Documents and information you'll bring

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). That covers the legal side. Bring your ID in person — banks verify it against their system and sometimes call the issuing agency to confirm it's real.

For proof of address, a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail works. It needs to show your name and current street address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have one, some banks accept a bank statement from another institution, a pay stub, or a letter from a government agency.

Your Social Security number is how the bank reports your account to the IRS and checks whether you have unpaid tax debt or fraud flags. If you don't have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to non-citizens who file taxes) works at most banks. A few banks also accept an Individual Number for Identification (ININ) if you're undocumented, though availability varies by state and bank.

Bring the original documents or certified copies. Photos or screenshots usually don't work, though some banks now accept mobile uploads during online signup — ask before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Banks verify your ID in person or through their system and may call the issuing agency to confirm it's genuine.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, an ITIN from the IRS works at most banks.
  • Some banks now let you upload documents during online signup, but most still require you to bring originals or certified copies in person.
  • If you have unpaid tax debt or fraud flags on your Social Security number, the bank may deny your account or freeze it after opening.

What happens if you don't have a Social Security number

An ITIN is the standard alternative. You get one from the IRS by filing Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can file by mail or through an IRS-authorized agent in your area — search for "ITIN agent near me" on the IRS website. Processing takes about two to three weeks by mail, sometimes faster through an agent.

If you're undocumented and don't have an ITIN yet, a few banks and credit unions offer accounts using an ININ or a combination of your passport and a secondary ID. This varies by state and institution — call ahead and ask whether they accept non-SSN identification. Some credit unions are more flexible than national banks on this point.

Once you have an ITIN, you can open an account the same way anyone else does. The bank will still run a ChexSystems check (a report of your banking history) and may ask about any past overdrafts or closed accounts.

ChexSystems and banking history checks

Most banks run your information through ChexSystems, a database that tracks overdrafts, bounced checks, closed accounts, and fraud reports. If you've been reported to ChexSystems, the bank may deny your account or offer you a second-chance account with higher fees and lower limits.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Request it at www.chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623. If there's an error — a closed account you didn't close, an overdraft you paid, a fraud report that wasn't yours — you can dispute it with ChexSystems directly. They have 30 days to investigate.

Some banks don't use ChexSystems at all. If you've been denied elsewhere, ask whether a bank uses it before you apply. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to skip the check or to approve accounts despite a ChexSystems flag.

Minimum deposit and account fees

Minimum opening deposits range from zero to several hundred dollars, depending on the bank and account type. Many banks now offer no-minimum checking accounts, especially online banks. Savings accounts often have a $25 to $100 minimum.

Ask about monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees before you open. Some banks charge $10 to $15 per month just to keep the account open. Others waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Overdraft fees run $25 to $35 per transaction at most banks, though some cap how many you pay per day.

Online banks typically have lower or no fees because they don't run physical branches. If you need in-person service, a local bank or credit union may be worth the fees.

What to expect during the signup process

In person: You'll show your documents, answer questions about your employment and income (for fraud prevention), and sign paperwork. The bank will issue you a debit card on the spot or mail it within 5 to 10 business days. You'll get online banking access immediately or within a few hours.

Online: You'll upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and answer identity verification questions. Some banks then require you to verify your identity by video call with a representative. Others send a code to your phone or email. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account online immediately.

By phone: A few banks let you open an account over the phone, but you'll still need to mail in copies of your documents or verify your identity through a video call later. This is slower and less common than in-person or online signup.

What to do if you're denied

Banks must tell you why they denied your account. Common reasons are a ChexSystems flag, unpaid tax debt on your Social Security number, or a fraud report. Ask for the specific reason in writing.

If it's a ChexSystems issue, dispute it or wait — most negative items fall off after five years. If it's tax debt, you'll need to resolve that with the IRS before most banks will open an account for you. If it's a fraud report you didn't cause, file a police report and bring it to the bank; they may reconsider.

Second-chance accounts are designed for people with banking history problems. They usually have higher fees and lower limits, but they're a real account that reports to the credit bureaus. After six months to a year of clean history, you can often move to a standard account.

Credit unions are sometimes more willing to work with people who've been denied by banks. Call a few in your area and ask whether they have accounts for people with ChexSystems flags or past banking problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN from the IRS. Some banks and credit unions also accept a passport and secondary ID, especially in states with large immigrant populations. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts your documents before you go in.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, 10 to 20 minutes, though you may need to wait for a video verification call. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You can use your account online immediately.

What if I have a ChexSystems flag?

Request your report at www.chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If the flag is accurate, look for a second-chance account or a credit union that doesn't use ChexSystems. Some banks will open an account despite a flag if it's old or if you can explain what happened.

Do I need a minimum deposit?

Many banks now offer zero-minimum checking accounts. Savings accounts often require $25 to $100. Ask the bank about its minimum before you apply.

What happens if I don't bring all my documents?

The bank won't open your account. Bring originals or certified copies. If you're missing something, ask what alternatives the bank accepts — some take a pay stub instead of a utility bill, for example.