What you need before you walk in or go online

Most banks and credit unions need two things from you to open a checking account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address on it — usually dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring money to deposit. The minimum opening deposit varies by bank — some ask for $25, others for $100 or $500. A few have no minimum at all. Call or check the bank's website before you go, because you do not want to show up short.

If you do not have a government ID, some banks will work with you using alternative documents like a passport card, tribal ID, or even a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a utility bill. Call ahead to ask what they accept — do not assume they will turn you away.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
  • Have your opening deposit ready — the amount required varies by bank, so check beforehand.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online through the bank's website, and online usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, but you must be a member of the organization or group they serve.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or unpaid accounts, some banks use ChexSystems to screen you, but you can still find banks that do not.

Opening in person at a branch

Walk into any branch during business hours with your ID, address proof, and opening deposit. Tell the teller or banker you want to open a checking account. They will hand you a form or walk you through it on their computer, asking for your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number.

The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will choose a debit card design, set up online banking and a PIN, and decide whether you want overdraft protection (which lets the bank cover charges if your balance goes negative, usually for a fee). Ask questions about monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and what happens if you overdraw — do not sign anything you do not understand.

You walk out with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your account is live the same day.

Opening online

Many banks let you open a checking account entirely on their website without visiting a branch. Go to the bank's homepage, find the "Open an Account" or "get your free guide" button, and follow the steps. You will enter your personal information, upload photos of your ID and address proof using your phone or computer, and transfer your opening deposit from another account or through a wire.

The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some banks approve you instantly; others review your documents and email you within one business day. You get a temporary card number right away that works for online purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your physical card ships within 5 to 7 business days.

Online opening works well if you already have another bank account to transfer money from. If you do not, you may need to go to a branch or arrange a wire transfer, which can cost $15 to $30.

Banks versus credit unions

Banks are for-profit companies. They are everywhere, have longer hours, and often have more ATMs. Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits — you have to join to use them, usually by working for a certain employer, living in a certain area, or belonging to a certain group or organization.

Credit unions typically charge lower monthly fees (many have no monthly fee at all) and pay higher interest on savings accounts. Banks often have more branches and better mobile apps. Both are insured by the federal government — banks through the FDIC, credit unions through the NCUA — so your money is safe up to $250,000 either way.

If you work for a large employer, a union, or a government agency, check whether they sponsor a credit union. If you live in a certain city or county, a local credit union may serve you. If neither applies, a bank is your straightforward choice.

What happens if you have banking problems in your past

Banks use a system called ChexSystems to check whether you have unpaid overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud disputes at other banks. If you do, some banks will deny you. But many banks do not use ChexSystems at all, and some specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history.

If you are turned down, ask the bank whether they use ChexSystems and request a copy of your report. You can dispute errors on it. Then look for banks that market second-chance checking — they exist specifically for this situation and usually charge higher fees but will open an account for you.

Credit unions are sometimes more flexible about past problems, especially if you have a connection to their organization. It is worth asking.

Setting up online banking and mobile apps

Once your account is open, the bank will give you a username and temporary password for online banking. Log in, change your password to something only you know, and set up two-factor authentication (usually a code texted to your phone when you log in from a new device). This protects your account from hackers.

Download the bank's mobile app if you have a smartphone. You can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo, and set up alerts that notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large charge goes through.

Spend 10 minutes exploring these features before you need them. Know how to transfer money to another bank account, how to report a lost card, and how to contact customer service. The time you spend now saves panic later.

Fees and features to ask about

Before you open an account, ask about these specific costs: monthly maintenance fee (if any), overdraft fee (charged when you spend more than you have), out-of-network ATM fee (charged when you use another bank's ATM), and wire transfer fee (charged to send money to another bank).

Also ask whether the account pays interest on your checking balance — most do not, but some do if you keep a minimum balance. Ask whether there is a minimum balance requirement to avoid fees, and what happens if you drop below it. Ask how many free transfers you can make per month to other banks.

These details vary wildly between banks. A bank with no monthly fee but a $5 overdraft charge might cost you more than a bank with a $10 monthly fee but no overdraft charge, depending on how you use the account. Read the fee schedule before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some banks in areas with large immigrant populations will open accounts using an ITIN instead. Call ahead and ask — do not assume you will be turned away.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Physical cards arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Most banks give you a temporary card number or digital card you can use immediately for online shopping and ATM withdrawals while you wait.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address as long as you can receive mail there. Call the bank and explain your situation — many have worked with people in transition and know how to handle it.

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

It depends on the bank. Some have no minimum. Others require $100 or $500 to avoid a monthly fee. Check the fee schedule before you open the account, and ask whether the minimum applies to your checking account specifically or to all your accounts combined.

Can I open an account for someone else, like a child or elderly parent?

You can open a joint account where both of you are owners, or a custodial account where you manage money for a minor. Bring both people's IDs and address proof if you are opening jointly. For a custodial account, bring the child's birth certificate and your ID. Rules vary by bank, so call first.