What you need to open a bank account
To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Most banks will also ask for an initial deposit, though some accounts have no minimum. You can open an account in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or by phone with some institutions.
The process takes between 15 minutes and a few business days depending on the bank and whether you choose in-person or online opening. In-person openings are usually fastest because the bank verifies your identity on the spot. Online openings require the bank to confirm your identity through other means—sometimes a video call with a representative, sometimes by checking your information against databases they subscribe to.
If you don't have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement as proof of address. A few banks work with people who have no ID at all, though the process is slower and may require additional steps. Call ahead to ask what documents your chosen bank accepts.
Key Takeaways
- You need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
- Opening in person at a branch is usually the fastest route and takes 15 minutes to an hour.
- Online openings take longer—usually one to three business days—because the bank must verify your identity remotely.
- Some banks have no minimum deposit requirement, while others require $25 to $100 to start.
- If you lack a photo ID, ask the bank what alternative documents they accept before you visit.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of the bank you choose with your photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Tell a representative you want to open a checking or savings account (or both). They will ask you questions about the account type you want, how you plan to use it, and whether you want online banking and a debit card.
The representative will verify your identity by looking at your ID, then enter your information into their system. They will show you the account terms, fees, and interest rates before you sign. Once you sign, the account opens immediately and you can usually use it the same day. The bank will give you a temporary debit card or card number on the spot, or mail one to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Bring a checkbook order form or ask the bank to order checks for you during the opening process. Checks usually arrive within one to two weeks. If you need checks sooner, you can order them online from third-party vendors like Deluxe or Costco, which often deliver faster and cheaper than the bank.
Opening an account online
Go to the bank's website and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." You will enter your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Upload a photo of your ID—front and back—and sometimes a photo of a utility bill or other proof of address. Some banks ask you to take a selfie to match against your ID photo.
After you submit your information, the bank verifies your identity. This can happen instantly through automated checks, or it may take one to three business days if the bank needs to review your documents manually or call you to confirm details. Once verified, your account opens and you can log in to see your account number and routing number.
You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use a temporary card number or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) while you wait for the physical card. If the bank cannot verify your identity online, they will ask you to visit a branch in person or provide additional documents.
Types of accounts and what to choose
A checking account is designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals. You get a debit card and checks, and you can set up automatic bill payments and direct deposit. Most checking accounts have no interest on your balance. A savings account earns interest on the money you keep in it, but limits how many withdrawals you can make per month (usually six). Many people open both.
Some banks offer money market accounts, which combine features of checking and savings—they earn interest and allow more withdrawals than savings accounts, but usually require a higher minimum balance. High-yield savings accounts earn significantly more interest than regular savings accounts, though they may have higher minimums or require you to maintain a certain balance.
If you are new to banking or have had trouble with banks in the past, look for second-chance accounts or basic banking accounts. These have lower fees, no overdraft charges, and simpler requirements. They are designed for people rebuilding their banking history or managing a tight budget.
Fees and minimums to watch for
Banks charge different fees depending on the account. Common fees include monthly maintenance fees (usually $5 to $15), overdraft fees (typically $25 to $35 per transaction), and ATM fees if you use another bank's ATM. Some banks waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month.
Ask the bank about all fees before you open the account. Many banks publish their fee schedule online, but it is worth calling or asking in person to confirm what applies to the specific account you want. Some banks have no monthly fees at all, especially online-only banks and credit unions.
Minimum deposit requirements range from zero to several hundred dollars. If you don't have much money to start, look for banks with no minimum or a very low one. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit within 30 days of opening.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can deposit money by visiting a branch, using an ATM, setting up direct deposit from your employer, or transferring money from another bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to get paid—your employer sends money straight to your account, usually arriving the same day or the next business day.
You can withdraw money using your debit card at any ATM, at the bank's branches, or at stores that offer cash back. You can also write checks if you ordered them. Set up online banking through the bank's website or app so you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills electronically.
If you receive a paper statement, it will arrive monthly by mail or email. Review it to make sure all transactions are correct and catch any unauthorized charges. Report any errors or fraud to the bank within 60 days of the statement date to protect yourself.
If you don't have a Social Security number
If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, most banks will open an account for you using that instead of a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your photo ID and proof of address.
If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, some banks and credit unions will still open an account, but the process is slower and may require additional verification. Call ahead to ask which banks in your area work with people in this situation. You may need to provide extra documents or visit a branch in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a bank account?
In-person openings take 15 minutes to an hour. Online openings take one to three business days while the bank verifies your identity. You can usually use your account the same day it opens, though your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I open an account with no money?
Many banks have no minimum deposit requirement, so you can open an account with zero dollars. Some banks require a small deposit—$25 to $100—to start. Check the bank's website or call to confirm their minimum before you visit.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
Some banks accept alternative documents like a utility bill, lease, or government-issued non-photo ID. Call the bank first to ask what they accept. If you have no ID at all, a few banks and credit unions will work with you, but the process takes longer and may require additional steps.
Do I need to open an account in person?
No. Most banks let you open online, which is faster if you have a camera to photograph your ID and proof of address. In-person opening is faster if you want to use your account immediately and don't want to wait for identity verification.
Can I open multiple accounts at the same bank?
Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, or multiple accounts of the same type if you want to separate money for different purposes. The bank may require a separate initial deposit for each account, depending on their policy.