What you need to bring and where to go

You can open a checking account in person at a bank or credit union branch, or online through their website. Most banks and credit unions will let you do either one. In person takes about 30 minutes; online usually takes 10 to 15 minutes but may require you to verify your identity by uploading documents or answering security questions.

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement with your name and address on it. Some banks accept a phone bill or insurance statement instead. If you do not have a current address proof, ask the bank what they will take — some accept mail from government agencies or employers.

You will need to provide your Social Security number. The bank uses this to check your credit history and to report interest you earn to the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions offer accounts without one, but options are limited; call ahead to ask.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID and proof of your current address; your Social Security number will be requested during the application process.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online through the bank's website, and the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • The bank will check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to see if you have had problems with past accounts.
  • You will need to make an opening deposit, which ranges from zero dollars at some banks to $25 or more at others; ask before you go in.
  • Your account number and debit card arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can usually start using the account online right away.

What the bank checks before opening your account

When you apply, the bank runs your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are banking history databases. These systems track whether you have had accounts closed due to overdrafts, fraud, or other problems. If you have a negative history, the bank may deny your application or require you to use a second-chance checking account with higher fees.

The bank also checks your credit report through one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. This is a soft inquiry, meaning it does not lower your credit score. They are looking for patterns of unpaid debts or fraud, not your credit score itself.

If you are denied, the bank must tell you why and provide the name and contact information of the ChexSystems or Early Warning Services office that reported the information. You can dispute inaccurate information directly with that office, and they must investigate within 30 days.

Opening deposit requirements vary by bank

Some banks require you to deposit money when you open the account; others do not. The amount ranges from zero dollars to $300 or more, depending on the bank and the type of account. A basic checking account usually has a lower opening deposit than a premium account with extra features.

You can make the opening deposit by transferring money from another bank account, bringing a check or cash to the branch, or using a debit card. If you are opening the account online, you will typically transfer money from an existing account. Ask the bank what methods they take before you apply.

Some banks waive the opening deposit if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck or government benefits. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or tax refunds, this can be a way to open an account with no money down.

Your account number and card arrive by mail

After you finish the application, the bank will give you a temporary account number so you can start using online banking right away. Your official debit card and checkbook arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until the card arrives, you can withdraw money at the bank's ATMs using your temporary account number, or you can go to a branch and withdraw cash in person.

If you need the card faster, some banks offer rush delivery for a fee, usually $10 to $25. A few banks let you order a temporary digital card through their app that you can use to make online purchases or tap at stores before the physical card arrives.

Your checks take longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks after you order them. Many banks print checks in-house, but some use an outside printer. You can ask the bank how long their checks take before you open the account.

Online-only banks have a faster process

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches. You open the account entirely on their website or app, usually in 10 minutes. They verify your identity by asking security questions or having you upload a photo of your ID and proof of address.

Online banks typically have no opening deposit requirement and no monthly fees. They reimburse ATM fees at any bank's ATM, which makes them useful if you travel or live far from their partner banks. The tradeoff is that you cannot deposit cash or talk to someone in person.

If you need to deposit cash, some online banks partner with retail locations like Walmart or CVS where you can deposit cash for free. Others let you mail in checks or transfer money from another bank account.

What to do if you are denied

If a bank denies your application, it is usually because of a negative ChexSystems or Early Warning Services report, or because you owe money to a bank from a past account. You have the right to know why you were denied and to see what information the bank used to make that decision.

Ask the bank for the name and phone number of the ChexSystems or Early Warning Services office that reported the information. Contact that office and request a copy of your report. If information is wrong — for example, if the report says you closed an account due to fraud when you actually closed it in good standing — you can dispute it in writing. The office must investigate within 30 days and correct or remove inaccurate information.

If you have a legitimate negative history, look for a second-chance checking account. These accounts are designed for people who have been denied at mainstream banks. They usually have higher fees and lower limits on debit card purchases, but they let you rebuild your banking history. After 12 to 24 months of good standing, you can often move to a regular checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?

It depends on the bank. Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Others require you to keep $500 or more in the account, or they charge a monthly fee. Ask the bank about their minimum balance policy before you open the account, because some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Some banks and credit unions will open a checking account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call ahead to ask, because not all banks offer this. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks on this requirement.

Can I open an account if I have been reported to ChexSystems?

Yes, but you may be denied by mainstream banks. Look for a second-chance checking account, which is designed for people with negative banking history. These accounts have higher fees but let you rebuild your record. After 12 to 24 months, you can move to a regular account.

How long does it take to start using my account?

You can use online banking and ATMs immediately after you finish the application. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, some banks offer rush delivery for a fee.

What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?

Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits; banks are for-profit companies. Credit unions often have lower fees and more flexible lending, but fewer branches and ATMs. Both are insured by the federal government up to $250,000 per account, so your money is equally safe at either one.