What you need before you walk in or go online

Most banks and credit unions will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A driver's license or passport covers the ID requirement. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it — usually dated within the last 60 days.

Some institutions also ask for an initial deposit to open the account. This ranges from zero dollars at some online banks to $25 or $100 at traditional banks. A few still require $500 or more, though this is less common now. Check the specific bank's website before you go in, because the amount varies widely.

If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts this, because not all do.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, proof of address, and the initial deposit amount the bank requires.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online — the process takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on the method.
  • The bank will run a ChexSystems check to see if you have had problems with accounts at other banks, which can delay or block approval.
  • Your debit card usually arrives in 7 to 10 business days; checks take 1 to 2 weeks after you order them.
  • Monthly fees range from zero to $15, and some banks waive fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Opening in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you have chosen with your ID, Social Security number, address proof, and initial deposit. Tell the teller or banker you want to open a checking account. They will hand you an account agreement to read and sign — this is the contract that explains the bank's rules, fees, and your rights.

The banker will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account: whether you expect direct deposit, how many checks you write per month, whether you want overdraft protection. These answers help them recommend the right account type for you, because banks often offer multiple checking products with different fee structures.

The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Before you leave, you will have an account number, a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately, and information about when your physical card will arrive.

Opening online or by phone

Online banks and many traditional banks let you open an account without visiting a branch. Go to the bank's website, click "Open an Account" or "New Customer," and follow the form. You will enter your name, address, Social Security number, employment information, and the initial deposit method (usually a transfer from another account or a debit card).

The bank will ask you to verify your identity, usually by answering security questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID. Some banks use video verification, where you show your ID to a camera and answer questions in real time. This step typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Once approved, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers immediately. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. The entire online process takes 20 to 45 minutes spread across a few hours while the bank verifies your information.

Understanding the ChexSystems check and why it matters

Every bank runs a background check called ChexSystems when you open an account. This system tracks whether you have had problems with checking accounts at other banks — things like overdrafts you did not pay back, writing bad checks, or fraud. If you have a negative mark on your ChexSystems record, the bank may deny your application or require you to use a second-chance checking account with higher fees.

You can see your own ChexSystems report for free by visiting chexsystems.com and requesting a copy. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Disputes usually take 30 to 45 days to resolve.

If you are denied because of ChexSystems, ask the bank which specific issue caused the denial. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems problems, and these accounts have the same basic features as regular checking — they just cost more in monthly fees.

When your debit card and checks arrive

Your debit card is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. Some banks offer rush delivery for a fee, or they let you use a temporary card number immediately while you wait for the physical card. Check your account online or call the bank to see if you can use your card before it arrives.

Checks take longer. You can order them through the bank (usually 1 to 2 weeks) or through a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco (often cheaper, but also 1 to 2 weeks). Some banks include a small number of free checks with your account; others charge per box. A box of 100 checks typically costs $10 to $30 depending on where you order them.

Until your checks arrive, you can pay bills online through your bank's website, by setting up automatic payments, or by transferring money to another person's account. Most people do not write many checks anymore, so you may not need them at all.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Checking account fees vary by bank. Some accounts have no monthly fee at all. Others charge $5 to $15 per month. Common ways to avoid fees include keeping a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a certain number of debit card transactions per month.

Read the account agreement carefully before you open the account, because the fee structure is spelled out there. Some banks waive fees for students, seniors, or people under 25. Others waive fees if you link the checking account to a savings account at the same bank.

If you are charged a fee you do not think you should have paid, call the bank and ask them to reverse it. Many banks will do this once or twice, especially if you have been a customer for a while. After that, they may not reverse fees again.

Setting up direct deposit and online bill pay

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your checking account. Ask your employer's payroll department for the form they need. You will give them your bank's routing number and your account number — both are on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them in your online banking portal.

Direct deposit usually takes one or two pay periods to start. Your first deposit may arrive a few days later than usual while the bank processes the setup.

Online bill pay lets you pay bills directly from your checking account through your bank's website. You enter the company's name, your account number with them, and the amount you want to pay. The bank mails a check or transfers the money electronically. This is free at most banks and takes 1 to 3 business days to reach the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Some banks will open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Call the bank before you go in to confirm they accept ITINs, because policies vary. You will still need a government photo ID and proof of address.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

Yes. If you were denied because of ChexSystems, look for a bank that offers second-chance checking accounts. These have higher fees but the same basic features. If you were denied for other reasons, try a different bank — each one has its own standards.

How long does it take to start using my account?

If you open in person, you can use your account number immediately for direct deposit or transfers. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you open online, the same timeline applies — you get your account number right away, but the physical card takes a week or two.

What is the difference between a checking account and a savings account?

A checking account is for money you use regularly — bills, groceries, everyday spending. A savings account is for money you want to keep and earn interest on. Many people have both at the same bank.

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

It depends on the bank and the account type. Some accounts have no minimum. Others require $500 to $2,500 to avoid monthly fees. Check the account agreement before you open the account so you know what the bank expects.