Documents and ID you will need

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you don't have one, some banks will accept a combination of documents instead, like a birth certificate plus a utility bill or lease agreement. Call ahead to ask what they accept, because policies vary by bank and by state.

You will also need proof of address: a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies. A PO box does not count as proof of address for most banks.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank will use this to run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — systems that track banking history and fraud. If you have never had a bank account, this check will simply show no history.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Bring your Social Security number or ITIN; the bank will check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services.
  • If you have been denied a bank account before, ask the bank which system rejected you and request your report to see what it says.
  • Some banks waive minimum opening deposits, while others require $25 to $100; ask what the specific account requires before you go in.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate and utility bill, but call the bank first to confirm they accept it.

What happens if you have been denied before

If a bank has turned you down in the past, the reason is usually recorded in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. You can request your own report from either system for free. ChexSystems reports are available at chexsystems.com/consumer; Early Warning Services reports are at consumerreports.earlywarning.com. Both will show you what the bank saw and why they may have rejected you.

Common reasons for denial include unpaid overdrafts at another bank, fraud flags, or a pattern of returned checks. If the report contains an error, you can dispute it directly with the system. If the reason is accurate — say, you owe money to another bank — some banks will still open an account for you, especially if you can show you have resolved the debt or made a payment plan.

Before you visit a bank, check your report. If there is a problem, call the bank's new accounts department and ask whether they work with people in your situation. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will open one even if your history is complicated.

Minimum deposit and account fees

Many banks no longer require a minimum opening deposit, but some still do — typically $25 to $100. Ask the bank what the specific account requires before you arrive. If you don't have that amount on hand, ask whether they will waive it or whether they offer a different account tier with no opening deposit.

Monthly maintenance fees vary widely. Some accounts are free; others charge $5 to $15 per month. Ask about fee waivers — many banks waive the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. If you cannot meet those conditions, look for a bank that offers a free account with no strings attached.

Opening an account online versus in person

Many banks let you open an account entirely online using your phone or computer. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and answer questions about your banking history. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can use the account the same day or within 24 hours.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer — usually 20 to 45 minutes — but a banker can answer questions on the spot and help if your documents don't quite fit the standard requirements. In-person opening is also the better choice if you have a complicated banking history or no prior account, because you can explain your situation directly.

Some banks offer both options. If you start online and run into a problem, you can usually finish in a branch. If you are unsure whether your documents will work, call the bank's customer service line before you try either method.

Special situations: no ID, no address, or no Social Security number

If you don't have a photo ID, bring other documents that prove who you are: a birth certificate, passport card, school ID, or work ID. Pair this with proof of address. Some banks will accept this combination; others will not. Call ahead and ask specifically whether they can open an account without a state-issued photo ID.

If you don't have a permanent address — you are homeless or living in temporary housing — bring mail addressed to you at a shelter, a friend's address where you receive mail, or a care-of address. Some banks will accept a shelter address or a letter from a shelter on letterhead confirming you live there. Again, call first to ask what they accept.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN if you have one. If you have neither, some banks will not open an account for you. Others will open a basic account but may limit what you can do with it. A few community banks and credit unions are more flexible. Call around and ask directly whether they work with people without a Social Security number or ITIN.

What to expect after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card — usually within 7 to 10 business days by mail, though some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately. You will receive a PIN by mail separately or set one yourself online. Your checks, if you ordered them, arrive in 1 to 2 weeks.

Your account number and routing number will be available immediately online or in the branch. You need these to set up direct deposit, pay bills by bank transfer, or receive money from someone else. Write them down or take a photo — you will use them often.

The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account agreement, fee schedule, and fraud protection information. Read the fraud protection section so you know what to do if someone uses your card or account without permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I have been evicted or have bad credit?

Yes. Banks do not check your credit score or eviction history. They check ChexSystems and Early Warning Services, which track banking behavior and fraud — not credit or housing history. Bad credit and evictions will not stop you from opening an account.

What if the bank says my proof of address is too old?

Ask whether they will accept a different document — a recent bank statement, insurance bill, or tax return can work. If you genuinely cannot get a document dated within 60 days, explain your situation to the banker. Some will make exceptions, especially if you bring multiple older documents that together show you live where you say you do.

Do I need to bring cash for the opening deposit?

No. If the bank requires an opening deposit, you can usually bring a check, debit card, or let them transfer it from another account. Ask what payment methods they accept when you call or arrive. Some banks will waive the deposit entirely if you ask.

How long does it take to get my debit card after opening an account?

Usually 7 to 10 business days by mail. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use on your phone immediately while you wait for the physical card. Ask whether this is available when you open your account.

What if I don't have a Social Security number but I have an ITIN?

An ITIN works the same way as a Social Security number for bank account purposes. The bank will run the same background check using your ITIN. You should have no problem opening an account with an ITIN alone.