Bring government-issued photo ID and proof of address
Banks require two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. For ID, bring a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution if it shows your current address.
If you do not have a current address — you are homeless or living with someone else — bring mail addressed to you at that location, or ask the bank whether they accept a shelter address or a mail forwarding service address. Policies vary by bank and by state.
Bring the original documents, not copies. Banks scan or photograph them during the account opening process. If your ID has expired but is still recognizable, most banks will accept it; call ahead if you are unsure.
Key Takeaways
- You need one government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or tribal ID) and one proof of current address dated within 60 days.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it does not have to be in your name alone if you live with others.
- If you do not have a permanent address, bring mail to a shelter address or mail forwarding service, and call the bank first to confirm they accept it.
- Bring originals, not copies; the bank will photograph or scan them during account opening.
- If you have an expired ID, call the bank before you go — most accept them, but policies differ.
Social Security number or ITIN
Banks are required by federal law to collect a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for every account holder. Bring your Social Security card, or know your number by heart. If you do not have an SSN, bring your ITIN documentation — the IRS letter that assigned it to you.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an SSN or ITIN, some banks will still open an account using your passport number and country of origin. This is less common; call ahead to confirm the bank's policy. A few banks have specific programs for non-citizens, but most require one of these three numbers.
Information about your employment (sometimes)
Most banks do not ask for employment information when you open an account. However, some banks — particularly those offering overdraft protection or credit-building products — may ask your employer's name and your job title. You do not need to bring documents; you can provide this information verbally or on the application form.
If you are unemployed, retired, or receive benefits, you can say so. Banks do not reject accounts based on employment status. If the bank asks and you are uncomfortable answering, you can decline to provide the information; the bank may limit certain features, but they cannot refuse to open a basic checking or savings account.
Minimum opening deposit (varies by bank and account type)
Some banks require a minimum deposit to open an account; others do not. The amount varies widely — from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and the type of account. Bring a debit card, checkbook, or cash from another bank if you plan to make an opening deposit, or ask the bank whether you can fund the account online after opening.
If you do not have money to deposit on the day you open the account, ask whether the bank will let you open it with zero dollars and fund it later. Many will. If a bank refuses to open an account without a deposit and you cannot afford it, try a credit union or a bank that advertises no-minimum accounts — these exist in most areas.
What you do not need to bring
You do not need a credit card, a job offer letter, or proof of income. You do not need a reference from another bank. You do not need to bring tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements from other institutions — though some banks ask for these if you are opening a business account or a high-yield savings account, which is different from a personal checking account.
You do not need to memorize your account number or routing number ahead of time. The bank will provide these after the account is open. You do not need to bring a checkbook; the bank will order one for you if you want it.
What to do if you do not have standard documents
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you have options. Some banks accept a combination of documents instead: a utility bill plus a birth certificate, or a lease plus a school ID. Call the bank's customer service line before you go and describe what documents you have. They will tell you whether it is enough.
If you have a criminal record or immigration status that makes getting an ID difficult, some community banks and credit unions have experience working with people in this situation. The National Bankers Association and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund maintain lists of banks that serve underbanked populations; you can search by zip code on their websites.
If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate and Social Security card, plus your ID and proof of address. Some banks require both parents or guardians to be present; others allow one. Call ahead.
What happens after you bring everything
The bank will photograph or scan your ID and address proof, verify your Social Security number or ITIN, and ask you to sign account agreements. This takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a debit card (either immediately or by mail within 7 to 10 days), and your account will be active the same day or the next business day.
If the bank cannot verify your information — for example, if your address does not match their records — they may ask follow-up questions or request additional documents. This is normal and does not mean your account will be denied. If verification takes longer than expected, the bank will contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account online instead of going to the bank in person?
Some banks allow online account opening, but most still require you to verify your ID in person or through a video call. If you open online, you will upload photos of your ID and address proof, and the bank will contact you to confirm. Call the bank's customer service line to ask whether they offer this option.
What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?
Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address. The bank will use the current address for the account. You do not need to update your ID first; the bank only needs to see that you live where you say you do.
Do I need to bring anything if I am opening a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must bring their own government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Both must be present, or the bank must verify the second person's identity separately. Some banks allow one person to open the account and add the other person later, but this varies.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You do not need the physical card. Tell the bank your Social Security number, and they will verify it with the Social Security Administration. If you do not know your number, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or to confirm your number.
Can I open an account if I have been denied by other banks?
Yes. Banks check a system called ChexSystems, which records closed accounts and fraud disputes, but a past denial does not automatically disqualify you from opening elsewhere. Credit unions and community banks often have different standards than large national banks. Bring the same documents to any bank you try.