The documents and information banks require

Most banks need four things to open an account: a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The photo ID is almost always required—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks will accept a bank statement or insurance document instead.

Your Social Security number is required by federal law so the bank can report interest income to the IRS and check you against lists of people with fraud histories. If you don't have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this is less common and you may need to call ahead to confirm.

The initial deposit amount varies by bank and account type. Some checking accounts require $0 to open; others ask for $25 to $500. Savings accounts often have similar minimums, though some online banks have none. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, proof of your address from the last 60 days, your Social Security number, and money to deposit—the amount depends on the bank and account type.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail; a bank statement or insurance document works at some banks.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN before you visit or call.
  • Some banks waive the opening deposit if you arrange direct deposit of your paycheck, so ask about this option when you contact them.

What happens if you don't have a photo ID

Opening an account without a photo ID is difficult but not impossible. Some banks will accept a combination of documents—for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a credit card—in place of a photo ID. Others will not. Your best option is to call the bank's customer service line before you visit and ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

If you have no ID at all, credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. They may know you through an existing relationship or accept a letter from a social service agency or employer as proof of identity. Again, call first rather than showing up unprepared.

Online accounts versus in-person accounts

Online banks typically require the same documents as brick-and-mortar banks, but the process is different. You upload photos of your ID and address proof through their website or app, and they verify them electronically. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some online banks will let you start using the account before the verification is complete, though you may have withdrawal limits until they confirm your identity.

In-person accounts at a physical branch let you hand over documents and walk out with a debit card the same day. The trade-off is that you have to travel to a branch during business hours. Online accounts are faster and more convenient if you have a camera or scanner, but they require you to trust the bank with photos of your ID sent over the internet.

What to bring if you're opening an account in person

Bring your photo ID, your proof of address, and a checkbook or recent bank statement if you have one—the bank may ask to see it. Bring the initial deposit in cash, check, or be prepared to transfer it from another account. If you're opening a joint account, bring the other person's ID and proof of address as well.

Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address if you want statements sent electronically. Some banks will ask about your employment and income, though this is not required to open the account—they use it for fraud detection and to suggest products you might want later. You can decline to answer.

Accounts you can open without a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, some banks will open an account for you. Citibank, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have stated they will do this, though policies vary by branch and change over time. Call ahead to confirm. You will still need a photo ID and proof of address.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, opening a bank account is harder. Some banks will open an account using your passport and a foreign address, but many will not. Credit unions are more likely to work with you. Bring your passport, any U.S. address you have (even a temporary one), and ask whether they can open an account without a Social Security number or ITIN.

What the bank checks before opening your account

Banks run your name and Social Security number against ChexSystems, a database that tracks people who have had problems with bank accounts—overdrafts they didn't pay, fraud, or accounts closed for cause. If you appear in ChexSystems, the bank may deny your account or ask you to pay old debts first. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free once per year at www.chexsystems.com.

Banks also check your ID to make sure it is real and that you are the person in the photo. They verify your address using public records. If your address doesn't match what the bank has on file, they may ask for an explanation or request additional documents. This is standard and does not mean you have done anything wrong.

Accounts for people with a history of overdrafts or fraud

If ChexSystems shows you were denied an account or had one closed, you have options. Second-chance checking accounts are designed for people in this situation. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions offer them. They usually have lower limits on how much you can withdraw per day and charge monthly fees, but they report your good behavior to ChexSystems, which can help you open a regular account later.

You can also try a credit union instead of a bank. Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexible policies. Some will open an account even if you are in ChexSystems, especially if you can explain what happened and show that you have been responsible since then.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account with just a passport?

Most banks require a photo ID and proof of current address. A passport counts as photo ID, but you will still need to show a utility bill, lease, or recent government mail with your address on it. If you are not a U.S. citizen, call the bank first—some will accept a foreign address on your passport, but many require a U.S. address.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Ask the bank whether they will accept it anyway. Many banks are flexible if the document is only slightly older. If not, you can get a new utility bill, ask your landlord for a dated letter, or request a recent statement from another bank or credit card company. Some banks will accept a letter from your employer with your address on it.

Do I need to have a job to open a bank account?

No. Banks do not require proof of employment to open an account. They may ask about your income for fraud detection, but you can decline to answer. You do not need a job or income to have a checking or savings account.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes a few minutes to upload your documents, and verification happens within hours to a few days. Some online banks let you use the account while verification is still in progress.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present and provide your own ID and signature. If you cannot visit a branch, you can open an account online instead. If you need help managing money, you can add someone as an authorized user or joint account holder after the account is open, but they cannot open it for you.