The documents and information banks require before you can open an account

To open a checking or savings account at a US bank, 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 your date of birth and contact information. Some banks will let you open an account online with just your ID and SSN; others require you to visit a branch in person. A few banks have lower barriers if you have no credit history or a record with ChexSystems, a checking account reporting system that tracks overdrafts and fraud.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by account type. A traditional checking account at Chase or Bank of America has different requirements than an account at a credit union or an online-only bank like Ally or Charles Schwab. Some banks ask for a minimum opening deposit; others do not. If you are opening an account for a minor, the adult must bring their own ID and the child's birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open most accounts.
  • Online banks often have faster approval and lower minimum deposits than brick-and-mortar banks, but you cannot deposit cash in person.
  • If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for overdrafts or fraud, you can still open an account at banks that do not use ChexSystems or that offer second-chance checking.
  • Joint accounts require both account holders to provide ID and SSN, and both must sign the account agreement.
  • Some banks waive the minimum opening deposit if you set up direct deposit from your employer or government benefits.

What counts as proof of address

Banks accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or benefits letter) dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A few banks will accept a recent bank statement from another institution. A driver's license with your current address printed on it counts as both ID and proof of address, so you may not need a second document.

If you have moved recently and your ID does not reflect your new address, bring the ID plus one of the documents listed above. If you do not have a permanent address—you are staying with family or in temporary housing—some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a temporary lease, or a statement from someone who can vouch for your residence. Call the bank's customer service line before you go in; policies vary by branch.

The difference between opening in person and online

Opening an account in person at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your documents, a bank employee verifies them, and you sign the account agreement. You can ask questions and leave with a debit card and temporary checks the same day at some banks. The account is usually active within 24 hours.

Opening online is faster—approval can happen in minutes—but you cannot deposit cash without visiting a branch or ATM later. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your information, and sign electronically. The bank may call you to verify your identity before the account opens. You receive a debit card by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so you manage everything by phone, app, or website.

Some banks offer a hybrid: you start online and finish in person at a branch, or you open online and can visit a branch later to deposit cash or speak to someone. If you need to deposit cash regularly, a bank with physical locations or ATMs near your home or work is more practical than an online-only bank.

Minimum opening deposits and account fees

Minimum opening deposits range from zero to $300, depending on the bank and account type. Many large banks like Chase and Bank of America have no minimum, but they charge monthly maintenance fees ($12 to $15) unless you meet conditions like keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account. Online banks and credit unions often have no minimum deposit and no monthly fee.

Before you choose a bank, check the fee schedule. Some banks charge overdraft fees ($30 to $35 per transaction), out-of-network ATM fees ($2 to $3), or fees for paper statements. Others charge nothing. If you are opening your first account or rebuilding after financial trouble, a no-fee bank saves money and removes the risk of fees pushing you into overdraft.

Opening an account if you have ChexSystems issues

ChexSystems is a database that banks use to check your history with checking accounts. If you have unpaid overdrafts, wrote bad checks, or committed fraud, the bank may see a flag. Some banks deny accounts to anyone with a ChexSystems record; others do not use ChexSystems at all.

If you have been denied before, you have two options. First, request your ChexSystems report from Chex Systems directly (available free once per year at chexsystems.com) and dispute any errors. Second, look for banks that offer second-chance checking—accounts designed for people with banking problems. Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions offer these accounts. They may have higher fees or require a deposit, but they do not use ChexSystems or they overlook past issues.

You can also open an account at a credit union instead of a bank. Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexible policies about past banking problems. To join, you usually need to live or work in a specific area or belong to a certain group (such as employees of a company or members of a union).

Opening a joint account

A joint account requires both account holders to visit the bank together or to complete the application separately if the bank allows it. Each person must bring their own government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and SSN or ITIN. Both must sign the account agreement. Some banks allow one person to open the account and add the other person later, but both must verify their identity before the second person can access the account.

Decide in advance whether you want a joint account where either person can withdraw money, or whether you want restrictions (such as requiring both signatures for large withdrawals). This is set when you open the account. If you are opening a joint account with a spouse, partner, or family member, ask the bank about their policy on what happens if one account holder dies or if you separate.

Special situations: minors, non-citizens, and no SSN

To open an account for a minor (usually under 18), the parent or legal guardian must bring their own ID, the child's birth certificate, and the child's SSN. Some banks require the adult to be a joint account holder; others let the adult open a custodial account where the child is the primary account holder but the adult manages it until the child turns 18. Ask whether the account converts automatically to a regular account at that age or whether you need to take action.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-citizens who need to file taxes. You apply for an ITIN through the IRS; the process takes several weeks. Some banks accept an ITIN; others require an SSN. Call ahead to confirm. If you are not may be able to access for an SSN or ITIN, some banks and credit unions will open an account using only your ID and proof of address, though this is less common.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank issues a debit card (by mail or in person), provides you with account and routing numbers, and sets up online banking access. You can begin depositing money immediately through direct deposit, ATM deposits, mobile check deposit (if the bank offers it), or in-person deposits at a branch. Some banks place a hold on deposits for 1 to 5 business days before the money is available to withdraw.

Set up online banking and enable fraud alerts or two-factor authentication as soon as possible. Review your account agreement to understand the bank's policies on overdrafts, fees, and dispute resolution. If you have questions after opening, contact customer service by phone, email, or through the bank's app.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you do not have an SSN. Some banks accept an ITIN; others require an SSN. A few banks will open an account using only your ID and proof of address, but this is uncommon. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what they accept.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks accept a letter from a shelter, a temporary lease, or a statement from someone who can vouch for your residence. Call the bank's customer service line to ask what documents they accept for people without permanent housing. Credit unions may be more flexible than large banks.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, approval can happen in minutes, but your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. The account is usually active within 24 hours either way, though some banks take longer to verify your identity.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Many banks have no minimum opening deposit. Large banks like Chase and Bank of America do not require one, but they charge monthly fees unless you meet certain conditions. Online banks and credit unions often have no minimum and no monthly fee.

What if I have been denied a bank account before?

Look for second-chance checking accounts offered by banks like Chime or LendingClub, or open an account at a credit union. These institutions are more likely to work with people who have had banking problems. You can also request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors before applying elsewhere.