Banks, credit unions, and online-only institutions all offer checking accounts, but they differ in what they require upfront and how fast you can start using the account
You can open a checking account at a traditional bank branch, a credit union, or an online bank. Each route has different requirements and timelines. A bank branch lets you hand over documents in person and sometimes walk out with a debit card the same day. A credit union usually requires membership first, which can add a step. An online bank moves fastest for approval—often within minutes—but you cannot deposit cash in person and must wait for a mailed debit card or use a temporary number.
The easiest choice depends on what you have on hand right now. If you have a government ID, a Social Security number, and proof of address, you can open an account almost anywhere. If you lack one of those, some banks have workarounds; others do not.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional banks and credit unions let you open an account in a branch with an ID and proof of address, often on the same day.
- Online banks approve accounts in minutes but require you to verify your identity by uploading documents or linking an existing bank account.
- Credit unions require membership before you can open a checking account, which adds one extra step but often means lower fees.
- If you have no ID or proof of address, some banks offer second-chance accounts or will accept alternative documents like a utility bill or lease.
- You need a Social Security number or ITIN for any account; banks are required by law to verify this before opening the account.
Opening an account at a traditional bank branch
Walk into any branch of a major bank—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, or a regional bank in your area—with a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. The teller or new accounts representative will fill out a form with you, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and usually approve you within minutes. You can leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately, and the physical card arrives by mail in five to ten business days.
Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. It must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they accept an ID with your address on it or a bank statement from another institution.
The main advantage is speed and the ability to deposit cash immediately. The main disadvantage is that you must travel to a branch during business hours, and some banks charge monthly maintenance fees ($10 to $15) unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Opening an account online
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and Marcus approve accounts in as little as five minutes. You upload a photo of your ID, confirm your Social Security number, and link an existing bank account to verify your identity. No branch visit required. Many online banks have no monthly fees and no minimum balance.
The catch is that you cannot deposit cash. You can transfer money from another bank account, set up direct deposit, or use ATM deposits if the bank partners with an ATM network. Your debit card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days, though most online banks give you a temporary card number you can use for online purchases immediately.
If you do not have an existing bank account to link, some online banks will let you verify your identity by uploading additional documents—a utility bill, lease, or tax return—instead. Ask before you start the application.
Opening an account at a credit union
Credit unions require membership before you can open a checking account. Membership rules vary by credit union. Some are open to anyone in a geographic area. Others require you to work for a specific employer, belong to a certain organization, or live in a particular county. A few allow anyone to join by making a small donation to a nonprofit partner.
To find a credit union you can join, search the CO-OP network or Allpoint locator on the Credit Union National Association website, or call your employer's HR department to ask whether they sponsor a credit union. Once you confirm membership may be able to access, you can apply online or visit a branch. Membership approval usually takes one to three business days. After that, opening the checking account itself takes minutes.
Credit unions often have lower fees and better customer service than large banks, and many offer second-chance accounts if you have banking problems in your past. The tradeoff is that you have fewer branches and ATMs unless the credit union is part of a shared branching network.
If you do not have an ID or proof of address
Some banks will open an account without a traditional government ID if you have other documents. Bring a passport, state ID, tribal ID, or military ID if you have one. If you have none of those, ask the bank about a second-chance account or basic account—these are designed for people with limited documentation and usually require a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return instead.
Online banks are harder to work with if you lack standard ID, because they rely on automated verification systems. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they have a manual review process for applicants without a standard ID.
You will still need a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This is a legal requirement, not a bank choice. If you do not have one, you must apply for an ITIN through the IRS before you can open any bank account.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is approved, you can use a temporary card number or debit card immediately for online purchases and bill payments. The physical debit card arrives in five to ten business days. Your checks, if you order them, take one to two weeks. You can start receiving direct deposits as soon as the account is open—give your employer or benefits administrator your routing number and account number, which appear on your temporary card or in your online banking portal.
If the bank runs a ChexSystems check and finds a problem—a closed account with an unpaid overdraft, for example—they may deny you or require you to resolve the issue first. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Request it at www.chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623.
Comparing the routes by speed and requirements
| Route | Time to approval | Documents needed | Can deposit cash | Typical fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank branch | Same day | ID, proof of address, SSN | Yes | $10–$15/month (often waived) |
| Online bank | 5 minutes to 1 hour | ID, SSN, existing bank account (usually) | No | $0–$5/month |
| Credit union | 1–3 days (membership first) | ID, proof of address, SSN, membership proof | Yes | $0–$10/month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account without a Social Security number?
No. Banks are required by federal law to verify your Social Security number or ITIN before opening any account. If you do not have one, you must apply for an ITIN through the IRS first. The process takes four to six weeks.
What if I have been denied a bank account before?
Check your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com to see why you were denied. If the reason was an unpaid overdraft or closed account with a negative balance, you may be able to resolve it with the bank and try again. Some banks offer second-chance accounts specifically for people with banking history problems.
Do I need to have money to open a checking account?
No. Most banks and online banks let you open an account with zero dollars. Some credit unions require a small initial deposit—usually $5 to $25—to fund a savings account that comes with membership, but this is not the same as a minimum balance requirement.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Physical debit cards arrive in five to ten business days by mail. Most banks and online banks give you a temporary card number or virtual card you can use for online purchases and bill payments immediately while you wait for the physical card.
Can I open multiple checking accounts at the same bank?
Yes. Most banks let you open more than one checking account. You might do this to separate spending from savings, or to track different purposes. Each account has its own debit card and account number, but they share the same login.