What you need to bring and the basic steps

Most credit unions will open a checking account for you in one visit if you bring a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll fill out a membership process (which also serves as your account process), choose your account type, make an initial deposit, and receive a debit card and temporary checks on the spot or within a few days.

The exact documents vary by credit union. A driver's license or passport works for ID. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — something dated within the last 60 days. Some credit unions accept a bank statement or government mail instead. Call ahead to confirm what your specific credit union accepts, because a few regional ones have stricter rules.

You'll also need to decide whether you want a standard checking account, a student checking account (if you may have access to), or a checking account bundled with savings. Most credit unions offer all three. The differences are usually in monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates on linked savings accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to open an account in person.
  • The account opens the same day if you make an initial deposit, which ranges from $0 to $100 depending on the credit union.
  • You become a member of the credit union when you open the account; membership and account opening happen together.
  • Debit cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days; temporary checks are usually available when ready or the next day.
  • Some credit unions let you open an account online or by mail, but you may still need to visit in person to verify your identity.

Membership requirements before you can open an account

Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives, so you must become a member before you can open a checking account. Membership requirements vary widely. Some credit unions are open to anyone in a geographic area. Others require you to work for a specific employer, belong to a certain organization, or live in a particular county. A few have a one-time membership fee of $5 to $25; most do not.

When you explore to open a checking account, you're simultaneously explore for membership. The credit union will verify that you meet their membership criteria during the process process. If you don't, they'll tell you before you complete the process. Check the credit union's website or call their membership line to confirm you're may be able to access before you visit.

Once you're a member, you stay a member as long as your account is open. If you close the checking account later, you may be able to keep a savings account open to maintain membership, or membership may end automatically. Ask about this when you open the account if you think you might close the checking account later.

Initial deposit amounts and what happens next

Initial deposit requirements range from $0 to $100, depending on the credit union. Many credit unions require no deposit at all. Others ask for $25 or $50. A few require $100. This deposit goes into your new checking account and counts toward any minimum balance the account requires.

You can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. If you bring a check, the credit union will deposit it when ready, but the funds may take 1 to 3 business days to clear. If you transfer money from another bank, it typically takes 1 to 2 business days. Cash deposits are available right away.

After the account opens, you'll receive a debit card within 7 to 10 business days by mail. Some credit unions offer temporary card numbers you can use online when ready while you wait for the physical card. You'll also get temporary checks (usually 5 to 10) that you can use right away, and a permanent checkbook arrives within 1 to 2 weeks.

Online and mail-based account opening

Some credit unions let you start the account opening process online or by mail. You'll fill out the process, upload photos of your ID and address proof, and provide your Social Security number electronically. The credit union then reviews your documents and either approves you or asks for clarification.

Even if you open the account online, you may still need to visit a branch in person to verify your identity before the account becomes fully active. This is a regulatory requirement for many credit unions. A few larger credit unions have video verification systems that let you complete this step remotely, but most require an in-person visit. Ask whether your credit union offers video verification when you start the online process.

If you open the account entirely online and can't visit a branch, some credit unions will mail you a temporary debit card and let you use the account with limited features until you visit in person. Others will hold the account in pending status until you complete the verification visit. The timeline for full account set up is usually 5 to 10 business days after your verification visit.

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

Many credit unions charge no monthly fee for checking accounts. Others charge $5 to $15 per month. Some waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,000), set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account open. A few credit unions charge a fee only if your balance drops below the minimum; if you stay above it, there's no charge.

Ask about fee waivers when you open the account. If you know you won't be able to maintain a high balance, choose an account with no minimum balance requirement or a low one. Some credit unions offer a "basic" checking account with no minimum and no fee, but it may have limits on the number of transactions per month or no debit card included.

Overdraft fees also vary. Some credit unions charge $25 to $35 per overdraft. Others offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account and automatically transfers money if you overdraw. This usually costs $0 to $5 per transfer. A few credit unions decline transactions instead of charging an overdraft fee, which means your card will be declined rather than allowing you to go negative.

What to do if you don't meet membership requirements

If the credit union you want to join has membership restrictions and you don't meet them, you have a few options. Some credit unions let you join through a "membership organization" — you pay a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to join an affiliated group, which then makes you may be able to access for the credit union. Common membership organizations include the Consumers Credit Union Association or workplace groups.

You can also look for a different credit union. Use the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union's locator tool to find credit unions in your area that have fewer membership restrictions. Many large credit unions are open to anyone in a state or region, regardless of employment or organization.

If you can't find a credit union that accepts you, a traditional bank checking account is the alternative. Banks have fewer membership restrictions and usually open accounts the same day with similar documentation.

Debit card set up and first use

When your debit card arrives, you'll need to set up it before you can use it. Most credit unions send set up instructions with the card. You can set up it by calling a phone number, using the mobile app, or visiting a branch. set up usually takes a few minutes.

Some credit unions set up your card automatically when it arrives, so you can use it right away. Others require you to call within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days) to set up it, or the card will be deactivated. Check the instructions that come with your card.

Once activated, you can use the debit card at ATMs, in stores, and online. Your credit union will provide you with a PIN for ATM withdrawals. You can usually change the PIN through the mobile app or by calling customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I have a bad banking history?

Most credit unions do not use ChexSystems or other banking history reports, so a bad history at another bank usually won't disqualify you. However, some credit unions do check these reports. If you were flagged for fraud or unpaid overdrafts, ask the credit union directly whether they check banking history before you explore.

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

You'll need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. Some credit unions accept an ITIN; others require a Social Security number. Call ahead to confirm. If you have neither, you may not be able to open an account at that credit union.

How long does it take to get my first debit card?

Debit cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days by mail. Some credit unions offer temporary card numbers you can use online when ready. A few branches can issue a card on the spot if you visit in person, but this is less common. Ask when you open the account.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present to sign the process and verify their identity. If you're opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present and will typically be added as a co-owner or authorized user.

What happens if I close my checking account later?

You can close the account by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or submitting a written request. Any remaining balance will be returned to you by check or transferred to another account. Your membership may end automatically, or you may need to close a linked savings account to end membership. Ask about this when you open the account.