The minimum documents and information banks require

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Most banks also ask for your date of birth and a phone number. That is the core set. Some banks add a second form of ID or ask you to bring a utility bill or lease agreement as proof of address. A few banks waive the address requirement if you have a recent government ID with your current address printed on it.

The specific documents vary by bank and by account type. A basic checking account usually needs less than a savings account. Online banks often need fewer documents than branches because they verify your identity through your credit report instead of in person. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though not all of them do.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
  • Online banks often require fewer documents than branch banks because they verify identity through your credit report.
  • If you have no credit history or a very new address, bring extra documents like a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement to prove who you are.
  • Some banks charge a fee to open an account or require a minimum deposit, so call ahead or check the bank's website before you go in.

What counts as proof of address

Banks accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement as proof of address. The document must show your name and current address, and it usually must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A few banks accept mail from government agencies, insurance companies, or employers instead.

If you just moved and do not have a dated document yet, ask the bank whether they will accept a signed lease or a utility bill in your name even if it has not been billed yet. Some will. If you are living with someone else and your name is not on any bills, ask whether the bank accepts a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. Banks vary on this, so call first rather than showing up with a letter that will not work.

Government-issued photo ID requirements

A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works at any bank. A military ID or tribal ID also works at most banks. The ID must not be expired, though some banks accept IDs that expired within the last year. The name on your ID must match the name you give the bank, or at least match closely enough that the bank can verify it is the same person.

If your ID is expired and the bank will not accept it, you can bring a second form of ID to strengthen your case — a Social Security card, birth certificate, or employee badge. Some banks will open an account with an expired ID plus a second document. If your ID is in a different name than the one you use now (for example, after a marriage or legal name change), bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank will note the name change in your file.

Minimum deposit and account opening fees

Some banks require a minimum deposit to open an account, ranging from $0 to $500 depending on the bank and account type. Others charge a fee to open the account, usually $0 to $25. Many banks charge neither. Online banks and credit unions tend to have lower or no minimum deposits and no opening fees. Large national banks are more likely to charge both.

Before you go to a bank or start an online account, check their website or call their customer service line to ask about opening fees and minimum deposits. The answer changes by account type — a basic checking account might have no minimum, but a money market account might require $2,500. If you cannot meet a minimum deposit right now, look for a bank that does not require one, or ask whether you can deposit the minimum over a few weeks instead of all at once.

What happens if you have no credit history

Banks do not require a credit history to open an account. They do run a check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see whether you have had problems with a bank account in the past — overdrafts you did not pay back, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank. If you have never had a bank account, ChexSystems will show nothing, and that is fine.

If you have been denied a bank account in the past because of ChexSystems, you can request your report for free at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with a negative ChexSystems history. Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks about past banking problems. If you are turned down, ask the bank why and whether they have a second-chance product.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online banks usually need fewer documents because they verify your identity through your credit report and Social Security number. You upload a photo of your ID and proof of address, and the bank confirms it electronically. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes. In-person accounts at a branch require you to bring physical documents and sign paperwork, which takes 20 to 45 minutes.

Online accounts are faster and often have lower fees, but you cannot deposit cash or speak to someone face-to-face if something goes wrong. In-person accounts let you deposit cash immediately and ask questions in real time. If you need to deposit cash regularly, a branch account or a bank with ATMs in your area is more practical. If you mostly pay bills online and use direct deposit, an online bank works fine.

Special situations: no Social Security number, no address, or no ID

If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an ITIN instead. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts ITINs before you go in. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, very few banks will open an account for you, though some credit unions and community banks may. You will need to bring extra documentation to prove your identity — a passport, consulate ID, or other government document from your home country.

If you have no permanent address, some banks will let you use a mailing address (a PO box, a friend's address, or a shelter address) temporarily while you get proof of a current residence. Bring a letter from the shelter or organization confirming you live there. If you have no government photo ID at all, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV without a driver's license. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address to the DMV. This takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. Call the bank first to confirm. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, a few credit unions and community banks may open an account if you bring a passport or other government ID from your home country.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring a second document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement. The bank will use the second document as proof of your current address and note the address change in your file. Your ID does not need to be updated first.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

It depends on the bank and account type. Some banks require $0; others require $25 to $500. Check the bank's website or call before you apply. If you cannot meet the minimum right now, ask whether you can deposit it over time or look for a bank with no minimum requirement.

Can I open an account if I was denied before?

Yes. Request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com to see why you were denied and dispute any errors. Many banks offer second-chance accounts for people with past banking problems. Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks about approving accounts for people with negative history.

How long does it take to open an account online?

Online accounts usually take 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and the bank verifies them electronically. In-person accounts at a branch take 20 to 45 minutes because you sign paperwork and may answer additional questions.