The documents banks ask for when you open a checking account

Banks need two main things to open a checking account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. Most banks will ask for a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card—and a recent document showing your current address, like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from another institution. Some banks also run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see if you've had problems with accounts at other banks.

The exact documents vary by bank and by state. A few banks will open an account with just an ID if you're opening it in person at a branch. Others, especially online banks, may ask for more information or require you to verify your identity through a video call. If you don't have a traditional address—you're homeless or living temporarily—some banks have workarounds, though you'll need to call ahead to ask what they accept.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID and proof of your current address; a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works for the address.
  • Banks run a ChexSystems check to see your history with other banks, and a poor history may block you from opening an account at some institutions.
  • Online banks often ask for more verification steps than in-person branches, sometimes including a video call to confirm your identity.
  • If you don't have a traditional address, call the bank first—some have options for people without a permanent home.
  • Your Social Security number is standard but not always required; some banks will open accounts without it if you provide an ITIN instead.

Photo ID and address proof: what counts

A government-issued photo ID means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Tribal IDs count at many banks. The ID needs to be current or only slightly expired—most banks won't accept an ID that expired more than a few years ago, though policies differ. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway and ask; some banks will still take it if you have another form of ID to back it up.

For proof of address, banks accept a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a recent mortgage statement, a bank statement from another bank, or a government document like a tax return or benefit letter with your name and address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A cell phone bill sometimes works, but not always—call ahead if that's your only option. A piece of mail from the bank itself, sent to your address, can also serve as proof if you've already started the account opening process.

Social Security number and tax ID requirements

Banks ask for your Social Security number to report interest earned on the account to the IRS and to check your banking history through ChexSystems. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number—this includes some immigrants and visa holders.

A few banks will open an account without either number if you're a minor or if you have a specific reason they accept, but this is rare. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, contact the bank directly to ask whether they have an alternative process. Some community banks and credit unions are more flexible than large national banks on this point.

ChexSystems checks and banking history

ChexSystems is a database that tracks checking and savings account history. When you open an account, the bank checks whether you've had problems at other banks—overdrafts you didn't pay back, accounts closed for fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. A negative ChexSystems report can block you from opening an account at many banks, though not all.

If you've had problems in the past, you can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. You're allowed one free report per year. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it. Some banks specialize in second-chance checking and will open accounts for people with ChexSystems issues, though these accounts often come with higher fees or lower initial deposit limits. Ask the bank upfront whether they check ChexSystems and what their policy is if you have a negative history.

Opening an account in person versus online

In-person at a branch, you'll hand over your ID and address proof, sign some forms, and often walk out with a debit card the same day. The teller verifies your documents on the spot. This is the fastest route and usually requires the fewest steps.

Online banks ask you to upload photos of your ID and address proof, and many require a video call where you hold up your ID to a camera so someone can confirm it matches your face. This process can take a few minutes to a few hours. Some online banks will let you start using your account before the video verification is complete, but you may have limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw until they confirm your identity. A few online banks skip the video call and use other methods, like sending a code to your phone or asking security questions only you would know the answers to.

What to do if you don't have standard documents

If you're homeless or living in temporary housing, you may not have a utility bill or lease. Some banks accept mail from a shelter, a government agency, or a social services organization as proof of address. Others will accept a letter from someone you know, though this is less common. Call the bank's customer service line and explain your situation—they may have a process for people without a permanent address, or they may ask you to come in with a manager to discuss options.

If you're new to the country and don't have a U.S. driver's license, a passport works just as well. If you don't have a Social Security number yet, bring your ITIN or your visa documentation. Credit unions sometimes have more flexibility than big banks on these points, so if one bank turns you down, try a local credit union or a community bank.

Minimum deposit and account opening fees

Some banks require a minimum opening deposit—often $25 to $100, though some have no minimum. A few banks charge a fee to open the account itself, though most do not. Ask the bank what the minimum is and whether there's an opening fee before you hand over your documents. If you're opening the account online, the bank will tell you the minimum and any fees before you upload your ID.

If you can't meet the minimum deposit right away, ask whether you can deposit it within a few days after opening. Some banks will hold the account open for a short time while you gather the money. Others will not. This is worth asking about before you start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some banks will also open accounts for minors without a Social Security number if a parent or guardian is on the account. A few banks have other alternatives, but they're uncommon—call ahead to ask.

What if my ID is expired?

Bring it anyway. Many banks will accept an expired ID if it's not too old and you have another form of ID to back it up. Some banks have a hard cutoff—they won't accept anything expired more than a certain number of years—but others are flexible. Ask the bank directly.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The document upload usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If the bank requires a video call, that adds another 5 to 15 minutes. Approval can happen instantly or take up to 24 hours. Some banks let you use the account while verification is still in progress.

What happens if ChexSystems has wrong information about me?

Request your free report at chexsystems.com and look for errors. You can dispute inaccurate information in writing. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate. While that's happening, look for banks that offer second-chance checking—they work with people who have ChexSystems issues.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I use copies?

In person, bring originals so the teller can see them. Online, you'll upload photos or scans. The bank will verify the documents are real during the video call or through other verification methods. Don't send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.