What you need to open a bank account
To open a checking or savings account at a US bank, you will need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), and proof of your current address. Most banks accept a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Some banks also ask for an initial deposit before the account opens—this ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the bank and account type. A few banks waive the deposit requirement entirely. You will also need to choose whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Checking accounts let you write checks and use a debit card; savings accounts earn interest but have limits on how often you can withdraw money.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Some banks also accept an Individual Number for Identification (ITIN) or a passport number as an alternative form of identification.
Key Takeaways
- You need a photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your current address to open an account.
- Most banks require an initial deposit of $0 to $300, though some waive this requirement entirely.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, online, or by phone, depending on the bank.
- The account typically opens the same day or within one to two business days if you open it online.
- Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card and checks within one to two weeks by mail.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walking into a bank branch with your documents is the fastest way to open an account. Bring your photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. Tell the banker whether you want checking, savings, or both. They will ask you to sign forms and choose a PIN for your debit card. If you have the initial deposit ready, you can hand it over immediately—cash, a check, or a transfer from another account all work.
The account opens on the spot. You will walk out with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away, depending on the bank. Your physical debit card and checks arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Some banks let you order checks online after your account opens, which can arrive faster than the standard order.
Opening an account online
Many banks let you open an account entirely online without visiting a branch. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, and choose your account type and initial deposit amount. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some banks approve you instantly; others review your application and contact you within one business day.
Once approved, you can use your account immediately—the bank gives you a temporary card number or lets you set up transfers right away. Your physical debit card and any checks you order arrive within one to two weeks. A few banks require you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming small deposits they make to an existing account you own.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active the moment the bank confirms it, but you will not have your physical debit card for one to two weeks. In the meantime, most banks give you a temporary card number you can use online or over the phone. Some banks let you use your phone to make contactless payments at stores before your physical card arrives.
You will receive a welcome packet by mail with your debit card, PIN, and information about your account. If you ordered checks, they arrive separately, usually within one to three weeks. You can also set up direct deposit, bill pay, and transfers to other accounts through the bank's website or app as soon as your account opens.
Your first statement arrives 30 to 45 days after your account opens, depending on the bank's billing cycle. This statement shows all deposits, withdrawals, and fees. Many banks let you view your statement online before it arrives in the mail.
Banks that accept ITIN instead of Social Security number
If you do not have a Social Security number, several banks will open an account using an ITIN. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all accept ITIN. Some smaller regional banks and credit unions also accept ITIN, though policies vary by location and branch.
When you apply with an ITIN, bring the same documents as you would with a Social Security number: your ITIN letter from the IRS, a photo ID, and proof of address. The process is identical to opening an account with a Social Security number. A few banks may ask additional questions about your immigration status or employment, but they cannot refuse to open an account based on immigration status alone.
Common reasons a bank might refuse to open your account
Banks run a background check called ChexSystems when you apply. This system tracks banking history, unpaid overdrafts, and fraud. If you have unpaid overdrafts or a history of fraud at another bank, your application may be denied. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what the bank saw. If there is an error, you can dispute it with ChexSystems directly.
Some banks also deny accounts if you have an outstanding warrant, are on a government exclusion list, or have been convicted of certain financial crimes. A few banks deny accounts to people with no credit history or a very poor credit score, though most do not check credit at all. If you are denied, ask the bank why. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can often open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or that has a second-chance program.
Second-chance banking if you have been denied before
If another bank denied your account, some banks offer second-chance checking accounts specifically for people with banking problems. Chime, LendingClub, and Varo are online banks that do not use ChexSystems and have minimal or no credit checks. Traditional banks like Chime partner with Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank to offer these accounts.
Second-chance accounts often have lower initial deposit requirements and fewer fees than standard accounts. Some charge a monthly fee of $5 to $15 if your balance drops below a certain amount. The tradeoff is that you may not get checks or certain features, though most offer debit cards and online banking. Once you have kept a second-chance account open and in good standing for six months to a year, you can usually open a standard account at a traditional bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a bank account?
In person at a branch, your account opens the same day. Online, approval usually takes a few minutes to one business day. Your physical debit card arrives within one to two weeks by mail, but you can use your account immediately with a temporary card number.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Most banks require $0 to $300 as an initial deposit, but many waive this requirement. Some online banks have no minimum deposit at all. Ask the bank before you apply if you want to avoid an upfront deposit.
Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN from the IRS, most major banks will open an account using it instead. Bring your ITIN letter, photo ID, and proof of address. Some banks may ask additional questions, but they cannot refuse based on immigration status alone.
What if I have been denied a bank account before?
Ask the bank why you were denied—it may be a ChexSystems error you can dispute. If the denial stands, second-chance banks like Chime and Varo do not use ChexSystems and have minimal credit checks. These accounts let you rebuild your banking history.
Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. Most banks give you a temporary card number or let you set up online transfers and bill pay immediately. Some let you use your phone to make contactless payments at stores. Your physical card arrives within one to two weeks.