What you need to open a US Bank account

US Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your current address before they will open an account. You will also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but many checking accounts require $25 to $100 to start. Bring these documents with you to a branch, or complete the process online if you already have a US Bank login.

Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document showing your name and current street address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a US address yet, some branches will work with you on alternatives, but calling ahead is worth the time.

If you do not have a Social Security number, a US Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) works instead. You obtain an ITIN through the IRS, not through the bank — that process takes several weeks on its own. If you are still waiting for your ITIN, ask the branch whether they can hold your process until it arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and an opening deposit of $25 to $100 depending on account type.
  • You can open an account in person at a US Bank branch or online if you already have online banking set up through another bank.
  • The account opens the same day you complete the process in a branch, but online applications may take one to two business days to process.
  • US Bank offers checking, savings, and money market accounts with different minimum balances and monthly fees depending on which account you choose.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any US Bank branch with your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, proof of address, and opening deposit. Tell the banker you want to open a new account and they will hand you an process form or walk you through it on their computer. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will choose which type of account you want — checking, savings, or money market — and decide whether you want online banking and a debit card.

The banker will verify your identity by scanning your ID, confirm your Social Security number or ITIN in their system, and check your address against the document you brought. They will then take your opening deposit — cash, check, or debit card — and issue you a debit card on the spot if you request one. Some branches print the card when ready; others mail it to you within 5 to 7 business days.

Before you leave, the banker will give you your account number, routing number, and temporary access information for online banking. Write down your account number and routing number — you will need them to set up direct deposit or to give to employers or other institutions. Your online banking login will arrive by mail or email within one business day.

Opening an account online

If you already bank with another institution online, you can start a US Bank account through their website without visiting a branch. Go to usbank.com, click "Open an Account," and choose the account type you want. You will enter your personal information, Social Security number or ITIN, and current address, then upload photos of your ID and proof of address.

The online process asks for your opening deposit information — you can transfer money from another bank account or provide a debit card. US Bank will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records, a process that usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours. Once approved, your account opens and you can log in when ready to see your account number and routing number.

Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or to transfer money in and out. If you need a card faster, visit a branch with your ID and they can issue a temporary card or expedite the mailed card for a fee.

Account types and their requirements

US Bank offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different opening deposits and monthly fees. Their basic checking account typically requires a $25 opening deposit and has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance. A premium checking account may require $100 to open and waive fees if you keep a higher balance or have other accounts with the bank.

Savings accounts usually require $25 to open and earn interest on your balance. Money market accounts require higher opening deposits — often $2,500 or more — but offer higher interest rates. Before you choose, ask the banker or check the website for the current rates and fee structure, because these change throughout the year.

If you are under 18, US Bank offers student checking accounts with lower or no opening deposits. If you are opening an account for a business, you will need different documents — an EIN, business license, and proof of business address — and the process takes longer.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready if you opened it in a branch. If you opened it online, it becomes active once US Bank completes their identity verification, usually within one business day. You can log into online banking right away and see your account number, routing number, and opening deposit.

Your debit card arrives separately by mail. Until it arrives, you can withdraw money at any US Bank ATM using your account number, or you can transfer money electronically using your routing number and account number. You can also set up direct deposit to your new account — give your employer or benefits program your routing number (011000015 for most US Bank accounts) and your account number.

Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens. It shows all deposits, withdrawals, and fees. Review it carefully to make sure all transactions are correct. If you see something wrong, contact US Bank within 60 days to report it.

If you do not have a Social Security number yet

US Bank requires a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account. If you are waiting for your Social Security number, you can explore through the Social Security Administration — the process takes two to four weeks. If you are waiting for an ITIN, the IRS typically takes four to six weeks to issue one after you submit Form W-7.

Some US Bank branches will hold your process and opening deposit while you wait for your number to arrive. Call the branch ahead of time to ask whether they can do this, and ask what documents they need from you. Once your number arrives, bring it to the branch and they will complete your process the same day.

If you cannot wait, some banks and credit unions offer accounts without a Social Security number if you have an ITIN or a passport from another country. US Bank does not, but a local credit union or community bank might. Ask whether they report to credit bureaus — you want them to, so that opening an account helps build your credit history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a US Bank account online if I do not have a US address yet?

Online applications require a US address. If you do not have one, visit a branch in person — some branches will work with you using a temporary address or a forwarding address. Call ahead to ask whether the branch near you can do this.

What if I do not have a government photo ID?

US Bank requires a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV — the process takes one to two weeks. Some states offer expedited ID cards for a higher fee. Until then, you cannot open a US Bank account.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Debit cards arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you opened your account in a branch, ask whether they can print a card on the spot or expedite the mailed card. Some branches charge a fee for expedited cards, usually $10 to $25.

Can I open an account with someone else's Social Security number?

No. US Bank will verify your Social Security number against your ID and address. Using someone else's number is fraud and will result in your account being closed and reported to law enforcement.

What is the routing number for direct deposit?

US Bank's routing number is 011000015 for most accounts. Confirm this with your banker or check your account documents, because routing numbers can vary by location and account type.