What you need to open a checking account

To open a checking account, 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 and credit unions ask for these three things before they will let you deposit money and write checks.

The address proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a cell phone bill; others do not. If you do not have a current address on file, call the bank first and ask what documents they will take. A few banks will let you use a PO box if you also bring a second form of ID, but this is less common.

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works at most banks and credit unions. You will need to bring the letter from the IRS that issued your ITIN. Some banks have different requirements for ITIN holders — they may ask for additional documents or limit the account features available to you — so confirm what they need before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a photo ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at most banks and credit unions.
  • Banks and credit unions have different rules about minimum opening deposits, monthly fees, and which documents they will accept, so comparing a few options before you go in saves time.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or by phone with some institutions, and the process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour.
  • Some banks will place a hold on deposits for several days while they verify your identity and check your banking history, which affects when you can use the money.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank or credit union where you want to open an account and ask to speak with someone about opening a checking account. Bring your photo ID, address proof, and Social Security number or ITIN. The bank representative will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account — whether you expect direct deposits, how many checks you write per month, whether you want overdraft protection — and then show you the checking account options they offer.

The representative will fill out the account process with you, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. They will run a check on your banking history using ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, two companies that track whether you have had accounts closed for unpaid fees or fraud. If the check comes back clear, the account opens when ready. You can deposit money the same day and receive a debit card within 5 to 10 business days.

If the check flags something in your history, the bank will tell you what it found and may ask you to explain. Some banks will still open the account; others will decline. If you are declined, you have the right to request a copy of the report from ChexSystems or Early Warning Services and dispute anything that is wrong.

Opening an account online

Most banks and many credit unions let you open a checking account on their website without visiting a branch. Go to the bank's homepage, look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer", and follow the steps. You will enter your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number or ITIN, and employment information. The bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID and sometimes a photo of your address proof.

The online process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The bank will verify your identity and run the same banking history check as a branch would. If everything clears, you will see a confirmation on screen and receive an email with your account number and routing number. You can start using the account to receive deposits right away, though you may not be able to withdraw money or write checks until your debit card arrives in the mail.

Some banks require you to make an initial deposit online using a debit card or bank transfer before the account is fully active. Others let you open the account with zero dollars and deposit later. Check the bank's website or call their customer service line to confirm what they require before you start the process.

Opening an account by phone

A smaller number of banks and credit unions let you open a checking account by calling their customer service line. Call the number on the bank's website and tell them you want to open a new account. They will ask you the same questions as an online or in-person process: your name, address, Social Security number or ITIN, and how you plan to use the account.

The representative will guide you through the process over the phone and may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history. Once the process is submitted, the bank will send you a confirmation email with your account details. You will still need to provide a photo of your ID and address proof, usually by uploading them to the bank's website or mailing them in.

Phone applications take longer than online or in-person — usually 20 to 30 minutes — because the representative must read every question and write down your answers. Ask the representative whether you need to mail in documents or if you can upload them online, and confirm when your debit card will arrive.

Holds on deposits and when you can use your money

When you deposit money into a new checking account, the bank may place a hold on the deposit for one to five business days. During the hold, the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it or write checks against it. The bank uses this time to verify that the check or transfer is legitimate and that your account is in good standing.

The length of the hold depends on how you deposit the money. A direct deposit from your employer usually clears the same day or the next business day. A check deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit may be held for three to five business days. A wire transfer or ACH transfer from another bank usually clears within one to two business days.

New accounts sometimes have longer holds than established accounts. If you need the money quickly, ask the bank representative when you open the account what their hold policy is for new customers. Some banks waive holds for direct deposits or transfers from other banks they own.

Minimum opening deposits and monthly fees

Some banks require you to deposit a minimum amount of money when you open a checking account — commonly $25, $100, or $500. Other banks have no minimum opening deposit. The minimum varies by the type of account and the bank, so check the bank's website or ask a representative before you explore.

Many checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee, usually $5 to $15 per month. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or use their debit card a certain number of times per month. Others charge the fee no matter what. Credit unions often have lower or no monthly fees than traditional banks, but not always.

Before you open an account, compare the monthly fees and minimum balance requirements at two or three banks or credit unions. The difference between a $0 fee account and a $12 per year account adds up over time, especially if you are opening the account because you are managing money carefully.

What happens if you are declined

If a bank declines to open an account for you, they must tell you why. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report (a history of unpaid fees or fraud), too many recent accounts opened, or a pattern of overdrafts at other banks. You have the right to request a free copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute anything that is wrong.

If you are declined at one bank, you can still open an account at another bank or credit union. Some banks specialize in second-chance checking accounts for people with banking history issues. These accounts may have higher fees, lower limits on deposits, or require a larger opening deposit, but they are designed to let you rebuild your banking record.

You can also look into a prepaid debit card or a savings account at a credit union while you work on clearing up the issue in your ChexSystems report. A prepaid card works like a checking account for paying bills and making purchases, though it does not offer check-writing or overdraft protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN issued by the IRS. Bring the letter from the IRS that assigned your ITIN, along with your photo ID and address proof. Some banks have stricter requirements for ITIN holders, so call ahead and ask what documents they need.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open an account?

Most banks mail a debit card within 5 to 10 business days of opening the account. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use online or with your phone while you wait for the physical card. Ask the bank representative or check your account confirmation email for the expected arrival date.

What if I do not have a current address proof?

Call the bank and explain your situation. Some banks will accept alternative documents like a lease agreement, utility bill from a previous address, or a letter from a shelter or social service agency. A few banks will let you use a PO box if you bring a second form of ID. Do not assume you cannot open an account until you ask.

Can I open a checking account if I have been declined before?

Yes. You can open an account at a different bank or credit union, or look for a second-chance checking account designed for people with banking history issues. Request your free ChexSystems report and dispute any errors, which may help you open an account at your first choice of bank.

Do I have to go to a branch in person, or can I do everything online?

Most banks let you open an account entirely online or by phone. You will still need to upload a photo of your ID and address proof, but you do not have to visit a branch. If you prefer to speak with someone in person, any branch can open an account for you the same day.