What you need to bring and where to start

Opening a bank account requires a government-issued ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though some have zero-minimum accounts. You can open an account in person at a branch, online through a bank's website, or by phone with some institutions.

Start by deciding what type of account fits your needs: a checking account for everyday spending, a savings account for money you want to set aside, or both. Many banks bundle them together. If you have had banking problems in the past—overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees—you may need to check ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see what shows up before you apply. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with that history.

The fastest route is usually online if you have a computer or phone and a camera to photograph your ID. In-person at a branch takes longer but lets you ask questions and hand over cash for your opening deposit on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN before you walk into a branch or start an online account.
  • An initial deposit is standard but not always required; some banks offer zero-minimum checking or savings accounts.
  • Online accounts open fastest and let you start using the account within hours, while branch accounts may take a few days to activate.
  • If you have had overdrafts or fraud on past accounts, check ChexSystems first to see what a bank will see about you.
  • Banks charge monthly fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees at different rates; comparing these costs matters more than the interest rate on a checking account.

Documents and ID you will need

Bring an original, unexpired government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Banks will not accept a photocopy or a photo on your phone. If your ID does not show your current address, bring a second document that does: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement with your name and address printed on it. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days.

You will also need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to run a background check and report interest earned on the account to the IRS. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, some banks and credit unions will still open an account, but you will need to ask first—policies vary widely.

If you are opening an account online, you will photograph or upload your ID and proof of address. Make sure the photos are clear, show all four corners of the document, and are in color. Blurry or cropped images will be rejected and slow down the process.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online accounts open fastest. You upload your ID and address proof, enter your information, and the bank verifies everything electronically. Most accounts are ready to use within a few hours to one business day. You can fund the account by linking an existing bank account and transferring money, or by mailing a check. Some banks let you deposit cash at an ATM or partner retailer once the account is open.

In-person accounts at a branch take longer to set up but let you hand over cash for your opening deposit immediately and ask questions face-to-face. The bank verifies your ID on the spot and usually activates the account the same day, though you may not be able to use it online until the next business day. Bring all your documents and your opening deposit in cash or a check.

If you do not have reliable internet or a camera, or if you prefer to speak with someone, go to a branch. If you want the account open today and do not need to deposit cash, online is faster. Some people open online and then visit a branch later to deposit cash or ask about features they do not understand.

What happens after you submit your information

The bank runs a background check using ChexSystems, a database that tracks overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid fees at other banks. This check takes a few minutes to a few hours. If you have had problems in the past, the bank may deny you, ask you to pay old fees before opening, or offer you a restricted account with lower limits or higher fees.

Once the background check clears, the bank creates your account and assigns you an account number and routing number. These appear in your online banking portal or are printed on your debit card and checks. You can start using the account to receive deposits (direct deposit, transfers, checks) immediately, but you may not be able to spend money for one to three business days while the bank processes your opening deposit.

If the bank denies you, ask why. If it is because of ChexSystems, you have the right to dispute errors on your report. Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website to request a copy of your report and file a dispute if something is wrong. If you are denied because of your credit history, that is separate from ChexSystems—credit checks are less common for checking accounts but do happen at some banks.

Choosing between checking, savings, or both

A checking account is for money you spend regularly. It comes with a debit card, online bill pay, and the ability to write checks. You can withdraw money as often as you want without penalty. Interest rates on checking are usually zero or very low.

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. Most savings accounts limit you to six withdrawals per month (though this rule is less strict now than it was before 2020). You cannot use a debit card or write checks from savings.

Most people open both: a checking account for bills and everyday spending, and a savings account for emergencies or goals. Many banks offer a package deal with both accounts and waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Compare the monthly fee, minimum balance requirement, and interest rate on savings before you choose. The interest rate matters more for savings; for checking, focus on the fee structure and whether the bank has ATMs near you.

Fees to watch for

Banks charge several types of fees that add up quickly. A monthly maintenance fee (usually $5 to $15) is charged just for having the account; some banks waive it if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. An overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35 per transaction) is charged when you spend more than you have; some banks charge multiple overdraft fees in a single day. An ATM fee (usually $2 to $3) is charged when you use an ATM outside the bank's network.

Other fees include charges for wire transfers, stop payments on checks, returned checks, and paper statements. Before you open an account, ask the bank or check their fee schedule online. Credit unions often charge lower fees than large banks. Online-only banks usually have no monthly fees and no ATM fees (they reimburse you for out-of-network ATM charges).

Do not let a small sign-up bonus or high interest rate distract you from the fee structure. A $25 bonus means nothing if you pay $15 a month in fees.

What to do if you are denied

If a bank denies you, ask for the reason in writing. The most common reasons are a ChexSystems record, unpaid fees at another bank, or fraud. If it is ChexSystems, you can dispute errors by contacting them directly. If it is unpaid fees, you can sometimes negotiate with the old bank to remove the record if you pay what you owe.

If you are denied by traditional banks, look for a second-chance checking account at a credit union or online bank. These accounts are designed for people with banking history problems. They usually have higher fees and lower limits, but they let you rebuild your banking record. After six months to a year of good standing, you can often move to a regular account.

Some people also use prepaid debit cards or money services like MoneyLion or Chime as a temporary step, though these are not bank accounts and do not build credit or offer the same protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Some banks and credit unions will open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN. Call ahead to ask; policies vary. You will still need a government ID and proof of address. A few banks require an SSN and will not open an account without one.

How long does it take to use my new account?

Online accounts are usually ready within hours. In-person accounts are ready the same day, though you may not be able to spend money online until the next business day. If you mail a check as your opening deposit, add three to five business days for it to clear before you can withdraw that money.

What is the minimum deposit to open an account?

It varies by bank. Some require $25 to $100; others have zero-minimum accounts. Check the bank's website or call before you go in. Online banks are more likely to have zero-minimum accounts than large national banks.

Do I need a credit card to open a bank account?

No. A bank account and a credit card are separate. You do not need credit history or a credit card to open a checking or savings account. The bank runs a background check on ChexSystems, not a credit check.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present (in person or online) and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Parents can open a custodial account for a minor, but the child's name and SSN must be on the account.