Start with your government ID and proof of address

Every bank requires a government-issued photo ID and proof that you live where you say you do. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID — anything with your photo, name, and date of birth that a bank can verify. Bring the original, not a copy.

For proof of address, banks accept a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. "Recent" usually means within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement works just as well. Some banks will also accept a bank statement from another institution if it shows your address.

If you do not have a current address — you are living with family, in temporary housing, or between moves — tell the bank. Many will accept a letter from someone who can confirm you live there, or they may use a temporary address and let you update it later. Do not guess or use an address you do not actually live at; banks verify this information and will freeze or close the account if something does not match.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original government photo ID and a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address.
  • You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number so the bank can report interest and check for fraud.
  • Have your employment information and a phone number where the bank can reach you, though these are not always required on the spot.
  • If you have had banking problems before, the bank will check ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to see your history with other banks.
  • Some banks waive certain requirements for people without traditional ID or address documentation — ask what options exist before you leave.

Your Social Security number or tax ID

Banks need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to report interest you earn and to check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags. This is not optional — federal law requires it. If you do not have an SSN, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not citizens) will work at most banks.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an SSN or ITIN, some banks will still open an account but may require additional documentation, such as a passport and visa. Call ahead to ask; policies vary by bank and by state. A few banks specialize in accounts for people without SSNs, though they may charge higher fees.

Employment and income information

Most banks ask where you work and what your income is, but they do not always require proof on the day you open the account. They use this to assess risk and to comply with anti-money-laundering rules. If you are unemployed, retired, or a student, say so — the bank will not turn you away, but they need to know your source of funds.

If the bank does ask for proof of income, bring a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, a tax return, or a benefits statement. If you are self-employed, a bank statement showing regular deposits or a tax return works. You do not need to bring this on day one unless the bank specifically asks; many will let you open the account and provide it later if needed.

Contact information the bank will verify

Have a phone number and email address ready. The bank will use these to contact you about your account, send statements, and alert you to suspicious activity. If you do not have an email address, most banks will still open an account and send paper statements instead, though you may pay a fee for paper statements.

The phone number does not have to be a cell phone — a landline works — but it should be one where you can actually be reached. The bank may call to confirm your identity or ask about a transaction. If your number changes after you open the account, update it in your online banking or by visiting a branch.

What banks check about your past banking history

Banks run your name and SSN through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking problems like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed due to misuse. If you have had issues at another bank, this check will find them. Some banks will still open an account for you, but they may require a larger opening deposit or charge higher fees.

If ChexSystems or Early Warning shows information about you that is wrong, you have the right to dispute it. You can contact ChexSystems at chexsystems.com or Early Warning Services at earlywarning.com to request a copy of your report and file a dispute. This takes time, so if you know you have a banking history issue, mention it to the bank upfront — they may be more flexible if you explain what happened.

Documents you may need for specific account types

If you are opening a joint account, the other person needs to be present with their own ID and SSN. If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present with their ID, and the minor may need to be present too depending on the bank's policy.

If you are opening a business account, you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, articles of incorporation or a business license, and the Social Security numbers of the business owners. Some banks also ask for a business plan or recent tax returns. The requirements are stricter for business accounts than personal ones, so call the bank ahead of time to ask what they need.

What you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring cash to open an account, though many people do. You can make your first deposit by check, transfer, or direct deposit after the account is open. You do not need a credit card or credit history — banks do not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. You do not need to have direct deposit set up yet, though the bank may ask if you plan to use it.

You do not need to bring a second form of ID unless the bank asks. One government photo ID is the standard. You do not need to know your account number ahead of time — the bank assigns it when you open the account. You do not need to sign anything beyond the account agreement and signature card, which the bank provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a government ID?

Some banks will open an account with a passport, tribal ID, or military ID if you do not have a driver's license or state ID. A few banks also work with people who have no photo ID at all but require additional documentation like a utility bill and a reference. Call ahead — policies vary, and some banks have programs for people in this situation.

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

Many banks let you start the process online, but you will usually need to verify your identity in person or by uploading photos of your ID and proof of address. Some online banks use video verification instead of a branch visit. Check the bank's website to see what they require.

What happens if the information I provide does not match what the bank finds?

The bank will contact you to clarify. Common mismatches are name spelling, address changes, or old information in ChexSystems. Bring documents that show the correct information, or explain what changed. The bank will not close your account over a small discrepancy, but they need to resolve it before they finish opening the account.

Do I need to bring proof of income to open an account?

Most banks do not require it on the day you open the account. They ask about income for their records, but they will open the account based on your ID and address alone. If the bank does ask for proof, a recent pay stub or tax return is enough.

What if I have been banned from banking before?

ChexSystems will show this, and most mainstream banks will turn you down. However, some credit unions and community banks work with people who have banking history issues. You may pay higher fees or need a larger opening deposit, but options exist. Ask the bank directly whether they work with people in your situation.