What you need to open a bank account

To open a US bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though the amount varies—some require $25, others $100 or more, and some have no minimum. A few banks waive the deposit if you set up direct deposit.

The process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or online, depending on the bank. If you open online, the bank will verify your identity through a video call or by matching information against databases. If you open in a branch, bring your ID and proof of address (a recent utility bill, lease, or government mail works). You do not need a credit history or existing US bank account.

Banks run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud disputes from a previous account, some banks will decline you. Others specialize in second-chance accounts and accept people with ChexSystems records.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open any account.
  • Most banks require an initial deposit of $25 to $100, though some have no minimum or waive it for direct deposit.
  • Online accounts open in 15 to 30 minutes; in-person accounts take the same time but let you deposit cash immediately.
  • If you have ChexSystems records from overdrafts or fraud, second-chance banks like Chime, LendingClub, or GoBank will still open an account for you.
  • Monthly fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank and account type; many waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Opening an account online versus in a branch

Online accounts are faster and require no travel. You upload your ID and proof of address, verify your identity through video or database matching, and the account opens the same day or within 24 hours. You cannot deposit cash online, so you will need to use direct deposit, transfer money from another account, or wait for a debit card to arrive before you can access funds. Most online banks have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements.

In-person accounts at a branch take the same 15 to 30 minutes but let you deposit cash immediately and speak to a banker about account features. You walk out with a debit card or a temporary card number. Branch banks often charge monthly fees ($5 to $15) unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you need cash access on day one, opening in a branch is the only option.

If you do not have a permanent address or your address is not on file with utilities, opening in a branch is easier because the banker can verify your identity in person and accept alternative proof of address (a letter from a shelter, a lease, or mail from a government agency).

Documents and information you will need

Bring or upload a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The ID must not be expired. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks accept a passport card or a state ID without a photo if you bring a second form of ID (like a Social Security card or birth certificate).

Proof of address must be recent—usually dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax return, benefit letter, court document) all work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from them on their letterhead saying you live there, plus the bill.

You will need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, some banks will not open an account; others will open a limited account without an SSN and ask you to provide one later. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy.

Have your initial deposit ready. If you are depositing by check or transfer, know the routing and account number of the account you are transferring from. If you are depositing cash, bring it to the branch.

Banks that accept people with ChexSystems records

ChexSystems is a database that tracks overdrafts, bounced checks, fraud disputes, and closed accounts. If you have a record there—usually from unpaid overdraft fees or a dispute with a previous bank—many mainstream banks will decline you. Second-chance banks accept people with ChexSystems records and focus on building banking access rather than penalizing history.

Chime, LendingClub, GoBank, and NetSpend all accept applicants with ChexSystems records. These banks typically charge no monthly fees, have no minimum balance, and offer early direct deposit (your paycheck arrives one or two days early). The trade-off is that they are online-only, so you cannot deposit cash at a branch. You can deposit checks through a mobile app or transfer money from another account.

If you want in-person access and have a ChexSystems record, call your local credit union. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than banks and may open an account for you even with a record. Some credit unions are open to anyone in your area; others require membership in a specific group (your employer, a union, a community organization). Membership is usually free or costs $5 to $25 one time.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank and account type. Checking accounts are usually cheaper than savings accounts. Online banks and credit unions typically charge no monthly fee. Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) often charge $10 to $15 per month unless you meet a condition.

The most common ways to waive a monthly fee are: set up direct deposit of any amount, maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), keep a linked savings account open, or make a certain number of debit card purchases per month. Some banks waive fees for students, seniors, or military members. Ask the banker or check the bank's website for the exact conditions.

If you cannot meet the fee waiver conditions, choose a bank with no monthly fee. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no monthly fees and no minimum balance. If you want a physical branch, look for a credit union in your area—most charge no monthly fee or charge $3 to $5 per year.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card within 7 to 10 business days (or immediately if you opened in a branch). You can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs, make purchases, and pay bills online. Your bank will assign you a routing number and account number; you will need these to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers.

If you opened online, you can log into your account immediately through the bank's app or website. If you opened in a branch, you will receive login credentials by mail or email. Set up a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone when you log in from a new device).

Most banks offer free bill pay through their website or app. You can schedule payments to utilities, credit cards, loans, or anyone with a bank account. Payments usually arrive within 1 to 3 business days. Some banks charge a small fee ($1 to $3) for rush payments that arrive the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Some banks will open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Others require an SSN and will not open an account without one. A few banks will open a limited account without either and ask you to provide a number later. Call the bank before you go in or apply online to confirm their policy.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Open an account in a branch and bring a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or someone who lets you receive mail at their address. Some banks accept a PO box as a mailing address but not as a residential address. Ask the banker what they will accept before you apply.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

If you open in a branch, you may receive a temporary card number immediately or a physical card within 7 to 10 business days. If you open online, the card arrives in 7 to 14 business days. Some online banks offer instant card numbers through their app so you can make purchases before the physical card arrives.

Can I open more than one account at the same bank?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account at the same bank. Some banks limit the number of savings accounts you can open in a short period (for example, one per month). Ask the banker if there are any restrictions.

What if the bank declines me?

Ask why. If it is because of a ChexSystems record, try a second-chance bank or a credit union. If it is because you do not have an ID or proof of address, bring different documents or open in a branch where a banker can verify your identity in person. If it is because you do not have an SSN or ITIN, try a different bank or call ahead to confirm they accept applicants without one.