What documents and information you'll need to bring

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). Most banks will ask for all three before they open the account. The ID confirms who you are; the address proof shows where you live; and the SSN or ITIN is how the bank reports the account to the IRS and checks your banking history.

Bring the originals, not copies. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work as photo ID. For address proof, a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will do. If you don't have a recent bill in your name, some banks will accept a government letter (like a tax return or benefits notice) or a piece of mail from a court or government agency.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead—the bank will still open the account and report it to the IRS. If you have neither, some banks and credit unions have accounts for people without an SSN or ITIN, though they are less common. Call ahead to ask.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any bank or credit union.
  • Address proof must be recent (usually within 60 days) and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government letter.
  • If you don't have an SSN or ITIN, some banks and credit unions will still open an account, but you need to call first to confirm.
  • Most banks will not open an account without a photo ID, even if you have everything else.
  • Bring originals, not photocopies—banks need to see the real documents.

What happens if you don't have a photo ID

If you have no photo ID at all, opening an account becomes harder but not impossible. Some credit unions and community banks will open an account using other forms of identification—a passport card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or even a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill. The rules vary by bank, so you will need to call or visit in person and ask what they accept.

If you are working toward getting a photo ID, bring what you have: a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. Explain your situation to the bank. Some will work with you; others will ask you to come back once you have an ID. If the bank turns you down, try a credit union or a community bank in your area—they often have more flexible rules than large national banks.

What happens if you don't have proof of address

Proof of address is easier to work around than a photo ID. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, bring whatever you have: a bank statement from another account, a government letter, a court document, or even a piece of mail from your employer or a government agency. If nothing is in your name, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services office, or other organization stating your current address.

If you are homeless or living with someone else and have no mail in your name, call the bank before you go. Explain your situation. Many banks have a process for this—they may ask a staff member to verify your address by phone, or they may accept a letter from a social services agency. Do not assume you will be turned down; ask first.

What happens if you don't have a Social Security number

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) works just as well as an SSN for opening a bank account. If you have an ITIN, bring it the same way you would bring an SSN. If you have neither, you have two paths: get an ITIN, or find a bank that opens accounts without one.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. This takes several weeks to several months. While you wait, some banks and credit unions will open an account without an SSN or ITIN—they will ask more questions and may require a larger opening deposit, but it is possible. Call ahead and ask which banks in your area do this. Credit unions are often more willing than big banks.

How much money you need to open an account

Most banks require an opening deposit, but the amount varies. Some accounts need as little as $1 to $25; others require $100 or more. A few banks have no minimum opening deposit at all. The opening deposit is your own money—it goes into the account and stays there. It is not a fee.

If you cannot afford the opening deposit a bank is asking for, ask whether they have a lower-cost account option. Many banks offer a basic checking account with a smaller opening deposit than their standard account. Credit unions sometimes have no opening deposit requirement at all. Call a few places and compare before you decide.

What information you'll need to provide beyond documents

Beyond the documents you bring, the bank will ask for your phone number, email address, and employment information. They will also ask whether you want online banking, a debit card, and a checkbook. You do not have to say yes to all of these—you can open an account with just a debit card and online access, or with checks only, depending on what you need.

The bank will also ask you to choose a PIN (personal identification number) for your debit card and to set up a password for online banking. Write these down somewhere safe, not on a piece of paper you carry in your wallet. If you forget them, the bank can reset them, but it takes time.

Be honest about your employment status. If you are unemployed, self-employed, retired, or receiving benefits, say so. The bank is not judging—they just need to know for their records. This information does not affect whether you can open an account.

What to do if a bank turns you down

If a bank refuses to open an account for you, ask why. The most common reasons are: no photo ID, no proof of address, a negative banking history (like unpaid overdrafts at another bank), or a ChexSystems report that flags you as high-risk. ChexSystems is a banking history report similar to a credit report—banks use it to check whether you have had problems at other banks.

If the reason is ChexSystems, you can request a copy of your report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error, you can dispute it. If the report is accurate but old, some banks will still open an account for you after a year or two has passed.

If you are turned down, try a credit union instead of a bank. Credit unions often have fewer restrictions and are more willing to work with people who have had banking problems. You may need to join the credit union first (which usually costs nothing or very little), but then you can open an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN instead. If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some credit unions and community banks will still open an account, though you may need to provide extra information or a larger opening deposit. Call ahead to ask which banks in your area will do this.

Do I need to bring originals or can I bring copies?

Bring originals. Banks need to see the real documents to confirm they are genuine. They will usually make a copy for their records, but they need to see the original first.

What if I'm homeless and don't have proof of address?

Call the bank before you go and explain your situation. Many banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services office, or other organization stating your current address. Some will verify your address by phone instead of requiring a document.

What if a bank says I have a negative ChexSystems report?

You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error, you can dispute it. If the report is accurate, try a credit union—they often approve accounts for people with banking history issues.

How much do I need to deposit to open an account?

It varies by bank. Some require $1 to $25; others require $100 or more. Some have no minimum at all. Call ahead and ask, or ask about a basic checking account option, which often has a lower opening deposit.