What you need to open a credit union account
To open a credit union account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Most credit unions also require an initial deposit, which ranges from $5 to $25 depending on the institution. Some credit unions waive the deposit if you set up direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance.
You can open an account in person at a branch, online through the credit union's website, or sometimes by phone or mail. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or a few hours to a few days online. If you're opening an account online, you'll upload copies of your ID and address proof rather than showing originals.
Not all credit unions accept new members from the general public. Many serve specific groups—employees of a company, members of an organization, people who live in a certain area, or people who work in a particular industry. Before you start the process, confirm that you meet the credit union's membership requirements. You can find this information on their website or by calling their membership department.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number to open an account at any credit union.
- Most credit unions require an initial deposit of $5 to $25, though some waive this if you set up direct deposit.
- Credit unions have membership rules—check whether you meet them before you start, because not all accept everyone.
- Opening an account takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or a few hours to a few days online.
- You can open an account at a branch, online, by phone, or by mail depending on what the credit union offers.
Documents to bring or upload
Bring or upload an original government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The ID must not be expired. If you're opening an account in person, bring the physical card. If you're opening online, you'll photograph both sides or upload a scan.
Bring or upload proof that you live at your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count. A credit card statement usually does not. If you're opening in person, bring the original document. If you're opening online, photograph or scan it.
Have your Social Security number ready. You don't need to bring a card—the credit union will ask you to state or type it. If you don't have a Social Security number, some credit unions will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this varies by institution. Call ahead to ask.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any branch during business hours with your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Tell a staff member you want to open an account. They will ask you which type of account you want—usually a checking account, savings account, or both. If you're not sure, ask what the differences are and what fees apply to each.
The staff member will enter your information into their system, show you the account terms, and ask you to sign documents. Read these documents or ask questions if anything is unclear. You'll then make your initial deposit—by cash, check, or debit card, depending on what the credit union accepts. Some branches can transfer money from another bank account if you provide the routing and account numbers.
Before you leave, ask for a temporary debit card or check if one will be mailed to you. Some credit unions issue a card on the spot; others mail it within 5 to 10 business days. Ask when your account will be fully active and when you can start using it online or by phone.
Opening an account online
Go to the credit union's website and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "Join." You'll fill out a form with your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. The form will ask which type of account you want and how much you want to deposit initially.
After you submit the form, you'll be asked to upload photos or scans of both sides of your ID and your proof of address. Make sure the images are clear and show all four corners of the document. If the upload fails, try a different file format or use a different device.
The credit union will review your documents, usually within a few hours to a few days. If everything looks correct, they'll send you an email saying your account is open. You can then make your initial deposit by transferring money from another bank account or by providing a debit card number. Some credit unions mail a debit card automatically; others require you to request one. Ask how long it takes to receive the card and when you can start using your account.
Membership requirements and who can join
Before you start, check the credit union's membership rules. Some credit unions are open to anyone in a geographic area—for example, anyone who lives or works in a certain county. Others serve only members of a specific group: employees of a company, members of a union, students at a college, or people who work in a certain field like healthcare or education.
If the credit union serves a specific group and you don't belong to it, you may still be able to join if a current member sponsors you or if you have a family member who is already a member. Some credit unions allow this; others do not. Call the membership department and ask directly.
A few credit unions have opened their membership to the general public through organizations like CO-OP or Shared Branch networks. If you can't join a credit union directly, search for "community development credit union" in your area—these often have looser membership rules and serve people with low income or limited credit history.
Initial deposit and minimum balance requirements
Most credit unions require an initial deposit of $5 to $25 to open an account. Some waive this deposit if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck or if you maintain a minimum balance—often $100 to $500 depending on the account type. Ask the credit union whether they waive the deposit and what conditions apply.
After your account is open, check whether there's a minimum balance you need to keep. If your balance drops below the minimum, the credit union may charge a monthly fee or close the account. Some accounts have no minimum; others require $100 or more. This information will be in the account agreement you sign.
If you can't afford the initial deposit right now, ask whether the credit union offers a second-chance or basic account with no deposit requirement. Some do, though these accounts may have limits on how many transactions you can make per month.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you'll receive a debit card and checks (if you opened a checking account). The debit card usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days; checks take longer, sometimes 2 to 3 weeks. Until your card arrives, you can withdraw money at the branch or use your account number to set up direct deposit.
Set up online banking as soon as possible. Go to the credit union's website, click "Log In," and select "New User" or "Enroll." You'll create a username and password. Online banking lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone or mobile app.
Ask the credit union about their mobile app, ATM network, and shared branch access. Many credit unions are part of the CO-OP or Allpoint networks, which means you can use thousands of ATMs nationwide without paying a fee. Some credit unions also participate in shared branching, which lets you do basic transactions at other credit union branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a credit union account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Some credit unions accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Call the credit union's membership department before you visit or apply online. If they don't accept ITINs, ask whether they know of another credit union in your area that does.
What if I don't meet the membership requirements?
Ask whether a current member can sponsor you or whether family membership is available. If not, search for community development credit unions in your area—these often serve people regardless of employment or group membership. You can also look for credit unions that participate in the CO-OP network, which may have more flexible rules.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Debit cards usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days after your account opens. Checks take longer, often 2 to 3 weeks. Ask the credit union for an estimate when you open your account. Until your card arrives, you can withdraw cash at the branch or use your account number for direct deposit.
Can I open an account if I have bad credit or a history with ChexSystems?
Credit unions typically don't check your credit score to open a basic checking or savings account. However, some use ChexSystems, a banking history report, to screen applicants. If you've been denied by other banks due to ChexSystems, ask the credit union whether they use it. If they do, ask whether they offer a second-chance account.
What's the difference between opening a checking and savings account?
A checking account is for frequent deposits and withdrawals—you get a debit card and checks. A savings account earns interest but limits how many withdrawals you can make per month. Many people open both. Ask the credit union what fees apply to each and whether you can transfer money between them for free.