Yes, you can open a bank account — but the requirements depend on your age, immigration status, and what documents you have
Most people can open a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union. The main barriers are age (you must be at least 18, or have a parent or guardian co-sign), proof of identity, and proof of address. Some banks will work with you if you don't have a Social Security number or a traditional address. Others have stricter rules. The fastest way to find out what a specific bank will accept is to call their customer service line or walk into a branch with your documents — they can tell you in minutes whether you meet their requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You need to be 18 or older, or have a parent or guardian open a joint account with you.
- Banks require a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, though some accept alternatives if you don't have both.
- A Social Security number is standard but not always required — credit unions and some banks will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
- If you have no address, some banks accept mail sent to a shelter, a trusted friend's address, or a PO box, though policies vary widely.
- Online banks often have lower fees and simpler requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, but you cannot deposit cash in person.
What documents banks ask for
Nearly every bank will ask for a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you don't have one, some banks will accept a non-photo ID like a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (a utility bill, lease, or insurance card). Call ahead to ask what your bank will take.
You will also need proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days. If you live in a shelter or transitional housing, ask the staff for a letter on letterhead confirming your address there — many banks accept this. A PO box alone will not work as proof of address, but some banks will accept a PO box plus a shelter letter or a letter from a social services agency.
Bring your Social Security number if you have one. If you don't, ask whether the bank accepts an ITIN. Credit unions are more likely to say yes than large national banks, but policies differ by institution.
Age requirements and accounts for minors
You must be 18 to open an account in your own name. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian can open a joint account with you. Both of you will need to be present and bring ID. The adult's name will be on the account, and they can see all transactions and withdraw money, so choose someone you trust.
Some banks offer teen accounts designed for minors 13 to 17, with limited withdrawal rights and parental controls. These vary by bank — ask whether your bank has one. The adult still needs to open it with you in person.
Opening an account without a Social Security number
If you have an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number), many credit unions and some regional banks will use it instead. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS along with your ID and proof of address. Call the bank first to confirm they accept ITINs — this saves a wasted trip.
If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, your options narrow. Some credit unions will open accounts using only your ID and address, but this is uncommon. A few banks in states with large immigrant populations have programs for this, but you will need to research banks in your area. Online banks almost never make exceptions here.
What happens if you don't have a permanent address
Banks need a mailing address to send statements and cards. If you are unhoused or in temporary housing, you have a few options. A shelter address works if the shelter provides mail service — ask staff to confirm they will hold mail for you. Some people use a trusted friend's or family member's address with their permission. A PO box is another option, though you will need to pair it with a letter from a social services agency or shelter confirming your identity and current situation.
Online banks may be harder to work with here because they cannot verify your address in person. Call before you apply online. If you cannot get an account at a traditional bank, look for a credit union in your area — they often have more flexibility and lower fees.
Online banks versus brick-and-mortar banks
Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) usually have lower monthly fees and higher interest rates on savings. They also have simpler requirements — many do not require a minimum deposit. The catch is that you cannot deposit cash in person. You can deposit checks by phone camera, transfer money from another account, or have your paycheck deposited directly. If you need to deposit cash regularly, a traditional bank or credit union is better.
Credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees and more flexible policies than large banks. You usually have to live or work in a certain area or belong to a certain group to join, but many are open to the public. Credit unions are also more likely to work with you if you have no credit history or a thin file.
What to bring to open an account in person
| Document Type | What Works | What Does Not Work |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID, tribal ID | Expired ID (some banks accept it anyway — ask first) |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, shelter letter | PO box alone, email confirmation, verbal confirmation |
| Tax ID | Social Security number, ITIN | Nothing (some credit unions will open accounts without one) |
| Second ID (if no photo ID) | Birth certificate, insurance card, utility bill | Library card, school ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I have bad credit or no credit history?
Yes. Banks do not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. They may check ChexSystems, a database of banking history, to see if you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts due to fraud. If you have a negative ChexSystems record, some banks will still work with you — ask about second-chance accounts. Credit unions are usually more forgiving.
What if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
You can open a bank account as long as you have a valid ID and proof of address. A passport works as ID. If you have an ITIN, bring that instead of a Social Security number. Some banks ask for immigration status but cannot deny you an account based on it — federal law allows anyone with valid ID to bank.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Most banks no longer require a minimum deposit to open a checking account, though some still ask for $25 to $100 for savings accounts. Online banks almost never require a minimum. Call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how quickly the bank verifies your identity. You can usually start using a debit card within one to three business days.
What if the bank says no?
Ask why. If it is because of ChexSystems, you can dispute the record. If it is because you lack required documents, ask what alternatives they accept. If they will not budge, try a credit union or a second-chance banking program in your area — these are designed for people who have been turned down elsewhere.