What you need to open a bank account
To open a bank account, you need a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though some accounts have no minimum. You can open an account in person at a branch, over the phone, or online — the process takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on the bank and method you choose.
The specific documents vary slightly by bank. A driver's license or passport works for ID. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it. If you don't have a Social Security number, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS is accepted at most banks. Some banks will also accept a state ID card or tribal ID if you don't have a passport or driver's license.
If you're opening an account online, you'll upload photos of these documents or answer security questions to verify your identity. If you're opening in person, bring the originals. Either way, the bank runs a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — these are banking history reports, not credit checks, and they look for patterns of fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at any bank.
- Online accounts open faster than in-person accounts and require no initial deposit at many banks, though you'll need to upload ID photos.
- Banks check your history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which report unpaid overdrafts and fraud but not your credit score.
- If you've been denied before, ask the bank which service flagged you and request your report to correct errors before applying elsewhere.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online accounts are faster and often have lower or no minimum deposits. You can complete the whole process from home in 10 to 20 minutes. The bank will ask you to photograph both sides of your ID and take a selfie to confirm you're the person in the photo. Some banks use video verification instead, where you talk to a representative on camera. Once approved, your account opens immediately and you can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day.
In-person accounts take longer but let you ask questions and handle cash deposits right away. You'll sit with a banker who verifies your documents, explains account features, and may offer you a debit card on the spot. This route works better if you prefer face-to-face service or if you have an unusual situation — for example, if you're opening an account for a minor or if you don't have a permanent address yet.
Some banks require you to open in person if you don't have a U.S. address or if you're opening a business account. Check the bank's website or call their customer service line to confirm which method is available for the account type you want.
What happens after you open an account
Once your account is open, the bank issues you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before the card arrives. Your routing number is the same for all customers at that bank; your account number is unique to you. Both appear on checks and in your online banking portal.
The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account details, fee schedule, and terms of service. Read the fee schedule carefully — it tells you what you'll be charged for overdrafts, out-of-network ATM use, monthly maintenance, or inactivity. Some banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Others charge fees regardless.
You can log into your account online or through the bank's mobile app as soon as it opens. Most banks let you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through their platform. Some offer peer-to-peer transfer services like Zelle at no extra cost.
Banks that accept people with banking history problems
If you've been denied a bank account before, it's usually because ChexSystems or Early Warning Services reported unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees at another bank. You can request your report from either service for free and dispute errors. Once you've corrected the report or waited for old items to age off, you can apply again.
Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and accept people with negative banking history. Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions offer accounts with lower or no fees and no credit check. These accounts often have lower initial deposits or no minimum at all. The trade-off is that they may have fewer branch locations or limited features compared to large national banks.
If you're denied, ask the bank which service flagged you and why. You have the right to know. Then contact that service — ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623 or Early Warning Services at 1-866-656-4444 — and request your report. Dispute any errors in writing. Once the error is corrected or the item ages off (usually after five years), reapply at a different bank.
Minimum deposits and account types
Most banks offer checking accounts with no minimum deposit, though some require $25 to $100 to open. Savings accounts often have higher minimums — sometimes $100 to $500. High-yield savings accounts, which pay more interest, may require $1,000 or more. Money market accounts typically fall in between, with minimums ranging from $100 to $2,500.
If you don't have the minimum, look for banks that waive it. Online banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover often have no minimum for savings accounts. Credit unions may also waive minimums if you're a member. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a linked account with them.
The account type you choose depends on what you need the money for. A checking account is for everyday spending — it comes with a debit card and check-writing ability. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on. If you need both, open both; there's no limit to how many accounts you can have at one bank.
What to do if you're denied
If a bank denies you, they must tell you why in writing. Common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report, too many recent overdrafts at other banks, or fraud flags. Ask the bank which service they used to check your history and request your report from that service immediately.
Once you have your report, look for errors — wrong account numbers, accounts you didn't open, or overdrafts that were paid. Dispute errors in writing with the reporting service. If the report is accurate, wait for old items to age off (usually five years) or apply at a bank that accepts people with your history.
In the meantime, you can use a prepaid card or a second-chance checking account to receive direct deposit and pay bills. These aren't bank accounts, but they let you function without one while you rebuild your banking history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, most banks will accept it instead. Some banks also accept a passport or consular ID. Call the bank first to confirm what they accept, because requirements vary.
How long does it take to open an account?
Online accounts open in 10 to 20 minutes and are active immediately. In-person accounts take 30 minutes to an hour. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives.
What if I don't have a permanent address?
Some banks require a physical address and won't accept a P.O. box. If you're homeless or living temporarily, ask the bank if they accept a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service address. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this.
Do banks check my credit score when I open an account?
No. Banks check ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which report banking history — overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid fees — not credit. Your credit score is not involved in opening a bank account.
Can I open an account for someone else?
You can open a joint account with another person if you both provide ID and Social Security numbers. You cannot open an account in someone else's name alone. If you're opening an account for a minor, you'll be the account owner and they'll be an authorized user.