What you need to bring and where to go
Opening a bank account requires you to walk into a branch or visit a bank's website with a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Most banks will ask for all three before they create an account. You can open an account in person at any branch of the bank you choose, or online through their website — both routes take about 15 minutes if your documents are in order.
The bank will verify your identity against their fraud database and check whether you have unpaid fees or closed accounts at other banks. If you have a history of overdrafts or bounced checks, some banks may deny you or require a deposit to open the account. Others, including some credit unions and online-only banks, have fewer restrictions and will open accounts for people with that history.
You do not need to have money in the account to open it. Many banks let you fund the account later, though some require a minimum deposit — usually $25 to $100 — before they activate the debit card or allow transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued ID, proof of your address (a utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security number to open an account in person or online.
- The bank will check a database of closed accounts and unpaid fees; if you have a history of overdrafts, some banks will refuse to open an account for you.
- Online banks and credit unions often have fewer restrictions than large national banks and may open accounts for people with prior banking problems.
- You can fund the account immediately or later, though some banks require a small deposit before the debit card works.
- The entire process takes 15 minutes to an hour, and you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents you will need
Government-issued ID is the first requirement. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The bank needs to see your photo and verify that the name on the ID matches the name you give them.
Proof of address must be a document dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will do. A piece of mail from your employer or a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box as your address — the bank needs a physical street address.
Your Social Security number is required by law. The bank uses it to check whether you have accounts or unpaid fees at other banks and to report your account activity to credit bureaus. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this is less common.
If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to bring the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, your own ID and proof of address, and proof that you are the parent or legal guardian.
What happens during the application process
At a branch, a banker will ask you to fill out a form with your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. They will scan or photograph your ID and address proof. Then they will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — databases that track banking history across the country. This check takes a few minutes.
If the check comes back clear, the banker will show you the account options available to you. Most banks offer a basic checking account, a savings account, or both. They will explain the monthly fees (if any), minimum balance requirements, and overdraft policies. You will sign documents agreeing to the bank's terms, and the account opens immediately.
If the check flags a problem — unpaid fees at another bank, a closed account due to fraud, or too many overdrafts — the banker will tell you. Some banks will still open an account but require a deposit. Others will deny you outright. If you are denied, ask the banker which database flagged the issue and request a copy of your report so you can dispute any errors.
Online applications work the same way but happen on your computer or phone. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your information, and the bank verifies everything electronically. You will receive a confirmation email within a few hours, and your account is active. The debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, usually $25 to $100. Others have no minimum. If there is a minimum, you can transfer money from another account, deposit cash at a branch, or use a mobile check deposit once your account is open. The minimum stays in the account — you cannot withdraw it immediately.
Monthly maintenance fees vary widely. Many online banks charge no monthly fee. Large national banks often charge $10 to $15 per month unless you meet conditions like maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using their mobile app. Credit unions typically charge less or nothing. Before you open an account, ask about the monthly fee and what you need to do to waive it.
Overdraft fees — charged when you spend more than you have — range from $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks charge multiple times per day if you overdraft repeatedly. You can usually turn off overdraft protection so the bank declines the transaction instead of charging you a fee, though this means your card will be declined at the register.
If you have been denied or have banking problems
If a bank denies you, the reason is usually in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. You can request a free copy of your report from either database and dispute any errors. Errors are common — a closed account from years ago, a fee you already paid, or a case of mistaken identity. Disputing takes 30 days, and once the error is removed, you can reapply.
If the denial is legitimate — you owe fees or had fraud on an account — you have options. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will open an account for people with banking problems. Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks. Online banks sometimes have fewer restrictions. You can also ask the bank that denied you whether they offer a second-chance product.
If you owe fees to another bank, paying them before you apply elsewhere will improve your chances. The bank you owe money to may also remove the closed account from your record once you settle the debt, though this is not may provide.
Activating your debit card and making your first transaction
Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Before you use it, you must activate it. Most banks send you a text or email with a link to click, or you can call the number on the back of the card. Activation takes one minute.
Some banks require a minimum deposit before the card works. If yours does, transfer money into the account before you try to use the card. Once the deposit clears — usually the same day for transfers between accounts at the same bank — your card is ready.
Your first transaction might be a small purchase to confirm the card works. After that, you can use it anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, withdraw cash from ATMs, and set up automatic bill payments or direct deposit from your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to do this than large national banks. Call ahead to confirm before you visit.
What if I do not have proof of address?
If you are homeless or do not have a utility bill in your name, ask the bank whether they accept alternative documents — a letter from a shelter, a government agency, or an employer stating your address. Some banks will also accept a lease or mortgage statement even if it is older than 60 days. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what they will take.
How long does it take to open an account online?
Online applications take 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. You upload your ID and address proof, enter your information, and the bank verifies everything electronically. Your account is usually active within a few hours, though some banks take up to one business day to confirm.
What if my debit card is lost or stolen?
Call the bank immediately — the number is on your statement or the back of your card. The bank will cancel the card and mail a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. Most banks cover fraudulent charges made after you report the card missing, so you are not liable for unauthorized transactions.
Can I open multiple accounts at the same bank?
Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, or multiple checking accounts if you want to separate money for different purposes. Each account has its own debit card and account number, but you manage them all through the same login.