What you need before you walk in or go online

Most US banks require two pieces of identification and proof of your current address. A driver's license or passport covers the ID requirement. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—something dated within the last 60 days with your name and street address on it.

You will also need an initial deposit. The amount varies by bank and account type. Some checking accounts require $25 to $100 to open; others have no minimum. Savings accounts often require $100 to $300. A few banks offer accounts with zero opening deposit, but these are less common. Call or check the bank's website for the specific amount before you go.

If you do not have a US address yet, some banks will accept a temporary address or a letter from a shelter, employer, or sponsor. Call ahead to ask what they accept—policies differ between branches and between banks.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued ID, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and an opening deposit amount that varies by bank and account type.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online through the bank's website, and the process takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on the method.
  • Your account number and routing number are ready when ready, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you have no credit history or a negative banking history, some banks specialize in second-chance accounts that report to the banking system and help you rebuild.

Opening in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you choose with your ID, address proof, and opening deposit. Tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask you basic questions: your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment status. They will verify your address and run a check against ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud.

The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Before you leave, you will have your account number and routing number. The bank will give you temporary checks or a temporary debit card number you can use when ready. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your checks, if you ordered them, take 1 to 2 weeks.

Opening in person is useful if you prefer to ask questions face-to-face or if you want to deposit cash when ready. It also works if you have an unusual situation—no permanent address, no Social Security number yet, or a banking history that might flag online systems.

Opening online through the bank's website

Go to the bank's website and look for "Open an Account" or "New Accounts." You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Upload or photograph your ID and address proof. The bank will verify both documents electronically, usually within minutes to a few hours.

You will choose your account type and set up a username and password. Then you will link a bank account or debit card to fund your opening deposit. The money moves within 1 to 3 business days. Your account number and routing number appear on screen when ready; you can use them to set up direct deposit or transfers right away. Your debit card ships within 5 to 10 business days.

Online opening is faster if you already have another bank account to fund the deposit from. It does not work if you want to deposit cash when ready or if you need to speak to someone about your specific situation.

What happens if the bank declines you

Banks check ChexSystems, a banking history database, when you explore. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees from another bank, you may be declined. This does not mean you cannot open an account anywhere—it means you need a bank that offers second-chance accounts.

Second-chance accounts are designed for people rebuilding their banking history. They often come with lower limits on debit card transactions, monthly fees of $5 to $15, and stricter overdraft rules. But they report your good behavior to ChexSystems, so after 12 to 24 months of clean activity, you can move to a standard account. Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions specialize in second-chance accounts. Some larger banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo also offer them, though you may need to visit a branch and speak to a manager.

If you were declined because of fraud or identity theft, ask the bank for a copy of your ChexSystems report. You can dispute errors directly with ChexSystems by mail or through their website.

Your account is open—what comes next

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit when ready using your account number and routing number. Your employer or benefit program can deposit paychecks or payments directly into your account, usually within 1 to 2 business days of processing.

You can also transfer money from another bank account using the bank's website or app. Internal transfers (between accounts at the same bank) happen when ready. External transfers (from another bank) take 1 to 3 business days. Some banks charge a fee for external transfers; others do not.

Your debit card arrives in the mail. When it does, call the number on the back or use the bank's app to set up it. You can then use it at ATMs and stores. Some banks charge a monthly fee ($5 to $15) if you do not maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Check your account agreement to see what applies to you.

Banks that work for people without a Social Security number

If you do not yet have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and takes 4 to 6 weeks to arrive by mail. You can explore for one at an IRS office or through a tax professional.

Banks that accept ITINs include some credit unions, Chime, and a few regional banks. Call ahead to confirm, because policies change and vary by branch. You will still need ID and address proof. The opening process is the same, but the bank may ask additional questions about your immigration status or work authorization—this is legal and standard.

Choosing between checking and savings

A checking account is designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals. You get a debit card and checks. You can withdraw money as many times as you want with no penalty. Most checking accounts have no interest rate—your money sits there earning nothing. Some checking accounts charge monthly fees; others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest. You can withdraw money, but some banks limit you to 6 withdrawals per month (this rule varies). The interest rate is very low—usually 0.01% to 4.5% depending on the bank and the current interest rate environment. Savings accounts rarely have monthly fees. Many people open both: a checking account for daily spending and a savings account for money they want to keep separate.

If you are not sure which you need, start with a checking account. You can open a savings account later, and many banks let you do both in the same visit or online session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I have no address?

Some banks accept a temporary address like a shelter, PO box, or care-of address from an employer or sponsor. Call the bank's customer service line and describe your situation. They can tell you whether that specific branch will accept it. If not, they may refer you to a branch that does or suggest you come back once you have an address.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Your account opens when ready, and you can use your account number and routing number right away for direct deposit or transfers. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer temporary card numbers you can use online or in stores while you wait.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Some banks and credit unions accept ITINs; others do not. Call ahead to confirm. You will still need ID and address proof. The process is the same, but the bank may ask about your work authorization.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the account and the bank. Some accounts charge a monthly fee if your balance drops below $500 or $1,000. Others waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Read your account agreement or ask the bank before you open the account.

What if I was declined by one bank?

You were likely declined because of your ChexSystems report, which tracks banking history. You can still open an account at a bank that offers second-chance accounts. These banks report good behavior back to ChexSystems, so after 12 to 24 months of clean activity, you can move to a standard account at any bank.