What you need to bring and why banks ask for it
Banks require two things before they open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. The identity document must be government-issued—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution instead.
You will also need to provide a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to report account activity to the IRS and to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems, some banks will still open an account for you, but others will not—this varies by bank.
Bring the originals, not copies. Banks will not accept photocopies of your ID or address proof. If you do not have a physical address—you are unhoused or living in a shelter—some banks have programs that accept a shelter address or a mail forwarding service address instead. Call ahead to ask whether the specific branch will accept it.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at most banks.
- The bank will check ChexSystems, a database of your banking history, so past overdrafts or fraud may affect which banks will accept you.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone with some online banks, or by mail with certain institutions—the speed and requirements vary.
- Some banks charge monthly fees; others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
- If a bank denies you, ask why—the reason determines whether you can open elsewhere or need to resolve something first.
Opening an account in person versus online
Walking into a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. You hand over your documents, the teller verifies them, and you sign paperwork. The account opens that day, and you can deposit money immediately. You leave with a debit card order (which arrives in 7 to 10 business days) and temporary access to your account online or by phone.
Online banks move faster for account setup—sometimes within minutes—but you cannot hand over physical documents. Instead, you photograph your ID and address proof using your phone, upload them through the bank's app or website, and the bank verifies them digitally. Some online banks also require a video call where you hold up your ID to a camera so a person can confirm it matches your face. Once approved, you can transfer money in immediately, but you will not receive a physical debit card for 7 to 14 days.
Phone-based opening is less common but available at some large banks and credit unions. You call a number, provide your information verbally, and the bank mails you documents to sign and return. This takes longer—usually 5 to 10 business days—because the bank waits for your signed paperwork before the account is fully active.
What happens after you open the account
Once the account is open, the bank assigns you a routing number and account number. These appear in your online banking portal, on your first statement, and on any checks the bank sends you. You can use these numbers to set up direct deposit from an employer or government benefit, or to receive transfers from other people.
Your debit card arrives separately, usually within 7 to 14 business days. You will need to activate it by calling the number on the card or using the bank's app. Until you activate it, you cannot use it to buy things or withdraw cash, though you can still access your money through online transfers or at an ATM using your PIN.
The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account agreement, fee schedule, and disclosures about how the bank handles overdrafts and disputes. Read the overdraft section carefully—it tells you whether the bank will pay transactions that exceed your balance (and charge you a fee) or decline them. This varies widely by bank.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Most banks charge a monthly maintenance fee ranging from $5 to $15, though many waive it if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account. Some banks waive fees for customers under 25 or over 65. Online banks typically charge no monthly fee at all, which is why they are often cheaper if you do not need a physical branch.
Ask about the fee structure before you open the account. The bank is required to give you a disclosure document called a Regulation E notice or Truth in Savings Act disclosure, which lists all fees. If the bank does not offer it unprompted, ask for it in writing—do not rely on what a teller tells you verbally, because fees change and verbal promises are not binding.
If the bank denies you
A bank can refuse to open an account for several reasons. The most common are a ChexSystems flag (unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank), a mismatch between the name on your ID and your Social Security record, or an address that the bank cannot verify. Less often, a bank will refuse based on your immigration status, though this is rare and usually only happens at smaller institutions.
If you are denied, ask the bank in writing why. Federal law requires the bank to tell you the specific reason within 30 days. If the reason is a ChexSystems report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems—they have a process for correcting errors. If the reason is an address or name mismatch, you may be able to resolve it by updating your Social Security record or providing additional documents.
If one bank denies you, try another. Banks have different policies. Credit unions often have looser ChexSystems rules than large national banks. Some banks specifically serve people with banking history problems and may accept you even if you have overdrafts or fraud on your record—they charge higher fees, but the account is real and functional.
What to do before you walk in
Gather your documents first. Have your government ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you do not have a proof of address, get one: ask a utility company for a recent bill, or if you rent, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead stating your address and move-in date.
Decide whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. A checking account is for regular spending and bill pay. A savings account earns interest (though the rate is usually very low) and is meant for money you do not touch often. Many people open both at the same time. Ask the bank whether there is a fee to have both or whether they are bundled.
If you are opening online, make sure you have a working phone or computer with a camera, a stable internet connection, and a quiet place where you can complete the process without interruption. The verification step—uploading photos or doing a video call—usually cannot be paused and restarted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work in the US. Bring your ITIN letter and your ID to the bank. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not, so call ahead.
What if my ID is expired?
Most banks will not accept an expired ID, even if the photo is clearly you. Get a new one before you open the account. If you cannot afford the replacement fee, some states waive it for people with low income—call your state's DMV to ask.
How long does it take to use my account after I open it?
If you open in person, you can deposit money and use online banking the same day. If you open online, you can usually transfer money in within hours, though your debit card will not arrive for 7 to 14 days. Phone-based opening takes 5 to 10 business days before the account is fully active.
Can I open an account if I have been evicted or have unpaid debts?
Yes. Banks do not check your credit report or eviction history. They only check ChexSystems, which tracks banking-specific problems like overdrafts and fraud. Unpaid debts or evictions do not appear there, so they will not affect your ability to open an account.
What if I do not have a permanent address?
Some banks accept a shelter address, a mail forwarding service address, or a trusted person's address where you receive mail. Call the bank and ask whether they will accept your situation before you go in. Credit unions are often more flexible about this than large national banks.