What you need to bring and where to go

You can open a bank account at a brick-and-mortar bank, a credit union, or an online bank. Each has different requirements, but all three will ask for the same core documents: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a Social Security number.

Walk into any branch of a bank you choose, or go to their website to start online. Credit unions require membership, so you'll need to meet their membership criteria first—often based on where you work, where you live, or a family connection. Online banks skip the branch visit entirely; you upload photos of your documents and complete the process from your phone or computer, usually in under 10 minutes.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though fewer banks accept this. Call ahead or check the bank's website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID and proof of your current address to open an account in person, or upload photos of both documents if you open online.
  • Banks, credit unions, and online banks all operate differently—banks are everywhere, credit unions require membership, and online banks have no branches but often lower fees.
  • The entire process takes 15 minutes in a branch or 10 minutes online, and your account is usually ready to use the same day.
  • If you have no credit history or a poor banking history, some banks will still open an account for you, though they may require a larger opening deposit or deny you outright.

Differences between banks, credit unions, and online banks

Traditional banks are for-profit institutions with physical branches and ATM networks. They offer checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. Fees vary widely—some charge monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $15), overdraft fees ($25 to $35 per incident), and ATM fees if you use another bank's machine. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have thousands of branches; smaller regional banks have fewer locations but sometimes lower fees.

Credit unions are member-owned, nonprofit institutions. You must meet membership criteria to join—this might mean living in a certain county, working for a specific employer, or having a family member who is already a member. Credit unions typically charge lower fees than banks, offer better interest rates on savings, and are more flexible with lending to people with thin or damaged credit. The downside: fewer branches and ATMs, though many credit unions share ATM networks with each other.

Online banks have no physical branches. They operate entirely through websites and apps, which means lower overhead and lower fees—many charge no monthly maintenance fee and no overdraft fees. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash directly; you transfer money from another account or use mobile check deposit. Online banks include Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover. They are FDIC-insured just like traditional banks.

What happens during the account opening process

In a branch, a banker will ask you to fill out an application form (on paper or on a tablet). They will verify your identity by scanning your ID, confirm your address, and ask about your employment and income. They will also run a check through ChexSystems, a banking history report that flags accounts you have closed due to overdrafts or fraud. If you have a bad ChexSystems record, some banks will deny you; others will open an account anyway but with restrictions.

Online, you upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your personal information, and answer the same questions about income and employment. The bank verifies your identity using a third-party service and runs the ChexSystems check in the background. You will receive an email or text confirming approval, usually within minutes to a few hours.

Once approved, the bank assigns you an account number and routing number. You can begin using your account immediately—deposit money via transfer, mobile check deposit, or (at a branch) in cash. Debit cards arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some online banks and a few branches offer instant digital debit cards you can use right away.

Opening an account with no credit history or a banking problem

If you have never had a bank account, you have no ChexSystems record, and most banks will open an account for you without hesitation. If you have closed accounts due to overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees, ChexSystems will flag this, and some banks will refuse you.

If you are denied, look for second-chance banking accounts or basic checking accounts

You can also check your own ChexSystems report before you apply. Visit chexsystems.com and request your report for free. If there is an error, you can dispute it. If the record is accurate but old, some banks will overlook it if you can explain what happened.

Minimum deposit requirements and account fees

Most banks require a minimum opening deposit—often $25 to $100—though many online banks and some regional banks have no minimum. This money goes into your account and is yours to use; it is not a fee. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15, depending on the bank and account type. You can often waive the fee by keeping a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Online banks almost never charge a monthly fee.

Overdraft fees occur when you spend more than you have in your account. A single overdraft can cost $25 to $35. Some banks charge multiple overdraft fees per day if you are overdrawn by more than one transaction. You can opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee—a safer choice if you are managing a tight budget.

Verifying your identity and preventing fraud

Banks use multiple methods to confirm you are who you say you are. In a branch, they scan your ID and may ask security questions. Online, they use knowledge-based authentication—questions about your credit history or past addresses that only you should know—or they verify your identity through a third-party service like Socure or Jumio, which analyzes your ID photo and runs it against databases.

Some banks also require a video call with a banker, especially if you are opening an account online. This is normal and takes a few minutes. Have your ID ready and be prepared to answer questions about why you are opening the account.

Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card and online login credentials. Protect these immediately: use a strong, unique password for your online banking, enable two-factor authentication if the bank offers it, and never share your PIN or login information with anyone.

Timeline from application to first use

In a branch, you walk out with an account number the same day. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You can start using your account immediately—transfer money in, set up bill pay, or use mobile check deposit—without waiting for the card.

Online, approval takes minutes to a few hours. Some online banks issue a temporary digital debit card you can use in the app right away for online purchases and contactless payments. Your physical card arrives in 5 to 10 business days. A few online banks (like Chime and some others) offer next-day or same-day card delivery for an extra fee.

If the bank needs to verify additional information—for example, if your address does not match government records—approval may take 1 to 3 business days. The bank will contact you by phone or email to resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, call banks in your area to ask which ones will open an account without one. Some credit unions and community banks are more flexible. You may need to bring additional documentation, such as a passport and proof of address.

Can I open an account online if I live outside the US?

Most US banks require a US address and a US phone number. If you are a US citizen living abroad, some online banks and credit unions will work with you, but you will need to verify your status. Call the bank directly to ask before you start the process.

What if I am denied an account?

Ask the bank why. If it is because of ChexSystems, request your report and dispute any errors. If the denial stands, try a credit union, a community bank, or a second-chance banking account. You have options even if a large bank says no.

How much money do I need to keep in my account?

That depends on the bank and account type. Many accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Others require $500 to $1,500 to waive the monthly fee. Check the bank's fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.

Can I open multiple accounts at different banks?

Yes. There is no limit to how many accounts you can open. Some people keep accounts at multiple banks for different purposes—one for bills, one for savings, one for emergencies. Each account is separately insured by the FDIC up to $250,000, so your money is protected at each bank.