The documents and information banks ask for
To open a checking account, you will 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 $100 or more, and some have no minimum at all.
The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The address proof is usually a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and where you live. Bring originals or certified copies; banks will not accept screenshots or photos of documents.
If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works instead. You will need to provide the ITIN documentation—typically IRS Form W-7 or a tax return showing your ITIN—along with your other documents. Some banks ask for this upfront; others only if you cannot provide a Social Security number.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and a Social Security number or ITIN before you walk into a bank or start an online account.
- Initial deposit requirements range from zero to $100 or more depending on the bank and account type, so call ahead if you are short on cash.
- Banks verify your identity against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track banking history—a closed account for overdrafts or fraud can block you from opening a new one.
- If you have been denied before, you can still open an account at credit unions, online banks, or second-chance checking programs that do not use the same screening.
What happens during the verification process
When you submit your information, the bank runs a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. These are not credit bureaus—they track your banking history, not your credit score. They record closed accounts, overdrafts, fraud disputes, and unpaid fees from other banks.
If you have never had a checking account before, this check usually takes a few minutes and you will be approved on the spot. If you have a history with another bank, the check may take longer. Some banks approve you the same day; others take one to three business days.
If you were denied an account at another bank for overdrafts or unpaid fees, that information stays in ChexSystems for five years. A single overdraft or closed account does not automatically disqualify you, but multiple incidents or fraud flags will. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what is on file.
Opening an account in person versus online
In-person accounts at a branch take 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your documents, the bank verifies them on the spot, you sign paperwork, make your deposit, and leave with a debit card or a card number to use immediately. Some banks mail the physical card within five to seven business days; others activate a temporary digital card right away.
Online accounts move faster for approval—often within minutes—but you cannot hand over physical documents. Instead, you upload photos or scans of your ID and address proof through the bank's website or app. The bank's system reads and verifies these images automatically or sends them to a person for manual review.
Online accounts usually come with a temporary card number you can use for purchases and bill pay the same day. The physical debit card arrives by mail in five to ten business days. Some online banks, like Chime or Ally, have no physical branches, so you manage everything through the app.
If you have been denied before
A ChexSystems record does not mean you cannot open an account anywhere. Traditional banks use ChexSystems, but credit unions often do not. Many credit unions will open an account for you even if you have overdrafts or closed accounts on file, especially if you are a member of the community they serve.
Second-chance checking programs exist specifically for people with banking history issues. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and some regional banks offer these accounts with lower or no minimum deposits and no ChexSystems check. Fees are usually higher than standard accounts—monthly maintenance fees of $5 to $15 are common—but you can build a clean banking record.
Before you open an account anywhere, pull your ChexSystems report. Go to chexsystems.com, click "Consumer Disclosure," and follow the steps to request your report by mail or online. If there are errors—a closed account you did not close, or overdrafts you already paid—you can dispute them in writing. Corrections take 30 to 45 days.
Minimum deposit amounts and account types
Minimum deposits range widely. National banks like Chase and Bank of America typically require $25 to $100 for a basic checking account. Online banks like Ally or Charles Schwab often have no minimum. Credit unions vary by institution but many have minimums of $25 or less.
Some banks offer tiered accounts: a basic account with no minimum and no perks, and a premium account with a higher minimum that waives monthly fees or offers higher interest on savings. Read the account terms before you commit. The difference between a $0 minimum and a $100 minimum matters if you are starting with little cash.
Your initial deposit becomes your opening balance. It sits in the account and you can spend it or leave it there. It does not count toward any monthly balance requirement the account might have—that is a separate rule about how much you need to keep in the account to avoid a monthly fee.
What to bring or upload
| Document | What counts | What does not |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID, military ID, tribal ID | Expired ID (most banks reject), school ID, library card |
| Address proof | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill (dated within 90 days) | Screenshots, photos, mail with no date, bills older than 90 days |
| Social Security or ITIN | Your number, or IRS Form W-7 or tax return showing ITIN | ITIN letter alone (most banks need the form or return) |
For online accounts, upload clear photos or scans of both sides of your ID and a full page of your address proof. Blurry images or cropped documents often get rejected and you will have to resubmit. Make sure the address on your ID matches the address proof you provide—if they do not match, bring a third document explaining the change, like a forwarding address notice from the post office.
If you are opening an account in person, bring the originals. Banks will not accept photocopies or digital images for in-branch openings. If your address proof is older than 90 days, bring a second recent document to confirm you still live there.
How long the whole process takes
In-person: 15 to 30 minutes in the branch, plus five to ten business days for the physical debit card to arrive by mail. You can use the account the same day.
Online: Five minutes to 24 hours for approval, depending on the bank. You get a temporary card number immediately or within hours. The physical card arrives in five to ten business days.
If the bank needs to verify your identity by phone or mail because something on your application did not match their records, add three to five business days. This happens rarely, but it is more common if your address is new or your name has changed recently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN. Bring your IRS Form W-7 or a tax return showing your ITIN, along with your ID and address proof. Some banks ask for the ITIN upfront; others only if you cannot provide a Social Security number. Call the bank before you go in to confirm they accept ITINs.
What if my ID address does not match where I live now?
Bring both your ID and a second document showing your current address—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The bank will update your address in their system. If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it as long as it has a photo and your signature, but call ahead to check the bank's policy.
Do I have to make a deposit the same day I open the account?
No, not if the account has no minimum deposit. If there is a minimum, you can deposit it online after the account opens, or by mail, or at an ATM—you do not have to hand cash to the teller. Some banks let you transfer money from another account to meet the minimum.
What if I was denied at another bank for overdrafts?
Request your ChexSystems report to see what is on file. If the overdraft is paid, you can dispute the record. If it is unpaid, try a credit union or a second-chance checking program—they do not use ChexSystems. You will likely pay higher fees, but you can open an account and rebuild your banking history.
Can I open an account for someone else, like a minor or elderly relative?
No, the person whose name is on the account must be present or sign documents. For minors, a parent or guardian opens a joint account and both names appear on it. For elderly relatives, they must sign the paperwork themselves unless you have power of attorney, which you will need to bring.