What you need to bring and where to start

To open a checking account at a bank, you walk in with a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID. Most banks also ask for an initial deposit—usually $25 to $100, though some have no minimum. You can open an account in person at a branch, over the phone, or online through the bank's website, depending on which bank you choose and whether you already have a relationship with them.

The fastest route is usually online if the bank offers it. You fill out a form with your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. The bank verifies your identity electronically—sometimes instantly, sometimes within a day—and you can start using the account before your debit card arrives. In-person at a branch takes about 30 minutes and lets you ask questions as you go. Phone applications take longer because the representative has to walk through every field with you.

Before you choose a bank, compare what they charge. Some banks charge monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $15), others waive them if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Some charge for out-of-network ATM use, overdrafts, or paper statements. These fees add up over a year, so reading the fee schedule on the bank's website before you apply saves money later.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number; most banks want an opening deposit of $25 to $100.
  • Online opening is fastest and often instant, while in-person takes about 30 minutes and phone applications take the longest.
  • Compare monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and ATM charges before you choose a bank, because these costs vary widely.
  • Your debit card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the account immediately once it is open.
  • If you have no Social Security number, some banks accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.

Documents you need to have ready

Every bank requires proof of identity—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, some banks will accept a tribal ID or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa. The ID has to be current and show your photo.

You also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address works. It has to be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name yet, a lease signed by both you and the landlord counts. A piece of mail from a government agency—tax return, voter registration card, or benefits letter—also works.

Bring your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). The bank uses this to check your banking history and report interest you earn to the IRS. If you have neither, ask the bank whether it offers accounts for people without a Social Security number; some do, though they may have higher fees or lower limits.

If you are opening the account online, you will type this information into a form. If you are going in person, bring the physical documents. If you are calling, have them in front of you so you can read the numbers and dates to the representative.

What happens after you submit your information

Once you submit your application—whether online, in person, or by phone—the bank runs a background check. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours online. The bank checks your Social Security number against the IRS database to confirm it matches your name, and it may check ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you have been flagged for fraud or have unpaid overdrafts at another bank, this is where the bank finds out.

Most people are approved instantly or within 24 hours. If the bank cannot verify your identity electronically—because your address does not match records, or your name is common and the match is unclear—they may call you to confirm details. This can add a day or two. If you have a history of fraud or unpaid fees at another bank, the bank may deny your application or ask you to come in person so they can verify your identity face-to-face.

Once you are approved, your account is active immediately. You can transfer money in, set up direct deposit, and use online banking right away. Your physical debit card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use a temporary digital card in their app while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online opening is the fastest option if the bank offers it. You fill out the form on your phone or computer, upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and you are done in 10 minutes. The bank verifies everything electronically. You can start using the account the same day or the next day. The downside is that you cannot ask questions in real time, and if something goes wrong with the verification, you have to call the bank to fix it.

In-person opening at a branch takes about 30 minutes. A banker walks you through the account options, explains the fees, and answers your questions. They verify your identity on the spot and can often issue a temporary debit card or let you withdraw money the same day. This is the best option if you want to understand all the features before you commit, or if you have a complicated situation—like no Social Security number or a recent address change.

Phone opening is an option some banks offer, but it is the slowest. The representative reads through every field of the application with you, which takes 20 to 40 minutes. You have to mail in copies of your ID and proof of address, which adds 5 to 10 business days before your account is fully active. Use this option only if you cannot go online or visit a branch.

Initial deposit and minimum balance requirements

Most banks ask for an opening deposit of $25 to $100 to fund the account. Some banks have no minimum at all. A few banks—usually those targeting people with low income—ask for $1 to $5. You can deposit this money by transferring it from another bank account, bringing cash to a branch, or mailing a check.

After the account is open, some banks require you to keep a minimum balance—often $500 to $1,500—to avoid a monthly fee. Others waive the fee if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck, or if you make a certain number of debit card purchases each month. Read the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what you have to do to avoid charges.

If you cannot meet the minimum balance, look for a bank that does not have one. Credit unions and online banks often have lower or no minimums. Some banks designed for people with low income also waive minimums if you set up direct deposit.

What to do if your application is denied

If a bank denies your application, they have to tell you why. Common reasons are a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or a mismatch between your name and Social Security number. You can ask the bank for details and correct any errors—for example, if your name has changed due to marriage or a legal name change, bring documentation of that change.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can request a free copy of your report from ChexSystems directly. Go to chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it. This can take 30 days to resolve.

If one bank denies you, try another. Different banks have different standards. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large banks. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people who have been denied elsewhere; these accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they let you build a banking history.

Setting up online banking and your first transactions

Once your account is open, the bank sends you information for online banking—usually a username and a temporary password. Log in to the bank's website or app and change your password to something only you know. Set up two-factor authentication if the bank offers it; this means the bank sends a code to your phone every time you log in from a new device, which protects your account from hackers.

Your first step is usually to link another bank account so you can transfer money in. The bank asks for the routing number and account number of the other account. You can find these on a check or by logging into the other bank. The transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

If you are setting up direct deposit—for example, to have your paycheck deposited automatically—ask your employer for the direct deposit form. You give them your new account's routing number and account number. Direct deposit usually starts within one or two pay periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Some banks accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Others require a Social Security number and will not open an account without one. Call the bank before you go in and ask whether they have accounts for people with an ITIN. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Physical debit cards usually arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Many banks now offer a digital card in their app that you can use immediately to make online purchases or tap at a store. You can also withdraw cash at an ATM using your PIN while you wait for the physical card.

What if I do not have proof of address?

If you just moved or do not have a utility bill in your name, bring a lease, mortgage statement, or a piece of government mail. If you have none of these, go to the bank in person and explain your situation; some branches can verify your address through other means or may accept a letter from a shelter or social service agency.

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

Yes. Different banks have different standards. If one bank denied you, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts. You can also request your ChexSystems report to see why you were denied and correct any errors before you apply elsewhere.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the bank. Some require $500 to $1,500 to avoid a monthly fee; others waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or make a certain number of purchases. Many online banks and credit unions have no minimum at all. Compare banks before you choose one so you know what you have to do to avoid fees.