The documents and information you will need
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). That covers most banks. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill dated within the last 60 days. A few banks will accept a passport alone; others want a driver's license plus something else.
The specific documents vary by bank and by the type of account. A checking account and a savings account may have different requirements at the same bank. Some banks ask for less if you already have a relationship with them—if you have a credit card or a loan through them, for example. Online-only banks sometimes have looser document rules because they verify you through your banking history instead.
You do not need a minimum deposit to walk in and open an account at most banks, though some require you to deposit money on the day you open it. That amount varies: it might be $25, $100, or $500 depending on the bank and account type. A few banks have no minimum at all. Check the bank's website or call before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN; most banks ask for all three.
- Proof of address usually means a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days—a bank statement or credit card bill often works too.
- Some banks require a minimum opening deposit; others do not, so call ahead or check online to know what to bring.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN from the IRS will work at most banks, though a few have restrictions.
- Online banks often ask for fewer documents because they verify you through your existing bank account or credit history instead.
What counts as proof of your address
A utility bill in your name is the standard. Gas, electric, water, internet, or phone bills all work. The bill must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days—banks are strict about this because they need to know you actually live where you say you do.
If you do not have a utility bill, a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill works at most banks. Some banks will accept a bank statement or credit card statement from another bank, though not all do. A few will take a government document like a voter registration card or a tax return, but call first to confirm.
If you are homeless or do not have mail in your name, some banks have workarounds. A few will accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a government office on official letterhead stating your current address. Others will let you use a PO box or a relative's address if you can show you live there. This varies widely, so call the bank directly and explain your situation.
Why banks ask for your Social Security number
Banks need your Social Security number (SSN) to report interest you earn and to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks account closures and fraud. If you have closed accounts due to overdrafts or fraud, ChexSystems will show that, and some banks will deny you. Others will still open an account but may limit what you can do with it.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN—often immigrants, visa holders, and others. Most large banks accept ITINs. Some smaller or regional banks do not, so call ahead.
If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, a few banks will open a basic account, but they are rare. You may need to visit a bank in person and speak to a manager. Bring whatever government ID you have and explain your situation. Some credit unions are more flexible than banks on this point.
What happens if you fail a ChexSystems check
ChexSystems is a reporting agency that tracks banking problems: overdrafts you did not pay back, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank. If you have a record there, some banks will refuse to open an account with you. Others will open one but with restrictions—lower withdrawal limits, no debit card, or higher fees.
You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Go to chexsystems.com and request your report. If there is an error—an account you did not open, a debt you already paid, or a closure you dispute—you can file a dispute with ChexSystems. They have 30 days to investigate.
If you have a ChexSystems record and want to open an account, look for banks that market themselves as "second chance" banking. Credit unions often have fewer restrictions than national banks. Some online banks do not use ChexSystems at all, though they may check other databases instead.
Opening an account in person versus online
In-person accounts take 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your documents, a bank employee verifies them, and you sign paperwork. Your account is usually active the same day, though it may take a few hours for the system to process it. You can deposit money immediately and start using a debit card within a few days.
Online accounts are faster to start—you can open one in 10 to 15 minutes from your phone or computer—but verification takes longer. The bank will ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. They may also verify your identity by asking security questions about your credit history or by sending a small deposit to an existing bank account you own and asking you to confirm the amount. This process usually takes one to three business days.
Online banks have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings because they have no physical branches. But if you need cash or checks quickly, an in-person bank is faster. If you already have a bank account elsewhere, online banking is usually simpler because the bank can verify you through that account instead of asking for documents.
What to bring if you have no ID
If you do not have a government photo ID, the path depends on what you do have. A passport works at any bank. A state ID card works at most. A tribal ID works at some banks. A military ID works everywhere.
If you have none of these, some banks will accept a combination of documents: a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a credit card. Others will not. This is where calling ahead matters. Explain what documents you have, and ask if the bank can work with you. If the first bank says no, try a credit union or a second-chance banking program.
Some states offer ID cards specifically for people without a driver's license. If you live in one of these states, getting a state ID card first will make opening a bank account much simpler. Check your state's DMV website to see if this is an option.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Minimum opening deposits range from zero to $500. Most banks ask for $25 to $100. Online banks and credit unions often have no minimum. If you are opening an account with very little money, call the bank first and ask what the minimum is for the specific account type you want.
Monthly maintenance fees vary widely. Some banks charge $10 to $15 a month. Others charge nothing if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Some waive fees for students or seniors. Online banks almost always have no monthly fee.
Overdraft fees—charged when you spend more than you have—can be $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks charge multiple overdraft fees in a single day if you make several transactions. A few banks now offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account and automatically transfers money if you overdraft. This usually costs nothing or a small fee, and it is much cheaper than an overdraft fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN. Most large banks accept ITINs. Some smaller banks do not. If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, a few banks will still open an account, but you will need to visit in person and speak to a manager. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks on this requirement.
What if my address proof is older than 60 days?
Most banks will not accept it. But if it is only a few days old, call the bank and ask—some tellers have discretion. If you cannot get a newer document, ask if the bank will accept a second form of proof, like a lease or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The application takes 10 to 15 minutes, but verification takes one to three business days. Some banks are faster if you already have an account with them or if you let them verify you through an existing bank account. You can usually start using your account before the debit card arrives.
What happens if I have a ChexSystems record?
Some banks will refuse to open an account. Others will open one with restrictions or higher fees. Look for banks that market themselves as second-chance banking, or try a credit union. You can also request your ChexSystems report for free and dispute any errors.
Do I need to bring cash for the minimum deposit?
No. You can transfer money from another bank account, bring a check, or use a debit card. Some banks let you open an account with zero deposit and add money later. Ask the bank what payment methods they accept on opening day.