The documents and information banks require
To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Most banks also want to know your employment status and income, though you do not have to be employed. Some banks will open an account with just an ID and Social Security number if you do it in person at a branch; others require the address proof before they will process anything online.
The specific documents vary slightly by bank and account type. A checking account and a savings account may have different requirements. Some banks are stricter than others, and some have different rules depending on whether you are opening the account online, by phone, or in a branch. It is worth calling ahead or checking the bank's website to see exactly what they need before you gather your papers.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days — not a piece of mail addressed to "Resident."
- If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN from the IRS works for most banks, though some have restrictions on ITIN-only accounts.
- Opening an account in person at a branch is often faster and requires fewer documents than opening online, especially if your situation is unusual.
- Some banks will deny you if you appear in ChexSystems (a banking history report), so ask the bank about their policy before you apply.
Government-issued photo ID and what counts
A driver's license or state ID card is the standard. A passport works too. Some banks also accept a tribal ID, military ID, or passport card. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how recently it can have expired — some accept IDs expired within the last year, others require current IDs only. Call the bank if your ID is expired and you are not sure whether they will take it.
If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a passport is your best option. If you do not have either, some banks will accept other documents like a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (a school ID, work badge, or library card), but this is less common and you should confirm with the bank first. A few banks have programs for people without traditional ID, but they are rare and often come with higher fees or lower account limits.
Proof of address: what documents work
Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a government letter (tax return, voter registration card, or benefits notice) all work. The document must have your name and current address on it and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant" does not count.
If you are homeless or living with someone else and do not have a document in your name, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or the person you are living with, though policies vary widely. A few banks will also accept a phone or internet bill in your name as proof of address. If you are moving and your new address is not yet on any official document, ask the bank whether they will accept a lease or purchase agreement with a future move-in date.
Social Security number or ITIN
Banks are required by federal law to collect this number. If you have a Social Security number, provide it. If you do not have one but are authorized to work in the United States, you can get a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration. If you are not authorized to work but are a resident, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS.
Some banks restrict accounts opened with an ITIN only — they may not allow certain features, may charge higher fees, or may require additional documentation. A few large banks do not open accounts for ITIN holders at all. If you have an ITIN and want to open an account, call ahead to confirm the bank will take it and what the terms are. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this point.
Income and employment information
Banks ask about your income and employment status, but they do not require you to be employed. You can say you are unemployed, retired, a student, or receiving benefits. If you are employed, they may ask for your employer's name and how long you have worked there. They do not typically ask to see a pay stub or tax return unless something in your application raises a red flag.
If you receive Social Security, disability, unemployment, or other government benefits, you can list that as your income. If you are self-employed or a contractor, be prepared to explain how you earn money. The bank is mainly trying to understand whether you are a real person with a real financial life, not trying to judge whether your income is "enough." Be honest about your situation — banks have seen every kind of income and employment status.
Opening in person versus online
Opening an account in a branch is usually faster and requires fewer documents. A bank employee can look at your ID and address proof on the spot, answer questions about your situation, and open the account the same day. You walk out with a debit card or at least a temporary card number. This route is best if you do not have perfect documents or if your situation is complicated.
Opening online is convenient but stricter. You have to upload photos of your documents, and the bank's system may reject them if the image is blurry, the document is partially cut off, or the date is not quite right. You also cannot explain your situation to a human if something does not match. If you are opening online and your documents are rejected, you can usually call the bank and ask to complete the process in person instead.
ChexSystems and banking history
ChexSystems is a banking history report that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you appear in ChexSystems with negative marks, some banks will deny you an account. You do not have to disclose whether you are in ChexSystems — the bank checks on their own. If you are denied, ask the bank why and request a copy of your ChexSystems report from the company directly.
You can dispute errors on your ChexSystems report. You can also find banks that do not use ChexSystems or that have "second chance" programs for people with banking history problems. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they exist. If you know you have a negative banking history, call banks ahead of time and ask whether they have a second chance program before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account, though some do. The minimum is usually between $25 and $100 if there is one. Ask the bank before you open the account so you know what to expect. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit.
What if I do not have a current address?
If you are homeless or do not have a stable address, some banks will accept a shelter address, a social services office address, or a letter from a shelter or agency stating your situation. A few banks have programs specifically for people without stable housing. Call ahead and explain your situation — do not assume you will be turned down.
Can I open an account if I have been denied before?
Yes. If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can dispute the report or try a different bank. If you were denied for another reason, ask the bank why and fix the problem if you can. Many people are denied once and approved at a different bank or after a few months have passed.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
No. You need a valid ID and a Social Security number or ITIN. Permanent residents, visa holders, and some other non-citizens can open accounts. The rules vary by bank, so call ahead if you are not a citizen and want to confirm you can open an account.
What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a current proof of address document. The bank will use the ID for identity verification and the address document to confirm where you live now. This is normal and not a problem.