What You'll Need Before You Walk In

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks will also ask for your initial deposit amount — this can be as small as $25 at some institutions, though others require $100 or more. Bring these items with you, whether you're opening an account in person or online.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by account type. A checking account has different requirements than a savings account at some institutions. If you're opening an account for a business rather than personal use, you'll need different paperwork entirely. But for a standard personal checking or savings account, the three core items — ID, address proof, and SSN — are what every bank will ask for.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to prove who you are.
  • Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is required for tax reporting and fraud prevention, and banks verify it against federal records.
  • Your initial deposit can range from $0 to $500 depending on the bank; some online banks waive the minimum entirely.
  • If you don't have a traditional ID, some banks accept alternative documents like an ITIN letter, passport card, or tribal ID.

Government-Issued Photo ID

Banks must verify your identity before opening an account. A driver's license or state ID card is the fastest route — banks process these in seconds because they're designed for this purpose. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. A military ID is accepted at most banks.

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, you have options. A passport card (not the booklet) counts as photo ID. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe is accepted by most banks. An ITIN letter from the IRS, combined with another form of ID like a consulate-issued passport, can work at some institutions, though you may need to call ahead to confirm.

The ID must not be expired at the time you open the account. Some banks will accept an ID that expired within the last year; others require it to be current. If your ID is expired, call the bank before you go in.

Proof of Your Current Address

Banks use address verification to prevent fraud and to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, internet — dated within the last 60 days is the standard proof. A lease or mortgage statement works. A government document with your address, like a tax return or benefits letter, also counts.

The document must show your full name and current address. A cell phone bill usually does not work because it's not considered a reliable address document by most banks. A credit card statement may work at some banks but not others. If you're unsure whether a specific document will be accepted, call the bank's customer service line before you visit.

If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, some banks will accept a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead. A few banks will accept a bank statement from another institution showing your address. Ask what the bank will take before you apply.

Social Security Number or ITIN

Every bank will ask for your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to report interest earned on your account to the IRS and to check you against fraud databases and sanctions lists. If you don't have an SSN, an ITIN — issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number — is accepted by all major banks.

The bank will verify your SSN or ITIN against IRS records. This verification is instant online and takes a few seconds. If there's a mismatch — for example, if you give a number that doesn't match your name in IRS records — the bank will ask you to correct it before opening the account. This is not a rejection; it's a data-entry check.

If you don't have an SSN or ITIN yet, you cannot open a bank account. You'll need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS first, which requires filing a tax return or submitting Form W-7. This process takes several weeks.

Initial Deposit Amount

The minimum deposit to open an account varies by bank and account type. Many brick-and-mortar banks require $25 to $100 to open a checking account. Some require $500 or more for premium accounts. Online banks often have no minimum deposit — you can open an account with $0 and deposit money later.

The deposit is your money; it's not a fee. It goes into your new account immediately. If you close the account later, you get the deposit back. Some banks waive the minimum deposit if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck, though this usually takes effect after the account is open.

Ask the bank what the minimum is before you go in. If you don't have enough cash on hand, you can ask whether the bank will let you deposit a check instead, or whether you can fund the account by transfer from another bank account after opening it.

Additional Information the Bank May Request

Beyond the core documents, banks may ask for your employment information, annual income, or the purpose of the account. These questions are optional in most cases — you can decline to answer without being denied an account. However, some banks use this information to determine which account type to recommend or whether to offer overdraft protection.

If you're opening an account online, the bank may ask security questions to verify your identity — questions about your credit history, previous addresses, or other personal details. These are generated from credit bureau records and are designed to confirm you are who you say you are. Answer accurately; if you don't know an answer, select "none of the above" rather than guessing.

Some banks will ask whether you have accounts at other institutions. This is for their records and does not affect your ability to open an account. You can be honest or decline to answer.

What Happens After You Provide Your Documents

If you're opening an account in person, the bank verifies your ID and address on the spot, checks your SSN against IRS records, and processes your initial deposit. The account opens immediately, and you can use your debit card within one to five business days. Some banks issue a temporary card number you can use online right away.

If you're opening an account online, the bank runs the same checks but may take longer — usually one to three business days. You'll receive confirmation by email once the account is open. You can transfer money in immediately, but the bank may hold the funds for a few days while they verify the transfer source.

If the bank cannot verify your information — for example, if your SSN doesn't match IRS records or your address can't be confirmed — they'll contact you to resolve the issue. This is not automatic rejection; it's a request for clarification or additional documents. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

No, not at a major U.S. bank. You need either an SSN or an ITIN. If you don't have either, you'll need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS first by filing a tax return or submitting Form W-7. This takes several weeks. Some credit unions or community banks may have different rules — call ahead to ask.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Most banks won't accept it. Call the bank and ask whether they'll make an exception, or bring a more recent document like a utility bill, lease, or government mail. If you've just moved and don't have a new utility bill yet, ask whether the bank will accept a signed lease or a letter from your landlord.

Do I need to bring my original documents or can I show copies?

For in-person opening, bring originals so the bank can verify them. For online opening, you'll upload photos or scans of your documents. The bank will verify the originals later if needed. Don't send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks.

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

Call the bank and ask what alternative documents they accept. Some take government mail, tax returns, benefits letters, or bank statements from another institution. A few will accept a signed letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead confirming your address.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. You must be present in person or complete the online process yourself. The bank needs to verify your identity directly. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but the minor's SSN and the guardian's ID are both required.