You need an ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit—but the exact documents and minimum amounts vary by bank
Opening a US bank account requires three things: a government-issued ID, proof where you live, and money to put in. The ID must be current and photo-bearing—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The initial deposit ranges from zero dollars at some online banks to $25 or $100 at brick-and-mortar branches, depending on the bank and account type.
You can open an account in person at a branch, online through a bank's website, or by phone. In-person is slowest but lets you ask questions. Online is fastest—many accounts open in 10 minutes. Phone is middle ground. All three routes require the same documents; the difference is how you show them and how quickly you get access to your account.
The process itself is straightforward: you provide your information, the bank verifies your identity, you sign documents, and you fund the account. The entire transaction takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on the method. Your account number and routing number arrive when ready if you open online, or on a debit card and checks mailed within 7 to 10 business days if you open in branch.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address; a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days works for the address.
- Most banks require an opening deposit of $0 to $100, though some online banks waive it entirely.
- Opening online is fastest—many accounts are ready to use within minutes—while opening in branch takes longer but lets you speak to someone.
- The bank will verify your identity against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, databases that track banking history; a bad history may block you from opening an account.
- You receive your account and routing numbers when ready online, or on a debit card and checks mailed 7 to 10 days later if you open in branch.
What documents you actually need to bring or upload
The ID must be current—not expired—and show your face and signature. A US driver's license is the standard. A state ID card, passport, or military ID also work. Tribal IDs are accepted at most banks. A school ID, work badge, or library card will not work, even if it has your photo.
The address document must show your full name and current address, and be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the easiest. A lease or mortgage statement works. A bank or credit card statement works. Government mail—tax documents, voter registration, court papers—works. A cell phone bill usually works. Rent receipts and letters from your landlord do not, because they are not official documents.
If you do not have a physical address—you are homeless or living in a shelter—some banks will accept a shelter address or a mailing address at a trusted friend's house, though policies vary. Call the bank's customer service line before you go in to confirm what they will take.
How the identity verification process works and what can stop you
When you open an account, the bank runs your information through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, databases that track banking history. These systems check whether you have unpaid overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud reports at other banks. If you have a clean history, you are approved when ready. If you have a negative mark, the bank may deny you, ask you to pay the debt first, or open a restricted account.
A negative ChexSystems report stays for five years. If you have one and want to open an account, you have two options: pay the outstanding debt to the bank that reported you (they will then remove the report), or open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems—some credit unions and online banks skip this check. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com to see what is there before you explore.
If you are not a US citizen, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN). Most banks require one or the other. Some banks accept an ITIN; others require an SSN. Call ahead to confirm. If you do not have either, you may be able to open an account at a credit union or community bank that has different rules, though this is less common.
The difference between opening online, in person, and by phone
| Method | Speed | What you do | When you can use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 10 minutes to 1 hour | Upload ID and address proof as photos or PDFs. Answer security questions. Fund the account by linking a bank account or debit card. | 24/7, any day. Best for people with a computer or phone and existing bank account to fund from. |
| In person at a branch | 30 minutes to 1 hour | Show ID and address proof to a teller. Sign documents. Hand over cash or a check for the opening deposit. | During branch hours, usually 9 AM to 5 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 1 PM Saturday. Best if you want to ask questions or pay cash. |
| By phone | 20 to 45 minutes | Call the bank's account-opening line. Answer identity questions. Provide your information verbally. Fund the account by giving a debit card number or bank account details. | During customer service hours, usually 8 AM to 8 PM weekdays. Best if you cannot get to a branch and prefer to talk to someone. |
Online is fastest because there is no waiting for a teller or customer service representative. You upload your documents, the bank scans them with software, and your account opens. You can see your account number and routing number on the screen when ready and start receiving direct deposits or transfers the same day. The debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person is slower because you have to travel to a branch during business hours and wait your turn. But you can ask the teller questions, hand over cash directly, and walk out with a temporary debit card or at least a receipt with your account number. This matters if you do not have another bank account to fund from, or if you want to deposit cash when ready.
Phone is middle ground. You talk to a real person, so you can ask questions, but you still have to provide your information verbally and fund the account remotely. This is useful if you have mobility issues or live far from a branch.
What happens after you open the account
If you opened online, your account is active when ready. You can log into the bank's app or website, see your account number and routing number, and set up direct deposit or transfers right away. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Checks, if you ordered them, arrive in 10 to 14 business days.
If you opened in person, your account is also active when ready, but the bank may give you a temporary card or just a receipt with your account number. Your permanent debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account the same day by going to an ATM or asking the teller to process a transaction.
Once your account is open, the bank will send you a welcome packet with your account agreement, fee schedule, and routing number. Read the fee schedule carefully—some accounts charge monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or ATM fees. If you do not want to pay fees, switch to a no-fee account before you make your first transaction.
Why some banks might turn you down and what to do
Banks deny accounts for three main reasons: a negative ChexSystems report, an ITIN or SSN mismatch, or fraud concerns. If you are denied, the bank must tell you why. If it is ChexSystems, you can dispute the report or pay the debt. If it is an ID mismatch, you can provide corrected documents. If it is fraud concerns, the bank usually will not explain further, and you will need to try a different bank.
If you are denied at a large bank, try a credit union or community bank. Credit unions often have more flexible rules and may overlook a ChexSystems report if you explain the situation. Community banks do the same. Online banks sometimes have stricter rules, so they are not always the backup option.
If you have been denied multiple times, you may have a fraud flag in the system—usually from identity theft or a mistake. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors. You can also contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe you were denied unfairly.
Minimum balance requirements and monthly fees
Many banks charge a monthly maintenance fee—usually $5 to $15—unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The minimum balance is often $500 to $1,500. If you do not meet it, the fee is charged each month. Some banks waive the fee if you set up direct deposit, even if the amount is small.
Online banks and some credit unions have no monthly fee and no minimum balance. These are worth opening if you do not have much money to keep in the account. Traditional banks charge fees because they make money from overdraft fees and lending; online banks make money from interest on deposits, so they do not need to charge you.
Read the fee schedule before you open. If a bank charges $10 a month and you keep $100 in the account, you are paying 10 percent a year just to have the account. A no-fee bank is almost always better unless you need in-person service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security Number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some banks accept an ITIN instead of an SSN. Others require an SSN. Call the bank before you go in. If you have neither, some credit unions and community banks will open an account, but this is less common. You may also be able to open an account at a bank in your home country and transfer money that way.
What if I do not have a current address?
Some banks will accept a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a mailing address at a mail center. Policies vary by bank. Call customer service before you explore and explain your situation. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
If you open online or in person, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary card you can use when ready. If you need to access your money right away, ask about a temporary card or use ATM withdrawals with your account number.
What if I made a mistake on my process?
Call the bank when ready and explain the error. If the account has not been funded yet, they can usually cancel it and let you start over. If it has been funded, they can correct the information on file. Do not ignore the mistake—it can cause problems with direct deposit or checks.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No. The person opening the account must be present and provide their own ID. If you want to open a joint account, both people must be present and provide ID. If you want to open an account for a minor, you must be their parent or legal guardian, and the bank will require your ID and theirs.