The documents and information banks require before you can start

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 your phone number and email. That is the baseline. Some banks add extra steps — a credit check, a review of your banking history through ChexSystems, or a minimum opening deposit — but the three items above are what nearly every bank will ask for first.

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 need less paperwork than branches because everything happens by upload or video call. If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring originals; if you are doing it online, you will scan or photograph them.

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works instead. ITINs are issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Banks treat them the same way for account opening purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your address (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement — anything dated within the last 60 to 90 days with your name and current address on it.
  • Some banks check ChexSystems, a banking history database, and may deny you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks; you can request your ChexSystems report for free.
  • Online banks usually require fewer documents than branch banks and may let you open an account entirely through your phone, though they still need the same core information.
  • Minimum opening deposits range from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and account type; many online banks have no minimum.

Government-issued photo ID and what counts

Your ID must be current and show your photo, name, and date of birth. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also work. Some banks accept a tribal ID if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe.

The ID does not have to match your current address — banks understand that people move and do not always update their ID immediately. What matters is that the name on the ID matches the name you are using to open the account. If you have changed your name legally, bring both your old ID and a document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it as long as the expiration is recent — within the last year or two. Call the bank before you go in or apply online; policies vary. A few banks will not accept expired ID at all.

Proof of address: what documents work

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) is the standard proof. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also work. The document must show your name and your current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days — banks want recent proof, not something from six months ago.

If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord is usually acceptable. If you live with family or friends and are not on the lease, ask if a recent utility bill addressed to the household owner will work; some banks accept this, others do not. A few banks will accept a bank statement from another bank, a government benefits letter, or a pay stub if it shows your address.

If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, tell the bank. Some banks have workarounds — they may accept a shelter address, a mail forwarding service address, or a letter from a social service agency confirming your situation. Not all banks offer this, so you may need to call ahead or visit a branch that serves unbanked populations.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks use your Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN to report account activity to the IRS and to check your banking history. You will provide this number verbally or on a form; the bank does not need a physical document showing it, though you should know your number before you apply.

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN serves the same purpose. ITINs are nine-digit numbers issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number — typically immigrants without work authorization. You can request an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS; the process takes several weeks. Once you have an ITIN, banks treat it exactly like an SSN for account opening.

If you are not sure whether you have an SSN or ITIN, check your tax returns, W-2 forms, or any previous bank statements. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration or the IRS directly.

ChexSystems checks and what they mean for you

Most banks run a check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking problems like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts due to negative balances. If you have a flag in ChexSystems, the bank may deny your account or require you to pay off the old debt first.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free once per year. Request it at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error — a debt you already paid, or an account you did not open — you can dispute it. ChexSystems must investigate within 30 days and remove the item if it is wrong.

If you have a legitimate flag (an overdraft you owe), some banks will still open an account for you if you pay the old bank what you owe. Others will not. A few banks, including some credit unions and online banks, do not use ChexSystems at all, so they may be an option if you have a history problem.

Minimum deposits and account fees

Some banks require a minimum opening deposit — often $25 to $100 for a checking account, sometimes more for a savings account. Many online banks have no minimum. The minimum is separate from any monthly maintenance fee; you need to meet the minimum to open the account, and then you may also owe a monthly fee if your balance drops below a certain level.

Ask about monthly fees before you open the account. Some banks waive fees if you set up direct deposit, keep a minimum balance, or use their ATM network. Others charge a flat monthly fee regardless. A few banks offer free checking and savings with no minimums and no fees at all.

The deposit you make to meet the minimum becomes part of your account balance — it is your money. You can withdraw it once the account is open, though doing so may trigger a monthly fee if your balance then falls below the minimum.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online banks typically need you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their app or website. You may also need to verify your identity through a video call where you show your ID to a representative. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is ready to use within one business day.

Opening an account in person at a branch means bringing originals of your documents, signing forms on paper, and waiting while the bank processes everything. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your account is typically active immediately, though some banks hold the first deposit for a day or two.

Online accounts are faster and more convenient if you are comfortable uploading documents. In-person accounts are better if you want to ask questions, need help with the process, or do not have a scanner or camera. Some banks offer both options — you can start online and finish at a branch, or vice versa.

What to do if you cannot meet the standard requirements

If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents — a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a school ID plus a lease. Call ahead to ask what your bank will accept. If you have no ID at all, you may need to get one first; your state's DMV can issue a non-driver ID card if you cannot or do not want to get a driver's license.

If you do not have proof of address because you are homeless or newly arrived, explain your situation to the bank. Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible than large national banks. Some banks in areas with high homelessness have specific programs for unbanked people and may accept a shelter address or a letter from a social service agency.

If you have been denied by one bank, try another. Different banks have different policies. Credit unions, online banks, and smaller regional banks often have lower barriers than the largest national banks. You can also ask a bank directly what documents they will accept before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN. An ITIN is a nine-digit tax ID issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. The process to get one takes several weeks, but once you have it, banks treat it the same as an SSN. Some banks may also accept a passport or other government ID from your home country in place of an SSN or ITIN, though this is less common.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Banks do not require your ID address to match your current address. Bring your ID and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address. The bank will use the utility bill or lease as your official address for the account, even if your ID still shows an old address.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I use copies?

If you are opening an account in person, bring originals so the bank can verify them. If you are opening online, you will upload photos or scans of your documents. The bank will review the images and may ask you to verify your identity through a video call. Do not send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.

What happens if I have a ChexSystems flag?

The bank may deny your account or ask you to pay off the old debt first. You can request your ChexSystems report for free to see what is on it. If the flag is an error, you can dispute it. If it is legitimate, try banks that do not use ChexSystems, such as some credit unions or online banks.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online accounts usually take 10 to 15 minutes to set up and are ready to use within one business day. In-person accounts at a branch take 15 to 30 minutes and are usually active immediately. Some banks may hold your first deposit for one or two business days before you can withdraw it.