What you need to bring and where to start

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Walk into any bank or credit union branch, or start online if the institution offers it. Some banks let you open an account entirely through their website or mobile app; others require you to visit in person or complete the process by mail.

The institution will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and employment information. They will verify your identity against their database and check whether you have unpaid fees or fraud flags at other banks through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — two systems that track banking history. If you have been flagged for fraud or owe money to another bank, you may be denied, but you can dispute inaccurate information.

Bring your original ID, not a copy. A utility bill, lease, or recent tax return works as proof of address. If you do not have a permanent address, some banks and credit unions will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or trusted person vouching for where you receive mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at a bank or credit union.
  • Banks check ChexSystems and Early Warning Services to see if you have unpaid fees or fraud flags at other institutions, which can result in denial.
  • You can open many accounts online or by mail, but some banks require an in-person visit to verify your identity.
  • The account is usually active within one to three business days, though some banks activate it immediately if you open it online.
  • If you have no credit history or a poor banking history, credit unions and second-chance banking programs are more likely to accept you than large national banks.

The difference between banks and credit unions

Banks are for-profit institutions owned by shareholders. Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives, and you become a member when you open an account. Credit unions often have lower fees, lower minimum balances, and more lenient approval standards — they are more likely to open an account for someone with a banking history flag or no history at all.

Banks offer more branches and ATMs nationwide, which matters if you travel or move frequently. Credit unions have smaller networks, though many participate in shared branching and surcharge-free ATM networks that expand access. If you need a specific service — like international wire transfers, investment accounts, or business banking — a large bank may be your only option.

Both are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), meaning your deposits up to $250,000 are protected if the institution fails. This protection is the same regardless of which you choose.

What happens if you are denied

If a bank denies your account, ask why. The most common reasons are ChexSystems flags, unpaid overdraft fees at another bank, or fraud reports. Request a copy of your ChexSystems report — you have the right to see it for free. Go to chexsystems.com/consumer or call 1-800-428-9623. If the report contains errors, you can dispute them directly with ChexSystems.

If the denial is because of unpaid fees, contact the bank that reported you and pay the debt or negotiate a settlement. Some banks will reopen your case once the debt is resolved. If you cannot resolve the issue, look for a second-chance banking program — these are accounts designed for people with banking history problems. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Varo offer them, as do many local credit unions and community banks.

Second-chance accounts usually have higher fees and lower spending limits than standard accounts, but they report to ChexSystems as positive activity, which helps rebuild your banking history over time.

Fees and account types to compare

Most checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee, though many waive it if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Savings accounts typically have lower or no monthly fees but pay interest on your balance — the rate varies widely and changes frequently.

Overdraft fees are charged when you spend more than your balance. These typically range from $25 to $35 per transaction, though some banks charge multiple fees per day if you overdraft several times. Many banks now offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line and transfers money automatically to cover the shortfall — this usually costs less than an overdraft fee.

Compare accounts on the bank's website or call and ask about: monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and whether they charge for paper statements or other services. A free checking account with no minimum balance exists, but it is less common at large national banks and more common at online banks and credit unions.

How long it takes and when you can use the account

If you open an account in person at a branch, it is usually active the same day or within one business day. You can deposit money and make purchases immediately, though the bank may place a hold on large cash deposits (typically 24 hours for deposits under $5,000, longer for larger amounts).

If you open online, activation usually takes one to three business days. The bank will send you a debit card by mail, which takes five to ten business days to arrive. Until then, you can transfer money between your own accounts, set up direct deposit, and pay bills online through the bank's bill pay service.

Some online banks send a temporary digital card number immediately so you can make purchases before the physical card arrives. Ask whether this is available when you open the account.

Setting up direct deposit and linking other accounts

Direct deposit is when your employer or a government agency (like Social Security) sends your payment directly to your bank account instead of issuing a check. To set it up, give your employer or the paying agency your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them in your online banking portal or by calling the bank.

Many banks waive monthly fees if you set up direct deposit, so this is worth doing even if you also receive payments other ways. The first direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to process.

You can link other accounts — from other banks, PayPal, Venmo, or investment platforms — to transfer money in and out. The bank will verify the link by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into the other account, which you then confirm. This takes two to three business days.

Protecting your account from fraud and theft

Set a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Enable two-factor authentication if the bank offers it; this requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email when you log in from a new device. Do not share your password, PIN, or account number with anyone, including bank employees (legitimate bank staff will never ask for this information).

Check your account regularly — at least weekly — for unauthorized transactions. If you spot fraud, contact the bank immediately. Under federal law, your liability for fraudulent debit card transactions is limited to $50 if you report it within two business days, and $500 if you report it within 60 days. After 60 days, you may not be protected.

Do not use public Wi-Fi to access your banking app or website. Use your phone's cellular data or a private home network instead. Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from your bank and asking you to verify information — banks do not contact you this way. If you are unsure, hang up and call the bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on their official website.

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, most banks will accept it in place of a Social Security number. Some banks and credit unions also accept a passport or other government ID from another country. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts ITIN before you visit.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks and credit unions will open an account using a shelter address, a PO box, or a letter from a social services agency or trusted person confirming where you receive mail. Call the bank first to ask what they accept, because policies vary.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The account holder must be present and provide their own ID and signature. A parent or guardian can open a custodial account for a minor, but the minor's name and Social Security number are required, and the account is legally the minor's property.

What happens if I do not use my account?

Banks may close inactive accounts after six months to two years of no deposits or withdrawals. Before closing, they will try to contact you. If the account is closed, any remaining balance is yours — the bank will send it to you or hold it according to state law. Check your account at least once every few months to keep it active.

Can I have more than one bank account?

Yes. You can open accounts at multiple banks and credit unions. Some people keep one account for bills and another for savings, or use different banks for different purposes. Each account is separately insured up to $250,000 by the FDIC or NCUA.