Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking
Opens with a passport
- Monthly fee
- $5 or $0
- Account
- Online or branch
- You need
- Passport, ITIN or SSN
Open account
on the Wells Fargo website
on the Wells Fargo website
How to get an ITIN number: step by step
An ITIN is a 9-digit tax number from the IRS for people who cannot get a Social Security number. You apply with Form W-7, usually together with your federal tax return. The IRS issues it for free, and it takes about 7 weeks.
With an ITIN, many banks open accounts, and some card issuers and lenders accept applications. Each one sets its own rules.
- Bank account
- SSN or ITINYou are here
- Credit builder
- First card
- Loans at fair rates
Step by step
- 1
Check that an ITIN is for you
You need one if you must file a US federal tax return, or can be claimed on one as a spouse or dependent for a tax benefit, and you cannot get an SSN. Your immigration status does not matter. If you can work in the US or have a green card, apply for an SSN instead.
- 2
Fill in Form W-7
Download it from irs.gov. There is a Spanish version, Form W-7(SP), and then IRS letters come in Spanish. Each family member who needs an ITIN fills in their own form.
- 3
Attach your tax return
Put Form W-7 in front of your federal tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-NR) and leave the SSN field blank. Without a tax return you can apply only under one of the five exceptions in the Form W-7 instructions, for example income with tax withheld by a bank, or a home loan.
- 4
Prepare your documents
A valid passport is enough on its own; for a dependent it also needs a US entry date, or add a document that shows US residency, such as a school record. Without a passport you need two documents from the IRS list of 13, one with a photo, such as a national ID card and a civil birth certificate. Send originals or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Notarized copies are not accepted.
- 5
Choose how to apply
By mail to the IRS in Austin, Texas. In person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, by appointment at 844-545-5640. Or through an acceptance agent. At a Taxpayer Assistance Center and with a certifying acceptance agent, most documents are checked and returned to you at the end of the appointment.
- 6
Wait for the letter
Your ITIN comes in a letter, notice CP565, not on a card. Allow 7 weeks, or 9-11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 and when you apply from abroad. If there is no answer by then, call the IRS at 800-829-1040, or 267-941-1000 from abroad.
While you wait: an account with a passport
You do not need an ITIN for these. You get a US account and a debit card.
Majority
Open with a passport
- Monthly fee
- $0 or $6.99 (Plus)
- Transfer fee
- $1.99 on Base
- Reports to
- TransUnion (Plus card)
Open account
on the Majority website
on the Majority website
When your ITIN arrives: first credit
These accept an ITIN instead of an SSN, and your payments go to the credit bureaus. For the Extra card you also need a US government ID, such as a state ID.
Capital One Platinum Secured
Accepts ITIN
- APR
- 29.24% variable
- Annual fee
- $0
- Deposit
- $49 / $99 / $200
Apply now
on the Capital One website
on the Capital One website
Extra Debit Card
Debit card, accepts ITIN
- Monthly fee
- $20/mo or $149/yr
- Reports to
- Equifax, Experian
Open account
on the Extra website
on the Extra website
Questions people ask
How much does an ITIN cost?
Nothing. The IRS does not charge for an ITIN. Applying at a Taxpayer Assistance Center or at a VITA site with ITIN services is free. Acceptance agents may charge for their help.
Can I apply for an ITIN online?
No. The IRS takes ITIN applications by mail or in person. You can fill in Form W-7 on your computer, but you have to print it, sign it and mail it or bring it.
Where do I mail Form W-7?
Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342. Do not use the address from your tax return instructions. Original documents come back to you within 60 days.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
About 7 weeks. From January 15 to April 30 and when you apply from abroad, 9-11 weeks.
Can a nonresident get an ITIN?
Yes, if you have a US federal tax purpose, for example US income you must report or a tax treaty benefit. You can apply by mail from abroad or through an IRS acceptance agent abroad.
How do I find my ITIN number if I lost the letter?
Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 (267-941-1000 from abroad) and ask them to send notice CP565 again. If you are renewing and do not know your number, check the No/Don't know box on line 6e of Form W-7.
Does an ITIN expire?
Yes. If it is not used on a federal tax return for 3 tax years in a row, it expires on December 31 of the third year. ITINs issued before 2013 and never renewed have expired too. To renew, send Form W-7 with the Renew an existing ITIN box checked, together with your tax return.
Does an ITIN let me work or change my status?
No. An ITIN is for taxes only. It does not authorize work, does not change immigration status, does not give Social Security benefits and cannot be used as ID for a driver's license.