Documents and information you'll bring to the bank
You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). That covers the legal requirements at nearly every bank and credit union in the United States.
A photo ID means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you don't have one, some banks will accept a combination of documents — typically a birth certificate plus a utility bill or lease — but call ahead first because policies vary. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. It usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days.
Your Social Security number is required by federal law for tax reporting. If you don't have one, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but aren't may be able to access for a Social Security number) works at most institutions. Bring the letter from the IRS that issued your ITIN.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN — these three things open an account at nearly every bank.
- If you don't have a photo ID, call the bank first; some will accept a birth certificate plus a utility bill instead, but policies differ by institution.
- Online banks typically require the same documents but verify them through upload or video call rather than in person.
- Some banks charge monthly fees, require a minimum balance, or both — compare these costs before you choose where to open the account.
- If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, mention it upfront; some banks specialize in second-chance checking and won't deny you for past banking problems.
What happens during the account opening process
At a physical branch, you sit down with a banker or teller, show your documents, and fill out an application form. The bank verifies your identity against your ID, checks your address, and runs a check through ChexSystems (a banking history database) to see if you've had problems with previous accounts. This takes 15 to 30 minutes. You leave with a debit card order form and temporary access to your account — the card itself arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Online banks skip the branch visit. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and answer questions about your identity. Some banks use a video call where you hold your ID up to your camera so they can verify it in real time. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your account opens immediately, and you can transfer money in right away; the debit card ships separately and arrives in 5 to 10 business days.
If ChexSystems flags something — a closed account with an unpaid overdraft, for example — the bank will tell you before denying you. At that point, you can explain what happened or look for a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems or that specializes in second-chance accounts.
Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements
Many banks charge a monthly maintenance fee, typically $5 to $15, though some waive it if you meet certain conditions. Common waivers 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. A few banks charge no monthly fee under any circumstance.
Before you open an account, ask about the fee structure and what it takes to avoid the fee. If you can't meet the conditions — for example, if you can't maintain a $1,000 minimum balance — choose a bank with no fee or a lower fee. The difference between a $0 account and a $12-per-year account adds up if you're managing a tight budget.
Some banks also charge for things like overdrafts (when you spend more than you have), out-of-network ATM use, or paper statements. Read the fee schedule before you commit.
Banks that work with people who have banking history problems
If ChexSystems shows a closed account, unpaid overdraft fees, or fraud dispute, traditional banks may deny you. Second-chance checking accounts are designed for people in this situation. They typically have higher fees, lower limits on debit card transactions, and no overdraft protection, but they let you rebuild your banking history.
Chime, LendingClub, and GoBank are online banks known for second-chance accounts. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than big banks and may open an account for you even with a ChexSystems record if you can explain what happened. Call your local credit union and ask directly — they're not required to use ChexSystems.
If you're denied, ask the bank for the reason in writing. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com and dispute anything that's wrong. Correcting errors on that report can open doors at banks that would otherwise turn you down.
Special situations: no Social Security number, no address, or no ID
If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, bring your IRS letter and proceed normally — most banks treat ITINs the same as Social Security numbers for account opening. If you're homeless or living in a shelter, some banks will accept mail from the shelter as proof of address, or they'll let you use a trusted contact's address temporarily while you get back on your feet. Call ahead and explain your situation; banks have more flexibility here than their websites suggest.
If you have no government photo ID at all, the path is harder but not closed. Some credit unions and online banks will open an account using a combination of documents: birth certificate, passport card (not the book), tribal ID, or even a school or work ID plus a utility bill. A few banks will also do a video call where they verify your identity through questions about your history rather than a photo match. Start with your local credit union or call several online banks to find one willing to work with you.
What to do after your account opens
Set up direct deposit if your employer or a government program (like Social Security or unemployment) pays you. This usually waives the monthly fee and gets your money to you faster than a paper check. You can also link your new account to another bank account you already have and transfer money between them to move funds in.
Review your first statement carefully. Check that all transactions are yours, that fees match what you were told, and that your balance is correct. If something is wrong, contact the bank within 60 days — that's the window to dispute unauthorized charges or errors.
Keep your debit card safe and set up online banking so you can check your balance and transactions anytime. Most banks let you set up alerts that notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount, which helps you avoid overdrafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN issued by the IRS. Bring the letter from the IRS that shows your ITIN. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you'll need to contact the IRS first to get an ITIN before most banks will open an account for you.
What if I've been denied a checking account before?
Ask the bank why you were denied — they must tell you. If ChexSystems is the reason, get a free copy of your report at www.chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. Then look for a second-chance checking account or a credit union, which often have more flexible policies than big banks.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The account itself opens in 10 to 20 minutes, and you can start using it immediately for transfers and bill pay. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. At a physical branch, the whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a checking account?
Most banks don't require a minimum deposit to open the account itself, but some do require you to maintain a minimum balance once it's open to avoid monthly fees. Check the bank's requirements before you open — if you can't meet the balance requirement, choose a bank with no fee or a lower fee.
What happens if I close my account right after opening it?
You can close an account anytime. If you close it within a few days, the bank may flag you in ChexSystems as a "early closer," which can make it harder to open accounts elsewhere. If you're unhappy with the bank, give it a few weeks before closing so you don't trigger that flag.