Most people can open a checking account, but banks have different rules about age, identity, and past banking history

You can open a checking account if you are at least 18 years old and can provide a government-issued ID. Banks will check your identity and may look at your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts and overdrafts. If you have been denied before or have unpaid overdrafts, some banks will still work with you — they just have different requirements or fees.

The main barriers are age and proof of who you are. A few banks will open accounts for minors (usually 13 and up) with a parent or guardian, but those accounts come with limits on withdrawals and transfers. If you do not have a government ID yet, some banks accept a passport, tribal ID, or military ID instead of a driver's license.

If you have had problems with banks in the past — overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank — you may still open an account. You will need to look for banks that do not use ChexSystems or that overlook certain items on your report. Some credit unions and online banks are more flexible than large national chains.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 18 or older and have a government-issued ID to open a standard checking account at most banks.
  • Banks use ChexSystems to check your history, but a negative report does not automatically disqualify you — different banks have different policies.
  • If you have unpaid overdrafts or a closed account, look for banks that advertise "second chance" accounts or do not pull ChexSystems reports.
  • Minors can open accounts at some banks and credit unions with a parent or guardian, though the account will have withdrawal limits.
  • Online banks often have fewer identity requirements and may not check ChexSystems, making them an option if traditional banks turn you down.

What banks check before opening your account

When you walk in or go online to open a checking account, the bank will ask for your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. They use this information to verify your identity and run a background check through ChexSystems. This database does not report credit — it only tracks banking problems like overdrafts you did not pay, accounts closed by the bank, or fraud.

The bank will also ask about your employment and income, though they rarely verify this information. They want to know if you are likely to maintain a minimum balance and keep the account open. If your income is very low or you have no income, some banks may still open the account but may charge higher fees or require a larger opening deposit.

A few banks also run a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. This is different from the hard pull a lender does when you apply for a loan or credit card. The soft check is just to see whether you have existing accounts and whether you pay on time — it does not determine whether you can open the account.

If you have been denied or have a negative ChexSystems report

A negative ChexSystems report means the bank sees unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or an account the bank closed. This does not mean you cannot open an account anywhere. It means you need to find a bank that either does not check ChexSystems or that has a policy allowing accounts for people with negative reports.

Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks. Many credit unions do not use ChexSystems at all, or they use it but do not automatically deny people with negative reports. You can search for credit unions in your area through the CO-OP network or by calling your local community development organization.

Online banks and smaller regional banks also tend to have fewer restrictions. Some explicitly market "second chance" checking accounts for people with banking problems. These accounts may come with higher fees, a lower opening deposit requirement, or both. Read the fee schedule carefully — some charge $10 to $15 per month just to hold the account.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

You must be 18 to open a checking account in your own name at most banks. If you are younger, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian, or you can use a custodial account that the parent controls until you turn 18.

Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to open accounts with parental permission. These accounts usually limit how much you can withdraw per day, how many transfers you can make per month, and whether you can overdraft. The parent or guardian has full access to the account and can see all transactions.

When you turn 18, you can convert the joint account to an account in your name alone, or you can open a separate account and transfer the money. Ask the bank about this process before you open the account, because some banks make it simple and others require you to close and reopen.

What ID you need to bring

A government-issued photo ID is the standard requirement. This means a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some banks also accept a military ID or tribal ID if you do not have a driver's license or passport.

If you do not have any of these, you have a few options. Some banks will accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill in your name. Call the bank ahead of time and ask what they will take, because policies vary by branch and by bank.

If you are opening an account online, you may be able to upload a photo of your ID or use an identity verification service. Some online banks use video verification, where you show your ID to a camera and answer questions to prove you are who you say you are.

Opening an account online versus in person

Opening online is faster and requires fewer documents in most cases. You upload a photo of your ID, enter your information, and the account opens within a few minutes to a few hours. You can start using a debit card immediately at some banks, though it may take three to five business days to arrive in the mail.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and understand the fees before you commit. The bank can also resolve identity issues on the spot if your ID does not scan clearly or if there is a name mismatch. If you do not have a government ID, opening in person may be your only option.

Online banks have no branches, so you can only open online. If you need to deposit cash, you will have to use a partner bank's ATM or a third-party service like MoneyLion or Chime, which may charge a fee. If you need to deposit checks, most online banks let you photograph the check with your phone and upload it.

Minimum deposit and opening balance requirements

Most banks do not require a minimum opening deposit — you can open an account with zero dollars. However, some banks require you to deposit at least $25 or $100 to activate the account. A few banks require a higher opening deposit, usually $500 or more, especially if you have a negative ChexSystems report.

The opening deposit is separate from a minimum balance requirement. A minimum balance is the amount you must keep in the account to avoid a monthly fee. This ranges from $0 (no requirement) to $1,500 or more at premium accounts. If your balance drops below the minimum, you may be charged $5 to $15 per month.

Online banks and credit unions often have no minimum balance requirement at all. If you are opening a second-chance account because of banking problems, check whether the minimum balance is realistic for you. Some second-chance accounts require you to keep $500 in the account at all times, which defeats the purpose if you are living paycheck to paycheck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I have never had one before?

Yes. First-time account holders have no ChexSystems history, so banks have no reason to deny you. You just need to be 18, have a government ID, and provide your Social Security number. Online banks are often the fastest option for first-time openers.

What happens if ChexSystems says I owe money from an old overdraft?

The bank will see the unpaid overdraft and may deny you. However, you can dispute the report if it is wrong, or you can pay the overdraft and ask the bank to update ChexSystems. Some banks will open an account if you pay the old debt first. Contact the bank that closed the account and ask what it will take to clear the report.

Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account?

Most banks require a Social Security number for tax reporting and to check ChexSystems. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call ahead to confirm the bank will take an ITIN before you go in.

Can I open a checking account if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?

Yes, but you will need to provide some address on the application. Many banks accept a shelter address, a PO box, or the address of a friend or family member. Some banks also accept a care-of address (c/o). Call the bank and explain your situation — many have policies for people in transition.

How long does it take to open a checking account?

Online accounts open in minutes to a few hours. In-person accounts at a branch usually take 15 to 30 minutes. Your debit card may arrive in three to five business days, though some banks issue a temporary card or let you use your account number to make purchases right away.