What you need to do to open a bank account

Opening a bank account takes between 15 minutes and a few days, depending on whether you do it online or in person. You will need a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Most banks let you start online and finish in one visit, or complete the whole process without leaving home. The main choice is whether to use a traditional bank, a credit union, or an online-only bank — each has different requirements and different fees.

The speed depends on how you open it. Online accounts can be ready to use for transfers and direct deposit the same day, though your debit card arrives in the mail 7 to 10 business days later. In-person accounts at a branch take 20 to 30 minutes and you can often use them immediately. Some banks require a video call to verify your identity before the account is fully active, which adds another step.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, proof of address (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN before you walk into a bank or start an online form.
  • Banks, credit unions, and online banks have different minimum balance requirements and monthly fees — compare these before you choose.
  • If you have had banking problems in the past, check ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to see what banks will see about you.
  • You can open an account online in minutes, but some banks require you to verify your identity in person or by video call before you can use it.
  • Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and a checkbook if you requested one.

Gather your documents before you apply

Have these items ready before you contact a bank or start an online form. 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, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill usually works too, but call the bank first if you are not sure.

You will need your Social Security number if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you do not have one, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which the IRS issues to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Bring the original documents or be ready to photograph them if you are opening the account online. If your address proof is older than 60 days, the bank may reject it, so check the date before you apply.

Decide between a bank, credit union, or online bank

A traditional bank has physical branches where you can deposit cash, speak to someone in person, and get a cashier's check. Most charge a monthly fee ($5 to $15) unless you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks like PNC and US Bank fall into this category. If you travel or move often, a large bank with many branches may be worth the fee.

A credit union is a nonprofit owned by its members. Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts, but you can only use branches in their network. You must live, work, or have family in a specific area to join most credit unions. Use CO-OP or Shared Branch networks to find ATMs and branches near you if you travel. Credit unions are slower to open accounts than banks and may require an in-person visit.

An online-only bank has no physical branches but charges little or no monthly fee and often pays higher interest on savings. Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus are examples. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash in person — you deposit checks by photograph or transfer money from another account. Online banks are fastest to open and cheapest to maintain, but require comfort with digital banking and a way to deposit checks remotely.

Open the account online or in person

If you open online, go to the bank's website and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You will enter your personal information, Social Security number, and address. The bank will ask about your employment and income. Upload or photograph your ID and proof of address. Most online banks complete this in 5 to 10 minutes, though some require a video call with a representative to verify your identity before the account is active. The video call usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and happens within a few hours or the next business day.

If you open in person, bring your original documents to a branch. A banker will ask the same questions as the online form, check your ID and address proof, and run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. This takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can usually start using the account the same day, though some banks put a hold on deposits for a few days. The banker will also explain fees, minimum balances, and what services are included with your account type.

If you have had overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud on past accounts, the bank may see this in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services and deny you. You can check your own report for free at chexsystems.com or earlywarning.com before you apply. If there is an error, you can dispute it on the same websites. Accurate negative information stays on your report for five years, but older items carry less weight.

Understand holds and when you can use your account

Once your account opens, you can usually transfer money from another account or receive direct deposit the same day. However, if you deposit a check, the bank will place a hold on it — typically 1 to 5 business days for local checks, longer for out-of-state checks. During the hold, the money counts toward your balance but you cannot withdraw it. This protects the bank if the check bounces. The first $225 of a check deposit is usually available within one business day, even if the full amount is on hold.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs and pay for purchases once it arrives. If you requested checks, they arrive separately and take 1 to 2 weeks. Some banks let you order checks online immediately after opening the account. You can also use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill payments before your debit card arrives.

Set up online banking and security features

Once your account is open, log into online banking on the bank's website or app. Set up a strong password — at least 12 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Enable two-factor authentication, which sends a code to your phone or email when you log in from a new device. This prevents someone from accessing your account even if they know your password. Most banks offer this as an option in the security settings.

Set up alerts for large withdrawals, low balances, or failed login attempts. Link your account to other banks if you plan to transfer money between them — this usually takes 1 to 3 business days to verify. Many banks also let you freeze your debit card in the app if it is lost or stolen, which is faster than calling customer service. Review your account statements monthly to catch fraud early, and report any unauthorized transactions within 60 days to get your money back.

Know what happens if the bank rejects you

If a bank denies your application, ask why. Common reasons are a ChexSystems report showing unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or too many accounts opened in a short time. You can dispute errors on ChexSystems or Early Warning Services within 30 days. If the report is accurate, wait 3 to 6 months and try again — older issues matter less. Some banks will reconsider your application if you bring proof that you have resolved the problem, such as paying off an overdraft.

If traditional banks reject you, try a second-chance bank account or a bank that does not use ChexSystems. Some credit unions and online banks have looser requirements. You may pay higher fees, but you can build a clean history and move to a standard account later. Chime, LendingClub, and some community banks offer second-chance accounts. Once you have six months to a year of clean banking history, you can apply to a traditional bank and likely be approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN issued by the IRS. Bring the ITIN letter and your ID and address proof. Some banks accept ITINs without question; others require you to visit in person. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts ITINs before you apply.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online accounts open in 5 to 15 minutes, though some banks require a video call that adds 10 to 20 minutes. In-person accounts take 20 to 30 minutes. You can usually use the account for transfers and direct deposit the same day, but debit cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not have proof of address?

Call the bank and ask what they accept. Some take a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or utility bill. If you have none of these, ask whether they accept a letter from your employer, a government agency, or a shelter. Some banks let you use a cell phone bill or insurance statement instead.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the bank and account type. Many checking accounts waive the monthly fee if you keep $500 to $1,500 in the account or set up direct deposit. Online banks usually have no minimum. Ask about this before you open the account, because switching banks later costs time.

What if I already have a ChexSystems report from past problems?

Check your report at chexsystems.com to see what banks will see. Dispute any errors within 30 days. If the report is accurate, wait 3 to 6 months before applying again — older issues carry less weight. In the meantime, look for second-chance accounts or credit unions with looser requirements.