What you need to bring and where to go

To open a bank account, you walk into a branch or visit a bank's website with a government-issued ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Most banks will also ask for your phone number and email. That is the core of it — the bank verifies who you are, confirms you are not on a fraud or closed-account list, and opens the account on the spot or within a day.

You can open an account at a traditional bank (Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America), a credit union, or an online-only bank (Ally, Charles Schwab, Chime). Each has different requirements and different fees. A branch bank typically requires a minimum deposit to open — often $25 to $100 — while online banks sometimes have no minimum. Credit unions usually require membership in a group or organization, though some are open to anyone in a geographic area.

If you do not have a government ID, you can use a passport, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which you obtain from the IRS. Some banks will open an account without an SSN or ITIN if you have a passport and proof of address, though this is less common.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account in person or online.
  • Traditional banks often require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100, while online banks frequently have no minimum.
  • Credit unions may require membership, but some accept anyone in their service area or allow you to join a group to become may be able to access.
  • The entire process takes minutes in a branch or a few minutes online, and the account is usually active the same day or next business day.

Documents you will need

Government-issued ID is the first requirement. This can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or tribal ID. The bank scans or photographs it to confirm your identity and check your name against fraud databases. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a passport works just as well.

Proof of address is the second. The bank needs to know where you live. A recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your name and address will work. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A bank statement from another bank also counts. If you do not have any of these, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a government agency, or an employer on letterhead that states your address.

Social Security number or ITIN is the third. The bank uses this to report interest you earn and to check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud history. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS — this takes several weeks. Some banks will open an account without an SSN if you have a passport and a second form of ID, but this is rare and usually only at online banks or credit unions.

Bring the originals, not copies. The bank employee will look at them in person or you will upload clear photos if you are opening the account online. Have your phone number and email address ready as well — the bank will use these for account notifications and password recovery.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening in a branch takes 10 to 20 minutes. You sit with a banker, show your ID and address proof, provide your Social Security number, choose a checking or savings account (or both), and sign paperwork. The banker may ask about your job, how much you plan to deposit, and what you will use the account for — these are routine questions, not tests. Your account is usually active the same day, and you can use your debit card within one to three business days.

Opening online takes 5 to 10 minutes. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your Social Security number, choose your account type, and set up a username and password. Some banks use video verification — you hold your ID up to your camera and answer a few questions to prove you are the person in the photo. Your account is typically active within one business day, and you can transfer money in immediately. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though many online banks let you use a temporary digital card right away.

Online is faster if you are in a hurry and do not need a debit card immediately. In-person is better if you want to ask questions, prefer to hand over documents face-to-face, or need the debit card quickly. Both are equally safe — the bank's security checks are the same either way.

Minimum deposits and account fees

A minimum opening deposit is the amount of money you must put into the account when you open it. Traditional banks often require $25 to $100. Some require more — $500 or $1,000 — if you want a premium checking account. Online banks and many credit unions have no minimum. If you do not have the minimum on hand, you can ask the bank whether you can deposit it later that day or the next day, though some will not open the account until the money is there.

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 per month at most banks. Some banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Online banks almost never charge a monthly fee. Credit unions typically charge less than traditional banks. Read the fee schedule before you open — it is usually on the bank's website or the banker will show you.

Other fees to watch for: overdraft fees (charged when you spend more than you have), out-of-network ATM fees (charged when you use another bank's ATM), and wire transfer fees. These vary widely. A bank that charges no monthly fee might charge $35 per overdraft, while another charges $10. Ask about these before you open, or look them up on the bank's website.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail (or a digital card immediately if you opened online). You will also receive a checkbook if you opened a checking account, though many people never use checks. The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking and mobile banking.

Set up online banking right away. This lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and set up alerts if your balance drops below a certain amount. Most banks let you do this on their website or app within minutes of opening the account. You will create a username and password, and many banks will ask you to set up two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone when you log in from a new device).

If you opened the account online, you may need to verify your identity a second time before you can withdraw money or transfer large amounts. The bank will send you a code by mail or text, or ask you to call a phone number. This is a security step and usually takes one to three business days.

Opening an account if you have had banking problems before

If you have closed an account with a negative balance, bounced checks, or fraud, you may appear on ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — databases that banks check before opening new accounts. This does not mean you cannot open an account, but it narrows your options.

Traditional banks often deny applications from people on these lists. Credit unions are usually more flexible. Online banks vary — some check these databases and some do not. If you are denied, ask the bank why. If it is because of ChexSystems, you can dispute the information on their website or by mail. Negative items typically fall off after five years.

If you cannot open an account at a traditional bank or credit union, look for a second-chance bank account — these are designed for people with banking history problems. They usually have higher fees and lower limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw, but they let you rebuild your banking record. After six months to a year of good standing, you can often move to a regular account.

Opening an account without a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, most banks will open an account for you. Bring your ITIN documentation (the IRS letter that assigned it to you) along with your ID and address proof. The process is the same as for anyone else.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some banks will still open an account if you have a passport and a second form of ID. Online banks are more likely to do this than traditional banks. You will not be able to earn interest on a savings account without an SSN or ITIN — the bank cannot report the interest to the IRS — but you can still use a checking account for deposits and payments.

If you are working toward getting an ITIN, apply through the IRS now. The process takes several weeks. In the meantime, some credit unions will open an account for you with just a passport and a letter from your employer or a community organization confirming your identity and address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I do not have a permanent address?

Yes. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, bring a letter from the shelter on official letterhead that states your name and the shelter's address. Some banks will accept this as proof of address. If the shelter cannot provide a letter, ask a social worker, a government agency, or a nonprofit organization you work with to write one. A few banks will open an account with just an ID and phone number if you explain your situation.

How long does it take to use my debit card after I open an account?

If you opened in person, your debit card arrives in the mail within 1 to 3 business days and you can use it immediately. If you opened online, you can use a temporary digital card (through Apple Pay, Google Pay, or the bank's app) right away, and your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Some online banks let you order a card to be picked up at a branch if you need it faster.

What if I do not have any of the documents the bank is asking for?

Call the bank and explain your situation. Many have alternative processes for people without standard documents. A letter from an employer, a government agency, a nonprofit, or a community organization can sometimes substitute for a utility bill. If you do not have a government ID, ask whether a passport, tribal ID, or consular ID is accepted. Banks vary in how flexible they are, so calling ahead saves you a trip.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people bring their ID, address proof, and Social Security number. You both sign the paperwork and both names go on the account. Either person can deposit or withdraw money. If one person dies or the account is frozen, the other person can still access the money. Discuss with the other person beforehand how you will manage the account and what happens if you disagree.

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

It depends on the bank and the account type. Some banks waive monthly fees if you keep $500 or $1,000 in the account at all times. Others waive fees if you set up direct deposit or make a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Read the fee schedule before you open, or ask the banker. Online banks almost never require a minimum balance.