What you need to open a bank account

To open a checking or savings account at a US bank, you need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and proof of your current address. Most banks accept a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For address proof, a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works at most institutions.

Some banks also ask for an initial deposit before they open your account. This amount varies widely — some banks have no minimum, while others require $25 to $300 to start. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. You do not need to have a job or existing credit history to open an account.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Some banks also accept an Individual Number for Identification Purposes (INIP) or will work with you using a passport number instead, though this varies by institution.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your current address to open an account at most US banks.
  • The initial deposit required to open an account ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and account type.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or by phone with some institutions.
  • The account opening process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes in person or a few minutes online, though verification can take one to three business days.
  • Once your account is open, you can request a debit card, set up online banking, and arrange direct deposit or transfers from another bank.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walking into a bank branch and opening an account in person is the most straightforward route if you have all your documents. Bring your photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account, a savings account, or both. They will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account — whether you expect direct deposits, how often you write checks, whether you want overdraft protection — to recommend the right product for you.

The banker will fill out the account process, usually on a computer while you sit across from them. They will verify your identity by looking at your ID and asking you to sign documents. If you have the initial deposit ready — cash or a check from another account — you can hand it over at this point. The account opens when ready, and you walk out with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Bring a list of any accounts you hold at other banks, because the banker will ask. They use this information to check ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. If you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts with negative balances at other banks, some institutions will decline to open your account. Not all banks check ChexSystems, so if one declines you, another may not.

Opening an account online

Most large US banks and many smaller ones let you open an account entirely online. Go to the bank's website, click "Open an Account" or similar, and follow the prompts. You will upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, and provide your address. Some banks ask you to take a selfie to verify you are the person in the ID photo.

The online process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The bank verifies your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records — they ask you questions like "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?" to confirm who you are. Once you pass verification, your account opens when ready and you can log in to online banking right away. You can transfer money from another bank account to fund your new account, or wait for your debit card to arrive before making deposits.

Online accounts sometimes take longer to fully set up. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, and some banks place a hold on transfers from other banks for one to three business days while they verify the source of the funds. A few banks require you to visit a branch in person within 30 days to complete the opening, though this is becoming less common.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can set up online banking when ready if you opened online, or the banker will show you how if you opened in person. Online banking lets you check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills. You can also set up direct deposit by giving your employer or benefits administrator your account number and routing number — both appear on your checks or in your online banking dashboard.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into online banking. Some banks let you set up it when ready in the app. Once activated, you can use it to withdraw cash from ATMs, make purchases at stores, and pay bills online.

If you opened the account with an initial deposit, that money is available when ready if you deposited cash or a check from the same bank. Checks from other banks take one to three business days to clear. Transfers from another bank account take one to three business days as well, depending on whether both banks are connected through the same network.

Banks that work with people without a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, most large banks will open an account for you. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all accept ITINs. Smaller regional banks vary — some accept them, others do not. Call ahead or check the bank's website before you go in.

Some banks ask for additional documentation if you have an ITIN. They may want to see your ITIN letter from the IRS, a passport, or a consular ID. A few banks require a larger initial deposit or restrict certain features like overdraft protection. Community banks and credit unions sometimes have fewer restrictions than large national banks, so if a major bank declines you, a local institution may not.

What to do if a bank declines to open your account

If a bank declines you, ask why. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report, unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or a Social Security number mismatch. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. If there is an error, you can dispute it. If the report is accurate but old, some banks will still open an account for you after a waiting period — usually one to two years after the negative item.

If ChexSystems is not the issue, the bank may have declined you because of your address, your ID, or a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you provided. Bring a second form of ID or a piece of mail with your current address and try again. Some banks specialize in opening accounts for people with banking history problems — these are sometimes called "second chance" banks. They charge higher fees but do not check ChexSystems or have less strict requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Most large banks accept ITINs, though some require additional documentation like an ITIN letter from the IRS or a passport. A few banks decline ITIN applicants, so call ahead to confirm.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, the process takes 10 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your account opens when ready in both cases, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Transfers from other banks take one to three business days to clear.

Do I need an initial deposit to open an account?

Most banks require an initial deposit of $0 to $300, depending on the institution and account type. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. A few banks have no minimum at all. Check the bank's website or call to confirm before you go in.

What if I do not have proof of address?

Bring a second form of ID if you have one — a passport, consular ID, or state ID card. If you do not have a recent utility bill or lease, some banks accept a bank statement, government letter, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what they accept.

Can I open an account if I have had banking problems before?

It depends on what the problem was. If you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts with negative balances, ChexSystems will flag you and some banks will decline. Others will open an account after a waiting period, usually one to two years. Banks that specialize in second-chance accounts do not check ChexSystems and may work with you regardless of your history.