Yes, you can open a bank account if you have an ID and a way to make an initial deposit
Most banks will open an account for you if you bring a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and money to deposit—usually $25 to $100 to start. The ID requirement is federal: banks must verify your identity under the Bank Secrecy Act. What counts as proof of address varies by bank, but a utility bill, lease, or recent mail from a government agency works at most places.
You do not need a credit history, a job, or a minimum income. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security Number. Some banks make this easier than others—online banks often have lower deposit minimums and fewer document requirements, while brick-and-mortar banks may ask for more paperwork but let you talk to someone in person.
If you have been denied a bank account in the past, the reason usually appears in ChexSystems, a banking history report that tracks closed accounts and fraud. You can request your ChexSystems report for free and dispute errors. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with a ChexSystems record.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID, proof of your address, and an opening deposit—usually $25 to $100—to open a bank account at most institutions.
- Banks do not require a credit score, employment, or citizenship, but you do need a Social Security Number or ITIN for tax reporting.
- If a bank denies you, your reason is recorded in ChexSystems, which you can request and dispute for free.
- Online banks typically have lower opening deposits and simpler document requirements than traditional banks.
- Second-chance banking programs exist specifically for people with a history of closed accounts or fraud flags.
What ID and documents you actually need to bring
Federal law requires banks to verify your identity, so you must bring a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents—a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, for example—but this is less common and you should call ahead.
For proof of address, bring something dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency. A bank statement from another bank counts. If you are homeless or do not have mail in your name, tell the bank—many have workarounds, such as accepting a letter from a shelter or social services agency on letterhead.
You will also need to provide your Social Security Number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can still open an account at some banks, but you will need to apply for an ITIN first through the IRS. The process takes four to six weeks by mail.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online banks move faster and usually have lower or no opening deposit requirements. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, verify your identity through a video call or by answering security questions, and the account opens within one to three business days. You never speak to a person unless something goes wrong. Online banks are owned by larger financial institutions—Ally is owned by BMOA, for example—so your money is insured the same way.
In-person accounts at a branch take 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your documents, sign paperwork, and leave with a debit card or a card number you can use immediately. If you have questions or your documents are unclear, a banker can help on the spot. The trade-off is that many brick-and-mortar banks require a higher opening deposit and may pull your ChexSystems report more strictly.
If you are unsure whether you will be approved, calling the bank's customer service line before you go in saves a trip. Many banks will tell you over the phone whether your ID type and address proof will work.
If you have been denied or have a ChexSystems record
When a bank closes your account or suspects fraud, that event goes into ChexSystems, a database that other banks can see. A single negative mark does not automatically disqualify you, but multiple closures or fraud flags make approval harder. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free once per year at www.chexsystems.com.
If the report contains errors—a closed account you did not close, or fraud you did not commit—you can dispute it in writing. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate. If they find the error, they remove it. If they uphold it, you can add a 100-word statement to your file explaining your side.
Second-chance banking programs exist at many banks and credit unions specifically for people with ChexSystems records. These accounts often have higher fees, lower spending limits, or require a larger deposit, but they let you rebuild. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than big banks. Call ahead and ask whether the institution offers a second-chance account.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you receive a debit card within 7 to 10 business days if you opened in person, or it may be mailed to you if you opened online. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or automatic bill payments immediately, even before the card arrives. Most banks let you transfer money from another account on the same day you open.
Your account is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 if the bank fails. This protection is automatic—you do not have to do anything. If you open multiple accounts at the same bank, each account type (checking, savings, money market) is insured separately, but the total across all accounts of the same type at that bank is still $250,000.
Some banks charge monthly maintenance fees if you do not meet a minimum balance or direct deposit requirement. Read the fee schedule before you open. Many banks waive fees if you set up direct deposit or keep a balance of $500 or more.
Banks and credit unions that accept people with banking history issues
Credit unions often have more lenient approval policies than national banks. You must join the credit union first—membership is usually free and based on where you live, work, or go to school—but once you are a member, opening an account is straightforward. Credit unions also tend to have lower fees and may not pull ChexSystems as strictly.
Some national banks and regional banks explicitly market second-chance accounts. Chime, a fintech bank, does not use ChexSystems at all and opens accounts for people who have been denied elsewhere. LendingClub and some regional credit unions also have second-chance programs. The catch is usually higher fees or lower ATM access, so compare the terms.
If you have very recent fraud or multiple closures, a prepaid card is not the same as a bank account, but it lets you receive direct deposit and pay bills while you wait for your ChexSystems record to age. After two years without new negative marks, your record becomes less visible to banks, and approval becomes easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job or income to open a bank account?
No. Banks do not verify employment or income. They only need to confirm your identity and address. You can open an account whether you are unemployed, retired, or receiving benefits.
Can I open an account if I do not have a permanent address?
Yes, but you will need to provide some proof of where you receive mail. A shelter address, a social services agency letter, or a friend's address where you receive mail can work. Call the bank first to ask what they accept for homeless or unstably housed customers.
What if I do not have a Social Security Number?
You can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. The process takes four to six weeks by mail. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide the application receipt, but this is rare—most require the actual number.
How long does it take to open an account online?
Most online banks complete the process within one to three business days. You upload your documents and verify your identity the same day, but the bank takes time to review everything. You can usually use your account number for transfers or direct deposit before your debit card arrives.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must bring ID and proof of address. Each person is responsible for the account, and either person can withdraw all the money. Make sure you trust the other person completely, because the bank will not stop one owner from emptying the account.