The Basic Answer

Discover will open a checking account for you if you are at least 18 years old, have a valid government-issued ID, and provide a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You do not need an existing bank account, a minimum deposit, or a credit history. Discover does not do a hard credit pull when you open a checking account — they check ChexSystems, which is a banking history database, not a credit report.

The main reason someone cannot open an account is if they appear in ChexSystems with an unresolved banking problem: unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts due to negative balances. Even then, you can sometimes still open an account if enough time has passed or if you resolve the old debt.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to be 18 or older with a valid ID and a Social Security number or ITIN to open a Discover checking account.
  • Discover does not require a minimum opening deposit, prior banking history, or a credit score.
  • Discover checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, not your credit report, so past credit problems do not automatically disqualify you.
  • If you have unresolved issues in ChexSystems — unpaid overdrafts or fraud — you may be denied, but waiting or paying off the debt can change that outcome.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Discover branch, though Discover has fewer physical locations than traditional banks.

What Discover Actually Checks

When you explore for a Discover checking account, Discover pulls your ChexSystems report. ChexSystems is a database that banks use to track customer banking behavior — not credit behavior. It records things like overdrafts you did not pay back, accounts closed due to negative balances, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees.

Your credit score does not appear in ChexSystems and does not affect whether Discover will open a checking account for you. This is important: you can have poor credit and still open a Discover checking account. What matters is your banking history, not your credit history. If you have never had a bank account before, ChexSystems will show nothing, and that is fine — Discover will open an account for you.

Discover also verifies your identity using the information you provide: your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. They cross-check this against public records to confirm you are who you say you are.

When Discover Might Deny You

Discover can deny you if ChexSystems shows an unresolved banking problem tied to your name. The most common reasons are unpaid overdraft fees from another bank, a checking account closed because of a negative balance you never paid, or fraud reported against you. If you owe money to another bank and that debt is still showing in ChexSystems, Discover may decline your process.

However, "unresolved" does not mean permanent. If you pay off the old overdraft or negative balance, you can ask the original bank to update ChexSystems, and then reapply to Discover. If enough time has passed — usually seven years — the item may fall off ChexSystems on its own. You can also request your own ChexSystems report to see what is actually showing before you explore.

Discover will also deny you if you cannot verify your identity — for example, if the name and Social Security number you provide do not match public records, or if you cannot provide a valid government-issued ID.

How to Open an Account

You can open a Discover checking account online, by phone, or at a Discover branch. Online is the fastest route: you go to Discover's website, click to open a checking account, and answer questions about your identity and banking history. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your current address.

If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call Discover's customer service line and ask to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions and can answer questions about fees or features. If you live near a Discover branch, you can also open an account in person, though Discover has far fewer physical locations than traditional banks like Bank of America or Wells Fargo.

Discover will tell you when ready or within one business day whether your account is approved. If you are denied, Discover will explain why — usually a ChexSystems issue — and you can ask what you need to do to reapply.

What You Need to Bring or Provide

Have these items ready before you start:

  • A valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
  • Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Your current address
  • Your phone number and email address

You do not need to bring a minimum deposit. Discover checking accounts have no opening deposit requirement, so you can open the account with zero dollars and deposit money later. You also do not need proof of income, employment, or residency — just the items above.

Special Situations

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You will need your ITIN letter from the IRS to open the account.

If you are under 18, you cannot open a Discover checking account in your own name. However, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account for you, which gives you access to banking services while the adult maintains control. Ask Discover about custodial checking accounts if this applies to you.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may still be able to open an account with an ITIN or a passport from your home country, depending on Discover's current policies. Call Discover directly to ask about your specific situation, as rules can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will opening a Discover checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Discover does not pull your credit report when you open a checking account, so there is no hard inquiry and no impact on your credit score. Opening a checking account is a banking transaction, not a credit transaction.

What if I have a ChexSystems issue from years ago?

Items typically stay on ChexSystems for five to seven years. If your issue is older than that, it may have already fallen off and you should be fine. If it is more recent, you can try to resolve it by paying the old bank what you owe, then asking them to update ChexSystems. After that, reapply to Discover.

Can I open a Discover checking account if I have never had a bank account before?

Yes. Discover does not require prior banking history. If you have never had a bank account, ChexSystems will show nothing, which is not a problem. You can open an account as a first-time banker.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?

Discover's checking account has no minimum balance requirement. You can keep the account open with zero dollars in it, though you will not earn interest on zero balance. Check Discover's current terms, as account features can change.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most approvals happen when ready or within one business day. If Discover needs to verify something about your identity or banking history, it may take a few business days. You will receive a decision by email or phone.