Banks are not required to establish immigration status...the customer may not even be in the U.S.
The ITIN is a U.S. issued TIN and is acceptable on the CTR, the DOEP, information returns, etc. When ITIN application rules were revised a few years ago some banks actually became portals for processing W-7's; i.e. ITIN applications and welcomed the ITIN's use at account opening.
Any refusal to accept the ITIN would be acceptable, but it would be based on policy, not law. Just as some banks require an SSN to open an individual account, such a policy would be a subtle, legal act of discrimination against some non U.S. persons.
Last edited by Ken_Pegasus; 06/20/10 11:49 AM. Reason: Initially did not have time to respond in detail
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In this world you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.