Wikitoro author Mike Druttman
Written by Mike Druttman
Wikitoro reviewer Nadav Zelver
Reviewed by Nadav Zelver

If you’re in the U.S. and looking to open a funded eToro account, then yes, you’ll need to provide your Social Security Number (SSN). This is part of eToro’s identity verification process and ties into federal compliance laws like the USA PATRIOT Act.

It helps them check who you are, report investment activity to the IRS, and meet anti-money laundering requirements.

SSN required from USA residents to open an eToro account
SSN required from USA residents to open an eToro account

 

Why they ask for your SSN

  • Regulatory compliance: U.S. law requires brokers like eToro to collect basic details: full name, date of birth, address, and your tax ID (aka your SSN). No SSN, no trading.
  • Verifying identity: Your SSN helps eToro confirm your identity. It also stops people from opening multiple accounts under the same tax profile.
  • Tax reporting: As a broker-dealer, eToro has to report your gains (or losses) to the IRS. No SSN means no way to file. No filing means no trading.

 

Do U.S. residents need an SSN?

Yes. If you’re a U.S. citizen or tax resident, submitting your SSN is mandatory. Without it, your account stays stuck in demo mode.

 

What if you’re not in the U.S.?

If you’re based outside the U.S., you won’t need an American SSN. But you will need a tax ID from your country. That could be the UK’s National Insurance (NI) number, or something similar.

Entering National Insurance Number for UK residents to open an eToro account
Entering National Insurance Number for UK residents to open an eToro account

 

Required docs: What to upload

Here’s what you’ll need to get fully verified on eToro:

Document Type Accepted Examples
Proof of Identity Passport, driver’s license, or state ID
Proof of Address Bank or utility bill, lease agreement
Tax ID U.S.: SSN, Non-U.S.: equivalent TIN

All documents need to be uploaded directly through the platform. Verification usually takes a few business days.

 

Can you skip the SSN?

Not really. If you’re a U.S. resident, no SSN means you won’t pass verification. You’ll be limited to the virtual portfolio only.

Already used your SSN on another eToro account? You’ll either need to close that old account or recover it. No workarounds.

 

Use a passport instead? Not for tax ID

A passport works for proving who you are, but not for tax ID purposes. If you’re a U.S. resident, your SSN is still required.

 

So, if you’re in the U.S., your SSN is non-negotiable for account verification and access to real trading. Outside the U.S.? Just use your local tax ID instead.

 

 

Wikitoro author Mike Druttman About Mike Druttman

Mike Druttman, Head of Content at Wikitoro.org, has decades of expertise in marketing communications and business matching. Educated at the CAM Foundation and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Mik...

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