What you need to bring and where to start
To open a bank account, you will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Walk into a branch of any bank or credit union, or start the process online if they offer it. Most banks can open an account in 15 to 30 minutes in person, or within a few hours online.
You do not need an existing account anywhere else, a minimum balance upfront, or perfect credit. Banks are required by federal law to open accounts for people who meet basic identity and address requirements. If you have been denied before, it was usually because of a banking history report (ChexSystems or Early Warning Services) showing unpaid fees or fraud, not because of your credit score.
The choice between a bank and a credit union matters mainly for fees and customer service. Banks are larger and have more branches and ATMs. Credit unions are member-owned, often charge fewer fees, and may be easier to work with if you have had problems before. Both offer the same basic account types and federal deposit insurance up to $250,000.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account in person, or upload images of these documents online.
- Most banks and credit unions can open an account in 15 to 30 minutes in person or within hours online, with no minimum balance required.
- If you have been denied before, ask the bank which report they checked (ChexSystems or Early Warning Services) and request a copy to see what is listed against you.
- Checking accounts let you write checks and use a debit card; savings accounts earn interest but limit how many withdrawals you can make per month.
- Some banks offer second-chance accounts designed for people with banking history problems, though they may charge higher fees.
Documents you will need to bring or upload
The bank will ask for three things: proof of identity, proof of address, and your tax ID number. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card counts as proof of identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a current address, some banks will accept a shelter letter or a mail forwarding address from the post office.
Your Social Security number is the standard tax ID. If you do not have one, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS works instead. You will need to provide this number verbally or in writing; the bank will verify it against IRS records. If you are opening an account online, you will upload photos of your ID and address proof, and type in your number.
Some banks ask additional questions about the source of your income, your employment, or your intended use of the account. These are anti-money-laundering questions required by federal law, not a judgment about you. Answer honestly. If you are unemployed, receiving benefits, or have irregular income, say that.
Checking versus savings: which account type to choose
A checking account is for money you spend regularly. You get a debit card, checks, and online bill pay. You can withdraw money as many times as you want with no penalty. Most checking accounts pay no interest, or interest so low it rounds to zero. Many charge a monthly fee ($5 to $15) unless you meet conditions like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
A savings account is for money you want to keep and grow. It earns interest, though the rate varies by bank and changes monthly. Federal law limits you to six withdrawals per month; if you exceed that, the bank charges a fee or closes the account. Savings accounts usually have no monthly fee and a low or zero minimum balance.
Most people open both at the same time. Use checking for bills and everyday spending, and savings as a buffer or emergency fund. If you can only open one, choose checking — you can add a savings account later, and you need checking to receive paychecks or benefits by direct deposit.
What happens after you submit your information
If you open an account in person, the bank will verify your identity on the spot using their ID scanner, run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, and tell you within minutes whether you are approved. If approved, you will receive a debit card (usually mailed within 5 to 10 business days), checks if you requested them, and online banking access immediately or within 24 hours.
If you open online, the bank will send you a confirmation email and may ask you to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading additional documents. This can take a few hours to a few days. Once approved, your account is active and you can transfer money in, though your debit card will still arrive by mail.
Some banks place a hold on deposits for the first 30 days while they verify your account is legitimate. This means the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it yet. Ask the bank about their hold policy before you deposit a large amount.
If you have been denied or have a banking history problem
If a bank denies you, ask which report they checked and request a copy. You can get a free copy of your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com or your Early Warning Services report at earlywarning.com. Look for errors — wrong account numbers, accounts you did not open, or fees you already paid. You can dispute inaccurate information in writing.
If the report is accurate, you have options. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts designed for people with banking history problems. These accounts charge higher fees (sometimes $10 to $25 per month) and may have lower spending limits, but they report to ChexSystems as you use them responsibly, which helps you rebuild. Credit unions are often more willing to work with people who have had problems before.
You can also open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems — some smaller regional banks and online banks skip the check entirely. Call ahead and ask: "Do you use ChexSystems or Early Warning Services?" If they say no, you may be able to open an account despite your history.
Online-only banks versus traditional banks
Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) have no physical branches but offer lower fees, higher interest on savings, and faster account opening. You can open an account in minutes on your phone. The tradeoff is that you cannot deposit cash in person — you have to transfer money from another account or use a mobile check deposit feature.
Traditional banks have branches where you can deposit cash, talk to someone in person, and get a debit card quickly. They usually charge more in fees and pay less interest. If you need to deposit cash regularly or prefer face-to-face service, a traditional bank or credit union is better. If you rarely use cash and want lower fees, an online bank works.
You do not have to choose one or the other forever. Many people keep an account at both — a traditional bank for cash deposits and customer service, and an online bank for savings that earn higher interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum balance to open an account?
No. Federal law does not require a minimum balance to open a checking or savings account. Some banks advertise that they do, but most will waive the requirement if you set up direct deposit or keep a small amount in the account. Call the bank and ask before you go in.
What if I do not have a permanent address?
Some banks will accept a shelter address, a mail forwarding address from the post office, or a letter from a social service agency confirming your current location. Call ahead and ask what proof of address they will take. Credit unions are often more flexible on this than large banks.
How long does it take to use my debit card after I open an account?
If you open in person, you can usually use online banking and transfers immediately, but your physical debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use right away on your phone. If you need cash immediately, ask if the bank can issue a card on the spot.
Can I open an account if I have been convicted of fraud or identity theft?
Banks are not prohibited from opening accounts for people with criminal records. However, some banks may deny you based on your banking history report or their own risk assessment. If you are denied, ask why, request your ChexSystems report, and try a credit union or a second-chance account program.
What if the bank says I am already in their system but I never opened an account there?
This usually means someone opened an account in your name without permission, or there is an error in their records. Ask to see the account details and dispute it in writing. You can also file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov.