What you need to bring to open an account

Most banks require two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. The first is almost always a government-issued photo ID. The second is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution instead.

Beyond those two, you will need to provide your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have one). The bank uses this to check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, two companies that track account closures and fraud. You will also need to bring money to deposit — the minimum varies by bank and account type, from zero dollars at some online banks to $25 or $100 at others.

If you are opening an account in person, bring the originals of your documents. If you are opening online, you will photograph or scan them and upload them through the bank's website or app. Some banks will ask you to verify your identity by video call with a representative.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The bank will ask for your Social Security number to run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services.
  • Minimum deposit requirements range from zero to $100 depending on the bank and account type you choose.
  • Online banks typically require fewer documents than brick-and-mortar branches, though they may ask you to verify your identity by video.
  • If you do not have a photo ID or proof of address, some banks offer second-chance accounts or will accept alternative documents like a passport or tax return.

Acceptable forms of identification

A driver's license or state ID card is the standard. If you do not have one, a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID will work at nearly every bank. Some banks also accept a tribal ID or a foreign passport with a U.S. visa.

The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years — policies vary by bank. Call ahead if your ID is more than five years out of date. If you have no photo ID at all, some banks will ask for a combination of documents instead: a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, or a utility bill plus a tax return. This is less common, but it is worth asking about if you are turned away.

Proof of address requirements

A utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the easiest proof. It must be recent — usually from the last 60 to 90 days. A lease or mortgage statement works too, as long as it shows your current address and your name. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another bank, a credit card statement, or a government document like a tax return or benefit letter.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, ask the bank whether they will accept a lease signed by both you and your landlord, or a move-in confirmation from your landlord. A few banks will accept a temporary address verification letter from a government agency or nonprofit if you are unhoused or in transition.

Information you will provide verbally or online

Beyond the documents, the bank will ask you to state your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. They will also ask your phone number and email address. Some banks ask whether you have had a bank account before, and if so, where.

You may be asked about the source of your income or the reason you are opening the account — this is routine and does not affect your decision to open one. Be honest. The bank is required by federal law to know who their customers are and where money is coming from, especially for large deposits.

If you are opening a joint account with another person, both of you must be present (in person or on a video call) and provide your own identification and Social Security number.

What happens if you have been denied before

If you were denied a bank account in the past, it was likely because ChexSystems or Early Warning Services flagged your history. This can happen if you overdrew an account and did not repay it, wrote a bad check, or were suspected of fraud. You have the right to see what is in your ChexSystems file and to dispute inaccurate information.

Request your report for free at chexsystems.com or earlywarning.com. If there is an error, you can file a dispute directly on their website. If the information is correct but old, it will eventually fall off — most negative items stay on the report for five years.

While you wait, look for a second-chance bank account. These are designed for people with ChexSystems records. They usually have lower minimum deposits, no overdraft fees, and do not report to ChexSystems, so you can rebuild your history without further damage. Credit unions often offer second-chance accounts as well.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online banks typically require fewer documents than branches. You photograph your ID and proof of address, upload them through the app, and the bank verifies them automatically. Some online banks skip the address verification entirely if you provide a recent credit card or utility bill number that they can cross-check against third-party databases.

In-person accounts at a branch take longer but give you a chance to ask questions and have a representative walk you through the process. Some people prefer this, especially if they are opening a bank account for the first time or if they do not have reliable internet access.

A few banks offer a hybrid: you start online and then visit a branch to finish, or you start at a branch and complete the process online. Ask what works best for your situation.

Special cases: minors, non-citizens, and people without Social Security numbers

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Some banks allow minors to open accounts at 13 or 14; others require 18. A few banks offer custodial accounts where a parent controls the account until the child reaches a certain age.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still open a bank account. You will need a valid passport or visa, your current address, and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is issued by the IRS and takes about two weeks to receive. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN application is pending if you provide the application receipt.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, a few banks and credit unions will open an account using only your passport and address, though this is uncommon. Call ahead to find one in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, ask whether the bank will accept an ITIN application receipt or a passport number instead. Some credit unions are more flexible than large banks on this point.

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

Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use the ID to verify who you are and the utility bill to confirm where you live now. You do not need to update your ID first.

How long does it take to open an account after I submit my documents?

Online accounts are usually approved within one business day, sometimes instantly. In-person accounts are typically approved on the spot. If the bank needs to verify your documents or run additional checks, it may take a few business days.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I send copies?

For in-person accounts, bring originals. For online accounts, photograph or scan the documents yourself and upload them through the app. The bank will verify the images; you do not mail originals.

What if I do not have proof of address because I just moved?

Ask the bank whether they will accept a signed lease, a move-in confirmation from your landlord, or a recent mail from a government agency sent to your new address. If you are staying temporarily, some banks will accept a letter from the person whose address you are using.