you can contact the Bank Of America, Capital One, Charles Schwab, and Citibank. Because in the US only these trusted banks require no id for bank accounts. Moreover, you can create online bank accounts without id in virtual banks. If you are a minor or immigrant and have no id for bank account, then you can use your birth certificate, ITIN, or passport to open a free bank account without id.

What Bank Account Can I Open Online Without id?

Currently, you can open Bank Of America, Capital One, Charles Schwab, and Citibank online checking accounts without an id. Moreover, some virtual banks also allow you to open account without id. But be careful about virtual banks and shadow banks.

Final Words

Opening a free online bank account without ID is quite hard and not suggested also. Because most reputable financial institutions will not let you open a free online bank account without id. There are some exceptions. But these accounts have either fewer features or more costs.

Moreover, you must be careful while dealing with your money online. So, it’s better and safer to use an ID while opening a free bank account online.

That’s it for today. Have a great day!