The documents and information banks require before you can open an account

To open a bank account in the United States, you will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for your date of birth and contact information. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from zero dollars to several hundred dollars depending on the institution and account type.

The exact requirements vary by bank and by account type—a basic checking account may ask for less than a savings account or money market account. Online banks often have simpler requirements than brick-and-mortar branches because they cannot verify your identity in person. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an ITIN, though some banks restrict which account types are available to ITIN holders.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days.
  • Minimum opening deposits range from zero to several hundred dollars, and some banks waive the deposit if you set up direct deposit.
  • Online banks typically have fewer requirements than branch banks because they verify identity through digital means rather than in person.
  • If you have been denied a bank account before, you can still open one—ask the bank directly what caused the denial and whether you can address it.

Government-issued photo ID and what counts

Banks require a government-issued photo ID to confirm you are who you say you are. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common form. A passport, military ID, or tribal ID also work. The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years—banks vary on how old an ID can be, but most accept IDs expired within the last five years.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can use a passport. If you are not a US citizen and do not have a US passport, a foreign passport with a US visa works at most banks. Some banks will also accept a consular ID or a state ID issued to non-citizens. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what forms of ID they accept, especially if your ID is not a standard driver's license.

Proof of address and which documents banks accept

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days all work. The document must show your name and current address. A bank statement from another institution also counts. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from your landlord or a co-signer confirming your address, along with the utility bill.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some banks will accept a shelter letter or a letter from a social service agency confirming your current location. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept in your situation. Online banks sometimes skip the address requirement if you provide other identifying information, but most still ask for it.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to prevent fraud and money laundering. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you have an SSN. If you are not a citizen but work or file taxes in the US, you may have an ITIN issued by the IRS.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot open a standard bank account at most institutions. Some banks and credit unions offer accounts to people without an SSN if they have an ITIN, but the account types available may be limited. A few banks offer accounts to undocumented immigrants without an ITIN, though these are less common and may have restrictions on wire transfers or other services. Contact banks in your area to ask which ones offer accounts without an SSN.

Minimum opening deposits and when they are waived

Minimum opening deposits range from zero dollars to $300 or more, depending on the bank and account type. Many online banks have no minimum. Traditional banks often require $25 to $100 for a basic checking account. Premium accounts or money market accounts may require $500 or more.

Some banks waive the minimum deposit if you set up direct deposit—meaning your paycheck or government benefits go straight into the account. Others waive it if you maintain a certain balance or set up automatic transfers. Ask the bank what deposit options they offer. If you cannot meet the minimum, ask whether they have a lower-tier account or whether the requirement can be waived.

Additional information banks may request

Beyond the core documents, banks typically ask for your date of birth, phone number, and email address. They may ask about your employment and income, though this is not always required to open an account. Some banks ask whether you have been denied a bank account in the past or whether you have outstanding debts to other banks.

If you answer yes to any of these questions, the bank may still open an account for you, but they may place restrictions on it—such as limiting the number of transactions per month or requiring a higher minimum balance. Be honest in your answers. If you have been reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database), the bank will see that, but it does not automatically disqualify you. Ask the bank what their policy is if you have a ChexSystems record.

What to bring when you visit the bank in person

Bring your government-issued photo ID, a document showing your current address, and know your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are opening the account online, you will upload images of these documents or enter the information directly. If you are visiting a branch, bring the physical documents.

Bring a checkbook or debit card process if the bank offers one, though most banks issue these after the account is open. If you plan to set up direct deposit to waive the minimum deposit, bring a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer showing your employer's routing number and account information. The bank will provide the account number once the account is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require an SSN or ITIN. Some credit unions and a small number of banks offer accounts to people with an ITIN but no SSN. A few banks in areas with large immigrant populations offer accounts without either, though these are uncommon. Contact banks and credit unions in your area to ask what they offer.

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks accept expired IDs as long as they expired within the last few years—usually three to five years. The ID must still be readable and show your photo clearly. Call the bank before you visit to confirm their policy on expired IDs, especially if yours expired more than five years ago.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

It depends on the bank and account type. Many online banks have no minimum. Traditional banks often require $25 to $100 for checking accounts. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Ask the bank about their specific requirements.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

Yes. Being denied at one bank does not prevent you from opening an account elsewhere. Ask the bank that denied you what the reason was—it may have been a ChexSystems record, unpaid overdrafts, or fraud concerns. Once you understand the reason, you can address it or try a different bank that has different policies.

How long does it take to open a bank account?

In-person accounts usually open the same day. Online accounts typically open within one to three business days. You can usually start using the account when ready, though some banks place a hold on deposits for a few days while they verify the information you provided.