You can open a bank account without a permanent address, but the process and your options depend on the bank and what documents you have

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address as part of anti-money-laundering rules. If you don't have a permanent home address, you have three main paths: use a temporary address (a shelter, a friend's place, a PO box, or a mail forwarding service), open an account at a bank or credit union that works with unhoused people, or use a second ID document that proves your identity even without a current address. The specific documents you'll need and whether an account will stay open depend on which bank you choose and whether you can provide some form of address verification.

The key point: banks need an address on file, but that address does not have to be permanent, current, or a place where you actually live. It just has to exist and match your identity documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks must verify your address under federal law, but a temporary address—including a shelter address, mail forwarding service, or PO box—usually counts.
  • Some banks and credit unions have programs specifically for people without permanent housing and may accept alternative documents like an ID card, passport, or tribal ID.
  • You will need at least one form of government-issued ID with your name and photo, even if the address on it is outdated or missing.
  • Once your account is open, you can update your address later when your situation changes, and the account will not close if your address becomes invalid.

What address documents banks actually accept

Banks do not require that your address be permanent or current. They require that you provide an address during account opening—it can be a shelter, a transitional housing program, a friend's address, a PO box, or a mail forwarding service address. The bank's job is to have something on file that matches your identity documents, not to verify that you actually live there.

If you're staying at a shelter or transitional housing program, ask the staff for a letter on letterhead that confirms your current address there. This letter, combined with your ID, is usually enough. If you're using a friend's address, bring them with you or get written permission from them. If you use a PO box or mail forwarding service (like UPS Store or FedEx Office), the bank will accept that as your mailing address, though some banks distinguish between a mailing address and a residential address—ask before you open the account.

Do not lie about your address. Banks verify addresses against databases, and if the address you provide doesn't match your ID or fails verification, the bank may freeze your account or close it during the first 30 days. If you're unsure whether an address will work, call the bank's customer service line before you go in.

Banks and credit unions with programs for people without permanent housing

Some financial institutions have created accounts specifically for unhoused or recently housed people. These programs often accept alternative documents and are more flexible about address verification. Chime, an online bank, does not require a physical address during signup—you can use a PO box or mailing address. LendingClub Bank also accepts PO boxes. Many local credit unions, especially those in urban areas, have homeless outreach programs; call your local credit union to ask if they have one.

The National Homeless Outreach Advocacy for the Chronically Homeless (NOAH) Center and similar organizations in major cities sometimes partner with banks to offer account-opening events. Your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) can tell you which banks near you have these programs. Some nonprofits that serve unhoused people also offer financial coaching and can help you open an account. These organizations know which banks in your area are most likely to work with you.

What ID documents you need

You must have at least one form of government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, tribal ID, military ID, or immigration document. The address on this ID does not have to be current—banks understand that IDs expire and addresses change. What matters is that the name on the ID matches the name you give the bank.

If your ID is expired, most banks will still accept it as long as it's not more than a few years old and the photo is still recognizable as you. If you don't have any photo ID, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles; you do not need a driver's license. Some states allow you to get an ID without a permanent address—call your DMV and ask what documents they need. If you're experiencing homelessness, some DMVs have waived or reduced fees; ask when you call.

How banks verify your address after you open the account

After you open the account, the bank may send a verification letter or postcard to the address you provided. If you gave a shelter address, make sure the shelter staff knows to expect mail for you and will hold it. If you gave a friend's address, tell them to expect something from the bank. If you used a PO box or mail forwarding service, check it regularly.

If the bank cannot verify your address within 30 to 60 days, they may freeze your account or ask you to provide additional documents. This does not mean your account will close—it means you need to respond. Call the bank's customer service number or visit a branch with your ID and proof of your current address (a shelter letter, a piece of mail, or a statement from a social service agency). Once you respond, the freeze will be lifted.

What happens if your address becomes invalid later

If you move and don't update your address, or if a temporary address expires, the bank will not automatically close your account. However, they may flag it for review if mail bounces back. The safest approach is to update your address as soon as you can, even if it's another temporary address. If you move to a shelter, update it to the shelter address. If you move to a friend's place, update it to their address. If you move to permanent housing, update it then.

If your account is flagged and the bank cannot reach you, they may freeze it temporarily while they verify your identity. If this happens, call the bank's customer service number on the back of your card or visit a branch in person with your ID. Bring a current piece of mail or a letter from a shelter or social service agency that confirms your current address. You can update your address online, by phone, or in person—whichever is easiest for you.

Using online banks when you don't have a permanent address

Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Ally do not require a physical branch visit, which can make account opening easier if you're unhoused or have limited access to transportation. They typically accept PO boxes and mail forwarding addresses. However, you still need government-issued photo ID and a way to receive mail—either a PO box, a mail forwarding service, or a temporary address you can check regularly.

Online banks send debit cards by mail, so you need a reliable mailing address. If you're using a shelter address, confirm with staff that they'll hold mail for you. If you're using a PO box, make sure you can access it regularly. Some online banks also offer mobile check deposit and direct deposit, which means you may not need to visit a physical location at all once your account is open. This can be a real advantage if transportation or access to branches is difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a PO box as my address when opening a bank account?

Yes. Banks accept PO boxes as mailing addresses. Some banks distinguish between a mailing address and a residential address on their forms, but a PO box satisfies the address requirement. If the form asks for a residential address and you don't have one, call the bank before you apply and ask whether a PO box is acceptable.

What if I don't have any ID at all?

You cannot open a bank account without government-issued photo ID. If you don't have one, go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a state ID card. You do not need a driver's license. Some states allow you to get an ID without a permanent address—call your DMV first to ask what documents you'll need. If you're experiencing homelessness, ask about fee waivers.

Will my account close if I become homeless after I open it?

No. Your account will not close simply because your address is no longer valid. However, if the bank cannot reach you and mail bounces back, they may freeze the account temporarily. Update your address as soon as you can—even to a shelter or temporary address—and the account will remain active. If your account is frozen, call the bank or visit a branch with your ID.

Do I need to bring the person whose address I'm using to the bank?

It depends on the bank. Some banks require written permission from the person whose address you're using. Others do not. Call the bank before you go and ask what they need. If they require permission, get it in writing from the person and bring it with you.

Can I open an account at a bank branch if I don't have a permanent address?

Yes. In-person account opening at a branch is often easier because a bank employee can see your ID and answer questions about address requirements on the spot. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the address you want to use on the account. If you're using a shelter or transitional housing address, bring a letter from that organization if you have one.