What you need before you walk in or go online

Most banks require two pieces of identification and proof of your current address before they will open an account. One ID should be a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The second can be another photo ID or a document showing your name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement from another institution.

You will also need to bring or have ready your Social Security number. Banks use this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you have never had a bank account, this check is routine and takes a few minutes. If you have had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud in the past, the bank may decline you or require you to use a second-chance account with higher fees.

Have your current address handy even if it is on your ID. Banks verify this independently, and if your ID is old or you have moved recently, they may ask for a separate proof of address. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or government notice with your name and current street address will work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, a second form of ID or address proof, and know your Social Security number before opening an account.
  • Banks run a ChexSystems check to review your banking history; past overdrafts or fraud may result in denial or a second-chance account with higher fees.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or by phone with some banks that mail you the paperwork to sign.
  • Initial deposits vary by bank and account type, ranging from zero dollars to several hundred; some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit.
  • Your account becomes active and you receive a debit card and checks within one to two weeks, though some banks issue a temporary card immediately.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank where you want to open an account during business hours. Tell the teller or ask for a new accounts representative. Bring your IDs, proof of address, and Social Security number. The representative will ask you questions about the type of account you want—checking, savings, or both—and whether you want online banking and a debit card.

The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will sign paperwork that includes the account agreement, fee schedule, and privacy notice. Read the fee schedule carefully; it lists monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and minimum balance requirements. Ask the representative to explain any fees you do not understand before you sign.

At the end, the bank will tell you your new account number and routing number. Write these down or take a photo. You may receive a temporary debit card on the spot, or the bank will mail one within one to two weeks. Checks take longer—usually one to three weeks—because they are printed off-site.

Opening an account online

Many banks let you start the process on their website without visiting a branch. Go to the bank's homepage, find the "Open an Account" button, and select the account type you want. You will enter your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number into a form.

The bank will ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. Use a phone camera or scanner to capture both sides of your ID clearly, and make sure your address document shows your full name and current street address. The bank's system will read these automatically, though a person may review them if the photos are unclear.

Some banks ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history—questions like "Which address did you live at in 2019?" or "Which lender issued your car loan?" Answer these correctly and the bank will approve you within minutes to a few hours. Other banks require you to link an existing bank account and make small deposits to verify you own it. A few banks still mail you paperwork to sign and return by mail, which adds one to two weeks to the timeline.

Once approved, your account is active immediately and you can log in to the online portal. A debit card and checks arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Initial deposits and minimum balance requirements

The amount you must deposit to open an account varies widely. Some banks require zero dollars—your account opens empty and you can deposit money later. Others require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $500, depending on the account type and the bank. Premium accounts or money market accounts usually have higher minimums than basic checking.

Check the bank's website or ask the representative what the opening deposit is before you commit. Some banks waive the opening deposit if you set up direct deposit—meaning your paycheck or government benefit goes straight into the account. If you set up direct deposit, the bank may also waive monthly maintenance fees.

Do not confuse the opening deposit with the minimum balance requirement. The opening deposit is what you put in on day one. The minimum balance is the amount you must keep in the account at all times to avoid a monthly fee. Some accounts have no minimum balance. Others require $500 or $1,000. If your balance drops below the minimum, the bank charges a fee—usually $5 to $15 per month—until you bring it back up.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active the moment the bank approves it, whether you opened it in person or online. You can log into online banking and mobile apps right away, set up bill pay, and transfer money between accounts at the same bank. You can also visit a branch to deposit cash or checks using the teller or an ATM.

Your debit card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any ATM owned by your bank using your account number and a temporary PIN, or you can ask a teller to withdraw cash for you in person. Some banks issue a temporary digital debit card you can add to your phone's wallet immediately, so you can make purchases before the physical card arrives.

Checks take longer—usually one to three weeks—because they are printed by a third party and mailed to you. If you need to write a check before they arrive, ask the bank if they can print a few temporary checks or issue you a counter check (a check printed by the bank itself that you can use right away).

What to do if the bank denies you

If the bank denies your application, ask why. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report (past overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees at another bank), a mismatch between your ID and your Social Security number, or an address that cannot be verified. The bank must tell you the reason in writing if you ask.

If the reason is a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute it. Visit www.chexsystems.com and request your report. If there is an error—such as an overdraft that was paid off or fraud you reported—you can file a dispute with ChexSystems and ask the bank to reconsider. This takes one to two weeks.

If you cannot get approved at a mainstream bank, look for a second-chance account. These are designed for people with banking history problems. They usually have higher monthly fees ($10 to $20), lower ATM limits, and no overdraft protection, but they let you rebuild your banking record. Credit unions and smaller regional banks often offer second-chance accounts when large national banks will not.

Choosing between banks and account types

Before you open an account, compare the fee schedules of at least two or three banks. The cheapest account is not always the best one for you. A bank with no monthly fee but a $3 ATM fee might cost you more than a bank with a $5 monthly fee if you use ATMs often. A bank with free bill pay and mobile check deposit might save you time and money even if the monthly fee is higher.

Consider where you live and work. If you travel or move frequently, a national bank with branches everywhere may be worth the higher fees. If you stay in one place, a local credit union or regional bank may offer better rates and lower fees. If you do most of your banking online, a bank with no physical branches may have the lowest fees because it has no branch overhead.

Ask about perks: free bill pay, free mobile check deposit, free transfers to other banks, no overdraft fees if you link a savings account, cash back at grocery stores without a purchase, and interest on checking balances. These add up over time.

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 for identity verification and fraud prevention. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at some banks, but this is rare. Contact banks in your area to ask which ones accept ITINs.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The approval process takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the bank and how quickly you upload your documents. Your account is active as soon as you are approved. Your debit card and checks arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need cash before then, visit a branch to withdraw from your new account.

What if I do not have a government photo ID?

Most banks require a government photo ID. If you do not have one, apply for a state ID card at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. This is different from a driver's license and does not require you to pass a driving test. Bring your birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security card. The process takes one to two weeks.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people must be present (in person or online) and provide their own ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Both names go on the account, and both people can withdraw money and make decisions about the account. Decide in advance whether you want the account to pass to the other person if one of you dies, or whether it goes to your estate. Tell the bank your preference when you open the account.

What if my address keeps changing?

Update your address with the bank as soon as you move. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The bank uses your address to send statements, debit cards, and checks. If your address is wrong, mail may be returned and your account could be flagged for fraud. Updating takes a few minutes and is free.