What you need to bring and where to go
To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Walk into any branch of a bank or credit union, or start online if the institution offers it. Most banks and credit unions let you open an account in person or through their website in under 30 minutes.
Bring an original ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring proof of address dated within the last 60 days: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. If you don't have a Social Security number, a valid ITIN works instead. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify your identity.
You don't need a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts, though some banks require $25 to $100 to activate the account. A few banks waive this if you set up direct deposit. Ask the bank or credit union what they require before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID, proof of your address from the last 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account in person.
- Most banks and credit unions open accounts online or in a branch within 30 minutes, and many do not require a minimum deposit.
- Your account number and routing number are usually ready to use the same day, though some banks take one business day to activate debit cards.
- If you have a history of overdrafts or fraud reported to ChexSystems, some banks will deny you, but credit unions and second-chance banking programs often accept applicants others reject.
- Once your account is open, you can receive direct deposits, set up bill pay, and transfer money between accounts immediately.
What happens after you hand over your documents
The bank or credit union will verify your identity by checking your ID against your Social Security number and address. They will also run a check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history — overdrafts, fraud, and closed accounts due to negative balances. If you have no history or a clean one, you are approved on the spot. If ChexSystems shows problems, the bank may deny you or ask you to wait a set period before reapplying.
Once approved, you will sign documents that spell out the account terms: monthly fees (if any), overdraft policies, and what happens if your balance goes negative. Read these carefully — overdraft fees can be $25 to $35 per transaction, and some banks charge multiple fees per day if you stay overdrawn. Ask whether the bank offers overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line to cover shortfalls.
Your account number and routing number are assigned immediately and printed on a receipt. You can use these to set up direct deposit or bill pay the same day. Your debit card usually arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks offer temporary digital cards you can use right away in their app.
Banks versus credit unions: what differs
Banks are for-profit institutions; credit unions are member-owned nonprofits. Both hold your money and offer checking and savings accounts, but they differ in fees, approval standards, and customer service.
Banks often charge monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $15) unless you meet conditions like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Credit unions typically charge lower fees or none at all, and they often approve people with ChexSystems records that banks reject. Credit unions also tend to have fewer branches and ATMs, so if you need in-person service or cash access, check whether their network covers your area.
Both banks and credit unions are insured by the federal government — banks through the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) and credit unions through the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration). This means your money is protected up to $250,000 if the institution fails. The protection is the same either way.
If you have been denied or have a ChexSystems record
ChexSystems records stay for five years. If a bank denies you because of overdrafts or fraud on your record, you have two paths: wait out the five years, or open a second-chance account.
Second-chance banking programs are designed for people with ChexSystems records. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and GoBank, plus many credit unions and regional banks, offer these accounts. They usually have higher fees than standard accounts ($5 to $15 per month) and lower ATM networks, but they approve you without a clean history. Some require a small deposit ($100 to $500) to open.
You can also request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com to see what is on record. If there is an error — a closed account you did not close, or a fraud claim you disputed — you can file a dispute with ChexSystems and the bank that reported it. Disputes take 30 to 45 days to resolve.
Online banks versus brick-and-mortar banks
Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) have no physical branches. You open an account entirely through their website or app, deposit checks by taking a photo, and withdraw cash at ATMs in their network or at partner banks. Online banks usually charge no monthly fees and pay higher interest on savings accounts because they have lower overhead.
Brick-and-mortar banks have branches where you can walk in, talk to a teller, and deposit cash or checks in person. They charge more in fees but offer in-person service. Many people use both: an online bank for savings and a local bank for checking and cash access.
Opening an online account takes the same documents — ID, proof of address, Social Security number — but you upload photos or verify information through the app instead of handing them over in person. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your account is active the same day.
What to do once your account is open
Set up direct deposit as soon as possible. Give your employer or benefits administrator your account number and routing number (both on your deposit slip or in the bank's app). Direct deposit is free, arrives on a set schedule, and protects you from lost or stolen checks. It usually takes one to two pay cycles to start.
Link your account to bill pay if you want to pay bills online. Most banks offer this for free. You enter the biller's name and address, the amount, and the date you want the payment sent. The bank mails a check or transfers the money electronically, depending on the biller. Payments usually arrive within three to five business days.
Set up alerts for low balance, large transactions, or failed deposits. These notifications (by email or text) help you catch fraud or overdrafts early. Most banks offer alerts for free through their app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Credit unions and some banks accept ITINs. Bring your ITIN letter, a government photo ID, and proof of address. The process is the same as with a Social Security number.
How long does it take to get a debit card after I open an account?
Debit cards usually arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer temporary digital cards in their app that work immediately for online purchases and contactless payments. You can use your account number and routing number for direct deposit or bill pay while you wait for the physical card.
What if I do not have proof of address?
Some banks accept alternative documents: a lease, utility bill in someone else's name at your address (with a letter from that person), or a government benefits statement. Call the bank before you go in to ask what they accept. Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about proof of address.
Can I open an account if I owe money to another bank?
It depends. If you owe overdraft fees or have an unpaid debt, the bank may see it in ChexSystems and deny you. If the debt is with a different bank entirely, it usually does not show up. Ask the bank directly whether your situation disqualifies you, or try a credit union or second-chance program.
Do I need to keep a minimum balance?
Most banks and credit unions do not require a minimum balance to keep an account open. Some waive monthly fees if you maintain a certain balance (usually $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Check the account terms before you open to know what applies to you.