What you need to bring and the order to do it in
Opening a bank account takes one visit to a branch or one online session, and most banks finish the process the same day. 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 or ITIN. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify.
The actual steps are straightforward: you tell the bank which type of account you want (checking, savings, or both), provide your documents, sign the paperwork, and make an initial deposit if required. Most banks require a minimum opening deposit—this ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the bank and account type—though some waive it if you set up direct deposit. The bank will give you a debit card on the spot or mail it within 5 to 10 business days, and your account number immediately so you can start using it.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a photo ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account in person or online.
- Most banks finish the account setup the same day and issue a debit card immediately or within 5 to 10 business days.
- Minimum opening deposits range from $0 to $300, but many banks waive the requirement if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
- Online banks typically have lower or no minimum deposits and faster account activation than brick-and-mortar branches.
- You can open an account as an individual, joint account with another person, or as a minor with a parent or guardian.
Opening in person at a branch versus online
If you walk into a bank branch, a teller or new accounts representative will guide you through the paperwork, answer questions on the spot, and hand you a debit card before you leave. This works well if you prefer to talk through your options, have questions about fees, or need help understanding the account terms. The downside is branch hours—most close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and have limited Saturday hours.
Opening online is faster and available 24 hours. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your information into a form, and the bank verifies everything electronically. Most online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) have no minimum deposit and activate your account within minutes to a few hours. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. The trade-off is that you cannot ask questions in real time, though most online banks have phone support and live chat.
What documents prove your address
Banks accept utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, recent bank statements, or government mail (tax documents, voter registration card, or benefit statements) as proof of address. The document must show your name, your current address, and a date within the last 60 days. A utility bill or lease is the easiest because it clearly shows both your name and address.
If you do not have a document in your name yet—because you just moved or are opening your first account—bring what you have and ask the bank what they will accept. Some banks will take a signed letter from a landlord or utility company confirming your address, or a recent lease even if it is not dated within 60 days. Call ahead if you are unsure, because requirements vary slightly by bank and by state.
Minimum deposits and waiving them
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase typically require $25 to $300 to open a checking account, depending on the account tier. Savings accounts often have lower minimums or none at all. Credit unions and online banks frequently have $0 minimums, which means you can open an account and deposit $1 if you want.
If a bank requires a minimum deposit but you do not have it on hand, ask whether they waive it for direct deposit. Many do—you sign up for direct deposit of your paycheck, and the bank waives the opening deposit requirement. This can take a few weeks to set up with your employer, but it is a real path if you are short on cash right now. Some banks also waive minimums for students or seniors, so mention your situation when you apply.
Joint accounts and accounts for minors
A joint account is held by two or more people, and all account holders can deposit, withdraw, and manage the money. Both people must be present to open it, or one person can open it and add the other later (though the second person usually has to sign paperwork). Joint accounts are common for couples, parents and adult children managing finances together, or roommates splitting bills. Be aware that both account holders have full access to all the money—there is no separate "your half" and "their half" legally.
A minor account (for someone under 18) requires a parent or legal guardian to co-sign and usually to be a joint account holder. The minor gets a debit card and can use the account, but the parent retains control and can see all transactions. Some banks offer teen accounts with spending limits and parental controls. The minor's Social Security number and the parent's ID and Social Security number are both required.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card, online banking login credentials, and a routing number and account number for receiving deposits or paying bills. You can start using the account immediately for direct deposit, bill pay, or transfers from another bank. Your debit card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days if you did not receive it in branch.
Most banks charge monthly maintenance fees ($5 to $15) unless you meet certain conditions—maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using the bank's mobile app. Read the fee schedule before you leave the branch or finish your online application so you know what to expect. If you do not want to pay fees, look for accounts that waive them with no strings attached, which are common at online banks and credit unions.
What to do if you do not have an ID or Social Security number
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, some banks will accept a passport, tribal ID, or state ID card. If you have none of these, call banks in your area and ask which documents they will take instead—some accept a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill. This varies widely by bank and state.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. If you do not have either, some banks will still open an account but may require additional documentation or a higher minimum deposit. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this point. Call ahead to ask what the bank needs before you make a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open an account?
In person, it takes 15 to 30 minutes and your account is active the same day. Online, it takes 10 to 20 minutes and your account is usually active within minutes to a few hours. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days either way.
Can I open an account if I have been denied before?
Yes. Banks use ChexSystems, a checking account history database, to see if you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts due to fraud. If you appear on ChexSystems, some banks will still open an account for you, though you may face higher fees or a longer waiting period. Ask the bank directly whether they work with people who have ChexSystems records.
What if I do not have proof of address?
Call the bank and explain your situation. Some will accept a signed letter from a landlord, a recent lease, or a utility bill in a roommate's name with a note from them. A few banks will waive the requirement if you can verify your address by phone or video call. Do not assume you cannot open an account—ask first.
Do I need to keep a minimum balance after I open the account?
Only if the account requires it to avoid monthly fees. Check your account agreement or fee schedule. Many accounts have no minimum balance requirement at all, or only require one if you want to earn interest on savings. If you cannot maintain a minimum, switch to an account with no requirement.
Can I open multiple accounts at different banks?
Yes. There is no law against it. Many people keep accounts at multiple banks for different purposes—one for bills, one for savings, one for emergency cash. Each account is separate and insured independently by the FDIC up to $250,000.