You can open a bank account as soon as you have proof of identity and a Social Security number or ITIN, usually starting at age 0 with a parent or guardian

Banks do not have a legal minimum age to open an account. What matters is who signs the paperwork. A parent or legal guardian can open an account for a child at any age — many banks offer accounts designed for minors, sometimes called youth accounts or junior accounts. The account belongs to the child, but the parent controls it until the child reaches the age of majority (18 in most states), at which point the account converts to a standard adult account or the child takes full control.

If you are an adult (18 or older), you can walk into a bank or credit union today and open an account, provided you have the documents they require. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or 10 to 20 minutes online if you are opening a digital-only account. Some banks will open an account over the phone, though this is less common.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian can open a bank account for a child at any age; the child does not need to be present.
  • Adults need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, online through a bank's website or app, or by phone with some institutions.
  • The account opens the same day you complete the paperwork; you can deposit money and use a debit card within one to three business days.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS works at most banks.

What documents you need as an adult

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some banks accept a tribal ID if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe. The ID must not be expired, though banks vary on how long past expiration they will accept; call ahead if your ID is more than a year out of date.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number (SSN). If you do not have one, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS works at most major banks and credit unions. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number but starts with 9. You can apply for an ITIN through the IRS website or by mail using Form W-7.

Some banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement with your name and address. This is less common but happens more often if you are opening an account online or if your photo ID is from out of state. Ask the bank what they need before you go in.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening in person at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your ID and Social Security number, fill out an application (on paper or on a tablet), and the banker verifies your information on the spot. The account opens immediately. You can deposit cash or a check the same day, and the bank will issue you a debit card — it arrives by mail in five to seven business days, or you can request a temporary card to use right away.

Opening online is faster if you have a camera or scanner. You upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number, and answer questions about your identity and financial history. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes. The bank reviews your application and sends you a confirmation email within a few hours to a few days. Your account is active, but you cannot deposit cash until you receive your debit card or set up a transfer from another bank account.

Phone applications are rare but some banks and credit unions offer them. You call a number, speak to a representative, and they walk you through the application. You will still need to upload or mail a copy of your ID. This route is slower than in-person or online and is usually only worth it if you cannot visit a branch and do not have internet access.

Timing: when the account is actually usable

The account opens the moment you finish the application, but you cannot use it fully until your debit card arrives. If you open in person, you can use the account to deposit cash or checks the same day. If you open online, you have to wait for your debit card to arrive by mail — usually five to seven business days — before you can withdraw money or make purchases. Some online banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately for online purchases, but not for cash withdrawal.

Transfers from another bank account (called ACH transfers) usually take one to three business days to show up, even if you initiate them the day you open the account. If you need money in the account urgently, deposit cash or a check in person at a branch, or ask the bank if they offer a temporary card or digital wallet access.

Some banks place a hold on checks you deposit, meaning the money is not available for 24 to 48 hours even though the check is in the account. This is standard practice and protects the bank from bounced checks. Ask about the bank's hold policy before you deposit a large check.

Opening an account without a Social Security number

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open a bank account using an ITIN. The process is the same — you bring your ID and ITIN, fill out the application, and the account opens. Some banks ask additional questions or require more documentation if you are using an ITIN instead of an SSN, so call ahead to confirm they accept ITINs.

If you are in the country on a visa and do not have an ITIN yet, some banks will open an account using your passport and visa number instead. This is less common, and you will need to ask the specific bank whether they offer this option. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks on this point.

Opening a joint account or account for someone else

A joint account requires both account holders to be present (in person or online) and to sign the paperwork. Both people need to provide ID and a Social Security number or ITIN. The account opens once both applications are complete.

If you want to open an account for someone else — a child, a dependent adult, or someone you have power of attorney for — you can usually do this alone. Bring your ID and the other person's ID (if they have one) and Social Security number. For a minor, bring your ID and the child's birth certificate or Social Security card. The account opens in your name as the primary holder, with the other person listed as an authorized user or secondary holder, depending on the bank's structure.

When you cannot open an account

Banks can refuse to open an account if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud history at other banks. Many banks use ChexSystems, a banking history report similar to a credit report. If you appear in ChexSystems with a negative mark — unpaid fees, closed accounts due to fraud, or repeated overdrafts — some banks will deny you. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free once per year at www.chexsystems.com.

If you are denied, ask the bank why. If it is because of ChexSystems, you can dispute inaccurate information. If it is because of unpaid fees at another bank, you may be able to open an account at a credit union or a bank that does not use ChexSystems, though these are becoming rarer. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues; these accounts often have higher fees or lower limits, but they are a way back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a photo ID?

No. Federal law requires banks to verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV. This is the only workaround.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open an account?

Five to seven business days by mail is standard. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately for online purchases, or a temporary physical card you can pick up at the branch. Ask when you open the account.

Can I open an account if I have a negative ChexSystems report?

Some banks will still open an account for you, but many will not. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible. You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors before you apply to other banks.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account, though some require a small deposit (usually $25 to $100) to activate it. Online banks often have no minimum. Ask the bank before you apply.

Can I open an account for my child without them being present?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian can open a youth account for a child at any age using the child's birth certificate and Social Security number. The child does not need to be present or sign anything.