The documents and information you'll need before you start

To open a bank account online, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Most banks also ask for your phone number and email address. That's the core set. Some banks add extra steps — a few require a video call where you hold up your ID, others ask for a utility bill or recent bank statement. The specifics vary by bank and by the type of account you're opening.

Have these items ready before you begin the application. If you're missing any of them, the bank will stop the process and ask you to come back when you have what they need. Starting and then hitting a wall wastes time, especially if you're trying to open an account quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your address, and your Social Security number to complete an online application.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement — anything dated within the last 60 to 90 days showing your name and current address.
  • Some banks require a video call during which you hold up your ID to the camera; others verify your identity through your credit report or existing bank account instead.
  • The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete online, but account activation can take one to three business days.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, some banks offer accounts for non-citizens using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or passport instead.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts

A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. A state ID card works just as well. A U.S. passport is also acceptable. Some banks also take a passport card or a tribal ID. The ID needs to be current and not expired — an expired ID will be rejected, even if it's only expired by a few days.

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a passport is your best option. If you're a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can often use your passport as your primary ID and provide an ITIN instead of an SSN. Call the bank's customer service line before you start the application to confirm they accept your specific type of ID.

Proof of address: documents that work

The bank needs to see your name and your current address on an official document. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) dated within the last 60 days works. So does a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement. Some banks accept a government letter — anything from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your state's unemployment office. A few banks take a credit card statement or insurance policy.

The document must show your full name and your current address. A P.O. box does not count as an address for this purpose. If you've recently moved and your ID still shows your old address, use a recent utility bill or lease to prove where you live now. If you're having trouble finding a document, call the bank and ask what they'll accept — many have a longer list than what appears on their website.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks use your Social Security number to check your credit history and to report your account activity to the IRS. If you have a Social Security number, have it ready. If you're a non-citizen without an SSN, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number.

If you don't have either, some banks will still open an account for you, but the process is slower and may require a visit to a branch in person. A few online-only banks do not offer accounts without an SSN or ITIN. If this applies to you, contact the bank before starting the application to confirm they can help.

Identity verification: how banks confirm it's really you

After you submit your information online, the bank verifies your identity. The most common method is an automated check against your credit report — the bank pulls your credit file and matches the details you entered (name, address, date of birth) against what's on file. This usually takes a few minutes and happens in the background while you're still on the website.

Some banks use a different method: they ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history, like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your correct middle name?" A smaller number of banks require a video call. During the video call, you hold your ID up to the camera so a person can see it, and you may be asked to answer a few questions. Video verification usually happens within a few hours of your application.

If the automated check fails — usually because your information doesn't match your credit file exactly — the bank will ask you to verify by phone or video instead. This adds a day or two to the process but is not a reason to worry. It happens often and is a normal part of opening an account.

What happens after you submit your application

Once you've entered all your information and passed identity verification, the bank sends you a confirmation email. Your account is usually active within one to three business days. Some banks activate accounts instantly, but most take at least one business day. You can log in and see your account number as soon as it's active, even if your debit card hasn't arrived yet.

If you need to deposit money right away, the bank will give you routing and account numbers so you can set up a direct deposit or transfer funds from another bank account. You can also ask about mobile check deposit if the bank offers it — that lets you photograph a check and deposit it through the app without visiting a branch.

If you hit a problem during the application

The most common issue is a mismatch between the information you entered and what the bank's system finds. Your name might be spelled differently in your credit file, or your address might not match exactly. If this happens, the bank will either ask you to correct the information and try again, or they'll move you to a phone or video verification step.

If you're denied, the bank must tell you why. Common reasons include a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or a ChexSystems report (a record of banking problems). If you're denied, ask the bank for the specific reason and whether you can reapply later. Some banks will reconsider after a few months or if you can resolve the underlying issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if my address on my ID doesn't match where I live now?

Yes. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. The bank will use that as your proof of address. Update your ID at your state's DMV when you have time, but it doesn't have to match for the bank account.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease?

A recent bank statement, mortgage statement, or government letter (from the IRS, Social Security, or your state) also works. If you have none of these, call the bank and ask what documents they accept. Some take insurance policies or credit card statements. If you still can't find anything, you may need to open an account in person at a branch instead.

How long does it take to get my debit card after I open the account?

Your account is usually active within one to three business days, but your physical debit card takes longer — typically five to ten business days to arrive by mail. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers immediately, even before the card arrives.

Will opening an account hurt my credit score?

No. Banks check your credit, but opening a bank account does not lower your score. The bank's inquiry is a "soft pull" and does not appear on your credit report. Only credit applications (loans, credit cards) create a hard pull that affects your score.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN if you have one. If you don't have either, call the bank before applying — some will open an account for you using your passport and other documents, but the process is slower. A few online banks do not offer accounts without an SSN or ITIN, so it's worth checking first.