What You Need to Open a Checking Account

Most banks and credit unions will open a checking account for you in one visit if you bring a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some institutions also ask for an initial deposit on the spot—this can range from nothing to several hundred dollars depending on the bank. A few banks waive the deposit requirement if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.

The process itself takes 15 to 30 minutes in person. Online-only banks can complete the entire process in your browser in about 10 minutes, though you may need to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading photos of your documents. Either way, you walk out (or log out) with an account number and routing number the same day, though your debit card usually arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at a bank or credit union.
  • In-person accounts open in 15 to 30 minutes; online accounts take about 10 minutes but may require a video identity check.
  • Some banks require an opening deposit (ranging from zero to several hundred dollars), while others waive it if you set up direct deposit.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number and routing number immediately for transfers and bill pay.

Documents to Bring to the Bank

Government-issued ID is the first requirement. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The ID must not be expired, though some banks accept IDs that expired within the last year.

Proof of your current address is the second. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement with your name and address will do. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, a few banks will accept a letter from a government agency, employer, or landlord on official letterhead stating your address.

Your Social Security number or ITIN is required for tax reporting. If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who do not may have access to for a Social Security number) works at most banks. Bring the actual number or the document that shows it.

Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address during the account-opening conversation, so have those ready. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to bring the child's birth certificate or Social Security card as well as your own ID.

Banks, Credit Unions, and Online-Only Options

Traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks) have physical branches where you can open an account in person. They typically charge monthly maintenance fees ranging from $0 to $15, though many waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. They also offer the most ATM locations and in-person customer service.

Credit unions are member-owned institutions that often charge lower or no monthly fees and may offer better interest rates on savings. You must be a member to open an account, which sometimes requires living or working in a certain area or belonging to a particular employer or organization. Opening an account at a credit union follows the same document process as a bank.

Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and others) have no physical branches but typically charge no monthly fees and offer higher interest rates on checking balances. They complete the entire process online, though they may require a video call to verify your identity. Withdrawals happen through ATM networks or transfers to other banks; there is no teller to visit.

Opening an Account Online vs. In Person

In-person account opening at a bank or credit union is straightforward: you walk in during business hours, hand over your documents, answer questions about your employment and income, sign paperwork, and leave with an account number. The bank verifies your identity by looking at your ID in front of you. This route works well if you want to ask questions face-to-face or prefer to handle everything at once.

Online account opening through a bank's website or app takes about 10 minutes. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your personal information, and review the account terms. Many online banks then require a video call with an employee who asks you to hold up your ID to the camera and answer security questions. A few banks use automated verification instead, checking your information against databases. Either way, your account is active within hours.

Online-only banks have no choice but to open accounts online. Traditional banks and credit unions increasingly offer online opening as an option alongside in-person service. If you are not sure whether a bank near you offers online opening, call the branch or check their website.

Initial Deposit Requirements and Minimums

Initial deposit amounts vary widely. Many banks require $0 to open a checking account—you can fund it later through a transfer from another bank or a direct deposit. Some banks ask for $25 to $100 to get your free guide. A few larger banks require $300 or more for certain account types, though they usually offer a lower-fee or no-fee option that requires less.

Do not confuse the opening deposit with a minimum balance requirement. Some accounts require you to keep a certain amount in the account at all times (often $500 to $1,500) to avoid a monthly fee. Others have no minimum balance at all. Read the account terms before you open to understand what happens if your balance drops below the minimum.

If you set up direct deposit of your paycheck before or during account opening, many banks waive both the opening deposit and the monthly maintenance fee. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid fees, especially if you are paid regularly.

What Happens After You Open Your Account

Your account is active immediately, and you receive an account number and routing number on the spot (in person) or within minutes (online). You can use these numbers right away to set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or pay bills online. You do not have to wait for your debit card to arrive.

Your debit card is mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer rush delivery for a small fee. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your account number and a temporary PIN, or you can visit a branch teller and withdraw cash with your ID.

When your card arrives, you may need to activate it by calling a phone number on the card or using the bank's app. After activation, you can use it to make purchases, withdraw cash, and check your balance. Your first statement arrives 30 days after opening and shows all deposits, withdrawals, and fees.

Special Situations: No ID, No Address, or No Social Security Number

If you do not have a government-issued ID, some banks will open an account using a passport from another country, a tribal ID, or a combination of other documents like a birth certificate and utility bill. Call ahead to ask what the bank accepts; policies vary by location and institution.

If you do not have proof of address, a few banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or employer stating your current address. Some will also accept mail from a government agency or court. Again, call the bank first to confirm what they will take.

If you do not have a Social Security number but are authorized to work in the United States, you can obtain an ITIN from the IRS. Most banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number. If you are not authorized to work, some banks and credit unions will still open an account using an ITIN, though policies differ. A few institutions have accounts specifically designed for people without a Social Security number; search for "second chance banking" or "ITIN checking account" in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I have been denied before?

Yes. Banks use ChexSystems, a reporting system that tracks closed accounts and fraud, but a past closure or dispute does not permanently bar you. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems records. Call ahead and ask if the bank offers this option, or search for "second chance checking" in your area.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?

It depends on the account type. Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement at all. Others require $500 to $1,500 to avoid a monthly fee. Read the account terms before opening. If you cannot meet a minimum, choose an account with no minimum requirement or waive the fee by setting up direct deposit.

What if I do not have an address yet?

Some banks will open an account using a shelter address, a PO box, or a letter from a social service agency confirming your current location. Call the bank and explain your situation; they may have options not listed on their website. Credit unions and online banks sometimes have more flexibility than large national banks.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer expedited delivery for $5 to $15. You can use your account number and routing number for transfers and bill pay immediately; you do not have to wait for the card to arrive.

Can I open an account for someone else?

You can open a joint account with another adult if you both bring ID and proof of address. For a minor, a parent or legal guardian opens the account and is listed as the account owner; the child's name may or may not appear on the card depending on the bank's policy.