What you need before you walk in

You need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. A driver's license or passport works for ID. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it—dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a government benefits letter instead.

You will also need an opening deposit. Most banks require a minimum, which ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the account type and the bank. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. Bring a debit card or checkbook from another account if you want to fund it that way, or bring cash.

If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate and Social Security card along with your own ID and proof of address. Some banks require both parents or guardians to be present.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of your address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account.
  • Most banks require an opening deposit between $0 and $300, though some waive this if you set up direct deposit from your employer or benefits.
  • The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person; online accounts can be opened in 10 minutes but may require verification by mail or phone.
  • You will receive a debit card within 7 to 10 business days and checks within 1 to 2 weeks if you order them.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or fraud reported to ChexSystems, some banks will deny you, but second-chance accounts exist specifically for this situation.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you choose during business hours. Tell the teller or banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask you to fill out an application form with your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. This takes about five minutes.

The banker will run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. This check is instant. If you pass, they will show you account options—checking, savings, or both—and explain the fees. Ask about monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees. Then you sign the paperwork, make your opening deposit, and you are done. You walk out with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately.

Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you order checks, they arrive in 1 to 2 weeks. You can start using your account the same day through online banking or the bank's mobile app.

Opening an account online

Most banks let you open an account entirely online. Go to the bank's website, click "Open an Account," and fill in your personal information. You will upload a photo of your ID and proof of address. The bank verifies these documents, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Some banks ask you to verify your identity by phone or by making small deposits to a linked account and confirming the amounts. This step can add 1 to 3 business days. Once verified, your account is active and you can transfer money in immediately.

Online accounts work exactly like branch accounts—you get a debit card by mail and full access to online banking right away. The main difference is you cannot deposit cash at an ATM or branch until your card arrives. If you need cash deposited immediately, open in person instead.

What happens if you are denied

Banks deny accounts for two main reasons: a ChexSystems report showing unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts with negative balances, or an address that does not match government records.

If you are denied, ask the bank for the specific reason. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute the report directly with ChexSystems by mail or online. You have the right to see what is in your report and to correct errors. This process takes 30 to 60 days.

While you wait, look for a second-chance checking account. These are designed for people with banking history problems and usually have higher fees but no ChexSystems check. Credit unions often offer them, as do some online banks. You can also use a prepaid card or a savings account at a bank that does not check ChexSystems—ask the bank directly whether they do.

Setting up direct deposit and automatic payments

Direct deposit moves money from your employer or benefits program straight into your account. To set it up, give your employer or benefits administrator your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them in your online banking portal under account details.

Direct deposit usually starts within one to two pay periods. It is free and more secure than getting a paper check. Some banks waive monthly fees if you have direct deposit, so ask about this when you open your account.

Automatic payments work the same way in reverse: you authorize a company to pull money from your account on a set date each month. You can set these up through your bank's online portal or by giving the company your routing and account numbers. You can cancel or change an automatic payment anytime, but give the company at least three business days' notice before the payment date.

Understanding account fees and minimums

Most checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee of $0 to $15, though many waive it if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts usually have no monthly fee but may charge if you make more than six withdrawals per month—this is a federal rule, though many banks have stopped enforcing it.

Overdraft fees occur when you spend more than you have. A typical overdraft fee is $25 to $35 per transaction. Some banks charge one fee per day regardless of how many transactions overdraft; others charge per transaction. Ask about this before you open the account. You can also ask the bank to decline transactions instead of overdrafting—this prevents the fee but your payment will be rejected.

ATM fees apply when you use another bank's ATM. Your bank usually charges $2 to $3, and the other bank may charge another $2 to $3. Use your own bank's ATM to avoid this, or choose a bank that is part of a large ATM network or surcharge-free network like Allpoint or MoneyPass.

Protecting your new account

Set a strong password for online banking—at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your birthday, address, or name. Enable two-factor authentication if the bank offers it; this sends a code to your phone when you log in from a new device.

Sign up for account alerts so the bank texts or emails you when large transactions occur or your balance drops below a threshold you set. Check your account weekly for unauthorized transactions. If you spot fraud, call your bank immediately—federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report within two business days, and $0 if you report within 60 days of receiving your statement.

Never share your PIN, password, or account number by email or phone unless you initiated the contact. Banks never ask for this information unsolicited. Shred old statements and checks before throwing them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks require a Social Security number, but some accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call ahead and ask. Credit unions and online banks are more likely to accept an ITIN than large national banks.

Can I open an account if I have been banned from banking before?

Yes. Banks report bans to ChexSystems, but the report expires after five years. In the meantime, second-chance checking accounts do not check ChexSystems. Credit unions and some online banks offer them. Fees are higher, but they work like any other account.

How long does it take to access my money after I open an account?

If you open in person and deposit cash or a check, you can use the money immediately for online transfers and bill payments. Checks you deposit may take 1 to 5 business days to clear. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 days. If you open online, your account is active immediately, but you cannot deposit cash until your card arrives.

What is the difference between a checking and savings account?

Checking accounts are for frequent transactions—paying bills, getting cash, making purchases. Savings accounts earn interest and are meant for money you do not spend regularly. Most people open both. Checking has no withdrawal limit; savings may charge a fee if you withdraw more than six times per month.

Can I close my account if I change my mind?

Yes, anytime. Call your bank or visit a branch and ask to close the account. Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. If you have automatic payments set up, cancel them first or update them to a different account. Closing takes a few minutes and is free.