Do I Need SSN for eToro?

Written by Mike Druttman

Reviewed by Nick 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.

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.

Required docs: What to upload

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

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.

eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.

Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This communication is intended for information and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or investment recommendation. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice.  The value of your investments may go up or down.  Your capital is at risk.

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which hasbeen prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.