What you need before you walk in or go online

Most banks and credit unions will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A driver's license or passport covers the ID. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it. Some banks also ask for an initial deposit right there—this can be as small as $25, though some accounts have no minimum.

If you don't have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account at many banks and credit unions, but you'll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Ask the bank directly whether they accept ITIN before you go in.

Have a list of any other banks or credit unions where you've held accounts in the past five years. Banks check ChexSystems, a database that tracks account closures and overdraft history. If you've been flagged there—usually for unpaid overdrafts or fraud—some banks will still work with you, but you need to know this going in.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number; most banks need all three before opening an account.
  • You can open an account online in minutes or in person at a branch, and both routes are equally legitimate.
  • Banks check ChexSystems for your account history, so if you've had problems with overdrafts or closures, tell the bank upfront.
  • Monthly fees vary widely—some accounts are free, others charge $10 to $15 per month, so compare before you commit.
  • Your account becomes active immediately online or within one business day in person, and you can use your debit card within days.

Opening online versus opening in person

Online accounts open faster and you can do it from home. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your information, and the account is usually active within minutes. You'll get a temporary debit card number right away that you can use for online purchases, and a physical card ships within 5 to 10 business days. Most online banks have no monthly fees and no minimum deposit.

Opening in person at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. You hand over your documents, sign paperwork, and the account is active immediately. You may walk out with a debit card the same day, or it ships within a few days. In-person accounts sometimes have higher monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, but you get to talk to someone if you have questions. If you're uncomfortable with online banking or need help setting up direct deposit right away, in-person is the better choice.

Both routes are safe and legitimate. The choice comes down to whether you want speed and convenience (online) or face-to-face help (in person).

What happens after you submit your information

The bank verifies your identity and checks ChexSystems. This usually takes a few minutes online or up to one business day in person. If everything clears, your account opens and you get an account number and routing number. You'll need both of these for direct deposit or to set up bill pay.

Your debit card ships separately from your account opening. Online banks typically mail it within 5 to 10 business days. In-person accounts may give you a card on the spot or mail it within 3 to 5 days. Until your physical card arrives, you can use a temporary card number for online purchases, or ask the bank for a temporary card to use at ATMs and stores.

If the bank denies your account, they must tell you why—usually because of ChexSystems issues or because you provided false information. If you disagree with what ChexSystems says about you, you can dispute it directly with them. Some banks have second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems flags; ask whether yours does.

Monthly fees and account types

Checking accounts fall into a few categories. No-fee accounts have no monthly charge and no minimum balance. Most online banks offer these. Basic accounts charge $5 to $15 per month but may waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Premium accounts charge $20 or more per month and include perks like higher interest rates, ATM fee refunds, or travel insurance.

Read the fee schedule before you open. Look for overdraft fees (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft), ATM fees if you use out-of-network machines, and whether the bank charges for things like wire transfers or stop payments. Some banks waive overdraft fees for your first offense; others don't. If you're on a tight budget, a no-fee account at an online bank or credit union is usually the safest choice.

Setting up direct deposit and online banking

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight to your checking account. You'll need to give your employer your account number and routing number, which you can find on a check or in your online banking portal. Direct deposit usually starts within one or two pay cycles.

Online banking lets you check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and monitor transactions from your phone or computer. The bank will give you a username and password when you open the account. Set up a strong password—at least 12 characters, with numbers and symbols—and don't share it. Most banks also offer two-factor authentication, which sends a code to your phone when you log in from a new device. Turn this on.

If you're not comfortable with online banking, you can still use your account. You can visit an ATM to withdraw cash, use your debit card to pay, and call the bank's customer service line to check your balance or make transfers. It's slower than online banking, but it works.

What to do if your account is denied

If a bank denies your account, ask for the reason in writing. Most denials come from ChexSystems records—usually unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or a pattern of bounced checks. You have the right to see what ChexSystems says about you. Visit chexsystems.com and request your report. If there's an error, you can dispute it on the spot.

If ChexSystems is the problem, look for a second-chance checking account. These are designed for people with banking history issues. They often have higher fees and lower limits on how much you can withdraw, but they're real accounts at real banks. Credit unions are often more flexible than big banks about second-chance accounts, so call a few in your area.

If you were denied because you provided false information, you'll need to reapply with correct details. Don't try to open multiple accounts at once to get around a denial—banks flag this as fraud.

Choosing between a bank and a credit union

Banks and credit unions both offer checking accounts, but they work differently. Banks are for-profit and answer to shareholders. Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits. In practice, credit unions often have lower fees, higher savings rates, and more flexible lending rules. Banks have more branches and ATMs, which matters if you travel or need in-person service often.

If you're choosing between the two, compare the monthly fee, minimum balance requirement, overdraft fees, and ATM access. If you live in a small town, a local credit union might be your only option. If you move around a lot, a national bank with thousands of branches might be worth a higher fee. Both are insured by the federal government—banks through the FDIC, credit unions through the NCUA—so your money is safe either way up to $250,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I have bad credit?

Yes. Checking accounts don't use your credit score. Banks check ChexSystems instead, which tracks account closures and overdrafts. If you have bad credit but a clean banking history, you can open an account anywhere. If you have ChexSystems issues, look for a second-chance account at a credit union or online bank.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most banks require an initial deposit of $25 to $100, though some have no minimum. Online banks almost never require a minimum. Check the bank's website or call before you go in. If you don't have the deposit amount right now, call around—you may find a bank that waives it.

What if I don't have a permanent address?

You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a PO box as your address on file. Some banks accept PO boxes; others don't. Call ahead and ask. If you're unhoused, many credit unions and community banks are more flexible than national chains. 211.org can help you find banks that work with people experiencing homelessness.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present and provide their own ID. If you want to manage money for a child, you can open a joint account or a custodial account, but the bank will walk you through the paperwork. If you want to manage money for an elderly parent or someone with a disability, you'll need power of attorney or guardianship documents.

How long does it take to use my debit card?

If you open in person, you may get a card the same day. If you open online, a temporary card number is usually available immediately for online purchases, and your physical card ships within 5 to 10 business days. If you need a card urgently, open in person at a branch.