The documents and information banks actually require
To open a checking 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 will also ask for your date of birth and a phone number. That is the baseline. Some banks add requirements depending on their policies or your situation — a few ask for an initial deposit before they open the account, others do not.
The ID must be current and show your face. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents — a utility bill plus a birth certificate, for example — but you will need to call ahead and ask. Do not show up without knowing whether your bank takes that route.
Proof of address usually means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. "Recent" typically means from the last 30 to 90 days. A piece of mail from a government agency works too. If you do not have a permanent address, some banks will let you use a shelter address, a PO box, or even a friend's address if you can show you receive mail there — again, call first.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open a checking account.
- Proof of address means a document dated within the last 30 to 90 days showing your name and where you live, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Some banks require an opening deposit before they create your account; others do not, so compare banks before you go in.
- If you do not have standard documents, call the bank ahead of time to ask what alternatives they will take instead.
- Online banks have the same document requirements as brick-and-mortar banks, but you upload copies instead of showing originals in person.
When a bank asks for an opening deposit
Some banks require you to deposit money before they will open your account. The amount varies widely — anywhere from $25 to $500 depending on the bank and the type of account. Other banks have no minimum deposit at all. This is a policy choice each bank makes, not a legal requirement.
If you are short on cash, you have options. Credit unions often have lower or no opening deposit requirements than big banks. Online banks frequently waive the deposit entirely. Some banks offer a "second chance" checking account designed for people rebuilding their banking history, and these usually have no opening deposit. Call or visit the bank's website to find out what they require before you make a trip.
What happens if you do not have a Social Security number
If you have an ITIN — an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS — you can use that instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number and serves the same purpose for banking. You get an ITIN by filing a tax return with the IRS; you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to have one.
If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, some banks will still open an account for you, but the process is slower and the bank may ask more questions. You will need to bring additional documents proving your identity and address. Call the bank directly and describe your situation — do not assume they will turn you away without asking.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online banks use the same documents as in-person banks, but you upload photos or scans of them instead of showing originals. You will photograph your ID, your proof of address, and sometimes your Social Security card. The bank's website will walk you through which documents they need and how to submit them.
Online accounts usually open faster than in-person accounts — sometimes within a few minutes, sometimes within a day. You get a temporary account number right away and can start using it before your debit card arrives. In-person accounts at a physical bank branch take longer because the teller has to verify your documents and enter your information by hand, but you walk out with a debit card the same day.
If you are uncomfortable uploading documents online, or if you want to ask questions face-to-face, opening in person is the right choice. If you want the account open today and you do not mind waiting for a card, online is faster.
Documents you do not need, even though banks sometimes ask
Some banks ask for your mother's maiden name, your employment history, or your income. These are optional questions, not requirements. You can decline to answer them. The bank uses this information to assess risk, not to decide whether to open the account — if they are asking, they have already decided to open it.
Similarly, banks sometimes ask whether you have had accounts closed by other banks or whether you have been reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database). You must answer these truthfully if you answer at all, but refusing to answer does not disqualify you. If you have a complicated banking history, tell the bank upfront — many have programs for people in that situation, and honesty is better than being caught in a lie later.
What to bring on the day you open the account
Bring your photo ID, your proof of address, and write down your Social Security number or ITIN before you go. Bring the original documents, not copies, unless the bank told you copies are fine. If you are opening the account with someone else — a spouse or partner — they need to bring their own ID and proof of address.
Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you. Bring a list of any other banks where you have had accounts, especially if any were closed. If you want to set up direct deposit from your employer or a government payment, bring the routing number and account number from your current account, or bring a recent pay stub that shows your employer's information.
If you are opening the account online, you do not need to bring anything in person. Have your documents ready to photograph or scan, and have your phone or computer set up so you can upload them as you go through the application.
If the bank turns you down
Banks can refuse to open an account for you. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report, a history of overdrafts or fraud, or unpaid fees at another bank. If a bank turns you down, ask them why. They are required to tell you the reason.
If the reason is a ChexSystems report, you can request a copy of your report from ChexSystems directly and dispute any errors on it. If the reason is unpaid fees or overdrafts, some banks will open an account for you if you pay the old debt first. If the reason is fraud, you will have a harder time, but second-chance checking accounts exist for this situation too.
Do not apply to multiple banks in a short time period. Each application shows up on your banking history, and multiple applications in a week can make banks more cautious. Apply to one bank, wait to hear back, and if they say no, move to the next one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account without a photo ID?
Most banks require a photo ID, but some will take a combination of other documents instead — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill. Call the bank first and describe what documents you have. Do not assume they will turn you away without asking what alternatives they accept.
Do I need to have money in my account before I open it?
Some banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $500, but many do not. Check the bank's website or call them to find out their policy. If you cannot afford the opening deposit, look for banks that waive it or try a credit union, which often has lower requirements.
How long does it take to open a checking account?
Online accounts can open in minutes to a few hours. In-person accounts at a bank branch usually take 15 to 30 minutes, and you get a debit card the same day. Your account is ready to use immediately, though it may take a day or two for your debit card to be activated.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
Call the bank and explain your situation. Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address if you can show you receive mail there. Others may ask for additional documents. Do not assume they will refuse — ask first.
Can someone else open a checking account for me?
No. You must open the account yourself and be present with your own ID and documents. A parent or guardian cannot open an account in your name without you there. If you are a minor, your parent or guardian can open a joint account with you, but you still need to be present.