Age and identification requirements for opening an account

You can open a bank account at age 18 in all U.S. states. Before 18, you need a parent or legal guardian to co-sign or open a custodial account with you. Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to open accounts with a parent present, but the parent remains the legal account holder until the minor turns 18.

To open an account at any age, you will need a government-issued photo ID. For adults, this is typically a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For minors opening with a parent, the bank will ask for ID from both the minor and the adult. Some banks also accept a school ID or birth certificate for minors if a parent is present.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can still open an account at many banks and credit unions, but the process takes longer. You may need to provide additional documents like a utility bill, lease, or Social Security card to prove your identity and address. Call ahead to ask what your specific bank accepts.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a bank account on your own at age 18 with a government-issued photo ID.
  • Before age 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign or open a custodial account with you, and many banks allow this starting at age 13.
  • If you lack a photo ID, bring other documents like a utility bill or lease; call your bank first to confirm what they will accept.
  • You can open an account even if you have been denied before, have unpaid bank fees, or are listed in ChexSystems, though some banks have stricter policies than others.
  • Online banks often have faster approval than brick-and-mortar branches and may require less documentation.

What happens if you have been denied or have a banking history

A past denial or negative banking history does not permanently bar you from opening an account. Banks check ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, unpaid fees, and fraud reports. If you are listed, some banks will still open an account for you—credit unions and online banks tend to be more flexible than large national chains.

If you were denied because of unpaid fees or a closed account, contact the bank that closed your account and ask what you owe. Paying the debt in full or reaching a settlement often removes the record from ChexSystems within 30 to 60 days. Once it is gone, you can open an account elsewhere without disclosing the old history.

If you do not know why you were denied, you can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. The report will show any negative marks and give you a chance to dispute inaccurate information. Disputes are usually resolved within 30 days.

Opening an account without a Social Security number

You can open a bank account without a Social Security number if you are a non-citizen or immigrant. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. Apply for an ITIN through IRS Form W-7 at irs.gov.

Some banks ask for a Social Security number as a matter of routine, but federal law does not require it. If a bank refuses to open an account without one, try a credit union or an online bank—many have no Social Security number requirement. Bring your ITIN, passport or national ID, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works).

A few banks and credit unions also accept a passport or national ID alone, without an ITIN, though this varies by location. Call ahead to confirm what your local branch will accept.

Opening an account with no address or unstable housing

You can open a bank account without a permanent address. Banks need proof of address for federal anti-money-laundering rules, but that proof does not have to be a home lease or mortgage. A utility bill, mail from a government agency, or a letter from a shelter or social services organization stating your current location will work.

If you are unhoused or moving frequently, use the address of a shelter, day center, or trusted friend or family member where mail can reach you. Update your address with the bank once you have a stable location. Many banks allow you to update online or by phone without visiting a branch.

Online banks are often easier for people without stable housing because they do not require you to visit a physical location and may accept a wider range of address proofs. Some credit unions also have programs specifically for unhoused people and may waive certain requirements.

Timing: how long approval takes

Opening an account in person at a bank branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you can use the account the same day. The bank will verify your identity on the spot and issue a debit card within one to two weeks, though you can withdraw money immediately using your account number.

Online account opening takes longer. Most online banks approve your account within one to three business days, though some take up to five. You will receive your debit card by mail within seven to ten business days. During this waiting period, you can usually transfer money into the account and set up direct deposit, but you cannot withdraw cash until the card arrives.

If the bank needs additional documents to verify your identity—because your address does not match your ID, for example—approval can take one to two weeks. The bank will contact you by email or phone to ask for what you need to provide.

Special circumstances: minors, guardians, and joint accounts

A custodial account is opened by a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor. The adult controls the account until the child turns 18 or 21, depending on state law and the bank's policy. At that age, the account automatically converts to a regular account in the child's name alone, or the bank may require the young adult to open a new account.

Some parents and minors open joint accounts instead, where both names appear on the account and both can withdraw money. Joint accounts do not automatically convert when the minor turns 18—both account holders remain responsible. If you want the minor to have sole control later, you will need to remove the parent's name, which requires both signatures.

A legal guardian who is not a parent can open a custodial account the same way, but will need to bring court documents proving guardianship. If you are a guardian and unsure what documents the bank needs, call ahead—requirements vary.

Reopening an account after closure

If a bank closed your account, you can open a new account at the same bank or a different one. The bank that closed your account may have a waiting period—typically 30 to 90 days—before you can open another account there. Check the closure letter or call the bank to ask.

If you want to bank with the same institution again, waiting out the period and reapplying is usually faster than fighting the closure. If you want to open an account elsewhere immediately, do so. Once your ChexSystems record clears (usually 30 to 60 days after you settle any debt), you can open an account at the original bank without the waiting period applying.

Some banks will reopen a closed account without requiring you to apply again, especially if the closure was due to inactivity rather than fraud or unpaid fees. Call and ask whether the bank will reinstate your old account or whether you need to open a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I am undocumented?

Yes. You need an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, plus a passport or national ID and proof of address. Credit unions and online banks are often more flexible than large national banks. Call ahead to confirm what documents your chosen bank will accept.

What if I do not have any ID at all?

You can still open an account, but it will take longer. Bring multiple documents that prove your identity and address—a utility bill, lease, school records, or a letter from a social services agency. The bank will verify these documents and may take one to two weeks to complete the process.

Can a minor open an account alone without a parent?

No, not until age 18. Before that, a parent or legal guardian must be present and co-sign or open a custodial account. Some banks allow minors as young as 13 to open accounts with a parent, but the parent remains the legal account holder.

How do I know if I am in ChexSystems?

Request your report for free at chexsystems.com. You will receive it by mail within a few days. If you see errors, you can dispute them directly through the website, and ChexSystems will investigate within 30 days.

Can I open an account online if I do not have a debit card yet?

Yes. You can transfer money into the account and set up direct deposit while you wait for your debit card to arrive by mail. Most online banks take seven to ten business days to send the card, but your account is usable before it arrives.