The bare minimum: ID, proof of address, and money to deposit
To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and an initial deposit. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The address proof is usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government letter with your name and current address on it—typically dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by bank.
The initial deposit amount depends on the bank. Some accounts require $25 to $100 to open; others have no minimum. Online banks often have lower or zero minimums. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another account if you already have one elsewhere.
That is the standard path. But the actual documents you bring, and whether you can open an account at all, depend on your situation—whether you have a Social Security number, whether you have ever had a bank account before, and which bank you choose.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and an opening deposit amount that varies by bank but is often $25 to $100 or nothing.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a passport, but not all—call ahead to confirm.
- If you have a history of overdrafts or fraud at other banks, you may appear in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which some banks check before opening your account.
- Online banks often have lower minimums and fewer document requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, but you cannot deposit cash in person.
- If you cannot meet standard requirements, credit unions and second-chance banking programs exist specifically for people who have been turned down before.
What counts as proof of address
Banks need to verify you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill in your name works—electric, gas, water, internet, or phone. So does a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government letter (like one from Social Security, the IRS, or your state's unemployment office). Most banks want the document dated within 60 days, though some accept older statements if they are the most recent one you have.
If you do not have any of those, some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution, a credit card statement, or a letter from a government agency. A few will accept a lease signed by both you and your landlord even if it is not on official letterhead. Call the bank before you go in—different branches sometimes have different rules, and what works at one location may not work at another.
If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, some banks and credit unions have workarounds: a shelter letter, a mail forwarding address from the post office, or a letter from a social service agency stating your current location. Again, call first.
If you do not have a Social Security number
A Social Security number is standard, but not always required. If you are a non-citizen with work authorization, you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. Many banks will open an account using an ITIN instead of an SSN. Some will not—it depends on the bank's internal policy and sometimes on the state you live in.
If you have a passport but no SSN or ITIN, some banks will open an account using your passport number alone, though this is less common. A few banks have specific programs for immigrants and non-citizens; these are worth calling to ask about by name.
If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, opening a bank account becomes much harder. Some credit unions and community banks will work with you, but you will need to call and ask. Online banks almost always require an SSN or ITIN because they cannot verify identity in person.
ChexSystems and Early Warning Services: what they are and why they matter
When you open a bank account, the bank checks a database called ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. These are not credit bureaus. They track banking behavior: overdrafts, bounced checks, fraud, and accounts closed by the bank for cause. If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts at other banks, you may appear in one of these systems.
If you do, some banks will turn you down. Others will open an account but with restrictions—lower spending limits, no overdraft protection, or higher fees. A few banks do not check these systems at all, or they check but do not care what they find. Credit unions are often more lenient than large national banks.
You have the right to see what is in your ChexSystems or Early Warning file. You can request a free report from ChexSystems at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. Early Warning Services reports are available at earlywarning.com. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with the bureau.
Second-chance accounts and credit unions
If you have been turned down by mainstream banks, second-chance accounts are designed for people with banking history problems. They usually come with higher fees, lower spending limits, and mandatory overdraft protection, but they let you rebuild your banking record. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and some regional banks offer them. Credit unions often have second-chance programs too, and they may be more flexible on documentation.
Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives, not for-profit institutions. They often have lower fees, higher savings rates, and more lenient lending standards than banks. To join, you usually need to live or work in a specific area, belong to a certain group, or pay a small membership fee. You can search for credit unions near you at creditunion.coop.
If you are rebuilding after a banking problem, a second-chance account or credit union account can be a better starting point than trying a large national bank again.
Online banks versus in-person banks
Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) usually have lower minimums, fewer fees, and simpler document requirements. You open the account on your phone or computer, upload photos of your ID and address proof, and fund it by transfer or check deposit. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The trade-off: you cannot deposit cash in person. If you get paid in cash or need to deposit cash regularly, an online bank is not practical. You would need a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union with physical branches.
Some people use both: an online bank for everyday spending and savings, and a local bank or credit union for cash deposits. There is no rule against having accounts at multiple institutions.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card (usually within 7 to 10 business days) and give you online access. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money, pay bills, and withdraw cash at ATMs. Some banks charge monthly fees; others do not. Some offer interest on savings; most do not on checking accounts.
Read the account agreement before you leave. It tells you the fees, the overdraft policy, the minimum balance (if any), and how to contact customer service. Keep it or save it digitally. If something goes wrong later—a fraudulent charge, a missing deposit, an error—you will need to know the bank's dispute process and your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a permanent address?
It is harder but possible. Some banks accept a shelter address, a mail forwarding address from the post office, or a letter from a social service agency. Credit unions are often more flexible. Call ahead and ask what address proof they will accept before you go in.
What if I have been banned from banking before?
Being in ChexSystems or Early Warning does not ban you forever. After five to seven years, negative items fall off. In the meantime, look for second-chance accounts or credit unions, which often ignore ChexSystems records or weigh them less heavily than mainstream banks do.
Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?
It depends on the bank and the account type. Some require $500 or more; others have no minimum. Many online banks have zero minimums. Check the account agreement or ask the bank directly before you open the account.
Can I open an account for someone else, like a child or elderly parent?
No, not without their presence or legal authority. You can open a joint account with another adult if you both go in together with ID. For a minor, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account, but the child's name is on it. For an elderly person, you would need power of attorney or guardianship documents.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person at a branch: 15 to 30 minutes. Online: 10 to 15 minutes. The debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using the account (transfers, bill pay, ATM withdrawals) the same day or the next business day, even if the card has not arrived yet.