PITTSFIELD, Mass. Immigrants who do not have a social security number are required to have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to actively participate in the U.S. financial system and apply for loans, such as credit cards, auto loans and mortgages, as well as to pay their taxes.

 

While some agencies or organizations may charge hundreds of dollars to help an immigrant apply for an ITIN, the service is free of charge at Greylock.

 

"At Greylock, we know that our new Americans comprise one of our fastest growing member sectors. It's absolutely vital that we provide them with safe and affordable financial services to support their goals for both the present and future," said President and CEO John Bissell.

 

According to a press release, since 2019, the credit union has helped more than 1,800 individuals obtain an ITIN. In 2023, Greylock's Certified IRS ITIN Agents helped submit 602 ITIN applications to the IRS, opening the door to financial resources for community members who need this access to support their financial wellness.

 

While not every new ITIN recipient will apply for a loan through Greylock, many have utilized these resources. Through Greylock's lending programs, members have access to tailored lending products such as a Credit Builder Loan, Borrow and Save Loan, Lifeline (a small dollar installment loan), New Road Loans for new and used vehicles, and most recently, ITIN mortgages.

 

Since 2019, Greylock has approved over 2,000 ITIN loan applications for over $27 million. In 2023, Greylock approved 660 ITIN loan applications for $7,172,409, and the credit union is on pace to exceed those numbers in 2024.

 

"Of course, we are thrilled with those numbers," Bissell added, "but what excites me the most personally is that each one of those ITIN loan applications represents a new American who is working hard to achieve their American Dream."

 

To learn more about Greylock's ITIN offerings, email Bob Maxwell, Senior Content Producer, at bmaxwell@greylock.org.