The core documents every bank requires
Most banks need two things to open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. The first is almost always a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The second is usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. Some banks accept a government benefits statement or tax return instead.
Beyond those two, banks ask for your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you don't have an SSN). They use this to check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. You'll also need to provide your phone number and email address so the bank can contact you and set up online access.
The exact documents vary by bank and by account type. A checking account and a savings account may have different requirements. Some banks are stricter than others, and some have special programs for people without traditional ID or address proof.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement usually works for the address.
- Your Social Security number or ITIN is required so the bank can check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services.
- If you don't have a traditional address, some banks accept mail from a shelter, transitional housing program, or PO box with a secondary document showing your name.
- Bring originals or certified copies — banks rarely accept photos or digital scans of documents, though some now allow you to upload them through their app during online account opening.
- If you've been denied before, ask the bank which service flagged you (ChexSystems or Early Warning) and request your report to see what's on file.
What counts as proof of identity
A government-issued photo ID is the standard. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or passport card. Some banks also accept a tribal ID, military ID, or permanent resident card (green card). The ID must not be expired, though banks sometimes make exceptions for IDs that expired recently.
If you don't have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents — a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, or a utility bill plus a credit card. This varies widely by bank. Call ahead and ask what they'll take instead of a photo ID, because walking in without one may waste your time.
If your ID is in a different name than the one you're using now (because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank needs to see that both names are you.
What counts as proof of address
A recent utility bill is the easiest proof of address. This means gas, electric, water, internet, or phone service in your name, dated within the last 60 days. A lease or mortgage statement works too, as long as it shows your name and current address. So does a recent bank statement, credit card statement, or government benefits statement (Social Security, unemployment, SNAP, or housing assistance).
If you don't have a permanent address, some banks accept mail from a homeless shelter, transitional housing program, or residential treatment facility. You'll need a letter from the program on their letterhead stating your name, the address of the facility, and the dates you're staying there. Bring that letter plus your photo ID.
A few banks accept a PO box as your mailing address, but they usually also want a secondary document showing a physical address — a lease, shelter letter, or statement from a relative's house where you receive mail. Ask the bank directly whether they'll take a PO box before you open the account.
Documents for joint accounts and minors
If you're opening a joint account with another person, both of you need to be present (or the bank needs to verify both signatures). Each person brings their own photo ID and proof of address. The bank will run a background check on both account holders.
For a minor (someone under 18), the rules depend on the bank and the type of account. Some banks let minors open savings accounts with a parent or guardian present; others require the parent to be a joint owner. A few banks offer teen checking accounts where the minor is the sole owner but a parent has oversight. Bring the minor's birth certificate or school ID, the parent's photo ID and proof of address, and Social Security numbers for both.
If you're opening an account on behalf of someone else (as a power of attorney or guardian), bring the legal document that gives you that authority — a power of attorney, guardianship order, or conservatorship papers. The bank will make a copy.
What to bring if you've been denied before
If a bank has turned you down, it's usually because ChexSystems or Early Warning Services has a record that flags you — unpaid overdrafts, a closed account due to fraud, or too many inquiries in a short time. You have the right to see what's in your report from both services.
Request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com/consumer or call 1-866-697-3329. Request your Early Warning Services report at consumerdebit.consumerreports.com or call 1-866-656-4444. Both are free. The reports take a few days to arrive by mail.
Once you see what's on file, you can dispute inaccurate information or explain what happened. Some banks have second-chance programs for people with ChexSystems records. Credit unions are often more flexible than big banks. Bring your report and a letter explaining the situation when you apply.
Online account opening and digital documents
Many banks now let you open an account entirely online. You'll photograph or upload your photo ID and proof of address using your phone or computer. The bank's app uses technology to verify the ID is real and matches your face. This process is faster than going to a branch, and you can do it at any time.
If you open online, the bank may still mail you a debit card and require you to verify your address by mail before you can withdraw money. Some banks send a code to your address that you enter to confirm you live there. This can add a few days to the process.
Not all banks offer full online opening. Some require you to visit a branch in person, especially if your documents are unusual or if you don't have a traditional address. Check the bank's website or call before you start the online process.
Documents you do not need
You do not need a credit card, a previous bank account, or a job to open a bank account. You do not need to bring pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of income unless you're opening a business account or a high-yield savings account with a minimum deposit. You do not need to bring a reference letter or a letter from your employer.
You do not need to open an account online or in person — both options are available, and you can choose. You do not need to use the bank's recommended checking plan; you can ask about all the options they offer and pick the one that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a passport and no proof of address?
Most banks require both. If you have a passport but no recent utility bill or lease, bring any document with your name and address — a government benefits letter, a statement from a shelter, or a letter from a relative. If you have nothing with your address, ask the bank whether they'll accept a secondary ID like a school ID or work badge plus a statement from someone who knows you.
What if my proof of address is in someone else's name but I live there?
Bring a letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. The bank may also accept a lease in your name, a shelter letter, or a statement from a government program. Call the bank first to ask what they'll take instead of a utility bill in your name.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I use copies?
Banks usually want to see the original so they can verify it's real. Some branches will make a copy for their file while you watch. A few banks now let you upload photos through their app during online opening. Photocopies or digital photos you bring in person are rarely accepted.
How long does it take to open an account after I bring my documents?
In-person opening usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online opening can be instant, though the bank may mail you a debit card and require address verification before you can withdraw money, which adds a few days. If the bank needs to verify your documents or check your background, it may take up to a week.
What happens if the bank finds something wrong with my documents?
The bank will tell you what's missing or incorrect and ask you to bring something else. If your ID is expired, they may ask for a second form of ID. If your address proof is too old, they'll ask for something more recent. If there's a discrepancy between your ID and your address, they'll ask you to explain it or bring additional documents.