What you need to bring and where to go

Opening a checking account takes about 15 to 30 minutes and requires two things: a government-issued ID and proof that you live where you say you do. You can open an account in person at a bank or credit union branch, or online through their website. Most banks and credit unions will let you choose either way.

The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The proof of address is usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address — usually dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a phone bill or insurance statement instead. If you do not have a utility bill, ask the bank what they will take; different banks have different rules.

You do not need a minimum amount of money to open most checking accounts, though some banks require you to deposit at least $25 or $100 on the day you open it. Many accounts have no monthly fee. If there is a fee, the bank must tell you what it is before you sign anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government ID and a recent bill or statement showing your current address to open an account in person or online.
  • Most checking accounts have no monthly fee, but some banks charge $5 to $15 per month — ask before you commit.
  • You can open an account at a traditional bank, an online bank, or a credit union; online banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings.
  • The account is usually ready to use the same day you open it, though your debit card may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
  • If you have had banking problems in the past, some banks use a second-chance checking program that does not check your history.

Opening in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of a bank or credit union during business hours with your ID and proof of address. Tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking account. They will ask you questions: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address. They will also ask how you plan to use the account — this is routine and helps them set it up correctly for you.

You will sign a document called an account agreement or disclosure statement. This tells you the rules of the account: what fees exist, what happens if your balance goes negative, how to dispute a transaction, and other terms. Read it or ask the banker to explain anything you do not understand. You do not have to sign if you do not want to, but you cannot open the account without signing.

Once you sign, the account is open. The banker will give you a temporary debit card or a number to use online right away. Your permanent debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using the account to receive direct deposits or set up bill pay before the card arrives.

Opening online through a bank's website

Many banks let you open a checking account entirely on their website without visiting a branch. Go to the bank's website and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You will answer the same questions as you would in person: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone, and email.

You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address using your phone or computer. Take clear photos of both sides of your ID and the front of your bill or statement. The bank's system will read these automatically, though sometimes a person reviews them if the photo is unclear.

After you submit, the bank usually tells you within minutes or hours whether the account is open. Some banks ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions about your credit history, or by confirming small deposits they make to a bank account you already have. Once verified, you can use the account right away. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Banks, credit unions, and online banks: what is the difference

A bank is a for-profit company that takes your deposits and lends them to other customers. Banks have physical branches where you can walk in, talk to a person, and deposit cash. Most banks charge a monthly fee for checking accounts, though many waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

A credit union is a non-profit organization owned by its members — you become a member when you open an account. Credit unions usually charge lower fees than banks and pay higher interest on savings accounts. You need to live, work, or worship in a certain area to join most credit unions, though some are open to anyone. Credit unions have fewer branches than banks, so if you need to deposit cash often, check whether there is a branch near you.

An online bank has no physical branches — you do everything through a website or phone app. Online banks have the lowest fees and the highest interest rates because they do not pay for buildings and staff. The trade-off is that you cannot walk in to deposit cash or talk to someone face-to-face. Some online banks partner with ATM networks so you can withdraw cash for free at thousands of ATMs.

What happens if you have had banking problems before

If you have overdrawn an account, bounced checks, or had an account closed by a bank in the past, some banks will still turn you down. Banks use a system called ChexSystems that keeps a record of these problems. When you explore for a new account, the bank checks this record.

If you have been turned down before, look for a second-chance checking account. These accounts are designed for people with banking history problems. They usually have higher fees than regular accounts, but they do not check ChexSystems or your credit history. Banks that offer second-chance accounts include Chime, LendingClub, and some regional banks — search online for "second-chance checking" plus your state to find options near you.

You can also ask a bank directly whether they offer second-chance accounts. Some do not advertise them, but will open one if you ask and explain your situation honestly.

Getting your debit card and setting up online access

Your debit card arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after you open the account. When it arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it. The bank sends instructions with the card, or you can call the number on the back of the card and follow the prompts. set up usually takes less than a minute.

While you wait for the card, you can set up online banking on the bank's website or app. You will create a username and password, and the bank may ask you to set up a PIN or answer security questions. Once you log in, you can see your balance, transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and see a record of every transaction.

Some banks also let you add your debit card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay before the physical card arrives. This lets you pay with your phone at stores that accept contactless payment. Ask your bank whether this is an option.

Understanding fees and how to avoid them

Most checking accounts have no monthly fee, but some charge $5 to $15 per month. Common ways to avoid the fee are: set up direct deposit, keep a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Ask the banker or read the account agreement to see which applies to your account.

Other fees you might see are: overdraft fees (charged when you spend more than you have), ATM fees (charged when you use an ATM that is not part of the bank's network), and wire transfer fees (charged when you send money to another bank). These fees are optional — you only pay them if you use these services. Online banks and credit unions usually have lower fees for these services than traditional banks.

Before you open an account, ask about all the fees. The bank must give you a document called a fee schedule that lists every fee. Read it, or ask the banker to walk you through it. Knowing the fees upfront helps you choose an account that fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a checking account?

Most banks require a Social Security number, but some will open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you do not have a Social Security number. Call the bank and ask whether they accept ITINs before you go in. Credit unions sometimes have different rules than banks.

What if I do not have proof of address?

If you do not have a utility bill or lease, ask the bank what else they will accept. Some banks take a bank statement from another bank, a government check, a phone bill, or even a letter from a shelter or social service agency. Different banks have different rules, so call ahead and ask what documents they need.

Can I open a checking account if I am under 18?

Most banks require you to be 18 to open an account on your own. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can open a joint account with you, or they can open an account in your name with themselves as the custodian. Once you turn 18, you can convert it to an account in your name alone.

How long does it take to use my account after I open it?

You can use your account the same day you open it — you can receive direct deposits, set up bill pay, and transfer money online right away. Your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Some banks let you use a temporary card number or digital wallet while you wait.

What if I want to close the account later?

You can close a checking account anytime by calling the bank or visiting a branch. Make sure you have withdrawn all your money and paid any outstanding checks or bill payments first. The bank will confirm the account is closed and send you a final statement.