What you need to open a bank account

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Most banks will also ask for your phone number and email. That's the baseline—what every bank requires before they'll let you deposit money.

The proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have one, some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution, a pay stub, or a tax return. Call ahead and ask what your specific bank accepts; the rules vary.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. Bring the letter from the IRS that came with it. Some banks are stricter about this than others, so if one turns you down, try another.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN before you walk into a bank or start an online application.
  • Banks run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which can block you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud on your record at another bank.
  • Opening an account in person takes 15 to 30 minutes; opening online takes 5 to 10 minutes but may require you to verify your identity by uploading documents or answering security questions.
  • Some banks charge monthly fees; others waive them if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • If you're denied, ask the bank why—they must tell you—and consider a second-chance or basic checking account at a credit union or online bank.

In-person account opening at a bank branch

Walk into any branch of the bank where you want to open an account. Bring your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. Tell the teller or banker you want to open a checking account, savings account, or both.

The banker will ask you questions: your employment status, your income range, whether you want overdraft protection, and how you plan to use the account. Answer honestly. They're not judging—they're filling out the bank's internal form and running a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking history across institutions.

The background check takes a few minutes. If you've never had a bank account or your history is clean, you'll be approved on the spot. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a fraud dispute, or a closed account with a negative balance at another bank, you may be denied. If that happens, ask the banker why—banks are required to tell you—and ask whether they offer a second-chance checking account.

Once approved, you'll sign paperwork, choose a debit card design if the bank offers options, and receive your account number. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account immediately online or at the ATM using a temporary card or your account number.

Opening an account online

Online banks and many traditional banks let you open an account without visiting a branch. Go to the bank's website, click "Open an Account," and fill in your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, phone number, and email.

The bank will run a background check instantly. If you pass, they'll ask you to verify your identity. This usually means uploading a photo of your ID and proof of address, or answering security questions based on your credit history (questions like "Which address did you live at in 2019?" or "Which of these car loans did you have?"). Answer correctly and you're done.

Your account opens immediately. You can log in, set up bill pay, and transfer money right away. Your debit card ships within 5 to 10 business days. Some online banks don't issue debit cards at all—they partner with ATM networks so you can withdraw cash for free at thousands of ATMs nationwide.

Online opening is faster than in-person, but it requires you to be comfortable uploading documents or answering security questions on your phone or computer. If your internet connection is unreliable or you prefer talking to a person, go to a branch instead.

What happens if you're denied

If a bank denies you, it's almost always because of ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. These databases track overdrafts you didn't pay, fraud disputes, and closed accounts with negative balances. A single unpaid overdraft from years ago can still block you.

Ask the bank which database they used and request a copy of your report. You can get it free from ChexSystems (chexsystems.com) or Early Warning Services (earlywarning.com). If there's an error—a closed account that shouldn't be there, an overdraft you already paid—you can dispute it with the database directly. Disputes take 30 to 60 days to resolve.

While you wait, look for a second-chance checking account. Credit unions, online banks, and some regional banks offer these specifically for people with banking history problems. They usually charge a monthly fee ($10 to $25) and may require a small deposit, but they don't use ChexSystems. After 12 months of clean history, you can move to a regular account.

If you have no banking history at all—you've never had a bank account—some banks will still deny you because they can't verify your identity through the usual channels. In that case, bring extra documents: a passport, state ID, or a letter from your employer or school. Or try an online bank, which sometimes has looser requirements.

Monthly fees and minimum balances

Most banks charge a monthly maintenance fee between $5 and $15. Some waive it if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month.

Online banks almost never charge monthly fees because they have no branches to maintain. Credit unions typically charge less than traditional banks. Before you open an account, check the bank's fee schedule on their website or ask a banker. The fee structure matters more than the interest rate—you'll earn almost nothing on a checking account anyway.

If you're denied a regular account but offered a second-chance account, expect higher fees. These accounts may charge $15 to $35 per month and require a deposit of $25 to $100. It's worth it if it's the only way you can get a bank account, but plan to move to a regular account as soon as your history improves.

After your account opens

Once your account is open, set up online banking immediately. Go to the bank's website or app, create a username and password, and add your account. Link your debit card if it hasn't arrived yet—you can use your account number to make purchases online or set up bill pay.

If you plan to receive paychecks, ask your employer for a direct deposit form. Give them your account number and routing number (the bank will provide both). Direct deposit usually starts within one or two pay periods and saves you a trip to the bank.

Review your account settings. Turn on overdraft protection if you want the bank to cover small overdrafts (usually for a $35 fee per overdraft). Turn it off if you want to avoid surprise fees. Set up account alerts so the bank texts or emails you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction posts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN issued by the IRS. Bring the letter that came with it. Some banks accept ITINs without question; others are stricter. If one bank turns you down, try a credit union or online bank—they're often more flexible. You'll need the same proof of address and photo ID.

What if I don't have proof of address?

Call the bank and ask what documents they accept. Many will take a bank statement from another institution, a pay stub, a tax return, or even a letter from a government agency with your name and address. If you're homeless or living with someone else, ask whether the bank will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or your employer instead.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person: 15 to 30 minutes. Online: 5 to 10 minutes if you can verify your identity immediately, or up to a few hours if the bank needs to review your documents. Your debit card arrives 5 to 10 business days later, but you can use your account the same day it opens.

What's the difference between checking and savings?

A checking account is for money you spend regularly—it comes with a debit card and bill pay. A savings account is for money you're setting aside—it earns a tiny bit of interest and usually limits how many times per month you can withdraw. Most people open both at the same time.

Can I open an account if I'm under 18?

Yes, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign. Some banks let minors open accounts online with a parent's permission; others require both of you to visit a branch. The rules vary by bank and by state, so call ahead and ask.