What you need to bring and the basic steps
Opening a bank account takes between 15 minutes and a few days, depending on whether you do it in person or online. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill dated within the last 60 days.
The process itself is straightforward: you walk into a branch or visit the bank's website, tell them what type of account you want (checking, savings, or both), provide your documents, sign paperwork, and deposit money to open the account. The bank verifies your identity against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services—databases that track banking history—and you either get approved on the spot or within a few business days. Once approved, you receive a debit card and account number, usually within one to two weeks by mail.
If you are opening an account online, the bank may ask you to verify your identity through video call or by uploading photos of your documents. Some banks let you start using a temporary debit card number immediately while the physical card is in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at any bank.
- In-person accounts typically open the same day; online accounts may take a few business days for identity verification.
- Banks check ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to review your banking history, and a record of unpaid overdrafts or fraud can result in denial.
- Minimum deposit amounts vary by bank and account type—some banks have no minimum, while others require $25 to $500 to open.
- If you have been denied before, you can still open an account at banks that specialize in second-chance banking or at credit unions.
Documents you will actually need to bring
The primary ID must be government-issued and current. A driver's license works best because it has your photo, signature, and address. If you do not have a driver's license, a passport, state ID card, or tribal ID card will work. Military ID and passport cards are also accepted at most banks.
For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax return, benefits letter) dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement from another bank counts too. If you have just moved and do not have a recent bill in your name, some banks will accept a letter from your landlord or a signed lease.
Your Social Security number is required unless you do not have one—in which case, you can use an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Bring the actual number or the card itself; banks will ask for it verbally or on a form.
What happens when the bank checks your history
Every bank runs your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are consumer reporting agencies that track checking and savings accounts. These databases record overdrafts you did not pay back, accounts you closed with a negative balance, fraud claims, and repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. A single overdraft that you paid back will not block you, but unpaid overdrafts or a pattern of them can result in denial.
If you are denied, the bank must tell you why and provide contact information for the reporting agency. You can then request a free copy of your report and dispute any errors. Negative records typically stay on file for five to seven years, though some banks have shorter memory—a few will open accounts for people with ChexSystems records older than two years.
Being denied does not mean you cannot bank anywhere. Credit unions often have more lenient policies than large banks, and some banks explicitly market themselves as "second-chance" accounts for people with banking history issues. These accounts may have higher fees or lower ATM access, but they are a real option.
Minimum deposits and account types
Minimum deposit requirements vary widely. Many online banks and some large national banks have no minimum—you can open an account with $1 or even $0. Others require $25, $100, or $500 to open. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
You will choose between a checking account (for frequent transactions and bill payments), a savings account (for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on), or both. Checking accounts typically have no interest but come with a debit card and check-writing ability. Savings accounts earn interest—usually a very small amount, but it adds up over time—and limit how many withdrawals you can make per month.
Some banks offer money market accounts, which are a hybrid: they earn more interest than savings accounts but have higher minimum balances and withdrawal limits. For most people opening their first account, a basic checking account is the right choice.
In-person versus online: which is faster
In-person accounts open immediately. You walk into a branch, provide your documents, sign the paperwork, and leave with an account number the same day. Your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. This is the fastest route if you need to start using your account right away.
Online accounts take longer because the bank cannot see your ID in person. Most online banks use video verification—you upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie, and a person or automated system confirms it matches. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though some banks take up to three business days. A few online banks will mail you a verification code or ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history.
The trade-off is that online banks often have lower fees, higher interest rates on savings, and no minimum deposit. In-person banks offer immediate access and the ability to talk to someone if something goes wrong, but may charge monthly maintenance fees.
What to do if you are denied
If a bank denies your account, ask for the specific reason. It is usually one of three things: a ChexSystems record, an unpaid overdraft at another bank, or a fraud claim. Request a copy of your ChexSystems or Early Warning report—you are may have access to to one free copy per year from each agency. Review it for errors. If you find a mistake (wrong account number, overdraft you already paid, account that is not yours), dispute it with the reporting agency in writing. Corrections typically take 30 to 45 days.
While you wait for a dispute to resolve, open an account at a credit union or a second-chance bank. Credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees and more flexible policies. Second-chance banks are designed for people with banking history issues and will open an account even with a recent ChexSystems record, though they may charge higher fees or require a larger deposit.
If you were denied because of fraud, contact the bank that reported it and ask what you need to do to clear your name. If the fraud was not your fault, provide documentation (police report, identity theft affidavit) and ask the bank to remove the claim from your record.
After your account opens: what happens next
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card, checks (if you requested them), and online banking access. Set up online banking immediately—this lets you check your balance, transfer money, and set up bill pay without visiting a branch. Most banks also offer a mobile app where you can deposit checks by taking a photo.
Link your account to your employer's payroll system if you want direct deposit. This is the fastest way to get paid and often comes with perks like early access to your paycheck (one or two days before the official payday). You can also set up automatic bill payments to pay rent, utilities, or loan payments on a schedule.
Review your account's fee structure. Most checking accounts charge overdraft fees ($25 to $35 per transaction), monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $15), or ATM fees if you use an out-of-network machine. Some banks waive these fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Ask your bank which fees apply to your account and how to avoid them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, you can use that instead. Bring the same documents—photo ID and proof of address—and tell the bank you do not have a Social Security number. Some banks are more experienced with ITINs than others; credit unions and community banks are often more flexible than large national chains.
What if I do not have a current address or proof of address?
If you are homeless or living with someone else, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or the person whose address you are using. Some banks will accept a letter from your employer on letterhead stating your current address. A few banks will waive the address requirement if you provide additional ID or a phone number they can verify.
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open an account?
Physical debit cards usually arrive within one to two weeks by mail. Many banks now issue temporary card numbers immediately after you open an account, so you can use your card online or at ATMs right away. Check your online banking portal or call the bank to ask if a temporary number is available.
Can I open an account if I have been denied before?
Yes. A denial at one bank does not prevent you from opening an account elsewhere. Credit unions, online banks, and second-chance banking programs are designed for people with banking history issues. Each bank checks ChexSystems independently, so a denial at Bank A does not automatically mean Bank B will deny you.
Do I need to deposit money to open an account?
It depends on the bank. Many online banks and some large banks have no minimum deposit—you can open with $0 or $1. Others require $25 to $500. Check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm the minimum before you go in or apply online.