Documents and Information You'll Need

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). The bank will ask for these before you sign anything. Bring the originals — banks do not accept photocopies of ID, though they may accept a utility bill or lease as a copy for address verification.

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works instead. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents: a state ID card without a photo, a passport card, or a tribal ID. Call the specific bank branch before you go — what one location accepts may differ from another, even within the same bank.

You will also need to choose what type of account you want: checking, savings, or both. Most people open a checking account for everyday spending and bill payments, and a savings account for money they want to set aside. Some banks bundle them together; others charge separate monthly fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any bank branch.
  • If you lack a photo ID, call ahead to ask what alternative documents that specific branch will accept.
  • You will choose between checking, savings, or both when you open the account, and this choice affects how you use the account later.
  • Some banks require a minimum opening deposit; others do not, so ask before you arrive.
  • The bank will run a ChexSystems check to see if you have had problems with accounts at other banks, but this is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.

Minimum Opening Deposit and Account Fees

Many banks require a minimum opening deposit — often $25 to $100 for a checking account, though some require nothing. Ask the bank what their minimum is before you open the account. If you cannot meet it, look for banks or credit unions that have zero-dollar minimums; these exist and are common.

Once the account is open, some banks charge monthly maintenance fees ($10 to $15 is typical), while others waive the fee if you meet certain conditions: keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using the debit card a certain number of times per month. Read the fee schedule before you sign — it is usually a separate document the bank will hand you or show you on screen.

Online banks and credit unions often have lower or no monthly fees than large national banks. If you are opening your first account and money is tight, a credit union or online bank may cost you less over time.

The ChexSystems Check and What It Means

ChexSystems is a banking history report that tracks whether you have had problems with checking or savings accounts at other banks — things like overdrafts you did not pay back, writing bad checks, or closing an account with a negative balance. When you open a new account, the bank runs a ChexSystems check on you.

This check does not affect your credit score and is not the same as a credit check. It is a separate system that only banks see. If you have had problems with accounts in the past, ChexSystems will show them, and the bank may deny your application or require you to pay back what you owe before opening a new account.

You can request your own ChexSystems report for free once per year at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it through the same website. If you have been denied an account because of ChexSystems, the bank must tell you that is the reason and give you contact information for ChexSystems.

Second-Chance Banking if You Have Been Denied

If a bank has denied you because of ChexSystems, you have options. Some banks and credit unions offer second-chance checking accounts specifically for people with banking history problems. These accounts may have higher fees, lower limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw, or require you to pay back past debts, but they let you open an account when traditional banks will not.

Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about past problems. If you belong to a credit union through your employer, school, or community, ask whether they offer second-chance accounts. You can also search for credit unions in your area at www.co-opsharedbranch.org.

Another option is a prepaid card, which is not a bank account but works similarly for everyday spending. You load money onto the card and use it like a debit card. Prepaid cards do not require a ChexSystems check, but they also do not build a banking history and usually charge per-transaction fees.

What Happens After You Sign

Once you have provided your documents and signed the account agreement, the bank will give you a debit card (usually within 7 to 10 business days) and temporary access to your account online or through their app. You can start depositing money and making transfers right away, even before the physical card arrives.

The bank will also assign you a routing number and account number. You will need these to set up direct deposit from your employer, receive wire transfers, or pay bills by bank transfer. Write these down or take a photo — you will need them later.

If you opened a checking account, ask the bank whether they offer overdraft protection. This is a service that covers small overdrafts (when you spend more than you have) by transferring money from your savings account or charging a fee. Overdraft protection is optional, and you can turn it on or off anytime.

Opening an Account Online or by Mail

Many online banks and some traditional banks let you open an account without visiting a branch. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your information online, and the bank sends you a debit card in the mail. This process usually takes 3 to 5 business days.

Some banks still require you to verify your identity in person, even if you start the application online. They will tell you this upfront. If you cannot visit a branch, ask whether they have a video verification option — some do, and it counts as in-person verification.

Opening by mail is rare but possible with some banks. You would mail in copies of your documents (not originals) and a signed application. This is slower — usually 2 to 3 weeks — and carries more risk of documents getting lost. In-person or online is faster and safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job to open a bank account?

No. Banks do not require proof of employment. You need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are unemployed or retired, you can still open an account.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address as proof of residence if you can show you receive mail there. Call the bank first to ask what they will accept. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible on this than large banks.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present and sign the account agreement yourself. A parent or guardian can open a joint account with you, but you still have to be there. Online accounts require you to verify your identity electronically.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete the application, and the bank approves it within 1 to 3 business days. You can use the account immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.

What if the bank says I owe money from a closed account?

The bank will not open a new account until you pay what you owe or work out a payment plan. Ask the bank for a written statement of what you owe, including fees and interest. Some banks will negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount if you pay in one lump sum.