Bring these documents and information on the day you open your account

You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for your employment information and initial deposit amount. Some banks accept a driver's license or passport alone; others require both an ID and a second form of identification. The specific documents vary by bank and by the type of account you are opening.

Bring originals, not copies. Banks verify these documents in real time and will not process your application with photocopies. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can still open an account at many banks and credit unions using alternative documents — ask the bank directly what they accept before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government-issued photo ID is required at nearly every bank; a driver's license or passport works at most institutions.
  • Proof of your current address — typically a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — is standard but sometimes waived if you show two forms of ID.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is needed for tax reporting and fraud prevention; banks are required to collect it under federal law.
  • Your initial deposit can be as small as $0 at some banks and credit unions, though many require $25 to $100 to open a checking or savings account.
  • If you lack a photo ID, bring a second document like a birth certificate or passport card; some banks and credit unions have alternative pathways.

Government-issued photo ID

A driver's license or passport is the standard. If you have neither, a state ID card, passport card, or military ID also works at most banks. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how recently it expired — some accept IDs expired within the last year, others require current IDs only. Ask the bank before you arrive if you are unsure.

If you do not have a photo ID at all, bring a second document to establish your identity. A birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID can sometimes substitute, but the bank must accept it first. Call ahead or visit in person to ask what they will take. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks on this point.

Proof of your current address

A utility bill, lease agreement, or recent bank statement in your name works. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 30 to 60 days — banks vary on the window. A cell phone bill, insurance statement, or government mail also counts at many banks.

If you do not have a document in your name, some banks will waive the address proof if you show two forms of photo ID instead. Others will accept a letter from a landlord or employer on letterhead confirming your address. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the bank about their policy — some have procedures for this situation, and others may refer you to a credit union or community bank that serves people without fixed addresses.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect this number for tax reporting and to check you against fraud and sanctions lists. You will provide it verbally or on a form during the account opening process. The bank will verify it matches your name and date of birth.

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS serves the same purpose. You can obtain an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS; the process takes several weeks. Some banks and credit unions will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide the application receipt, though this is less common.

Employment information and income details

Banks typically ask for your employer's name and your job title, though they do not always verify this information before opening the account. You may also be asked for your annual income or whether you receive benefits. This information helps the bank assess risk and comply with anti-money-laundering rules.

You do not need to provide pay stubs or tax returns unless the bank specifically asks. If you are unemployed, retired, or receive benefits, say so — banks have accounts for all situations and will not deny you based on income alone. If the bank asks for income verification later (usually only for higher account tiers or credit products), they will tell you what documents to bring.

Initial deposit

The amount varies widely. Many online banks and credit unions let you open an account with $0. Traditional banks often require $25 to $100 for a checking account and $100 to $500 for a savings account. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance.

You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another account. If you are opening an account in person at a branch, you can hand over cash or a check on the spot. If you are opening online, you will typically transfer money from an existing account or provide banking information to set up an ACH transfer.

What you do not need

You do not need a credit card, a credit history, or a good credit score to open a checking or savings account. Banks do not run a credit check for basic deposit accounts. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a valid ID and either a Social Security number or ITIN.

You do not need to bring a checkbook, debit card, or any banking materials. The bank will issue these after your account is open. You do not need to memorize your account number — the bank will provide it in writing and online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account online without going to a branch?

Yes. Most online banks and many traditional banks let you open an account entirely online using your ID, address proof, and Social Security number. You will upload photos of your documents and verify your identity through the bank's app or website. The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, and your account opens the same day or within 24 hours.

What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?

Bring a separate proof of your current address — a utility bill or lease — and explain that you moved. Banks expect this and will not deny you. The ID does not have to be current; the address proof does.

Do I need a second person to open an account?

No. You can open an account alone. If you want to add another person to the account later (a joint account), that person will need to come in or verify their identity online and provide their own ID and Social Security number.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

Apply for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7, which takes several weeks. Some banks will open an account while your application is pending if you show the receipt. Alternatively, contact credit unions in your area — some have more flexible policies for people without Social Security numbers.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

Yes. Banks use ChexSystems, a checking account history database, to screen applicants. If you were denied in the past, you can still open an account at a different bank or at a credit union, which often has fewer restrictions. You can also request your ChexSystems report to see why you were denied and dispute errors.