What you need to do to open a bank account

Opening a bank account takes between 15 minutes and a few days, depending on whether you do it online or in person. You will need a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Most banks let you start online and finish in one sitting; some require you to visit a branch or wait for mail verification. The whole process costs nothing—banks do not charge to open an account.

The basic steps are the same everywhere: choose a bank, provide your identity and address, link a funding source (or bring cash), and sign the account agreement. What changes is the timeline and which documents each bank accepts. A bank that verifies you instantly online might be done in 10 minutes. A bank that mails a confirmation code takes 3 to 5 business days before you can use the account.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number; some banks also accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number.
  • Online accounts open fastest—often in minutes—but some banks require you to verify your identity by video call or in-person visit before the account is active.
  • You can fund the account immediately with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash deposit, or leave it empty and fund it later.
  • The bank will ask you to agree to their account terms, which cover fees, overdraft policies, and how they handle disputes—read these before you sign.
  • If you have been reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database), some banks will reject you; others specialize in second-chance accounts.

Gather your documents before you start

Have these items ready before you contact a bank or visit a branch. A government-issued ID means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The bank will check the name, photo, and expiration date. If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it; others will not. Call ahead if your ID expired more than a year ago.

Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement from another bank also works. If you do not have any of these, some banks will accept a phone bill or insurance document instead—ask first. Do not use a PO box; banks need a physical street address.

Your Social Security number is required by law so the bank can report interest you earn and check your banking history. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but not all banks accept it. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they open accounts for ITIN holders before you apply.

Choose between online and in-person opening

Online accounts are faster but require you to verify your identity through the bank's app or website. Most online banks use one of three methods: they check your information against databases they already have (instant), they send you a code by mail or text (takes a few days), or they ask you to record a video call with a representative (takes 15 to 30 minutes). Read the bank's website to see which method they use before you start.

In-person accounts at a branch take 20 to 45 minutes. You bring your ID and proof of address, a representative checks them, you sign the account agreement, and the account is active immediately. You can deposit cash or a check right away if you want. This route works well if you have questions or if you have been rejected by other banks and want to talk to someone directly.

Some banks use a hybrid approach: you start online, answer questions, and then the bank tells you to visit a branch or do a video call to finish. This usually happens when the bank cannot verify you through their databases alone. The bank will tell you this before you complete the application, so you are not surprised.

Complete the application and provide your information

Whether you are online or in person, the bank will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. They will also ask your phone number and email. Have your ID and address proof in front of you so you can match the information exactly—a typo in your name or address can delay verification.

The bank will ask what type of account you want: checking, savings, or both. A checking account is for regular spending and bill payments. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on. Most people open both at the same time. The bank will also ask whether you want overdraft protection (which lets you spend more than you have, usually with a fee) and whether you want paperless statements or paper ones mailed to you.

You will be asked to create a username and password for online banking. Make this strong—use at least 12 characters, mix letters and numbers, and do not use your name or birthday. You will also set up a PIN for the debit card if the bank issues one immediately.

Fund your account or leave it empty

You can open an account with zero dollars in it. Many people do this and fund it later when they receive a paycheck or transfer money from another bank. If you want to put money in right away, you have three options.

Debit card or credit card: If you have another bank's debit card or a credit card, you can use it to fund the new account during the application. The bank will charge a small amount (usually $1 to $5) to verify the card works, then refund it. This is the fastest way to fund an account online.

Bank transfer: If you have another bank account, you can transfer money from that account to your new one. This takes 1 to 3 business days. The bank will give you your new account number and routing number during setup; you use these to tell your old bank where to send the money.

Cash deposit: If you opened the account in person at a branch, you can hand the teller cash and they will deposit it immediately. If you opened online, you will need to visit a branch or an ATM once your account is active to deposit cash.

Understand what happens after you apply

If you applied online and the bank verified you instantly, your account is active right away. You can use online banking, set up bill pay, and order a debit card immediately. The debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If the bank needs to verify you by mail, they will send a code to your address. You enter this code into the bank's app or website, and the account becomes active. This takes 3 to 5 business days. Until the code arrives and you enter it, you cannot use the account.

If the bank asked you to do a video call or visit a branch, you will receive an email or text with instructions. Complete this step within the timeframe the bank gives you (usually 7 to 10 days), or the application may be canceled. Once you finish, the account is active the same day.

The bank will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account number, routing number, and information about fees and overdraft policies. Read this carefully. If you have questions about any fee or policy, call customer service before you make your first transaction.

What to do if you are rejected or have banking history issues

Banks check a database called ChexSystems that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud reports. If you have been reported to ChexSystems, some banks will reject your application automatically. This does not mean you cannot open an account anywhere—it means you need to find a bank that does not use ChexSystems or that specializes in second-chance accounts.

Some banks and credit unions specifically open accounts for people with ChexSystems records. These are sometimes called "second-chance" or "fresh start" accounts. They may have higher fees or require a larger opening deposit, but they work the same way as regular accounts. Search online for "second-chance bank account" plus your state to find options near you.

If you were rejected and you are not sure why, you can request your ChexSystems report for free. Visit chexsystems.com and follow the steps to dispute any errors. If there is an error, ChexSystems will correct it, and you can reapply to the bank that rejected you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account. You can open with zero dollars. Some banks offer better interest rates or waive monthly fees if you keep a certain balance, but opening itself is free. Check the bank's website to see whether they have a minimum balance requirement to avoid monthly fees.

Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?

You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but not all banks accept it. Call the bank's customer service line before you apply and ask whether they open accounts for ITIN holders. Some credit unions and community banks are more likely to say yes than large national banks.

How long does it take to use my new account?

If the bank verifies you instantly online, you can use your account the same day. If they mail a verification code, it takes 3 to 5 business days. If they require a video call or branch visit, it takes 1 to 2 days after you complete that step. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days regardless of when the account opens.

What if I made a mistake on my application?

If you notice an error before you submit, go back and fix it. If you submitted already, call the bank's customer service line right away. They can usually correct small errors like a typo in your address or phone number. If the error is in your name or Social Security number, the bank may ask you to close the account and open a new one.

Can I open multiple accounts at the same bank?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account at the same time, or open additional accounts later. Some banks let you do this online; others require you to visit a branch or call. There is no fee to open multiple accounts, and you can manage them all through the same login.