The basic rule: you need an ID and proof of address, but the real barriers are age and immigration status

Most banks will open an account for you if you are at least 18 years old, have a government-issued ID, and can prove where you live. That covers the majority of people. But banks have different rules about what counts as proof, and some people face harder obstacles — minors need a parent or guardian, non-citizens need specific documents, and people without a permanent address have fewer options.

The specific documents a bank wants depend on the bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks follow similar patterns, but credit unions and online-only banks sometimes accept different proof. The fastest way to know what you need is to call the branch or check their website before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 to open an account alone; minors need a parent or guardian on the account.
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) are standard requirements at most banks.
  • Non-citizens can open accounts with a passport and ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or with a visa and passport, depending on the bank.
  • People without a permanent address can use a shelter address, a trusted contact's address, or a PO box at some banks, though options are limited.
  • Online banks and credit unions sometimes have different rules than brick-and-mortar banks, so it is worth checking multiple options if you hit a barrier at one place.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

If you are 18 or older, you can open a checking or savings account on your own. You walk in (or go online), show your ID and proof of address, and sign the paperwork. The account is yours alone.

If you are under 18, you cannot open an account by yourself. A parent or legal guardian must be on the account with you. Most banks call this a custodial account or minor account. The adult has full access to the money and can withdraw it, deposit it, or close the account. Some banks let you get your own debit card; others require the adult to handle all transactions. Rules vary by bank, so ask before you open the account what the minor can and cannot do.

A few banks, including Greenlight and Step, offer accounts designed for minors where the parent controls spending limits but the child can make some decisions. These are not traditional bank accounts — they are prepaid cards or apps — but they work for learning to manage money.

Documents you will need: ID and proof of address

Banks require two things: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. A government-issued photo ID covers the first. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some banks accept a tribal ID or passport card. A few will take a non-driver ID from your state's DMV if you do not have a license.

Proof of address is trickier because it has to be recent — usually from the last 30 to 90 days — and in your name. A utility bill (electric, gas, water), lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Some banks accept a government benefits letter, insurance statement, or tax return. A few will take a cell phone bill or credit card statement. Call ahead to ask what the bank accepts, because the list varies.

If your name on your ID does not match your name on your proof of address, bring both documents and be ready to explain. A recent marriage, divorce, or name change can cause a mismatch. Bring the court order or marriage certificate if you have it.

Non-citizens and immigrants

Non-citizens can open bank accounts. The documents you need depend on your immigration status and the bank's policy.

If you have a visa and a passport, most banks will open an account. Bring both documents plus proof of address. Some banks ask for a Social Security Number; if you do not have one, ask whether they accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who file taxes but are not citizens or permanent residents. You can apply for one through the IRS website or with help from a tax preparer or community organization.

If you have a passport but no visa, some banks will still open an account, but fewer will. Bring your passport, proof of address, and ITIN if you have one. Online banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large chains.

If you are undocumented, opening a bank account is harder but not impossible. Some banks and credit unions do not require a Social Security Number or ITIN. Bring your passport (or consular ID if your country issues one), proof of address, and ask directly whether the bank will open an account without a Social Security Number. Community banks and credit unions in areas with large immigrant populations are more likely to say yes. Organizations like the Coalition for a Prosperous America or your local immigrant services nonprofit can point you to banks that do this work.

People without a permanent address

Banks want proof of address, which is hard if you are homeless or living in temporary housing. But you have options.

If you are staying at a shelter, use the shelter's address. Most shelters will let you use their address for mail and banking. Bring a letter from the shelter on their letterhead saying you live there, plus your ID.

If you are staying with a friend or family member, ask whether you can use their address. You will need proof that you live there — a letter from them on their own letterhead, or a utility bill in their name. Some banks will accept this; others will not. Call first.

If you have a PO box, some banks will accept it as proof of address, but many will not. A PO box is not a residential address, and banks are required to know where their customers actually live. Ask the bank whether they will take a PO box before you apply.

If none of these work, credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks. Call local credit unions and explain your situation. Some have programs for unhoused people or will make exceptions.

Online banks versus brick-and-mortar banks

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have different rules than banks with physical branches. Most online banks do not require proof of address — they use your ID and verify your address through a database. Some will open an account with just an email address and a phone number. This can be easier if you do not have recent bills in your name or if you are moving frequently.

The tradeoff is that online banks cannot cash checks for you in person, and if something goes wrong, you cannot walk into a branch. But if you have a government ID and can receive mail or texts, an online bank might be your fastest route.

Credit unions also have different rules. Some credit unions are open to anyone in a geographic area; others require membership in a specific group (employees of a company, members of a union, residents of a county). Credit unions are often more willing to work with people who do not fit the standard mold — no Social Security Number, no permanent address, recent immigrant status. Find credit unions near you through CO-OP or Allpoint, which are networks that let credit union members use each other's ATMs.

What happens if a bank says no

If a bank refuses to open an account, ask why. The answer matters. If it is because you do not have the right ID or proof of address, you can fix that and try again or try a different bank. If it is because you are on ChexSystems — a database that banks use to check for fraud or mismanagement of past accounts — you have a right to know and a right to dispute it.

ChexSystems keeps records of closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud reports. If you are on the list, you can request your report for free at chexsystems.com and dispute anything that is wrong. Even if the information is correct, some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will work with people who have ChexSystems records. Credit unions are often more forgiving than large banks.

If a bank refuses because of your immigration status or because you do not have a Social Security Number, try a credit union or an online bank. If you still hit a wall, contact a local immigrant services organization or a community development financial institution (CDFI). These nonprofits often have banking partnerships and can help you find a bank that will work with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security Number?

Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Some banks require one or the other; some will open an account without either if you have a passport and proof of address. Credit unions and community banks are more likely to say yes. Call ahead and ask.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

Most banks will not open an account without one. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, apply for a state ID card at your local DMV. It costs money (usually $10 to $50) and takes a few weeks. Some states offer free IDs for people experiencing homelessness. Once you have an ID, you can open a bank account.

Can I open an account if I am on ChexSystems?

Yes, but fewer banks will do it. Request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com, check for errors, and dispute anything wrong. Then look for banks that offer second-chance accounts or specialize in people with banking history issues. Credit unions are often more flexible.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account, though some online banks ask for $25 or $100. Call the bank or check their website to confirm. If a minimum is required and you cannot meet it, try a different bank.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No, not unless you are a parent or legal guardian opening a custodial account for a minor. Adults must open their own accounts and sign the paperwork themselves. A bank will not open an account for you if you are not present.