Many banks and credit unions open accounts for people without a social security number. No laws prohibit banks from serving people who do not have a social security number. Under the USA PATRIOT Act, banks must ask you for your name, birth date, street address and an identification number.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, this number may be a social security number, an individual taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) from the IRS, or the number from a U.S., state, or foreign government-issued Identification (e.g., passport, state ID, or matricular consular ID).
Most credit unions offer savings and checking accounts, loans, credit cards and other services. Unlike banks, credit unions are not-for-profit and are cooperatively owned by their members. They tend to charge low fees and interest rates. Like banks, credit unions are government regulates and insures accounts.
To open a bank account you will need to:
U.S., state, or foreign government-issued Identification.
A minimum deposit that may range from $25 dollars to $150. Check with the bank for certainty.
NOTE: Some banks have stricter rules than the law requires, but others have more flexible policies and accept a range of documents.
Local banks in Merced:
Bank of America
710 W. Main Street, Merced
209-384-5051
Bank of America
1124 W. Olive Avenue, Merced
209-725-7040
Chase
3550 G Street, Merced (inside Raley's Market)
209-383-6082
Chase
300 Merced Mall, Merced
800-935-9935
Educational Employee Credit Union (two ATMs on campus)
127 W El Portal Drive, Merced
209-726-7420
Educational Employee Credit Union
2740 M Street, Merced
209-383-3141
Wells Fargo
555 W. 18th Street, Merced
209-722-5772
Wells Fargo
3538 G Street, Merced
209-381-7890
