What you need to bring and where to go

Opening a bank account takes one visit to a bank branch or credit union, or about 15 minutes online. You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number where they can reach you.

You can walk into any branch of a bank or credit union that operates in your area, or you can start the process on their website. If you choose online, you will upload photos of your ID and address proof, answer questions about your identity, and fund the account by linking another bank account or making a deposit by mail. The whole thing happens without leaving home, though some banks still require you to visit a branch to activate a debit card or complete verification.

Credit unions typically require you to be a member of the organization they serve—teachers, nurses, employees of a specific company, or residents of a certain county. If you do not already belong, you can usually join at the same time you open the account, often for a small one-time fee ($5 to $25) or no fee at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number; most banks accept these in person or online.
  • Online account opening takes 15 minutes but some banks require a branch visit to activate your debit card or complete identity verification.
  • Credit unions require membership, which you can usually join at the same time you open an account for a small fee or free.
  • Banks and credit unions run background checks through ChexSystems; if you are flagged, you can still open an account but may face limits on deposits or debit card use.
  • Bring original documents, not copies; banks will not accept photocopies or digital photos on a phone screen for in-person applications.

What happens during the identity check

When you apply, the bank runs your information through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. This check takes a few minutes and looks for unpaid overdrafts, bounced checks, or accounts you closed under dispute. A ChexSystems report does not affect your credit score and does not appear on your credit report.

If ChexSystems flags you—usually because of unpaid overdrafts or a closed account—you are not automatically rejected. Many banks will still open an account for you, but they may restrict how much you can deposit in the first 30 days, require a minimum opening deposit, or delay issuing a debit card. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and have no ChexSystems check at all; these accounts often charge higher monthly fees or require a higher minimum balance.

The bank also verifies your identity by asking questions only you would know the answers to: previous addresses you have lived at, names of creditors you have worked with, or details from your credit history. This takes a few minutes and happens whether you apply online or in person.

Choosing between checking, savings, or both

Most people open a checking account for everyday spending—paying bills, getting paid, using a debit card. A savings account is meant for money you are setting aside and do not plan to touch regularly. Many banks let you open both at the same time, and some require you to open a savings account if you want a checking account.

Checking accounts usually come with a debit card, online bill pay, and the ability to write checks. Savings accounts earn interest on your balance, though the rate varies widely—from nearly zero at large banks to 4% or higher at online banks. Some checking accounts also earn interest, but the rate is usually lower than a dedicated savings account.

Ask the bank whether there is a monthly fee, what the minimum opening deposit is, and whether you have to maintain a minimum balance to avoid fees. These vary by bank and by account type. Some banks waive monthly fees if you set up direct deposit or keep a certain balance; others charge $10 to $15 per month no matter what.

What to expect after you open the account

If you opened your account online, your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using your account before the card arrives by setting up transfers from another bank account or by using your account number to receive direct deposits. If you opened in person, you may walk out with a debit card the same day, or it may be mailed to you.

The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and instructions for online banking. You should set up online access right away so you can monitor your balance and catch fraud early. Most banks let you set up alerts that notify you by text or email when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs.

Your first statement will arrive 30 days after you open the account (or you can view it online immediately). This statement shows all deposits, withdrawals, and fees. Keep it for your records, especially if you set up bill pay or direct deposit—you may need to prove your account exists.

Banks versus credit unions: what differs

Banks are for-profit businesses owned by shareholders. Credit unions are nonprofit organizations owned by their members. This difference affects fees, interest rates, and customer service, though not the safety of your money—both are insured by the federal government up to $250,000 per account.

Credit unions often charge lower fees and pay higher interest on savings accounts because they return profits to members instead of shareholders. Banks often have more branches and ATMs, which matters if you travel or move frequently. Banks also tend to have faster online platforms and mobile apps, though this gap has narrowed in recent years.

If you are choosing between a specific bank and a specific credit union, compare their monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, interest rates on savings, and ATM networks. A credit union with a $15 monthly fee and 2% interest on savings may be cheaper than a bank with a $10 fee and 0.01% interest, depending on how much money you keep in the account.

What to do if you are denied or flagged

If a bank denies your application, they must tell you why—usually because of ChexSystems, a previous fraud case, or an outstanding debt to another bank. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free. Visit chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623 to order your report and check for errors.

If your report contains a mistake—a closed account listed as unpaid when you actually paid it, or fraud you did not commit—you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Send a letter explaining the error with supporting documents (a bank statement, a receipt, a letter from the original bank). ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate and respond.

While you wait for the dispute to resolve, look for banks that do not use ChexSystems or that specialize in second-chance accounts. These include some online banks, some credit unions, and some community banks. They may charge higher fees or require a larger opening deposit, but they will let you open an account while you fix your ChexSystems record.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number as part of identity verification. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but this varies by bank. Call ahead to ask whether your bank accepts ITINs.

What if I do not have a current address or proof of address?

Some banks will accept a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you do not have any of these, ask the bank what other documents they accept—some take a government benefits letter, a court document, or a letter from a shelter or social services agency. You may also be able to use a friend's or family member's address temporarily if you can show you live there.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The application itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Identity verification happens immediately or within a few hours. Your account is usually active the same day, though your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Some banks let you use your account number to receive deposits before the card arrives.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the bank and account type. Some banks waive monthly fees if you keep $500 or $1,000 in the account; others charge a fee no matter what. A few banks have no monthly fee at all. Read the fee schedule before you open the account, or ask a banker to walk you through it.

What happens if I lose my debit card?

Call your bank immediately—most have a 24-hour fraud line. Your bank will cancel the card and mail you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited delivery for a fee, or you can use your account number and routing number to make online payments or set up direct deposit while you wait for the new card.