The core requirements: ID, proof of address, and money

To open a bank account, you need three things: a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and an opening deposit. The ID must be valid and show your name and date of birth—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The opening deposit varies by bank and account type, but many checking accounts require $25 to $100 to start; some have no minimum at all.

Banks verify this information against their internal systems and against ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud, or if you owe money to another bank, ChexSystems will flag it. That doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it may limit which banks will take you or require a larger deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid government photo ID and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Most banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, though some checking accounts have no minimum.
  • Banks check ChexSystems, a database of banking history; a closed account or unpaid overdraft there can block you from some banks but not all.
  • If you don't have a traditional address, a PO box, shelter address, or care-of address may work depending on the bank's policy.
  • Online banks often have lower minimums and fewer documentation requirements than brick-and-mortar branches.

What counts as proof of address

Banks need to verify you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill in your name—electric, gas, water, internet—is the strongest proof. A lease or mortgage statement works too. Government mail counts: tax documents, voter registration cards, or notices from your state or local government. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and full street address.

If you don't have a traditional address, options depend on the bank. Some accept a PO box if you also provide a secondary document showing a residential address. Others accept a shelter address or a "care of" address (your name, c/o someone else's address). Call the bank before you go in; policies vary widely, and you don't want to make the trip with the wrong papers.

Why banks check your history and what happens if yours is messy

ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that tracks checking and savings account activity. When you open an account, the bank reports to ChexSystems. If you overdraw an account, bounce checks, or commit fraud, that goes into the report. If you owe a bank money from a closed account, that's there too. The report stays for five years.

If ChexSystems shows a problem, some banks will refuse you outright. Others will open an account but require a larger deposit—sometimes $500 or more—as security. A few banks specialize in second-chance accounts and don't check ChexSystems at all, though they may charge higher fees. If you've been flagged, ask the bank directly whether they use ChexSystems and what their policy is for accounts with history.

You can request your own ChexSystems report for free once a year at chexsystems.com. If there's an error—a closed account you didn't close, or a dispute you already settled—you can file a dispute with ChexSystems and ask the bank that reported it to correct the record.

Opening deposits and minimum balances

The opening deposit is the money you put in when you create the account. This is separate from the minimum balance requirement, which is the amount you must keep in the account to avoid fees. Many banks have no minimum balance at all. Others require $500 or $1,000 to waive monthly maintenance fees.

Online banks tend to have lower or no opening deposits and no minimum balances. Traditional brick-and-mortar banks often require both. If you're opening an account with very little money, compare options: an online bank with no minimum might be better than a local bank that charges $10 a month if you drop below $300.

What you'll need to bring in person versus online

If you open an account at a branch, bring your ID and address proof in person. The teller will verify them on the spot and take copies. You'll sign paperwork and make your opening deposit right there.

Online banks skip the in-person step. You upload photos of your ID and address proof through their website or app. The bank verifies them electronically, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some online banks use video verification instead—you show your ID to a camera and answer security questions. You fund the account by transferring money from another bank account or by providing your routing and account number so the new bank can pull the opening deposit.

Online opening is faster and requires no trip, but it does require you to already have a bank account to transfer from, or a debit card to fund it. If you're opening your first account and have no other banking relationship, a branch may be simpler.

Special cases: no ID, no address, or a damaged banking history

If you don't have a government ID, some banks will accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. If you have none of these, getting a state ID is the first step—your state's DMV can issue one without a driver's license. This takes time and costs money, but it's the most direct path to a bank account.

If you have no address, some banks accept a shelter address or a mailing address at a trusted person's home. A few credit unions and community banks are more flexible than national chains. Call ahead and ask what they'll accept; don't assume you're blocked until you've asked.

If your ChexSystems report is bad, look for second-chance banking programs. Credit unions, community banks, and some online banks offer accounts specifically for people with banking history. These accounts may have higher fees, lower limits on deposits or transfers, or require a larger opening deposit, but they exist. Chex-free banks—those that don't use ChexSystems—are another option, though they're less common.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You'll get online and mobile banking access immediately. Checks, if you order them, take 1 to 2 weeks. Your routing number and account number are available right away if you need to set up direct deposit or automatic payments.

The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account agreement, fee schedule, and disclosures. Read the fee schedule carefully—some accounts charge monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or fees for using out-of-network ATMs. If you don't like the terms, you can close the account and move to another bank, though closing within 30 days of opening may trigger a fee at some banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Banks are required by federal law to collect a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for tax reporting. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS. Some banks will hold your account application while you get an ITIN; others will not. Call ahead to ask.

What if I'm under 18?

Most banks require a parent or guardian to co-sign a minor's account. You'll both need to bring ID and proof of address. Some banks offer teen accounts with limited features and lower minimums. A few allow minors to open accounts independently at age 16 or 17, but this is rare.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I use copies?

Bring originals. Banks need to see the actual ID and address proof to verify they're real and match your face. They'll make copies for their records, but they won't accept copies you bring yourself.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person at a branch, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, a few minutes to a few hours depending on how quickly the bank verifies your documents. Video verification can take longer if you have to schedule a call with a representative.

What if the bank rejects me?

Ask why. If it's ChexSystems, request your report and see what's listed. If it's a missing document, get it and try again. If it's a policy issue, try a different bank—credit unions and online banks often have different standards than national chains.