Ramses Delgado, Banking Moderator
@ramses_delgado1
Yes, it is possible for undocumented immigrants to get a debit card in the United States, though the process and options depend on the type of debit card and the provider.
Undocumented immigrants can qualify for prepaid debit cards as well as bank-issued debit cards tied to a checking or savings account, though the latter requires more steps.
Banking regulations under the Patriot Act focus on identity verification, not citizenship. Many banks accept alternative IDs like a foreign passport, consular ID, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number (SSN). For example, an ITIN is widely accepted by major banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase. Credit unions and many prepaid debit card providers also accept alternative forms of ID.
In practice, undocumented immigrants face no legal barrier to obtaining debit cards, though access to bank accounts may depend on having an ITIN or acceptable ID. Prepaid options offer the simplest route, while bank-issued cards provide broader financial access with the proper documentation.
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