The documents and information banks require before you can open an account

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though the amount varies—some require $25, others $100 or more, and a few have no minimum. You do not need perfect credit, a job, or a checking history. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can still open an account at some banks and credit unions using alternative documents, but it takes longer and may require an in-person visit.

The specific documents a bank accepts depend on the bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks follow similar rules, but credit unions and online-only banks sometimes accept different proof. Before you go in or start an application, check the bank's website for their exact list—it saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Most banks require an opening deposit between $0 and $100, depending on the account type and the bank.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, some credit unions and online banks will open an account using alternative documents like a birth certificate and utility bill, but the process takes longer.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person; online is fastest if you have all documents ready, but in-person is required if you lack standard ID.

What counts as proof of address

Banks need to verify where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 to 90 days is the standard. A lease or mortgage statement works too. Some banks also accept a recent bank statement from another bank, a government benefits letter, a tax return, or a piece of mail from a government agency with your name and address.

The document must show your full name and current address. A cell phone bill usually does not count because banks treat it as less reliable for address verification. If you live with family and the utility bill is in someone else's name, bring a signed letter from that person saying you live there, plus your ID—some banks accept this, others do not, so call ahead.

Opening an account without a standard photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license, passport, or state ID card, you have options, but they are slower. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. Many will open an account using a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Some accept a school ID or work ID if it has your photo. A few will use a combination of non-photo documents: birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and a second form of ID like a library card.

The catch: you usually have to do this in person, not online. Call the credit union or bank first to ask what documents they accept without a photo ID. If they say yes, ask whether you can bring the documents to any branch or only a specific one. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are there, but some banks may flag your account for additional review, which can delay access to your debit card by a few days.

Initial deposits and minimum balances

The opening deposit is the money you put in when you create the account. This is separate from any minimum balance the bank requires you to keep in the account afterward. Some banks have no opening deposit requirement at all—Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions fall into this category. Others ask for $25 to $100. A few premium accounts require $500 or more, but those are not aimed at someone opening their first account.

After the account is open, some banks require you to maintain a minimum balance—often $500 or $1,000 for checking accounts—or they charge a monthly fee. Online banks and many credit unions have no minimum balance requirement. Read the fee schedule before you open the account; it is usually on the bank's website under "Pricing" or "Fees and Charges." If you cannot meet a minimum balance, choose a bank that does not have one.

Online versus in-person account opening

Opening online is faster if you have all your documents ready and a valid photo ID. You upload your ID and proof of address, enter your information, and the account is usually open within minutes to a few hours. You can then use your debit card right away if the bank issues a temporary digital card, or you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail (usually 5 to 10 business days).

Opening in person takes longer on the day—usually 15 to 30 minutes—but you walk out with a debit card or at least a temporary one. In-person is necessary if you lack a standard photo ID, if the bank flags your application for review, or if you want to ask questions face-to-face. Some banks let you start the application online and finish it in a branch, which splits the work.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for tax purposes. You apply for one using Form W-7 at an IRS office or through an authorized agent; the process takes about two weeks to two months. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide the receipt showing you applied.

A few banks do not accept ITINs at all, so call ahead. Credit unions are often more willing to work with ITINs than large national banks. If you are undocumented and do not have an ITIN, some states have passed laws allowing banks to open accounts using a state ID card or passport from your home country plus proof of address. California, Illinois, New York, and a few others have these programs. Check your state's banking regulator's website or call a local credit union to ask whether this option exists where you live.

What you do not need

You do not need a job, a paycheck, or proof of income. You do not need a credit card or a credit history. You do not need a minimum amount of money to keep in the account after opening (unless the bank has a minimum balance requirement, which you can avoid by choosing a different bank). You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need to be a certain age—minors can open accounts, though usually with a parent or guardian as a co-owner until they turn 18.

Some banks ask whether you have had a bank account before or whether you have ever had an account closed for fraud or overdraft abuse. If you answer yes to the second question, some banks will deny you or require you to use ChexSystems (a banking history report) to show you have resolved the issue. But most banks do not ask this at all, and many will open an account for someone with a banking history problem if they can show they have changed their behavior.

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 apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7, which takes two weeks to two months. Some banks will open an account while your application is pending if you show the receipt. If you are undocumented, check whether your state allows account opening with a state ID or passport—California, Illinois, and New York do.

What if I do not have a utility bill for proof of address?

A lease, mortgage statement, recent bank statement, government benefits letter, or tax return all work. Some banks accept a letter from your landlord or a family member saying you live there, signed and dated, along with your ID. Call the bank first to ask what they accept, because rules vary.

Do I need money to open an account?

Most banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, but some require nothing. After opening, you only need to keep a minimum balance if the bank has that rule—many do not. Check the bank's fee schedule before you open to see whether a minimum applies.

Can a minor open a bank account alone?

No, minors need a parent or guardian to co-own the account until they turn 18. Some banks let you switch to a solo account at 18; others require you to open a new one. Ask the bank what happens when your child turns 18 before you open the account.

What if a bank denies me because of ChexSystems?

ChexSystems is a banking history report. If a bank denies you because of it, you can dispute errors on your report at ChexSystems.com. You can also try credit unions or online banks, which sometimes have looser policies. Some banks specifically serve people with banking history problems.