What You Need Before You Walk In

Most banks and credit unions will ask for a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some also ask for a second form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you don't have a photo ID yet, you can still open an account at many institutions; call ahead to ask what alternative documents they accept.

Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current street address. A bill dated within the last 60 days is standard. If you've recently moved or don't receive mail at home, some banks accept a bank statement from another institution, a pay stub, or a letter from a government agency.

You'll also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account. Most checking accounts have no minimum, but some require $25 to $100 to start. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. Ask about this when you call or visit — it can save you money if you're starting with a small balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of your address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account.
  • Most banks have no minimum opening deposit, but some require $25 to $100; direct deposit can waive the minimum at certain institutions.
  • The account opens the same day at a branch, though debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Online banks typically open accounts in minutes using your ID and a video call, with no branch visit required.
  • Monthly fees vary widely — some accounts are free, others charge $10 to $15 per month unless you meet balance or deposit requirements.

Opening an Account at a Physical Bank or Credit Union Branch

Walk into any branch with your documents and ask to open a checking account. A banker will verify your ID, confirm your address, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and ask you basic questions about how you plan to use the account. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll sign paperwork, choose a PIN for your debit card, and leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use when ready online.

Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Checks take longer — usually 10 to 14 business days — so if you need to write a check right away, ask the banker if you can order them during the appointment. You can start using your account the same day, either at the branch's ATM or online if the bank has set up digital access.

Credit unions follow the same process but may also ask if you want to become a member. Membership is usually free and straightforward means you're may be able to access to use their services. Some credit unions require you to live or work in a specific area or belong to a particular group; ask about membership requirements when you call.

Opening an Account Online

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover open accounts entirely through their websites or apps. You upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number, confirm your address, and answer questions about your banking history. Most ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a representative, which takes 5 to 10 minutes. The account opens when ready, and you can transfer money in right away.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, or transfer money from another bank account you own. Some online banks let you use your phone's digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) to pay with your phone before your physical card arrives.

Online banks have no branches, so you can't deposit cash or speak to someone in person. If you need to deposit checks, most offer mobile check deposit through their app — you photograph the front and back of the check and it's deposited within one or two business days. If you need to deposit cash, you can transfer it to another bank account you own, or use a partner ATM network if the online bank offers one.

What Happens During the Background Check

Banks check your history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you've had accounts closed due to unpaid fees or fraud, or if you owe money to a bank, ChexSystems will flag it. This doesn't automatically disqualify you — many banks open accounts for people with ChexSystems records, especially if the issue was years ago or the amount was small.

If ChexSystems shows a problem, the banker will tell you and may ask for an explanation. Be honest. If you had overdrafts you couldn't pay, say so. If an account was closed by the bank, ask why — sometimes it's a mistake. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues; if you're turned down, ask the banker to recommend one.

The background check takes a few minutes. You'll know the result before you leave the branch or finish the online process. If you're approved, the account opens that day.

Monthly Fees and How to Avoid Them

Checking account fees vary widely. Some accounts charge nothing. Others charge $10 to $15 per month unless you meet certain conditions — maintaining a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or making a certain number of debit card transactions per month. A few banks charge per transaction or per check written.

Before you open an account, ask the banker or check the bank's website for the fee schedule. Look for the monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fees (what you pay if you spend more than you have), and ATM fees if you use ATMs outside the bank's network. Some banks refund out-of-network ATM fees; others charge $2 to $3 per transaction.

If you can't meet the balance requirement, look for a no-fee account. Many regional banks and credit unions offer them, and most online banks have no monthly fee at all. A no-fee account is worth more than a low-fee account if you can't keep a large balance.

Getting Your Debit Card and Checks

Your debit card is usually ready to use the day you open the account, either as a temporary number or a physical card you can use when ready at ATMs. The permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some banks can expedite it for a fee of $10 to $25, or you can pick one up at a branch the next business day.

Checks take longer because they're printed by a third party. Standard checks arrive in 10 to 14 business days. If you need checks sooner, you can order them from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco, which is often cheaper than ordering through the bank. You'll need your account number and routing number, which the banker gives you when you open the account.

Until your checks arrive, you can ask the bank for a counter check — a temporary check the bank prints on the spot. It works like a regular check but looks different. Most businesses accept them, though some may ask for ID.

What Happens if You're Turned Down

If a bank turns you down, ask why. The most common reasons are a ChexSystems record, unpaid fees at another bank, or fraud. If it's a ChexSystems issue, you have the right to see your report and dispute errors. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com.

If you were turned down, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts. Some regional banks and online banks have fewer restrictions. You can also ask the banker who turned you down to recommend an institution that might work for you — many do.

If you have an outstanding debt to a bank, you may need to pay it before opening a new account. If the debt is old, you can sometimes negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount. A credit counselor or legal aid office can help you understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, most banks accept it instead. Bring your ITIN letter and a photo ID. Some banks may ask additional questions or require a larger opening deposit, but many treat ITINs the same as Social Security numbers.

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

You can use it the same day. You'll receive a temporary debit card number or a physical card you can use when ready at ATMs and online. Your permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can set up direct deposit or transfer money in right away.

What if I don't have a permanent address?

Some banks accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address as your mailing address. Call ahead and explain your situation — many institutions work with people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the account. Some accounts have no minimum and no monthly fee. Others waive the fee if you maintain a balance of $500 to $1,500, or if you set up direct deposit. Ask the banker before you open the account so you know what to expect.

What if there's an error on my ChexSystems report?

You can dispute it for free at chexsystems.com. Submit your dispute online or by mail with documentation of the error. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate. If the error is confirmed, they'll update your report and notify banks that checked it in the past six months.