What you need to bring and where to go
Opening a bank account requires you to visit a bank or credit union branch in person, or complete an application online if the institution offers it. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or additional documentation if you do not have a permanent address.
You can open an account at a traditional bank, an online bank, or a credit union. Traditional banks have physical branches where you can deposit cash and speak to someone face-to-face. Online banks have no branches but often charge lower fees and pay higher interest on savings. Credit unions are member-owned and typically offer lower fees and more personalized service, though they may have fewer ATMs. The choice depends on whether you need in-person service, how often you deposit cash, and what fees matter most to you.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number to open an account at any bank or credit union.
- Most banks let you open an account online, by phone, or in person, though some require an in-person visit for the first account.
- The account is usually active within one to three business days, but you may not receive your debit card for five to ten business days.
- Banks are required to verify your identity and check you against a list of people with fraud or abuse histories before opening your account.
- If you have been denied an account in the past, ask the bank why — some denials can be reversed if the reason no longer applies.
Documents and information the bank will ask for
The bank will ask you to provide your full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. They will also ask for your Social Security number, which they use to check your credit history and verify your identity. If you are opening a joint account with another person, both account holders must provide this information and be present (or verify their identity separately if opening online).
Bring your original government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. A photocopy is not enough. If you do not have a permanent address, bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or other organization on letterhead stating your current address and the date you arrived. Some banks accept a utility bill in someone else's name if you can show proof that you live there, such as a lease or a letter from the landlord.
If you have been flagged in the ChexSystems database (a record of banking problems like overdrafts or fraud), the bank will tell you during the application. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free by visiting chexsystems.com or calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.
How long it takes from application to first use
The account itself is usually active within one to three business days after you submit your application. However, the debit card takes longer — most banks mail it to you, which takes five to ten business days depending on where you live. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately for online purchases or mobile payments while you wait for the physical card.
If you need to deposit cash right away, ask the bank whether you can do so before your debit card arrives. At a branch bank, you can usually deposit cash at a teller window or ATM using your account number. At an online bank, you will have to wait for your debit card or use a mobile check deposit feature if the bank offers it.
What happens during the identity verification process
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and check you against the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list, which contains names of people involved in terrorism, money laundering, or sanctions violations. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. The bank will ask questions about your identity, cross-check your information against public records, and sometimes call you to confirm details.
If the bank cannot verify your identity immediately, they may place a hold on your account for up to 10 business days while they investigate. During this time, you cannot withdraw money, but you can still receive deposits. If the bank denies your account after verification, they must tell you why in writing. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name and Social Security number you provided, a history of fraud, or being on the OFAC list.
Opening an account if you have been denied before
If a bank has denied you an account, ask them for the specific reason in writing. Common reasons include a ChexSystems record, a mismatch in your identity information, or a prior fraud case. Some of these reasons can be resolved. If your ChexSystems record contains old overdrafts or closed accounts, you may be able to open an account at a different bank that does not use ChexSystems or uses it less strictly.
If you were denied because of identity verification issues, bring additional documents to your next application — a utility bill, lease, or letter from an employer or government agency. If you were denied because of fraud, contact the bank's fraud department and ask what steps you can take to restore your may be able to access. Some banks have second-chance accounts designed for people with banking problems; ask whether the bank offers one.
Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large banks and may open an account for you even if a bank has denied you. You will need to become a member of the credit union first, which usually requires living or working in a certain area or having a family member who is already a member.
Choosing between checking and savings accounts
Most people open a checking account for everyday spending and bill payments. A checking account comes with a debit card and check-writing ability, and you can make unlimited deposits and withdrawals. Some checking accounts charge a monthly fee (usually $5 to $15), though many banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
A savings account is designed for money you want to keep rather than spend. Savings accounts earn interest, though the rate varies by bank and changes over time. Most savings accounts limit you to six withdrawals per month, though this rule is not always enforced. You can open both a checking and savings account at the same time, and many people do.
Some banks offer money market accounts, which combine features of checking and savings accounts — they earn interest like a savings account but allow more frequent withdrawals. Others offer high-yield savings accounts at online banks, which pay significantly more interest than traditional savings accounts but have no physical branches.
What to do if you cannot open an account online
Some banks require you to open an account in person at a branch, especially if you are a new customer or opening your first account. If you do not live near a branch, you have a few options. You can visit a branch when you are traveling, use a mobile banking app to complete the application and then visit a branch to verify your identity, or choose an online bank that does not require an in-person visit.
If you do not have transportation to a branch, call the bank and ask whether they can send you an application by mail or whether they offer video verification. Some banks now use video calls to verify your identity instead of requiring an in-person visit. If the bank you want does not offer this, consider switching to an online bank or a credit union that does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. However, some banks and credit unions will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number. Call ahead to ask whether the bank accepts ITINs before you visit.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can use a state ID card, tribal ID, or passport card. If you have none of these, some banks will accept a combination of other documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill. Call the bank first to ask what documents they will accept.
Can someone else open an account on my behalf?
No. You must be present (in person or by video) to open an account. The bank needs to verify your identity directly. If you are unable to visit a branch, use an online bank that offers video verification or ask the bank whether they can send you an application to complete remotely.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account, though some require a small opening deposit (usually $25 to $100). Online banks and credit unions often have no minimum. Ask the bank about their opening deposit requirement before you apply.
What if the bank says I am on the OFAC list?
If the bank denies your account because of an OFAC match, you can contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control directly to request a name delisting. Visit ofac.treasury.gov or call 1-800-540-6322. The process can take several weeks, and you will need to provide proof that you are not the person on the list.