Bank account and credit when you are new to the US
You can usually open a bank account before your SSN arrives, but each bank sets its own policy. Credit history from India does not carry over, so you start fresh.
Facts checked Oct 25, 2026
Banks must collect your name, date of birth, address and an ID number; for non-US persons that can be an SSN or ITIN, or a passport number and country. Whether a bank accepts a foreign passport, especially online, is its own policy, so try a branch if online fails. To build credit, a secured card or credit builder loan that reports to the bureaus is a common start.
What the bank must ask
Under the Customer Identification Program rule a bank collects name, date of birth, address and an ID number. For non-US persons that can be a taxpayer ID (SSN or ITIN), a passport number and country, or another government photo ID showing nationality or residence.
Source: fdic.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
A bank may open an account for someone who has applied for a taxpayer ID if its procedures allow. Whether it accepts a foreign passport or ITIN is the bank’s policy.
Source: fdic.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
If online identity checks fail, the FDIC suggests visiting a branch or calling.
Source: fdic.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
- FDIC BankFind ↗Check a bank is FDIC insured
- Bank On certified accounts ↗Low-cost starter accounts
Building credit from zero
With no file at any of the three credit bureaus you are "credit invisible". Paying by debit card or cash does not build a credit record.
Source: files.consumerfinance.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
With a secured card your deposit becomes the credit line; ask whether the issuer reports to the credit bureaus, and compare fees and rates. Credit builder loans are another option.
Source: files.consumerfinance.gov ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
AnnualCreditReport.com is the only federally authorized site for free reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Source: annualcreditreport.com ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
Questions people ask
Can I open a US bank account with an Indian passport?
Federal rules allow a passport number and country for non-US persons, but each bank decides what it accepts. If online opening fails, go to a branch.