What you need to bring and where to go

To open a bank account, you walk into a bank branch or credit union, or you start the process online. Either way, you will need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement with your name and address on it, usually dated within the last 60 days.

Some banks and credit unions also ask for a second form of ID or a Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, some institutions will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. A few banks have accounts specifically for people without either, though these are less common and may come with higher fees or lower limits.

You do not need an existing account anywhere else, and you do not need a minimum deposit to start the application—though some accounts do require you to deposit money on the day you open them, usually between $25 and $100.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID and proof of your current address; most banks ask for documents dated within the last 60 days.
  • Opening an account takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or 10 to 20 minutes online, and you can start using it the same day or within one business day.
  • Banks and credit unions have different fee structures; some charge monthly maintenance fees while others waive them if you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • If you have been reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database), some banks will still open an account for you, but you may need to go to a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts.

The difference between opening in person and online

Opening in person at a branch is the fastest way if you want to deposit cash or get a debit card immediately. A banker will walk you through the account type options, answer questions about fees, and you will leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Opening online is faster if you already know which account you want and you do not need cash deposited that day. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, answer questions about your income and employment, and the bank verifies your information—usually within a few hours to one business day. Your account opens, and you can transfer money in or set up direct deposit. You will receive a physical debit card by mail within 5 to 10 business days, though most banks give you a temporary card number to use online or in stores immediately.

Some banks require you to open in person if you do not have a U.S. address or if you are opening your first account ever. Call the bank or check their website to confirm what they require before you go.

What happens during the verification step

After you submit your information, the bank checks you against ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you have never had a problem with a bank account—no overdrafts you did not pay back, no fraud, no closed accounts due to suspicious activity—this check takes a few minutes and you move forward. Most people are approved the same day or the next business day.

If ChexSystems shows a problem, the bank may still open an account for you, or it may decline. This depends on the bank's policy and what the issue was. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will work with people who have ChexSystems records. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks on this point. If one bank declines you, try another—there is no single rule across all institutions.

The bank also verifies your identity by checking your ID against government records and confirming your address. This is standard anti-fraud protection and takes a few minutes. If your address or name has changed recently, bring documentation of the change (a lease, utility bill, or court order) to speed this up.

Choosing between account types

Most banks offer a basic checking account and a basic savings account. A checking account is for money you spend regularly—it comes with a debit card and check-writing ability. A savings account is for money you want to set aside; it earns a small amount of interest and usually limits how many times per month you can withdraw.

Some banks bundle them together as a package account. Others charge a monthly maintenance fee for checking ($5 to $15 per month is common) unless you meet conditions like keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using the debit card a certain number of times per month. A few banks offer free checking with no conditions. Compare what the bank charges before you open, because switching later is possible but takes time.

If you are opening your first account and do not know which type you need, ask the banker or customer service representative. They can explain what each account does and which one fits your situation.

What to do if you do not have an address or ID

If you do not have a permanent address, some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a care-of address (c/o someone else's address where you receive mail). Call ahead and ask what the bank accepts; do not assume they will turn you away. Bring whatever proof of that address you have—a shelter letter, mail from the shelter, or a letter from someone at that address confirming you receive mail there.

If you do not have a government photo ID, the process is harder but not impossible. Some credit unions and community banks will open an account with a passport card, a tribal ID, or a military ID. A few will accept a combination of documents—like a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a letter from an employer. Call the bank directly and describe what ID you have; they can tell you whether it works.

If you have no ID at all, you will need to get one first. A state ID card costs money and requires an address, so this is a catch-22 for people experiencing homelessness. Some cities have programs that help people get ID; call 211 or your local homeless services agency to ask what is available in your area.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active immediately or within one business day. You can transfer money in from another account, have money sent to you via direct deposit, or deposit cash at an ATM or branch. Your debit card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days; until then, most banks give you a temporary card number or let you use your account number to set up transfers.

You will receive statements—either by mail or email, depending on what you choose. Read them to make sure all transactions are yours. If you see something you did not do, report it to the bank right away. Banks have fraud protection, but you have to report unauthorized charges within a certain window (usually 60 days) to be covered.

Set up alerts if the bank offers them. Many banks let you get a text or email when your balance drops below a certain amount, when a large transaction happens, or when someone tries to withdraw money. These alerts help you catch fraud early and avoid overdrafts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job to open a bank account?

No. Banks do not require employment. They ask about income and employment on the application form, but this is for their records and anti-money-laundering compliance, not to decide whether to open your account. You can leave those fields blank or write "none" if you do not have income right now.

What if I have a bad credit score?

A bank account and a credit score are separate things. Banks do not check your credit score when you open a checking or savings account. They check ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit history. A low credit score does not stop you from opening an account.

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

You can open a joint account with another person if you both go in together with ID and proof of address. You can also open a custodial account for a minor, though the rules vary by bank. For an elderly parent or someone who cannot go to the bank, you can become an authorized user or power of attorney on their account, but they usually have to open it first or be present when you do.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Physical debit cards arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Most banks give you a temporary card number or virtual card number the day you open the account so you can use your account right away online or in stores. If you need a card faster, ask the bank if they can issue one at the branch on the day you open.

What if the bank declines my application?

Ask the bank why. Common reasons are a ChexSystems record, an address that could not be verified, or a mismatch between your ID and the information you provided. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute the record with ChexSystems directly. If it is an address issue, bring more documentation. If one bank declines you, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts.