Most people can open a checking account, but banks have different rules about who they will accept

You can open a checking account if you have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a form of government ID, and proof of your current address. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and check your background against certain lists — this is called Know Your Customer compliance. But "required to check" does not mean "required to reject you." Many banks will open an account for you even if you have had problems in the past.

The main reasons a bank might say no are: you owe money to another bank (usually shown in a system called ChexSystems), you have been convicted of certain financial crimes, or you do not have the documents the bank is asking for. Even then, options exist. Some banks are stricter than others, and some specialize in working with people who have been turned down elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, proof of address, and either a Social Security number or ITIN to open a checking account at any bank.
  • Banks check ChexSystems, a database of people who owe money to banks or have a history of fraud, but a negative ChexSystems record does not automatically disqualify you.
  • If one bank turns you down, other banks — especially credit unions and online banks — may accept you with the same documents.
  • Some banks offer second-chance accounts specifically for people who have been denied elsewhere or have a banking history they want to move past.

What documents you need to bring

Every bank will ask for a government-issued ID with your photo on it. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill.

You will also need proof that you live where you say you do. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address works. The document usually has to be recent — within the last 60 days — but ask the bank what they accept before you go in.

Finally, you need either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can get an ITIN from the IRS. Some banks will open accounts for people without either number, but this is rare and usually only at banks that specialize in serving immigrants.

What ChexSystems is and why banks check it

ChexSystems is a database that banks use to share information about customers who have had problems — usually people who owe money to a bank, wrote bad checks, or committed fraud. When you explore for a checking account, the bank will check this database to see if you are listed.

If you are in ChexSystems, the bank will see a record of what happened and when. This does not automatically mean the bank will reject you. Some banks have strict policies and will turn you down. Others will open an account for you but may charge higher fees or require a larger opening deposit. A few banks do not check ChexSystems at all.

You have the right to see what is in your ChexSystems record. You can request a free copy from ChexSystems directly by visiting their website or calling their customer service line. If there is an error in your record, you can dispute it.

Banks that are more likely to accept you

If you have been turned down by a large bank, try a credit union or a smaller community bank. Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexible policies than national banks. They may be willing to work with you even if you have a ChexSystems record or no banking history at all.

Online banks also tend to be more flexible. They have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar banks, so they can afford to take on customers with more complicated histories. Some online banks do not check ChexSystems at all.

Some banks specifically market "second-chance" or "fresh start" checking accounts. These are designed for people who have been denied elsewhere. They may have higher fees or require a larger opening deposit, but they exist for the purpose of giving people a way back into the banking system.

What happens if a bank says no

If a bank turns you down, ask why. They are required to tell you the reason. If it is because of ChexSystems, ask for the specific record they are concerned about. If it is because you do not have the right documents, find out exactly what they need and whether you can get it.

If the reason is that you owe money to another bank, you have options. Some banks will still open an account for you if you agree to a smaller opening deposit or accept higher fees. Others will not. In that case, move on to the next bank on your list.

Do not explore to many banks in a short period of time. Each process triggers a hard inquiry into your credit and banking history, and multiple inquiries in a short time can make you look riskier to other banks. explore to one or two banks, wait a week or two, and then try another if you are turned down.

Second-chance accounts and what they cost

A second-chance account is a regular checking account with restrictions or higher fees. You might have a lower spending limit, a requirement to keep a minimum balance, or monthly fees that are higher than a standard account. Some banks will convert you to a regular account after you have had the second-chance account for six months or a year and have not had any problems.

The fees vary widely. Some second-chance accounts cost $10 to $15 per month. Others charge per transaction or per overdraft. Before you open one, ask the bank what the fees are and whether you can move to a cheaper account later. A second-chance account is a tool to get back into the system, not a permanent home.

Age requirements and accounts for young people

Most banks require you to be at least 18 years old to open a checking account on your own. If you are younger, you can usually open a joint account with a parent or guardian, or a custodial account that the parent controls until you turn 18.

Some banks have accounts specifically for teenagers that allow limited spending and require parental oversight. These are a way to learn how to manage money before you have full control of the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I have bad credit?

Yes. Banks do not check your credit score when you open a checking account. They check ChexSystems, which is different from credit. Bad credit does not disqualify you, but owing money to another bank (which shows up in ChexSystems) might.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get an ITIN from the IRS if you are not a U.S. citizen. Some banks will open accounts for people with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. A few banks in areas with large immigrant populations will open accounts without either, but this is uncommon.

Can I open a checking account if I am homeless?

Most banks require proof of address, which is difficult if you do not have a permanent home. Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address if you can show other proof that you live there. Call ahead and ask what the bank will accept before you go in.

How long does it take to open a checking account?

If you have all your documents and the bank approves you, you can open an account in 15 to 30 minutes in person. Online accounts can take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how quickly the bank verifies your identity.

What if I was in ChexSystems but that was years ago?

Records stay in ChexSystems for five years. After five years, the record is removed and banks will not see it. If your record is still there but it has been several years, some banks will overlook it, especially if you can explain what happened.