What you need to bring and where to go

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID. Walk into any branch of a bank or credit union you choose, or apply online through their website. Most banks let you start the process online and finish it in the branch, or complete it entirely online if you have a valid ID that scans.

Bring an original or certified copy of your ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a physical address, some banks accept mail from a shelter, PO box, or care-of address; call ahead to confirm what they will take.

You do not need an opening deposit to start the account at most banks, though some require a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees. Credit unions often require a small membership fee — usually $5 to $25 — which you pay once when you open the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of your address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or tax ID to open an account in person or online.
  • Most banks have no opening deposit requirement, but some charge monthly fees if your balance drops below a set amount.
  • The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch or 10 to 20 minutes online, and your account is usually active the same day.
  • If you have no ID or address, some banks and credit unions offer second-chance accounts or work with community organizations to verify your identity.
  • Online banks typically have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, but no physical branch to visit if you need help.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Go to a branch during business hours with your ID, address proof, and Social Security number. Tell a teller or new-accounts representative that you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask you questions about your employment, income, and how you plan to use the account — this is standard and takes a few minutes.

You will sign paperwork that includes the account agreement and disclosures about fees. Read the fee schedule before you sign: look for monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and minimum balance requirements. Ask the representative to explain anything you do not understand.

Once you sign, your account opens immediately. You will receive a debit card and checks (if you opened a checking account) in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Your account number appears on your receipt that day, so you can start using direct deposit or transfers right away if you need to.

Opening an account online

Visit the bank or credit union's website and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." You will enter your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Upload a photo of your ID — most banks accept a driver's license, passport, or state ID photographed with your phone.

Some banks verify your identity instantly using the information you provide. Others send you a confirmation code by email or text, or call you to confirm details. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your account is active the same day.

Your debit card ships within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can transfer money in from another account, set up direct deposit, or receive money through peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal. Your account number is available immediately after approval.

Choosing between checking and savings accounts

A checking account is for money you use regularly — paying bills, buying groceries, getting cash. It comes with a debit card and checks. Most checking accounts have no interest on your balance, but some banks now offer small interest rates (usually under 1 percent) if you meet conditions like direct deposit or a minimum balance.

A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and grow. It earns interest, though the rate varies by bank and changes over time. You can withdraw money, but some accounts limit you to six withdrawals per month before charging a fee. Savings accounts have lower fees than checking accounts.

Many people open both: a checking account for daily spending and a savings account for emergencies or goals. Some banks bundle them together and charge one monthly fee for both, while others charge separate fees. Compare the fee schedules before you decide.

What happens if you have no ID or address

If you do not have a government photo ID, some banks will open an account using alternative documents: a passport card, tribal ID, or foreign national ID. A few banks accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill, though this is less common. Call the bank's customer service line and ask what documents they accept for someone without a standard ID.

If you have no permanent address, some banks accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a care-of address (someone else's address where mail reaches you). Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible than large national banks on this point. The Community Reinvestment Act requires banks to serve their communities, so many have programs for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

If you have been denied an account before, ask why. Banks use ChexSystems, a checking account history database, to screen applicants. If you owe money to a previous bank or have unpaid overdrafts, that shows up in ChexSystems. Some banks offer "second-chance" checking accounts for people with ChexSystems records; they charge higher fees but do not require a clean history.

Fees to watch for and how to avoid them

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank. You can avoid them by keeping a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or using the bank's mobile app. Some banks waive fees for students, seniors, or people under 25.

Overdraft fees occur when you spend more than you have. A single overdraft can cost $25 to $35, and some banks charge multiple fees per day if your account stays negative. You can opt out of overdraft protection so transactions simply decline instead of charging a fee — ask your bank how to do this.

ATM fees happen when you use another bank's ATM. Most banks let you use their own ATMs free, but charge $2 to $3 per transaction at other banks' machines. Online banks often reimburse ATM fees nationwide, or partner with networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass that have thousands of free ATMs.

Setting up direct deposit and transfers

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your account. Ask your employer's payroll department for the bank routing number and your account number — both appear on a blank check or in your online banking portal. Give them this information, and your paycheck will deposit automatically on payday, usually one to two business days before you would receive a paper check.

You can also transfer money from another bank account using your account number and routing number. Most transfers take one to three business days. If you need money faster, use a peer-to-peer app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, which moves money in minutes but may charge a fee for instant transfer.

Set up online bill pay through your bank's website or app to pay bills directly from your checking account. You enter the biller's name and address, the amount, and the date you want the payment sent. The bank mails a check or sends an electronic payment, usually arriving within three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a bank account?

In a branch, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Online, it takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your account is active the same day, though your debit card and checks arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You can use your account number immediately for direct deposit or transfers.

Do I need a minimum opening deposit?

Most banks do not require an opening deposit. However, some banks charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a set amount — often $500 to $1,500. You can avoid this fee by keeping that balance, setting up direct deposit, or choosing a bank with no minimum balance requirement.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are a non-citizen, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks accept a passport or foreign national ID in place of a US ID. Call the bank and ask whether they work with ITINs before you visit.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

Yes. If you were denied because of ChexSystems records, look for a "second-chance" checking account — these are designed for people with banking history problems. They charge higher fees but do not require a clean record. Credit unions are also often more flexible than large banks.

What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?

Banks are for-profit and owned by shareholders. Credit unions are nonprofit and owned by their members. Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, but may have fewer branches or ATMs. Both are insured by the government up to $250,000 per account.