The minimum documents you need right now
To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. That is the baseline at nearly every bank and credit union in the United States. Some banks will also ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill dated within the last 60 days to confirm your address. A few banks accept a lease agreement or mortgage statement instead of a utility bill.
You do not need an existing bank account, a minimum deposit, or a job offer. You do not need a credit history or a credit score. If you have had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud in the past, most banks will still open an account for you—though some use ChexSystems, a checking account history database, and may decline you if you owe money to a previous bank or have multiple closed accounts on record.
The one thing that will stop you at most banks is a lack of ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can use a state ID card, tribal ID, or military ID. If you have none of these, some credit unions and online banks have workarounds, which are covered below.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at a traditional bank or credit union.
- Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account, though some online banks ask for $1 to $25 to activate the account.
- If you have been denied at one bank, you can still open an account elsewhere—ChexSystems records are not shared across all banks, and some institutions do not use them at all.
- If you do not have a government ID, credit unions and online banks often have alternative verification methods that use your address, phone number, and Social Security number instead.
What counts as proof of address
Banks accept a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government notice (tax return, voter registration card, or benefits letter) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill counts at some banks but not others—call ahead if that is your only option.
If you have just moved and do not have a dated document yet, some banks will accept a lease agreement even if it is older, or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead confirming your residency. A few banks will let you use a temporary address and update it later, but this is less common. If you are unhoused or living with family without a lease, ask the bank whether they accept mail from a shelter, a trusted friend's address, or a community organization's address where you receive mail.
Opening an account without a government ID
If you do not have a driver's license, passport, or state ID, credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. Many credit unions will open an account using your Social Security number, address, phone number, and date of birth, then mail you a debit card to confirm the address. Some will ask a trusted member to vouch for you, or will accept a letter from a social service agency, school, or employer confirming your identity.
Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and SoFi also open accounts without a photo ID in some cases, using your Social Security number and address verification instead. They send a debit card to your address as a second verification step. The process takes longer—usually 5 to 10 business days instead of same-day—because the bank cannot verify your face in person.
If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number (common for immigrants without work authorization), most banks will open an account using it in place of an SSN. Bring the same documents: photo ID, proof of address, and your ITIN letter from the IRS. Some banks ask for an additional document like a passport or consular ID to confirm the ITIN is yours.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Most banks and credit unions do not require a minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. However, some online banks and a few traditional banks ask for a small opening deposit of $1 to $25 to activate the account. This is not a fee—it becomes your first balance.
Monthly maintenance fees vary widely. Many banks charge $0 if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Some charge $5 to $15 per month regardless. Credit unions typically charge lower fees or none at all. Before you choose a bank, ask about the monthly fee structure and what waives it, because a $10 monthly fee costs you $120 a year.
What happens if you have been denied before
If a bank has closed your account or denied you, it is usually because of ChexSystems—a database that tracks overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid balances. You can check your own ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. If there is an error or a debt you have since paid, you can dispute it with ChexSystems directly, and they must investigate within 30 days.
Not all banks use ChexSystems. Credit unions, online banks, and some smaller regional banks do not subscribe to it. If you were denied at a large bank like Chase or Bank of America, try a credit union or an online bank instead. They may open an account for you even if ChexSystems has a negative record. Some banks also have "second chance" checking accounts designed for people with banking history problems—these usually have higher fees but are easier to open.
If you owe money to a previous bank (an unpaid overdraft or negative balance), that bank can pursue collection. Paying the debt does not automatically remove it from ChexSystems, but it may help you open an account elsewhere. Some banks will open an account if you pay the old debt in full first.
The difference between banks and credit unions
Banks and credit unions both offer checking and savings accounts, but they have different ownership structures and rules. Banks are for-profit and owned by shareholders. Credit unions are nonprofit and owned by their members. This means credit unions often have lower fees, lower minimum balances, and more flexible lending rules—including for people with poor credit or no credit history.
To join a credit union, you must meet a membership requirement. This might be living in a certain county, working for a specific employer, being a student at a particular school, or belonging to an organization. Many credit unions have broad membership—for example, some accept anyone who lives or works in their state. You can search for credit unions near you at co-opsharedbranch.org or by calling 211 and asking for local credit unions.
Credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which works the same way as the FDIC at banks. Your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per account type. The main trade-off is that credit unions have fewer branches and ATMs than large banks, though most participate in shared branching networks where you can use other credit unions' ATMs for free.
Online banks versus in-person banks
Online banks have no physical branches. You open an account entirely by computer or phone, deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone, and withdraw cash at ATMs or by transferring to another bank. They usually have no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and higher interest rates on savings accounts because they have lower overhead costs.
The downside is that you cannot walk into a branch to ask questions or deposit cash directly. If you need to deposit a large check or cash, you have to transfer it from another bank or use a third-party service. Some online banks partner with retail chains like Walmart or CVS to let you deposit cash at the register, but this is not universal.
In-person banks let you walk in, talk to a teller, and deposit cash or checks directly. They usually charge monthly fees unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements. They have more branches and ATMs, which is useful if you prefer face-to-face banking or need to deposit cash often. For most people, the choice comes down to whether you value convenience (online) or personal service (in-person).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. Bring your ITIN letter, a government photo ID, and proof of address. Some banks ask for an additional document like a passport to confirm the ITIN is yours. If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, ask your bank whether they accept alternative verification—some do, but it is less common.
How long does it take to open a bank account?
At a bank branch, you can open an account in 15 to 30 minutes and use it the same day. Online, it usually takes 5 to 10 business days because the bank mails you a debit card to confirm your address. Some online banks let you use a temporary card or transfer money immediately while waiting for the physical card.
What if I do not have a current address or am unhoused?
Many banks will accept a shelter address, a trusted friend's address where you receive mail, or a community organization's address. Bring a letter from the shelter or organization on their letterhead confirming you receive mail there. Credit unions are often more flexible with this than large banks. Call ahead and explain your situation—most will work with you.
Do I need a job to open a bank account?
No. Banks do not require employment to open an account. They may ask about your income for fraud prevention, but they cannot deny you based on unemployment. You can open an account whether you are employed, retired, a student, or receiving benefits.
What if I have a bad ChexSystems record?
Check your report at chexsystems.com to see what is on file. If there is an error, dispute it. If there is a real debt, try paying it and then applying at a different bank—not all banks use ChexSystems. Credit unions and online banks are good alternatives. Some banks also offer second-chance checking accounts for people with banking history problems.