The documents and information banks require before they open your account
To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though some offer accounts with no minimum. Beyond that, requirements shift based on the bank, the type of account, and whether you are opening it in person or online.
The specific documents vary slightly. A driver's license or passport works for ID. For address proof, banks accept recent utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or government mail with your name and current address. If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not citizens) works instead. Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address during signup.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, proof of current address, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
- Initial deposit requirements range from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and account type; many online banks have no minimum.
- Banks verify your identity against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track account closures and fraud; a history of overdrafts or closed accounts may block you.
- If you cannot meet standard requirements, credit unions and second-chance banking programs offer accounts with reduced documentation or no ChexSystems check.
- Opening an account online is faster than in person but requires you to verify your identity through video, photo upload, or a third-party service.
What counts as proof of address
Banks need to confirm you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill in your name dated within the last 60 to 90 days is the most common proof. Electricity, gas, water, internet, or phone bills all work. If you rent, a signed lease with your name and current address is acceptable. Homeowners can use a mortgage statement or property tax bill.
Government mail also counts: tax returns, voter registration cards, or letters from Social Security or the IRS. Some banks accept bank statements from another institution if they show your address. A few will take a letter from your employer or landlord on official letterhead confirming your residence, though this is less common. The key is that the document must show your name and current address and be recent enough that the bank believes you still live there.
If you are homeless or living with someone else, options narrow. Some banks will accept mail sent to a shelter address or a friend's address if you have written permission from the person who lives there. Others require you to work with a nonprofit or social services agency that can vouch for your address. Call ahead before you go in; policies vary widely.
Initial deposit amounts and account minimums
The amount you need to deposit to open an account depends on the bank and the account type. Traditional brick-and-mortar banks often require $25 to $300 to open a checking account, with savings accounts sometimes requiring more. Online banks frequently have no minimum deposit at all—you can open the account with $0 and add money later. Credit unions vary; some have no minimum, others ask for $5 to $25.
Beyond the opening deposit, some accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee if your balance falls below a certain threshold—often $500 to $1,500. Others waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance. Many online banks and credit unions charge no monthly fee regardless of balance. Before you open an account, ask whether there is a monthly fee and what you need to do to avoid it.
How banks check your history: ChexSystems and Early Warning Services
Most banks run your name through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services before opening your account. These are not credit bureaus—they track banking behavior, not credit. They record accounts you closed, overdrafts you did not pay back, fraud reports, and bounced checks. If you have a history of overdrafts, frequent NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees, or accounts closed due to negative balances, a bank may deny you.
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 call 1-800-428-9623. Early Warning Services reports are available at earlywarning.com. If there is an error—a closed account listed twice, or an overdraft that was not yours—you can dispute it in writing. The bureau has 30 days to investigate.
A denial based on ChexSystems does not mean you cannot bank anywhere. Some banks and most credit unions do not use ChexSystems at all. Second-chance banking programs, offered by some regional banks and credit unions, specifically serve people with banking history problems. They may charge higher fees or require a larger deposit, but they will open an account.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online accounts are faster to open—often 10 to 15 minutes—but require you to verify your identity remotely. Most banks use one of three methods: you upload a photo of your ID and a selfie, you answer security questions based on your credit history, or you use a third-party verification service like Socure or Jumio that checks your documents against government databases. Some banks combine methods.
In-person accounts take longer but are straightforward. You bring your ID and address proof to a branch, hand them to a banker, and they verify everything on the spot. You sign documents, make your deposit, and leave with a debit card or a temporary card number. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you are uncomfortable with technology or do not have a clear photo of your ID, in-person is simpler.
Online accounts are usually cheaper—no branch overhead means lower fees. In-person accounts at large banks often have higher monthly maintenance fees. If you need to deposit cash regularly, in-person or a bank with many branches may be more practical, since online banks often do not accept cash deposits directly.
What to do if you cannot meet standard requirements
If you do not have a government ID, some banks will accept a passport card, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works. If you do not have proof of address, ask the bank whether they accept alternative documents—some will take a letter from a social services agency, a shelter, or a government office confirming your identity and residence.
If you have been denied by ChexSystems, look for a credit union or a second-chance banking program. Credit unions are nonprofit and often have looser requirements than banks. Second-chance programs are designed for people with banking problems. They may charge a monthly fee ($5 to $15) and require a larger deposit ($300 to $500), but they will open an account. Search "second-chance banking" plus your state or city to find programs near you.
If you are undocumented or do not have an ITIN yet, some banks and credit unions will open an account with a passport and an Individual Number for Taxation Purposes (ITIN), which you can get from the IRS even if you are not a citizen. A few banks will also open an account with just a passport and a phone number, though this is rare. Call ahead to confirm.
Documents checklist before you go to the bank
| Document Type | What Works | What Does Not Work |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID card, tribal ID, military ID | Expired ID (most banks reject it), library card, student ID without photo |
| Address Proof | Utility bill (60–90 days old), lease, mortgage statement, tax return, voter registration, government mail | Handwritten note, email confirmation, screenshot, mail older than 90 days |
| Tax ID | Social Security number, ITIN | EIN (employer ID), passport number alone |
| Initial Deposit | Cash, check, debit card (if opening online) | Credit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer (usually not accepted for opening deposit) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, most banks will accept it instead. You apply for an ITIN through the IRS even if you are not a citizen. A few banks will open an account with just a passport and phone number, though this is uncommon. Call your bank first to confirm they accept ITINs.
What happens if I do not have a current address?
If you are homeless or between addresses, some banks will accept mail sent to a shelter, a social services agency, or a trusted friend's address if you have written permission. Credit unions and second-chance programs are often more flexible. Contact your local housing authority or 211 to find banks that work with people without stable addresses.
Can I open an account if I have been denied before?
Yes. If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can still open an account at banks or credit unions that do not use ChexSystems, or through a second-chance banking program. Request your ChexSystems report first to see what is listed. If there is an error, dispute it. If the information is correct, wait—negative items fall off after five years.
Do I need to bring anything else besides ID and address proof?
Bring your Social Security number or ITIN, a phone number, and an email address. If you are opening an account online, have a clear photo of your ID and possibly a selfie ready. If you are depositing a check, bring the check. If you are depositing cash, bring the cash. Most banks do not require anything else.
How long does it take to open an account?
Online accounts take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the application, though identity verification can add another 24 hours. In-person accounts take 20 to 30 minutes at the branch. You can usually use your account immediately after opening, though some banks delay debit card activation by one to two business days.