What You'll Need Before You Walk In

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks also ask for an initial deposit on the spot—usually $25 to $100, though this varies by bank and account type. A few banks waive the deposit requirement entirely.

The exact list depends on which bank you choose and what type of account you want. A checking account typically requires less documentation than a savings account paired with investment services. Online banks often have different requirements than brick-and-mortar branches because they cannot verify your identity in person.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. Banks will not accept a photo of your ID sent by email or text—they need to see the physical document and often scan or photograph it themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN before any bank will open an account.
  • An initial deposit of $25 to $100 is standard at most banks, though some accounts and some banks do not require one.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days—not a PO box.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN from the IRS will work at most banks, though a few still require SSN only.
  • Online banks often ask for fewer documents but may require you to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading photos of your documents.

Government-Issued Photo ID

Banks accept a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how long past expiration they will accept—some take expired IDs if they are recent, others do not. If your ID is expired, bring a second form of ID if you have one, or call the bank ahead of time to ask what they will accept.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport works at every bank. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) is also accepted. Tribal IDs are accepted at most banks but not all—call first if that is your only option.

Foreign passports are accepted at some banks but not others. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a U.S. passport or state ID, contact the bank directly before you go in. You may need to bring additional documents like a visa or work permit.

Proof of Your Current Address

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, court document) dated within the last 60 days will work. The document must show your name and full street address—a PO box does not count.

If you recently moved and do not have a bill or lease in your new name yet, some banks will accept a lease signed by you even if it has not been billed to you. Others will accept a letter from a landlord or property manager on official letterhead confirming your address. A few banks will accept a bank statement from another bank showing your address.

If you are homeless or living in a shelter, call ahead. Some banks have workarounds—a few accept a shelter address with a letter from the shelter confirming you live there, though this varies widely.

Social Security Number or ITIN

Banks use your Social Security number (SSN) to report interest earned and to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks account closures and fraud. If you do not have an SSN, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS will work at most banks. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like an SSN and is used for tax purposes.

A small number of banks still require an SSN and will not accept an ITIN. If you have an ITIN, call the bank before you go in and confirm they accept it. If they do not, try a credit union or a bank that specifically serves immigrant communities—many of these accept ITINs as standard.

If you do not have either an SSN or ITIN, you cannot open a standard bank account at a federally regulated bank. You may be able to open an account at a credit union or a bank that operates under state charter only, but these are rare. Contact your local community bank or credit union to ask what they can do.

Initial Deposit Amount

Most banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, though some require more for premium accounts. A few banks—mostly online banks and some credit unions—do not require an opening deposit at all. The deposit becomes part of your account balance; it is not a fee.

The bank will tell you the minimum opening deposit when you ask about account types. If you do not have cash or a check to deposit on the day you open the account, ask whether you can make the deposit by transfer from another bank account within a few days. Some banks will open the account and let you deposit later; others will not.

If you are opening an account online, you will usually transfer the opening deposit from another bank account you already have. The bank will verify the transfer and confirm your identity at the same time.

Information You Will Provide Verbally or on a Form

Beyond the documents you bring, the bank will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. They will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. They will ask about your employment status and whether you have other bank accounts.

The bank will also ask you to sign a signature card—a document that records your signature so the bank can verify it on checks and withdrawal requests. If you are opening the account online, you will sign electronically.

You will be asked to choose a PIN (personal identification number) for your debit card and online banking. Write this down somewhere safe but separate from your card. Do not use your birthday, address, or Social Security number.

What Happens If You Do Not Have All the Documents

If you are missing one document, call the bank and ask what alternatives they accept. Most banks have flexibility on proof of address—if you do not have a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement usually works. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept two non-photo forms of ID (like a Social Security card and a birth certificate), though this is less common.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, your options narrow significantly. Credit unions are often more flexible than banks. Some credit unions will open an account using an ITIN, a passport number, or even a consular ID from your home country. Call several credit unions in your area and ask what they require.

If you cannot meet the requirements at a traditional bank or credit union, look for a second-chance banking program or a community development financial institution (CDFI). These are banks and credit unions that work with people who have had trouble with banking in the past or who lack standard documentation. They may require additional steps or higher fees, but they exist specifically to serve people in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no state ID?

Yes. A U.S. passport is a government-issued photo ID and is accepted at every bank. If your passport is expired, call the bank first—some accept expired passports if they are recent, others do not. If you have a passport card, that works too.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or recent government mail). The bank will use the ID to verify who you are and the other document to confirm where you live. You do not need to update your ID first.

Do I need to bring a check to make the opening deposit?

No. You can bring cash, a check, or a debit card. If you are opening an account online, you will transfer the deposit from another bank account. If you do not have the opening deposit amount on the day you open the account, ask the bank if you can deposit it within a few days—some will hold the account open for you, others will not.

Can I open a bank account if I have been reported to ChexSystems?

Yes, though some banks will decline you. ChexSystems is a database of account closures and fraud, and banks check it before opening new accounts. If you are in ChexSystems, some mainstream banks will reject your application, but credit unions and second-chance banking programs will often work with you. Ask the bank directly whether they check ChexSystems and whether a history will disqualify you.

What if I do not have a permanent address right now?

Some banks accept a shelter address with a letter from the shelter confirming you live there. Others will not. Call the bank before you go in and explain your situation. If they cannot help, try a credit union or a community development financial institution—these are more likely to have workarounds for people without a permanent address.