Where to Open a Checking Account in Spokane

Spokane has three main routes to a checking account: national banks with local branches, regional banks based in Washington, and credit unions. National banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo have multiple Spokane locations and online accounts you can open from home. Washington-based banks include Banner Bank (headquartered in Walla Walla, with branches throughout Spokane) and Timberland Bancorp. Credit unions like Numerica Credit Union, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, and Inlander Credit Union often have lower fees and higher savings rates, though membership requirements vary—some are open to anyone in Spokane County, others require employment at a specific employer or membership in an organization.

Each type has trade-offs. National banks offer the most branch locations and ATMs nationwide, but often charge monthly fees unless you maintain a minimum balance. Regional banks and credit unions typically have lower or no monthly fees, but fewer ATM locations outside Washington. If you travel frequently or need ATM access everywhere, a national bank may cost less overall despite the monthly fee. If you rarely use ATMs and want to minimize fees, a local credit union is usually cheaper.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a checking account online with most Spokane banks and credit unions without visiting a branch, though some require an in-person visit to verify identity.
  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN to any in-person opening.
  • National banks charge $5 to $15 monthly fees unless you meet balance or deposit requirements; credit unions and regional banks often have no monthly fee.
  • Numerica Credit Union, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, and Banner Bank are among the largest institutions in Spokane with the most branch locations.
  • Opening takes 15 minutes in person or 10 to 20 minutes online, and your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account Online vs. In Person

Most banks and credit unions in Spokane let you start the process online. You enter your name, address, Social Security number, and initial deposit amount on their website, then upload photos of your ID and proof of address. The bank reviews these documents and either approves you immediately or asks you to visit a branch to verify your identity in person. This hybrid route takes 2 to 5 business days and avoids a trip to the branch if your documents are clear.

Opening entirely in person takes 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number to a branch, speak with an account representative, choose your account type, and sign paperwork. You leave with a temporary debit card or a card number to use immediately, and the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. In-person opening is faster if you need to use the account the same day.

Some credit unions and smaller banks require in-person opening for membership verification or to confirm you meet their membership criteria. Call ahead or check their website to confirm whether you can open online.

Documents and Information You Need

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you don't have one, some banks accept a tribal ID or military ID. You also need proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as proof of address.

Have your Social Security number ready. If you don't have one, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though fewer banks accept ITINs—call ahead to confirm. You'll also need to decide on an initial deposit amount. Most Spokane banks have no minimum to open, but some require $25 to $100. Check the specific bank's requirements before you go.

If you're opening an account for a business, bring your EIN (Employer Identification Number), business license, and articles of incorporation or partnership agreement. Business accounts have different requirements and fees than personal accounts.

Monthly Fees and Minimum Balance Requirements

National banks typically charge $5 to $15 per month unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account. Chase's basic checking, for example, has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or receive direct deposit. Bank of America charges $12 monthly unless you keep $1,500 in the account or have a linked savings account.

Regional banks and credit unions in Spokane often have no monthly fee regardless of balance. Numerica Credit Union and Spokane Teachers Credit Union charge no monthly fee on their basic checking accounts. Banner Bank's basic checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum or set up direct deposit, but some of their accounts have no minimum at all.

Ask about overdraft fees as well. Most banks charge $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some offer overdraft protection, which links your checking to a savings account and transfers money automatically if you overdraw—this usually costs $1 to $3 per transfer instead of an overdraft fee.

Debit Card and Online Banking Access

When you open an account in person, you typically receive a temporary debit card or card number on the spot. You can use the card number online or by phone immediately. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open online, the card ships after your account is approved, which takes 2 to 5 business days for approval plus 7 to 10 days for delivery—total of 9 to 15 business days.

Online banking access is usually immediate. After you open the account, you receive a username and password by email or text, or you create them during the opening process. You can log in to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone or mobile app within hours of opening.

Most Spokane banks and credit unions offer mobile check deposit, which lets you photograph a check and deposit it through your phone. This is faster than mailing a check or visiting a branch.

ATM Networks and Branch Locations

National banks have the largest ATM networks. Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide and thousands of branches. Bank of America has similar reach. If you travel frequently or need ATM access in multiple states, a national bank's network is a major advantage—you can withdraw cash without paying out-of-network fees.

Credit unions in Spokane participate in shared branching networks, which means you can visit ATMs and branches of other credit unions without a fee. Numerica Credit Union, for example, is part of the CO-OP network, which includes over 30,000 ATMs nationwide. This gives credit union members nearly the same ATM access as national bank customers, but only if they use network ATMs.

If you rarely use ATMs or only withdraw cash in Spokane, branch location matters less. All major banks and credit unions have multiple Spokane locations. Check the bank's website or call to confirm a branch near your home or workplace.

Special Accounts for Specific Situations

If you're under 18, most banks offer youth checking accounts with lower or no fees and parental controls. A parent or guardian must open the account with you and can monitor transactions. Numerica and Spokane Teachers Credit Union both offer youth accounts.

If you have a history of overdrafts or unpaid fees, you may be flagged in ChexSystems, a banking history database. Some banks will not open an account for you if you're in ChexSystems. Second-chance checking accounts are designed for this situation—they have higher fees but accept people with banking history issues. Call ahead to ask whether a bank offers second-chance accounts.

If you're self-employed or run a small business, you need a business checking account, not a personal account. Business accounts have different fee structures and tax reporting. Most Spokane banks offer business checking starting at $10 to $20 monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Not all banks accept ITINs—call ahead to confirm. Some credit unions in Spokane are more likely to accept ITINs than national banks. You'll still need a government-issued ID and proof of address.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open in person, you receive a temporary card or card number the same day and can use it immediately. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open online, add 2 to 5 business days for account approval before the card ships.

What if I'm not sure which bank to choose?

Compare monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and ATM access. If you rarely travel and want the lowest fees, a Spokane credit union is usually the best choice. If you travel frequently or need nationwide ATM access, a national bank is worth the monthly fee. Visit two or three branches and ask questions—most account representatives can explain the differences in 10 minutes.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or provide signed authorization documents. Bring both IDs and proof of address. Joint accounts let both people access the money and make decisions about the account, though some banks offer "authorized user" accounts where one person controls the account and another can withdraw money.

What happens if I never use my account?

Banks can close inactive accounts after 12 to 24 months of no deposits or withdrawals. If your account is closed, any remaining balance is sent to you by check or held by the state's unclaimed property program. To keep an account active, make at least one transaction every few months—a deposit, withdrawal, or bill payment counts.