What You'll Need Before You Walk In

To open a checking account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though the amount varies—some require $25, others $300 or more. A few banks waive the deposit requirement entirely if you set up direct deposit.

Bring originals, not copies. Banks will not accept photocopies of your ID or address proof. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can use a passport, driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. If you have none of these, some banks will work with a combination of documents—ask before you go in.

Have your Social Security number memorized or written down. If you do not have one and are not a U.S. citizen, you can use an ITIN, which you obtain from the IRS. Bring the letter from the IRS that assigned your ITIN.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original government photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN—no copies.
  • Most banks require an opening deposit ranging from $25 to $300, though some waive it if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, bring multiple documents that together prove who you are and where you live.
  • Some banks let you open an account online with just your ID photo and a video call, skipping the in-person visit.

Proof of Address: What Banks Accept

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, court document) dated within the last 60 days all work. The document must show your name and current address.

If you just moved and your name is not on a new bill yet, bring your lease or a signed letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your name, the address, and the move-in date. Some banks also accept a bank statement from another bank showing your address, or a credit card statement.

Do not bring a PO box as your address. Banks need a street address where mail can physically reach you. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, ask the bank directly—many have workarounds, such as using the shelter's address or allowing you to use a trusted contact's address with written permission.

The Initial Deposit and Minimum Balance

The opening deposit is the money you put in when you first open the account. This is separate from any minimum balance the bank requires you to keep in the account afterward. Opening deposits range from $0 to $500 depending on the bank and account type.

Some banks waive the opening deposit if you set up direct deposit—meaning your employer or government agency (like Social Security) sends your paycheck or benefit payment straight to the account. You usually have to complete the direct deposit setup during the account opening or within a set timeframe after.

Minimum balance requirements also vary. Some accounts have no minimum. Others require you to keep $500 or $1,000 in the account at all times, or you face a monthly fee. Ask the bank about both the opening deposit and the ongoing minimum before you commit.

Online Account Opening: What Changes

Many banks now let you open a checking account online without visiting a branch. You will still need the same documents—photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number—but you submit them differently.

The process usually works like this: you fill out an online form with your personal information, upload a photo of your ID (front and back), and upload proof of your address. Some banks then call you or send you a link to a video call where an employee verifies your identity in real time. Others use automated verification and approve you within minutes.

Online opening is faster and works from home, but it requires a working camera and internet connection. If the bank cannot verify you automatically, they may ask you to visit a branch or mail in documents. Ask the bank upfront whether video verification is required and whether you can do it on your phone or need a computer.

What to Bring If You Do Not Have a Photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license, passport, or state ID, you can still open an account. Bring multiple documents that together prove your identity and address. The bank will decide whether the combination is acceptable.

Good secondary documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card, credit card, library card, school ID, employee ID, lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, or tax return. Bring at least three. The bank wants to see that you are who you say you are and that you live where you say you live.

Some banks have a formal process for this situation and will not turn you away. Others may ask you to come back with a photo ID. Call ahead and describe what you have—do not waste a trip if the bank cannot work with your documents.

Bringing Someone Else to Help You

If you need someone to help you open an account—because of a language barrier, disability, or age—most banks allow it. Bring that person with you. They do not need documents of their own.

If you want someone else to have access to your account after it opens (a co-owner or authorized user), that person will need to be present and bring their own ID and proof of address. The bank will explain the difference between a co-owner (who has equal rights to the account) and an authorized user (who can withdraw money but may not close the account or change settings).

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to open the account. Bring both your ID and theirs.

Special Situations: Immigrants and Non-Citizens

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to open a checking account. You need a valid ID and proof of address. If you do not have a Social Security number, use your ITIN instead.

If your ID is a passport or foreign national ID, bring it along with your ITIN letter from the IRS. Some banks ask for additional proof of address if your ID is not a U.S. document—bring a utility bill or lease in your name.

A few banks ask for a second form of ID or additional verification if you are opening an account with a foreign passport. This is normal and not a reason to worry. Call the bank beforehand and ask what they need so you can bring everything in one trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. Bring the letter from the IRS that assigned your ITIN. Some banks also accept a passport number if you are a foreign national, though this is less common. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts your form of ID.

What if my address proof has my old name on it?

Bring both your old document and a new one showing your current name, or bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that explains the name change. The bank needs to connect your old address proof to your current identity. Having two documents makes this clear.

Do I have to make the opening deposit in cash, or can I transfer it from another bank?

Most banks let you transfer the opening deposit from another account. You can do this during the account opening process or within a few days after. Some banks require cash or a check. Ask when you open the account what methods they accept.

What happens if I do not have the minimum opening deposit right now?

Ask the bank whether you can deposit it later, within a set timeframe. Some banks give you 30 days to make the deposit. Others require it on the day you open the account. A few banks waive the opening deposit entirely if you set up direct deposit, so that is worth asking about even if you do not have the cash today.

Can I open an account for someone else, like a family member?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present and must bring their own ID and proof of address. The only exception is a parent or guardian opening an account for a minor—the child does not need to be present, but the parent must bring their own ID and the child's birth certificate or Social Security card.