The documents and information banks actually ask for

Most banks need two things to open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement—something dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it. Some banks accept a government-issued ID with your address printed on it, which covers both requirements at once.

You will also need to bring money to deposit. The minimum opening deposit varies by bank and account type—some require $25, others $100 or more, and some have no minimum at all. Ask the bank before you go in, because showing up without enough cash wastes a trip. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another account if you already have one.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Banks use this to run a background check and report interest earned on your account to the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open accounts with an ITIN instead, though options are more limited.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
  • Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready, because banks use it to verify your identity and report account activity to the IRS.
  • Bring an opening deposit—the amount required varies by bank and account type, so call ahead to confirm the minimum.
  • If you have no address or ID, some banks and credit unions offer second-chance accounts with different requirements, though fees may be higher.

What counts as proof of address

A utility bill is the most common proof of address. It can be for electricity, gas, water, internet, or phone service—anything that shows your name and current street address. The bill must be dated within the last 30 to 60 days, depending on the bank. Older bills do not work.

A lease or mortgage statement works just as well. If you rent, bring a signed lease with your name and the property address. If you own, bring a recent mortgage statement. Bank statements from another financial institution also count as proof of address at most banks.

Government mail counts at some banks but not others. A tax return, voter registration card, or letter from a government agency with your name and address may be accepted, but call the bank first to confirm. Do not assume.

If you do not have standard ID or address proof

If you have no driver's license or passport, a state-issued ID card works at most banks. You can get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles even if you do not drive. The process takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30 depending on your state.

If you have no permanent address—you are homeless or living in temporary housing—some banks and credit unions will open accounts with alternative proof. Bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or employer on letterhead stating your name and that you receive services or work there. Some banks accept a cell phone bill or prepaid card statement as proof of address. Call ahead and ask what they accept, because policies vary widely.

If you have no ID at all, your options narrow significantly. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. Bring whatever documents you have—a birth certificate, Social Security card, or letter from a government agency—and ask whether the credit union can work with you. Some will, some will not. You may also need to bring someone who already has an account at that institution to vouch for you.

What happens during the account opening process

When you arrive at the bank, tell the teller or banker you want to open an account. They will ask you to fill out an application form—usually one to two pages. The form asks for your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. You will also see questions about your employment and income, though these are often optional.

The banker will scan or photocopy your ID and address proof. They will run a background check using your Social Security number. This check looks at ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking history and fraud. If you have closed accounts with unpaid fees or a history of fraud, the bank may deny you. Most banks do not use your credit score to decide whether to open a checking or savings account, though some do check it.

Once approved, you choose which type of account you want—checking, savings, or both. The banker will explain fees, minimum balances, and interest rates. You will make your opening deposit, and your account opens immediately or within one business day. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Bringing documents for joint accounts

If you want to open an account with another person, both of you must be present and bring your own ID and address proof. Each person needs their own Social Security number or ITIN. The bank will run a background check on both of you.

You will decide together whether the account is a joint account with both names on it or whether one person is the primary account holder and the other is an authorized user. A joint account means either person can withdraw all the money. An authorized user can use the debit card and make deposits, but the primary holder controls the account and can remove the authorized user at any time. Ask the banker to explain the difference before you sign.

What you do not need to bring

You do not need a credit card, existing bank account, or employment verification to open a basic checking or savings account. Banks do not require proof of income. You do not need to bring pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer unless the bank specifically asks.

You do not need to open an account online if you do not want to. You can walk into a branch and open one in person, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online accounts are faster—sometimes instant—but require you to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading photos of your documents. Both methods are legitimate.

Second-chance accounts and alternatives

If a bank denies you because of your ChexSystems history, ask whether they offer a second-chance account. These accounts have the same basic features as regular accounts but may come with higher fees, lower limits on debit card transactions, or a waiting period before you can write checks. The requirements to open one are the same—ID, address proof, and opening deposit—but the bank overlooks past banking problems.

Credit unions often have more flexible policies than banks. If you are denied at a bank, try a local credit union. You may need to join the credit union first, which usually costs $5 to $25 and requires you to live or work in a certain area or belong to a certain group. Once you join, opening an account works the same way as at a bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS if you are not a U.S. citizen but need to file taxes or open a bank account. Some banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number, though not all do. Call ahead to confirm.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Most banks will not accept it. Get a new utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement before you go to the bank. If you cannot get one, ask the bank whether they accept alternative proof—some will take a recent bank statement or government mail instead.

Do I need to bring cash for the opening deposit?

No. You can deposit a check, transfer money from another account, or deposit cash. Ask the bank what methods they accept. If you transfer from another bank, it may take one to three business days to show up in your new account.

What if I get denied for an account?

Ask the bank why. If it is because of your ChexSystems history, ask about second-chance accounts. If it is because you have no ID or address proof, try a credit union or bring alternative documents and ask again. If it is because you have no Social Security number or ITIN, apply for an ITIN and return.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person at a branch, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, anywhere from instant to 24 hours, depending on how quickly you can verify your identity. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.