The documents and information banks actually ask for

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. That is the core list — the things nearly every bank requires before they will let you deposit money.

The reason banks ask for these things is not random. Your ID proves you are who you say you are. Your address and Social Security number let the bank check whether you have unpaid debts or a history of fraud. Your contact information is how they reach you if something goes wrong with your account. If you are missing any of these, you may not be able to open an account at a traditional bank, though some banks have workarounds for people without a Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current 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 mail — it usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Some banks check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services; if you have unpaid fees or fraud on record, you may be denied.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks offer accounts for people with an ITIN, and some credit unions do not require either.
  • Opening an account online is faster than in person, but you will still need to verify your identity, usually by uploading photos of your documents.

Government-issued photo ID and what counts

Your bank will ask for a photo ID issued by a government agency. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. A passport works too. A tribal ID, military ID, or permanent resident card (green card) will also be accepted at most banks.

The ID needs to be current — not expired. Some banks will accept an ID that expired recently, but most will not. If your ID is expired and you cannot renew it quickly, call the bank before you go in or explore online; some branches have flexibility, and some do not.

Proof of your current address

Banks need to know where you live. They will ask for a document that shows your name and your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the standard proof. A lease or mortgage statement works. So does a government letter — a tax return, voter registration card, or mail from a government agency with your name and address on it.

The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring something else — a lease signed recently, a new lease, or a letter from your landlord on letterhead confirming your move-in date. If you are homeless or living temporarily with someone else, ask the bank what they will accept; some have options for people without a permanent address.

Social Security number or ITIN

Banks use your Social Security number (SSN) to check your financial history and report your account activity to the government. If you have a Social Security number, bring it or be ready to say it aloud when you explore.

If you do not have a Social Security number but you are authorized to work in the United States, you may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks will open accounts for people with an ITIN instead of an SSN. If you have neither, some credit unions and a few banks will open accounts without either number, though this is less common. Call ahead to ask whether the bank or credit union you want to use has this option.

What banks check before they say yes

After you give the bank your information, they run a background check. They look at ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — databases that track banking history. These services record things like unpaid overdraft fees, fraud, or accounts closed because of suspicious activity. If you have a record in one of these databases, the bank may deny your account.

You have the right to know what is in your ChexSystems or Early Warning Services file. You can request a free report from each service once a year. If there is an error — a closed account that was not your fault, or a fee you already paid — you can dispute it. Fixing an error can take weeks, so if you are denied, ask the bank which database they checked and get a copy of your report right away.

Some banks also check your credit report, though this is less common for checking accounts than for credit products. A bad credit score will not usually stop you from opening a checking account, but fraud or identity theft on your credit report might.

Opening an account online versus in person

Many banks let you open an account on their website without visiting a branch. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address, answer questions about yourself, and agree to the account terms. The bank then verifies your identity — sometimes when ready, sometimes within a day or two. Once you are approved, you can start using the account right away, though you may not be able to deposit cash until you visit a branch or use an ATM.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer on the day you go, but you walk out with a debit card and can deposit cash when ready. You also have a chance to ask questions and understand the account before you sign anything. If you are new to banking or uncomfortable with online processes, opening in person may feel safer.

What to bring or have ready

If you are opening an account in person, bring your photo ID, proof of address, and be ready to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring a small amount of cash or a check to make your first deposit — most banks require a minimum opening deposit, though some have accounts with no minimum. Ask the bank what the minimum is before you go.

If you are opening online, have clear photos of both sides of your ID and a photo of your proof of address. Make sure the photos are in focus and show all the text clearly. Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. Have your phone number and email address ready too — the bank will use these to contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some banks and credit unions will open accounts for people with an ITIN instead of an SSN. A few will open accounts without either, though this is uncommon. Call the bank or credit union you want to use and ask directly — policies vary by institution.

What if I do not have proof of address?

If you are homeless or living temporarily, ask the bank what they will accept. Some will take a letter from a shelter, a temporary lease, or a statement from someone who can confirm you live there. If the bank will not work with you, try a credit union — they sometimes have more flexibility for people in unstable housing.

What happens if the bank denies my account?

The bank will tell you why — usually because of something in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. Ask which database they checked and request a free copy of your report. If there is an error, you can dispute it. If the denial is correct, try a different bank or a credit union, which may have different policies.

Do I need to open an account in person?

No. Most banks let you open online by uploading photos of your documents. Online opening is usually faster, though you may need to visit a branch later to deposit cash or pick up a debit card.

How much money do I need to open an account?

It depends on the bank. Some require a minimum opening deposit of $25 or $100. Some have no minimum. Ask the bank before you explore so you know what to bring.