What you need before you walk in or go online
Most banks require two forms of identification and proof of your current address before they will open an account. A driver's license or passport works as your primary ID. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days — the exact timeframe varies by bank.
You will also need to decide what type of account you want: a checking account for everyday spending and bill payments, a savings account for money you are setting aside, or both. Some banks bundle them together. Have a starting deposit ready, though many banks no longer require a minimum — ask first so you do not show up unprepared.
If you are opening an account online, you can upload photos of your documents instead of bringing originals. Some banks will verify your identity through video call with a representative. Have your phone or computer camera ready and good lighting so the documents are clear.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued ID and a recent bill or lease showing your current address; most banks accept these two documents.
- Decide whether you need a checking account, savings account, or both before you start the process.
- You can open an account in person at a branch or online through the bank's website, and the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- After opening, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days and can set up online banking and bill pay immediately.
- Some banks charge monthly fees; others waive them if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Opening in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of the bank you have chosen with your ID, proof of address, and your starting deposit. Tell the teller or banker you want to open an account. They will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account, whether you want overdraft protection, and if you want online banking set up right away.
The banker will fill out the account application on their computer or on paper, depending on the bank. You will sign the paperwork, and they will give you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Ask for your account number and routing number before you leave — you will need these to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers.
Some banks offer a welcome bonus if you meet certain conditions, such as setting up direct deposit within 30 days or maintaining a minimum balance for 90 days. Ask about this before you leave, and get the terms in writing so you know exactly what you have to do to earn it.
Opening online
Go to the bank's website and click the button to open a new account. You will enter your name, address, phone number, and email. The bank will ask for your Social Security number to run a background check — this is standard and does not hurt your credit score.
Upload photos of both sides of your ID and your proof of address. Make sure the images are clear, well-lit, and show all four corners of the document. If the bank cannot read your documents, it will ask you to resubmit. Some banks also require a video call where you hold up your ID to the camera so a representative can verify it is really you.
Once your identity is verified, the bank will ask how much you want to deposit to start. You can transfer money from another bank account, mail a check, or in some cases use a debit card. The account opens immediately, and you can log in and use online banking right away. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days.
Setting up online banking and bill pay
After your account is open, log into the bank's website or app using the username and password you created. Go to the settings or preferences section and add your phone number for text alerts, set up a security question, and turn on two-factor authentication if the bank offers it. Two-factor authentication means the bank sends a code to your phone every time you log in from a new device — this protects your account if someone gets your password.
To set up bill pay, go to the bill pay section and add the companies you pay regularly: your electric company, phone provider, landlord, or loan servicer. Enter their mailing address. When you schedule a payment, the bank sends a check or electronic payment on the date you choose. Most bill payments arrive within 3 to 5 business days, so schedule them early enough that they clear before the due date.
Link any other bank accounts you own so you can transfer money between them. This takes 1 to 2 business days the first time; after that, transfers are usually instant. Some banks charge a small fee for transfers to accounts at other banks, so check the fee schedule before you link them.
Understanding fees and how to avoid them
Most banks charge a monthly maintenance fee ranging from $5 to $15, though many waive it if you meet one of these conditions: keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Ask your banker which option is easiest for you and confirm it in writing.
Other fees you may encounter include overdraft fees (charged when you spend more than you have), ATM fees (if you use an out-of-network ATM), and wire transfer fees. Some banks charge $15 to $35 per overdraft. To avoid overdrafts, turn on overdraft protection, which links your checking account to your savings account and automatically transfers money if you run short. Ask whether this transfer is free or costs a small fee.
Compare fee schedules across banks before you open an account. A bank with no monthly fee but high overdraft charges may cost you more than one with a $10 monthly fee but no overdraft penalty. Read the fee schedule on the bank's website or ask for a printed copy.
Getting your debit card and setting it up
Your debit card arrives in the mail 7 to 10 business days after you open the account. Before you use it, call the number on the back or log into your bank's app to activate it. The bank will ask you to confirm the last four digits of your Social Security number and may ask you to set a PIN (personal identification number) for ATM withdrawals.
Once activated, you can use the card to buy things in stores, online, or at ATMs. Every purchase is deducted directly from your checking account. If you lose the card or it is stolen, call the bank immediately — most banks will cancel it and mail you a replacement within 5 to 7 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the loss quickly.
Set up purchase notifications in your bank's app so you get a text or email every time the card is used. This helps you catch fraud early and track your spending. You can also set daily spending limits on your debit card through the app, which prevents someone from using a stolen card to make large purchases.
Linking direct deposit from your employer
If your employer offers direct deposit, ask your HR or payroll department for the direct deposit form. You will need to provide your account number, routing number, and the type of account (checking or savings). Your bank provided both numbers when you opened the account; you can also find them on a check or in your online banking portal.
Submit the form to your employer, and the first direct deposit usually arrives within one to two pay periods. Direct deposit is free, faster than a paper check, and many banks waive monthly fees if you set it up. Confirm with your employer that the deposit went through on the expected date — if it does not arrive, contact payroll to make sure they entered your information correctly.
You can also set up direct deposit for government benefits, tax refunds, or other regular payments. The process is the same: provide your account and routing number to the organization sending the money.
What to do if something goes wrong during setup
If the bank rejects your ID or proof of address, ask what the problem is. Common issues include documents that are expired, too old, or unclear in the photo. If your ID is expired, bring a second form of ID such as a passport or state ID card. If your address proof is older than 60 days, bring a newer utility bill or ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address.
If you cannot open an account online because the bank cannot verify your identity through the system, visit a branch in person instead. A banker can verify your documents by looking at them directly and can often open the account on the spot. Some banks also offer accounts for people without a Social Security number — ask whether this is an option if you do not have one.
If your debit card does not arrive after 10 business days, log into your account or call the bank to confirm the address on file is correct. If it is wrong, update it and request a replacement card. If the address is correct, the card may have been lost in the mail — the bank can cancel it and send another one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Most banks no longer require a minimum opening deposit, but some still do — it ranges from $25 to $500 depending on the bank. Check the bank's website or call before you go in. If you cannot meet the minimum, look for a bank that does not require one, or ask whether you can deposit the minimum and withdraw it after the account is open.
Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Some banks will open an account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. Call the bank first to confirm they offer this option. You will still need to provide ID and proof of address. Some banks may require an in-person visit rather than allowing online opening.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, though identity verification can add another 10 to 15 minutes if the bank requires a video call. Your account is active immediately, but your physical debit card arrives 7 to 10 business days later.
What if I have a bad banking history or was reported to ChexSystems?
ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking problems like overdrafts or fraud. Some banks check it before opening an account. If you were reported, you can request a copy of your report and dispute errors. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues — search for "second chance bank accounts" in your area or ask a local credit union.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both people will need to provide ID and proof of address. You can open a joint account in person or online, depending on the bank. Decide in advance whether both people need to sign off on large withdrawals or if either person can access all the money — the bank will ask this during setup.