What you need before you walk in or log on

Most banks and credit unions will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For the address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it — it usually has to be from the last 60 days.

Some banks also ask for an initial deposit to open the account. This amount varies widely: some banks have no minimum, others ask for $25 to $100, and a few require $500 or more. A few banks will waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. If you do not have the cash on hand, call the bank or credit union first and ask what they require — no point showing up unprepared.

If you have had banking problems in the past, bring your Social Security number anyway. Many banks check ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts and overdrafts. If you are on that list, some banks will still open an account for you, but you need to know which ones before you apply. Call ahead and ask whether they work with people who have ChexSystems records.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID, your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or lease to prove your address.
  • Ask about the minimum deposit before you go in — it ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online through a computer or phone, and online usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • If you have had overdrafts or closed accounts before, call the bank first to confirm they will work with you.
  • After you open the account, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 days and can start using the account immediately through mobile banking.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank or credit union where you want to open the account. Tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking account. They will take you to a desk, ask you the questions on their form, and run your ID and Social Security number through their system. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

The banker will show you the different checking account options they offer — some have monthly fees, some do not, some pay a tiny amount of interest. Ask about any monthly maintenance fees and whether they charge you for using an ATM outside their network. Write down the answers so you remember them later. Once you decide which account you want, you sign the paperwork, hand over your initial deposit if there is one, and you are done.

You will leave with a temporary debit card or a receipt that lets you use the account right away. Your permanent debit card arrives in the mail in 7 to 10 days. You can start using the account online or through the bank's mobile app as soon as you leave the branch — the banker will give you login information or help you set it up on your phone.

Opening an account online

Go to the bank's website or download their mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer." Click it and answer the questions on the form: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. You will upload a photo of your ID using your phone's camera or computer. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Some banks approve you instantly and let you start using the account right away. Others review your application and send you an email within a few hours or a day. If they need more information, they will tell you what to send and how to send it. Once you are approved, you can transfer money into the account from another bank account you own, or you can wait for your debit card to arrive and deposit cash at an ATM.

Online accounts work the same way as in-person accounts — you get a debit card in the mail, you can use mobile banking immediately, and you pay the same fees. The main difference is you never talk to a person, so if you have questions about which account type to choose, you may need to call customer service or use their online chat.

What happens after you open the account

Your bank will send you a welcome packet in the mail with your account number, routing number, and information about how to use online banking and the mobile app. Your debit card arrives separately, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using the account before the card arrives — you can transfer money in, set up direct deposit, or pay bills online.

When your debit card arrives, it comes inactive. You have to activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the mobile app. Once you activate it, you can use it to buy things, withdraw cash from ATMs, and pay bills. The bank will also give you a PIN number for ATM withdrawals — you can change this to something you remember better.

Set up online banking and the mobile app as soon as you can. This lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo. Most banks let you do all of this without going to a branch.

Choosing between a bank and a credit union

Banks and credit unions both offer checking accounts, but they work differently. Banks are for-profit companies owned by shareholders. Credit unions are nonprofit organizations owned by their members — you become a member when you open an account. Credit unions often have lower fees and pay slightly better interest on savings accounts, but they may have fewer branches and ATMs.

Banks have more branches and ATMs, so if you travel or move around a lot, a bank may be more convenient. Credit unions often have better customer service because they are smaller and focused on their members. Both are insured by the federal government — banks through the FDIC and credit unions through the NCUA — so your money is safe up to $250,000 either way.

If you are not sure which one to choose, start by looking at what is near you. If there is a credit union in your area that you can join, call them and ask about their checking account fees. Then call a bank and ask the same questions. Compare the monthly fees, ATM fees, and minimum deposit, and pick the one that costs you less.

Common reasons a bank might say no

Most banks will open an account for you, but a few will turn you down. The most common reason is a ChexSystems record — if you have unpaid overdrafts or closed an account with a negative balance, you may be flagged. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will not. This is why calling ahead matters.

A few banks will also turn you down if you have an active fraud case or if you are on a government list of people with financial restrictions. If a bank says no, ask them why. They have to tell you. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute the record by contacting ChexSystems directly — they have a process for correcting errors.

If one bank says no, try another. Some banks specialize in working with people who have had banking problems. Credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks. Do not give up after one rejection — there are banks and credit unions that will work with you.

Setting up direct deposit and transfers

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your checking account. Your employer needs your account number and routing number — both are on the checks the bank sends you, or you can find them in the mobile app. Give these to your payroll department and they will set it up, usually within one or two pay cycles.

You can also transfer money from another bank account you own. Log into the mobile app or online banking, go to "Transfer Money," and follow the steps. The first transfer may take a few days while the bank confirms you own both accounts. After that, transfers usually happen the same day or the next business day.

If you need to move money quickly, you can also deposit cash at an ATM if the bank has one near you, or you can go to a branch and deposit it with a teller. Some banks also let you deposit checks by taking a photo through the mobile app — this is called mobile check deposit and usually clears within one or two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number, but some will accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Call the bank or credit union first and ask. If they do not accept ITINs, try a different bank — some credit unions are more flexible about this.

What if I do not have a recent utility bill for proof of address?

A lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement works too. If you do not have any of those, ask the bank what else they will accept — some take a government letter, a pay stub, or a letter from a shelter or social service agency. Call ahead so you know what to bring.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Most banks mail the card within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer expedited shipping for a small fee if you need it faster. You can use the account before the card arrives by transferring money in or setting up direct deposit.

Will opening a checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Banks do a soft pull of your credit, which does not affect your score. They check ChexSystems instead, which is a separate banking history database. Opening a checking account has no impact on your credit.

Can I open more than one checking account?

Yes. You can open accounts at multiple banks or credit unions. Some people do this to keep money separate for different purposes, or to take advantage of different fees and features. There is no limit to how many accounts you can have.