What You Need to Open a Bank Account

The documents and information banks require before you can open an account

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 date of birth and a phone number. 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 that count as proof vary slightly by bank, but the categories are consistent. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works for photo identification. For address proof, banks accept a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number) works in its place at most banks, though some have restrictions on ITIN accounts.

You can open an account in person at a branch, online, or by phone, depending on the bank. In-person is slowest but gives you a chance to ask questions. Online is fastest — many banks let you open an account in minutes and start using it the same day. By phone is less common now but still an option at some larger institutions.

Key Takeaways

• You must bring a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN; without these three, no bank will open an account for you.
• A driver's license, passport, or state ID card satisfies the photo ID requirement, and a utility bill or lease agreement satisfies the address requirement.
• Banks check your history through ChexSystems, a banking database that tracks closed accounts and fraud; if you have been flagged there, some banks will refuse to open an account.
• Online account opening is the fastest route and often takes minutes, while in-person opening at a branch takes longer but lets you ask questions before you commit.
• Some banks require a minimum opening deposit (often $25 to $100), while others have no minimum; this varies by account type and bank.

What counts as proof of address

Banks need to know where you live. They accept documents dated within the last 60 to 90 days (the window varies by bank). A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, internet — is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works even if it is older, because those documents are less likely to change. Government mail counts too: tax documents, voter registration cards, or notices from a government agency.

If you are homeless or living with someone else and your name is not on any bills or leases, tell the bank. Some have workarounds: a letter from a shelter, a temporary address at a relative's house, or a mail forwarding address through the post office. Not all banks accept these, so you may need to call ahead or visit a branch to ask what they will take.

ChexSystems and your banking history

ChexSystems is a database that banks use to check whether you have had problems with past accounts. If you closed an account with a negative balance, wrote bad checks, or were flagged for fraud, that information stays in ChexSystems for five years. When you apply for a new account, most banks run a ChexSystems check automatically.

If you are in ChexSystems, some banks will still open an account for you — they just charge higher fees or require a larger deposit. Other banks refuse outright. A few banks (sometimes called "second chance" banks) specialize in opening accounts for people with ChexSystems records. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free once a year at www.chexsystems.com to see what is listed about you.

If the information in ChexSystems is wrong — for example, if a bank reported a closed account that you actually closed in good standing — you can dispute it. ChexSystems has a process for corrections, though it takes time. Start by requesting your report and looking for errors.

Minimum deposits and account fees

Some banks require you to deposit money when you open an account. This minimum opening deposit ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the bank and the account type. A basic checking account often has no minimum or a small one ($25 to $50). A savings account or money market account may have a higher minimum. Online banks tend to have lower or no minimums because they have fewer physical branches to maintain.

Beyond the opening deposit, pay attention to monthly maintenance fees. Many banks charge $10 to $15 a month to keep an account open, though they often waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Some banks charge no monthly fee at all. The fee structure matters more than the opening deposit because you pay it every month.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online account opening is the fastest option. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your information, and the bank verifies everything electronically. Many banks let you start using your account the same day, though the account may not be fully activated for a few days. You can set up direct deposit and transfers immediately in most cases.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer — usually 30 minutes to an hour — but you can ask questions, understand the fees, and get a debit card on the spot. You also avoid the risk of your documents being rejected because a photo is unclear or a file is too large. If you are uncomfortable with technology or have questions about which account type to choose, in-person is worth the time.

Phone opening is rare now but still available at some banks. It is slower than online and less convenient than in person because you cannot hand over documents directly. Use it only if the bank does not offer online or in-person opening.

What to do if a bank rejects your application

If a bank turns you down, ask why. The reason matters. If it is because of ChexSystems, you know to look for a second-chance bank. If it is because you do not have an address or ID, you know what to fix. If the bank will not say why, you can request your ChexSystems report to see if that is the issue, or you can try a different bank — different institutions have different standards.

Some banks are stricter than others. Credit unions often have more flexible rules than large national banks, especially if you are a member of the community they serve. Online banks sometimes have lower barriers because they do not run ChexSystems checks or they accept ITIN accounts when traditional banks do not. If one bank says no, another may say yes.

Special situations: ITIN accounts, joint accounts, and minors

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works at most banks, but not all. Some large banks restrict ITIN accounts or require additional documentation. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are often more flexible. Call ahead to confirm the bank takes ITIN before you go in.

If you want to open a joint account with someone else, both people need to bring ID and proof of address. The bank will verify both of you. Joint accounts let two people access the same money, which is useful for couples or family members managing shared expenses, but it also means both people can withdraw all the money without permission from the other.

Minors (people under 18) cannot open an account alone in most cases. A parent or guardian must open the account with them or open a custodial account in the minor's name. The adult is responsible for the account until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state and the bank).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN issued by the IRS. Not all banks accept ITIN accounts, so call ahead to confirm. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to accept them than large national banks.

What happens if I do not have proof of address?

Tell the bank. Some accept alternative documents like a letter from a shelter, a temporary address at a relative's house, or a post office mail forwarding address. Not all banks will take these, so you may need to try multiple banks or visit in person to explain your situation.

How long does it take to open an account online?

Most online applications take 10 to 20 minutes to complete. The bank verifies your information electronically, and you can often use the account the same day, though full activation may take a few business days.

What is ChexSystems and why does it matter?

ChexSystems is a database banks use to check your banking history. If you closed an account with a negative balance or were flagged for fraud, that stays on your record for five years and can cause banks to reject your application. You can request your free report at www.chexsystems.com.

Do I have to pay money upfront to open an account?

Some banks require a minimum opening deposit ($25 to $300), but many do not. Online banks especially tend to have no minimum. Even if there is no opening deposit, check the monthly maintenance fee — that is what you will pay every month to keep the account open.