The Basic Rule: Almost Anyone Can Open an Account

You can open a bank account if you have a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks will open an account for you on the spot, though some require a minimum deposit to start. The person whose name goes on the account must be present at the bank or complete the application online, depending on the bank's process.

Age matters: you must be at least 18 years old to open an account in your own name. If you are younger, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account for you, which they control until you reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state and the bank).

Banks do not turn people away based on income, employment status, or credit history. A checking or savings account is not a loan—the bank is not betting on your ability to repay. What they do check is whether you have a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at other banks, which they see through ChexSystems, a banking history database.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID and a Social Security number or ITIN to open a bank account; age 18 is the minimum for your own account.
  • Banks check ChexSystems for a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud, but not your credit score or employment status.
  • If you have been denied before, you can request your ChexSystems report and dispute errors, or look for banks that offer second-chance accounts.
  • Non-citizens with an ITIN can open accounts at most banks, though some require additional documentation.
  • If you cannot visit a branch in person, many banks now allow you to open accounts entirely online with a video call or photo ID upload.

What ID You Need and Why

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. A valid government-issued ID means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card (available from your state's DMV) works just as well and costs less.

You also need a Social Security number or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). The bank uses this to report interest you earn and to check ChexSystems. If you are not a U.S. citizen but have a work permit or visa, you can get an ITIN from the IRS. Non-citizens with an ITIN can open accounts at most major banks, though some smaller banks may ask for additional proof of residency or a second form of ID.

Bring the original ID to the bank—a photocopy is not enough. If you are opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or complete a video call where you show it to a bank representative.

If You Have Been Denied Before

If a bank has turned you down, the reason is almost always in your ChexSystems report. This database tracks overdrafts you did not pay back, accounts closed due to fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free once per year at www.chexsystems.com. You can also dispute errors on the report directly through their website.

Even with a negative ChexSystems history, you have options. Many banks offer second-chance checking accounts, which come with lower limits on overdrafts or fewer features, but they work like any other account. Credit unions often have looser policies than big banks and may open an account for you even with ChexSystems issues. Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Varo also tend to accept people with banking history problems.

If you were denied because of an error on your ChexSystems report, dispute it first—then reapply at the same bank. If you were denied because of legitimate unpaid overdrafts, wait at least a year before trying again, or start with a second-chance account at a different bank.

Minors and Custodial Accounts

If you are under 18, you cannot open an account by yourself. A parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account (also called a minor account or youth account) in your name. The adult's name appears on the account alongside yours, and they have full control until you reach the age of majority.

At that point—usually on your 18th birthday, though some banks wait until 21—the account converts to a regular account in your name alone. Some banks send a notice before the conversion; others do it automatically. If you want to keep the account, you do not need to do anything. If you want to close it or move to a different bank, you can do that once you turn 18.

Many banks offer teen checking accounts with parental controls, allowing parents to set spending limits or see transactions. These are useful if you want to teach a teenager about money without giving them full independence.

Non-Citizens and ITIN Holders

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to open a bank account. You need an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but have a tax filing requirement or work authorization. You can get an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS; the process takes about two to four weeks.

Once you have an ITIN, most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) will open an account for you. Some smaller banks or credit unions may ask for additional documentation, such as a passport, visa, or proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). A few banks have stopped accepting ITINs due to regulatory concerns, so call ahead if you are using a smaller institution.

If you are in the U.S. on a visa (student, work, or temporary visa), you may be able to open an account with your visa and passport alone, even without an ITIN. Ask the bank what documents they need before you visit.

Opening an Account Online vs. In Person

Most banks now let you open an account online without visiting a branch. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, and provide your address. Some banks ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a representative, who will ask you questions about your ID and take a photo of you holding it.

Online accounts are faster and often come with no minimum deposit requirement. However, if you want to deposit cash immediately or prefer to speak with someone in person, you will need to visit a branch. Some banks let you open online and then deposit cash at a branch later; others require you to link a bank account or debit card to fund the account initially.

If you do not have a computer or reliable internet, visit a branch in person. Bring your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or government mail). The process takes about 20 minutes, and you can deposit cash or a check right away.

What Disqualifies You

Very few things actually disqualify you from opening a bank account. The main one is a serious history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts, which shows up on ChexSystems. Being on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list—a government list of people with ties to terrorism or sanctions—will disqualify you, but this is extremely rare and you would know if it applied to you.

Some banks have policies against opening accounts for people with certain criminal convictions, but this varies widely by bank and is not a blanket rule. If you have been turned down and are unsure why, ask the bank directly. They must tell you the reason, and if it is based on ChexSystems, they must give you the contact information to dispute it.

Being unhoused, unemployed, or having no fixed address does not disqualify you. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service as your address on the account. Some banks ask for a phone number but not all; if you do not have one, ask if you can use an email instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you do not have either, you can get an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7. The process takes two to four weeks. Some banks may accept a passport and visa in place of an ITIN if you are on a valid U.S. visa, but most require an ITIN or SSN.

What happens if I have a ChexSystems record from years ago?

ChexSystems records stay on file for five years. After five years, they fall off automatically. If your record is older than five years, it should not prevent you from opening an account. If it is still showing up, request your report and dispute it. If it is newer than five years, look for a second-chance account or try a credit union or online bank.

Can I open an account if I am homeless?

Yes. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, a PO box, or a mail forwarding service as your mailing address. Some banks may ask follow-up questions, but homelessness alone does not disqualify you. Online banks are often easier if you do not have a stable address.

Do I need a job to open a bank account?

No. Employment status does not matter. Banks do not check your income or employment history when opening a checking or savings account. They only check ChexSystems and verify your identity.

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks will not accept an expired ID. Renew it at your state's DMV before you go to the bank. If your ID is expired but you do not have time to renew it, ask the bank if they will accept it anyway—some do, especially if the expiration is recent.