What you need before you walk in or click apply

Most banks want the same core things: a government-issued photo ID, proof you live where you say you do, and your Social Security number or tax ID. Some banks also ask for an initial deposit before they open the account. The exact list varies by bank and by the type of account—a basic checking account usually needs less than a savings account or money market account.

You do not need perfect credit, a job, or a minimum income to open a standard checking or savings account. Banks are required by federal law to let you open an account if you can prove who you are and where you live. What they will not do is open an account without verifying your identity first—that is a federal anti-money-laundering rule, not a bank choice.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Most banks require an initial deposit to open an account, but the amount varies widely—some ask for $25, others for $300 or more.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of other documents like a utility bill plus a birth certificate, though this is less common.
  • The bank will verify your identity against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track banking history and fraud; a record there can block you from opening an account at some institutions.
  • Online banks often have lower or no minimum deposit requirements than brick-and-mortar branches.

Government-issued photo ID and what counts

A driver's license or state ID card is the fastest route. A U.S. passport works too. If you have a passport card (the wallet-sized version), that counts as well. Some banks will also accept a tribal ID, military ID, or permanent resident card if you do not have a driver's license or passport.

The ID has to be current or expired no more than a few years—banks vary on how old they will accept. If your ID is expired by more than five years, call the bank before you go in; some will still take it, others will not. The bank will scan or photograph it, so make sure the photo is clear enough to read.

If you genuinely do not have a photo ID, some banks will work with you using a combination of documents: a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and a reference from someone with an account at that bank. This path is slower and not all banks offer it, so call ahead if this is your situation.

Proof of address and what documents work

The bank needs to confirm you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the standard proof. A lease or mortgage statement works too. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another bank, a government benefit letter, or a tax return.

The document has to show your name and current address. A cell phone bill usually does not count because it is not considered a reliable address record. If you are homeless or living with someone else, ask the bank what they will accept—some will take a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or the person whose address you are using, though policies vary widely.

If you have moved recently and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring the new one along with a change-of-address confirmation from the post office or a lease dated after you moved. The bank wants to see that you have updated your address somewhere official.

Social Security number or tax ID

The bank will ask for your Social Security number (SSN) or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is how they report interest you earn and how they check you against ChexSystems, the database that tracks banking problems and fraud.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an SSN or ITIN, some banks will open an account using your passport number or another government ID number from your home country. Call ahead to ask; policies differ. You may also be able to get an ITIN from the IRS even if you do not work in the U.S.—it takes several weeks to arrive by mail.

If you have never had an SSN and cannot get an ITIN quickly, a few banks (mostly larger ones with international customers) will work with you using just your passport. This is uncommon, so expect to call several banks to find one that will do it.

Initial deposit requirements and minimums

Many banks require you to deposit money when you open the account. The amount ranges from $0 to $500 or more, depending on the bank and account type. A basic checking account often has a lower minimum than a savings account. Online banks tend to have lower or no minimums because they have fewer physical branches to maintain.

The deposit does not have to come from another bank account. You can bring cash, a check, or a money order to a branch. If you are opening the account online, you will usually transfer money from another account or provide a routing number so the bank can pull the deposit from your existing bank.

Some banks waive the minimum deposit if you set up direct deposit (paycheck or benefit payment going straight into the account) or if you maintain a certain balance. Ask about these options when you open the account—they can save you money if you are starting with very little.

ChexSystems check and banking history

When you apply, the bank will check you against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, two databases that track banking problems. A record there means you bounced checks, had an account closed for fraud, or owed a bank money you did not pay back. If you are in one of these systems, some banks will refuse to open an account for you.

You have the right to see what is in your ChexSystems file before you apply. You can request a free report at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error or a dispute you resolved, you can ask ChexSystems to correct it or add a statement to your file explaining what happened.

Not all banks use ChexSystems—some smaller banks and credit unions do their own background checks or do not check at all. If you have been denied because of ChexSystems, a credit union or a second-chance banking program (offered by some banks specifically for people with banking problems) may be your next option.

What you do not need and common myths

You do not need a job, a paycheck, or proof of income. You do not need a minimum credit score or a clean credit history. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you will need an ID and a tax ID number. You do not need to have money already in another bank account.

You do not need to bring original documents—most banks will scan or photograph copies. You do not need to open an account in person; most banks let you do it online or by phone, though you will still have to verify your identity somehow, usually by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions.

You do not need to open a checking account first. You can open a savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit (CD) as your first account at a bank, though checking is the most common starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

Yes. Check your ChexSystems report first to see why you were denied. If it was a mistake or a resolved issue, you can dispute it. If the denial was legitimate, try a credit union, a second-chance banking program, or a bank that does not use ChexSystems. Some banks specialize in serving people with banking problems.

What if my address keeps changing or I do not have a permanent address?

Bring whatever proof you have—a shelter letter, a social services document, or a reference from someone at the bank. Some banks will use a care-of address (c/o someone else's address) or a PO box temporarily. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept in your situation.

Do I need to bring all my documents in person, or can I open an account online?

Most banks let you start online, but you will still need to verify your identity—usually by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions based on your credit history. Some banks require an in-person visit to complete the process, especially if you cannot verify online.

What happens if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which takes several weeks. In the meantime, some banks will open an account using your passport number or another government ID. Call the bank first to confirm they will do this.

Is there a fee to open an account?

No. Opening an account is free. Some banks charge monthly maintenance fees once the account is open, but those are separate from the opening process. Ask about monthly fees and how to waive them before you open the account.