The 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 or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks will ask for all three before they open the account. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill dated within the last 60 days to confirm your address.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by account type. A checking account and a savings account may have different requirements. Online banks often ask for less paperwork than brick-and-mortar branches because they verify your identity through the application itself rather than in person. If you do not have a photo ID yet, some banks will work with you using alternative documents — call ahead to ask what they accept.

You will also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account. Most banks have a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and the account type. Some accounts waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance each month.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
  • Proof of address usually means a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Minimum opening deposits range from zero to several hundred dollars and depend on the bank and account type you choose.
  • Online banks typically require fewer documents than branches because they verify your identity electronically during signup.
  • If you lack a photo ID, call the bank first — many accept alternative documents like a state ID card or passport.

What counts as proof of address

Banks accept a limited list of documents to confirm where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail addressed to you also works. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution or a credit card statement.

The document must show your full name and current address. A post office box does not count as a residential address for most banks. If you are homeless or do not have mail in your name, ask the bank what alternatives they accept — some will use a shelter address, a social services letter, or a statement from a social worker.

If you recently moved, bring the most recent document you have. If it is older than 60 days, bring a second document showing your new address, or ask the bank whether they will accept an older document plus a lease or rental agreement.

Photo ID requirements and alternatives

A driver's license or state ID card is what most banks ask for. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also works. The ID must not be expired, though some banks will accept an ID that expired within the last year — call ahead to confirm.

If you do not have a photo ID, options depend on the bank. Some will accept a combination of documents: a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a utility bill. Others will not open an account without a photo ID. A few banks work with people who have no ID by using a trusted contact or a social worker to verify your identity, but this is less common.

Getting a state ID card is usually faster and cheaper than getting a driver's license if you do not drive. You can apply at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process takes one to two weeks in most states, and the card costs between $10 and $30.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before opening an account. They use this number to report interest you earn and to check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags in the banking system.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you have an SSN. If you are not a citizen but work or pay taxes in the United States, you may have an ITIN. You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS if you do not have one — the process takes four to six weeks by mail or one to two weeks in person at an IRS office.

Some banks will open an account without an SSN or ITIN if you are a minor or if you are opening an account in a trust or business name, but this is rare. If you cannot provide either number, ask the bank what documents they need instead.

Minimum deposit amounts and account types

The money you deposit when you open an account is separate from any monthly fees. Some banks have no minimum opening deposit — you can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. Others require $25, $100, or even $500 to open a checking account, and higher amounts for savings or money market accounts.

The minimum often depends on the account type. A basic checking account may have no minimum, while a premium checking account or a savings account may require $500 or more. Online banks tend to have lower or no minimums because they have fewer physical branches to maintain.

Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit — meaning your paycheck or benefits go straight into the account. Others waive it if you maintain a certain balance, such as $1,500, each month. Ask the bank about these options when you call or visit.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening an account in person at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your documents, the bank verifies them on the spot, and you can start using the account the same day. You can ask questions face-to-face and get a debit card immediately at some branches.

Opening an account online takes 10 to 20 minutes and can be done from home. You upload photos of your documents, answer security questions, and verify your identity through the bank's app. The bank reviews your application and sends you a confirmation email, usually within a few hours. Your debit card arrives by mail in five to ten business days.

Online accounts are faster to set up but require you to have a working email address and a way to take clear photos of your documents. In-person accounts are slower but give you immediate access to a debit card and the chance to ask the bank staff about features or fees you do not understand.

What happens after you submit your documents

The bank verifies your identity and runs a background check using the information you provided. This check looks for fraud flags, unpaid debts, or previous account closures due to overdrafts or suspicious activity. The process usually takes one to three business days.

If everything checks out, the bank sends you a confirmation email or letter with your account number and routing number. You can start using the account to receive deposits or set up bill payments right away. Your debit card arrives by mail within five to ten business days.

If the bank has questions about your documents or your identity, they will contact you by phone or email. This can add a few days to the process. If the bank denies your application, they must tell you why — usually because of a fraud flag, an unpaid debt, or a ChexSystems report (a record of past banking problems). You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting the company directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require an SSN or ITIN by federal law. If you do not have either, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN application in progress or whether they have alternative verification methods. Some banks work with immigrants or people without SSNs, but it is less common.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Bring a second document showing your current address, such as a lease or a recent utility bill. If you have neither, ask the bank whether they will accept an older document plus a signed statement from you confirming your address. Some banks are flexible if you explain the situation.

Do I need to bring cash to open an account?

No. You can open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later, unless the bank has a minimum opening deposit. If there is a minimum, you can meet it with a check, a transfer from another account, or cash — ask the bank which methods they accept.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The application itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. The bank's verification process takes one to three business days. Your debit card arrives by mail in five to ten business days, so you can use the account online immediately but will need to wait for the physical card to make in-person purchases.

What if the bank denies my application?

The bank must tell you why in writing. Common reasons are fraud flags, unpaid debts, or a negative ChexSystems report. You can dispute errors on your ChexSystems report by contacting the company. Some banks will reconsider your application if you explain the situation or provide additional documents.