Documents and ID you will need

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. The photo ID is almost always a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks will accept a tribal ID or military ID if you don't have one of those three.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement—usually dated within the last 60 days. A few banks will accept a government document like a tax return or voter registration card instead. Call the bank before you go in if you're unsure whether what you have will work.

If you don't have a photo ID yet, you'll need to get one first. That's a separate process at your state's DMV or equivalent office, and it takes time. Some banks have partnerships with community organizations that can help you get an ID if cost is the barrier.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement—call ahead if you're unsure what counts.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, you'll need to get one from your state's DMV before opening a bank account.
  • Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the account type and bank.
  • You'll need to choose between checking, savings, or both, and decide whether you want online banking, a debit card, or other features.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you open an account. This is part of anti-money-laundering rules, not a choice the bank makes on its own.

If you have a Social Security number, bring it or be ready to recite it. If you don't have one but are authorized to work in the United States, you can get an ITIN from the IRS. If you're not authorized to work here, some banks offer accounts without an SSN or ITIN, though these are less common and may have restrictions. Ask the bank directly whether they can open an account for you without one.

Opening deposit and minimum balance

Whether you need money to open an account depends on the bank and the account type. Many banks now offer checking accounts with zero opening deposit. Others require $25 to $300 to start, and some savings accounts or money market accounts may require more.

Even if there's no opening deposit, the bank may require you to keep a minimum balance in the account to avoid monthly fees. This minimum varies widely—some accounts have no minimum, others require $500 or more. Read the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what happens if your balance drops below the minimum.

If you don't have the opening deposit right now, look for banks or credit unions that advertise zero-opening-deposit accounts. Online banks often have lower minimums than brick-and-mortar branches.

Choosing between account types

Most people open a checking account, a savings account, or both. A checking account is for money you spend regularly—it comes with a debit card and check-writing ability. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on, though the interest rate is usually very low.

When you sit down to open the account, the bank will ask you which type you want. You don't have to decide everything that day—you can open a checking account now and add a savings account later. Some banks bundle them together and charge one monthly fee for both; others charge separate fees or no fees at all.

Information about your income and employment

The bank will ask whether you're employed, self-employed, or retired, and may ask for your employer's name or your job title. This is standard background information, not a reason to deny you an account. You don't need to bring pay stubs or tax returns unless the bank specifically asks.

If you're unemployed or between jobs, you can still open an account. Tell the bank your actual situation. Some banks may ask follow-up questions if you have no income, but most will open an account for you anyway.

What happens after you hand over your documents

The bank will run a check against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking history and fraud. This is not a credit check—it doesn't affect your credit score. The bank is looking to see whether you've had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks.

If you've been flagged in one of these systems, the bank may deny you or ask you to explain. If you were denied at another bank years ago, you may still be in the system. Some banks specialize in accounts for people with ChexSystems records, so you have options even if you're flagged.

If the bank approves you, you'll sign documents and get your account number and routing number on the spot. You can usually start using the account the same day, though online transfers may take a day or two to process. A debit card usually arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Special situations: no address, no ID, or recent fraud

If you're unhoused and don't have a current address, some banks will accept a shelter address or a mailing address at a trusted organization. Call ahead and explain your situation—don't assume you'll be turned away.

If you've been the victim of identity theft or fraud, tell the bank when you open the account. Bring a police report or FTC Identity Theft Report if you have one. Banks understand this happens and can flag your account for extra security.

If you've been denied at other banks, ask why before you move on. Some denials are temporary—for example, if you owe money to a bank from a closed account, paying that debt can clear you from the ChexSystems database. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than large banks, so that's another route to try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job to open a bank account?

No. Banks don't require employment to open an account. You can be retired, unemployed, or living on benefits. The bank may ask about your income source, but that's for their records, not to decide whether to let you open an account.

Can I open an account online instead of going to the bank in person?

Many banks let you open a checking account online with just your ID and a photo of yourself. However, some banks still require you to come in person, especially if you're opening a savings account or if you don't have a photo ID yet. Check the bank's website or call to ask whether you can do it online.

What if I was denied at another bank?

Ask that bank why you were denied—it's usually because of a ChexSystems record, not because you're a bad person. If you owe money from a closed account, pay it and the record may clear. If the denial was years ago, try a different bank or a credit union, which sometimes have more flexible policies.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can take as little as 10 minutes if everything goes smoothly. You'll get your account number right away, but a debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Can I open an account with someone else's ID or documents?

No. The account must be in your name, and you must be the one to sign the documents. If someone else is helping you open an account, they can go with you, but the bank will verify your identity, not theirs.