Bring a government-issued ID and proof of address
Banks require two things before they open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. A government-issued photo ID covers the first part. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement covers the second. You do not need both documents to be recent, but the address proof should match your current residence.
The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents — a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, for instance — but call ahead to confirm. Banks vary on what they will accept without a photo ID, and some will not open an account without one.
For address proof, bring an original or copy of a utility bill (electric, gas, water), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a recent bank statement from another bank. The document should show your name and current address. A post office change-of-address form does not work. If you moved recently and do not have a bill in your new name yet, a lease signed by you and your landlord is your strongest option.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and one document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- If you lack a photo ID, call the bank first — some will accept a birth certificate and Social Security card together, but policies differ.
- Address proof must show your name and current address; utility bills, leases, and mortgage statements all work, but a post office form does not.
- Bring your Social Security number or ITIN written down, since you will need to provide it even if you do not have the card itself.
- If you want to fund the account on opening day, bring a checkbook, debit card, or routing and account number from another bank for a transfer.
Your Social Security number or ITIN
Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before opening an account. You do not need to bring the card itself — writing the number on a piece of paper is fine. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, the bank cannot open a standard account, but some banks offer accounts for people without either; ask whether the bank has that option before you visit.
The bank will use this number to run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking history and fraud. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from a previous bank, this check may block you from opening an account at some institutions. Knowing your number ahead of time speeds up the process.
Bring cash or a way to fund the account
Most banks require a minimum deposit to open an account, though the amount varies widely — some ask for $25, others for $300 or more. A few banks have no minimum. Bring enough cash to meet the requirement, or bring a debit card and routing number from another bank if you want to transfer money instead of carrying cash.
If you have a checkbook from a closed account, bring it — the bank can use the routing and account number to pull funds. If you want to deposit a check on opening day, bring the check and your ID; the bank can process it immediately. You do not have to fund the account the same day you open it at all banks, so ask whether funding is required before you arrive.
What you do not need to bring
You do not need a job offer letter, pay stub, or employment verification to open a basic checking or savings account. Banks do not require proof of income for standard accounts. If you are opening a business account, the rules are different — you will need an EIN or business license — but for personal accounts, employment history is not part of the process.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, only the number. You do not need a credit card or credit history. You do not need a reference from another bank. You do not need to have a job. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to co-sign, but that is a separate requirement handled at the bank.
What happens if you lack one of these documents
If you do not have a government photo ID, call the bank and ask what combination of documents they will accept. Some will take a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill together. Others will not. There is no single rule across all banks, so your options depend on which bank you choose.
If you do not have proof of address in your name, ask the bank whether they will accept a lease signed by you, a bank statement from another account in your name, or a letter from a shelter or social service agency confirming your address. Some banks have flexibility here; others do not. If you are unhoused or between addresses, mention that when you call — some banks have specific procedures for people without a permanent address.
If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, ask whether the bank offers accounts for non-citizens or people without a number. Some do; many do not. Credit unions sometimes have different rules than large banks. If the first bank says no, try a second one before giving up.
Bring copies, not originals, when possible
Most banks will photocopy your ID and address proof themselves during the account opening. You can bring originals and let them copy, or bring copies ahead of time. Bringing copies protects you from handing over originals to someone who might mishandle them. If you bring originals, watch the bank employee copy them and take them back with you.
Do not mail originals to a bank. If the bank asks you to mail documents, send copies only. Some banks offer online account opening, which means you upload photos of your documents through their website instead of visiting in person — that process is faster, but you still need the same documents.
Bring a list of what you want the account to do
Before you arrive, think about whether you want overdraft protection, whether you want online banking turned on immediately, and whether you want a debit card mailed or issued in-branch. You do not need to bring anything physical for this, but having your preferences ready speeds up the conversation. Some banks charge for overdraft protection; others offer it free. Some issue debit cards instantly; others mail them. Knowing what you want means you will not walk out with features you did not ask for or miss features you did.
If you want to set up direct deposit for a paycheck, bring your employer's routing number and your new account number once the account is open. You do not need this information before opening the account, but having it ready means you can set it up the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account without a photo ID?
Some banks will, but not all. Call ahead and ask what documents they will accept if you do not have a photo ID. A birth certificate and Social Security card together sometimes work, but policies vary by bank and state. Credit unions may have different rules than national banks.
What if I do not have a current utility bill with my name on it?
A lease or rental agreement signed by you works just as well. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or recent bank statement from another account also counts. If you moved recently and nothing is in your new name yet, a lease is your strongest option.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. Write your Social Security number on a piece of paper and bring that. The bank does not need the card itself, only the number. If you do not have a number, tell the bank before you visit — some can work with you, others cannot.
What is the minimum deposit, and can I bring a check instead of cash?
Minimums vary by bank and account type — anywhere from zero to several hundred dollars. Yes, you can deposit a check instead of cash. Bring the check and your ID, and the bank will process it on opening day. Ask the bank about their minimum before you arrive so you know whether you need to bring cash or can use a check.
What if I do not have proof of address because I am unhoused?
Tell the bank this when you call. Some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or community center confirming your address or that you receive mail there. Others have specific procedures for people without a permanent address. Not all banks will work with you, but some will — ask multiple banks if the first one says no.