What you need before you walk in
Most banks and credit unions will ask for two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. You do not need perfect credit, a job offer, or a minimum amount of money to start. You just need to show up with the right documents.
For proof of identity, bring a government-issued ID. A driver's license works best, but a passport, state ID card, or tribal ID all work too. If you do not have any of these, some banks will accept a combination of other documents — ask first before you make a trip.
For proof of address, bring something recent with your name and current street address on it. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days works. A bank statement or government letter counts too. If you are homeless or do not have mail at a fixed address, tell the bank — many have workarounds, like using a shelter address or a trusted person's address with written permission.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued ID and a recent document showing your current address — these are the two pieces almost every bank requires.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online, depending on the bank; in-person is fastest if you have questions.
- The bank will run a check on your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, but this is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.
- You will choose a PIN for your debit card and set up online banking access before you leave, so bring a phone number and email address you use regularly.
- Some banks charge monthly fees; others waive fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, so ask about the account type that costs you nothing.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walking into a bank with your documents is the most straightforward route, especially if this is your first account. A banker will sit with you, answer questions as they come up, and hand you a debit card before you leave — or order one to arrive in a few days.
Find a branch near you by searching the bank's website or calling their main number. Go during a weekday morning if you can; lines are shorter and staff have more time. Bring your ID, address proof, and a phone number and email address you check regularly. The banker will ask basic questions: your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number (or ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number), and your income if you have one. None of these answers will disqualify you.
The banker will then explain the account type — checking, savings, or both — and show you the monthly fee, if any. Ask directly: "Is there a way to have no monthly fee?" Many banks waive fees for direct deposit, keeping a minimum balance (often $500 or less), or maintaining a linked savings account. Once you choose, you will sign paperwork, create a PIN for your debit card, and set up online banking. The whole process takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Opening an account online or by phone
If you cannot get to a branch, many banks let you start the process online or over the phone. You will upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of showing them in person. Some banks finish the account the same day; others mail you a debit card and ask you to verify your identity by phone before you can use the account.
To open online, go to the bank's website and look for "Open an Account" or "New Customer". You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone, and email. Then you will upload clear photos of both sides of your ID and a photo of your address proof. Make sure the photos are in focus and show all four corners of the document. The bank will review these within one to three business days.
If you open by phone, call the bank's main number and ask for new accounts. A representative will ask the same questions and may ask you to email or mail in photos of your documents. This route takes longer — usually five to ten business days — but works if you do not have a computer or prefer to talk to a person.
What happens after you submit your information
The bank will run a check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are banking history databases. These check whether you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other problems at other banks. This is not a credit check — it does not look at your credit score and does not affect it. If you have never had a bank account before, this check will come back clean.
If the check finds a problem — for example, an old overdraft you forgot about — the bank will tell you. Some banks will still open your account. Others will decline and explain why. If you are declined, you can ask the bank which database flagged you and request a copy of your report to check for errors. You can dispute inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems or Early Warning.
Once the bank approves you, your account is open. If you opened in person, you walk out with a debit card or a temporary card number. If you opened online or by phone, the bank will mail your debit card and send you login information for online banking. You can usually start using the account online before the card arrives.
Setting up online banking and your debit card
Before you leave the branch — or as soon as you receive your login information — set up online banking. This is how you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills without going to the bank. You will create a username and password. Use a password you have not used anywhere else, and write it down somewhere safe at home.
You will also choose a PIN for your debit card, which you use at ATMs and sometimes in stores. Make it a four-digit number you can remember but others cannot guess — not your birthday or address. If you forget it, you can reset it at an ATM or by calling the bank.
Ask the banker or check your welcome email for the bank's customer service number and the 24-hour ATM network. Some banks are part of a shared network, meaning you can use ATMs at other banks without a fee. Others charge a fee if you use an ATM outside their network. Knowing this upfront saves you money.
Choosing between in-person, phone, and online
If you have never had a checking account and have questions, opening in person is worth the trip. A banker can explain overdraft protection, debit card safety, and monthly fees in real time. You also walk out with a working card the same day.
If you are comfortable with forms and have a computer and camera, opening online is faster and you can do it at home. You will wait a few days for your card to arrive, but your account is usually ready to use online within 24 hours.
Opening by phone is the middle ground. You get to talk to a person, but the process takes longer because documents have to be mailed or emailed. Choose this route if you do not have internet access but do have a phone and a way to photograph or scan your documents.
What to do if you do not have a Social Security number
If you are a non-citizen or do not have a Social Security number yet, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues for tax purposes. You can get one by filing a tax return with Form W-7, even if you did not work that year.
Some banks will open an account with just an ITIN. Others require both an ITIN and a passport or consular ID. Call the bank before you go in and ask: "Can I open a checking account with an ITIN?" This saves you a wasted trip. If the bank says no, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in serving immigrants — many exist in larger cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a checking account?
Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account. You can open with zero dollars. However, some banks waive monthly fees only if you keep a certain balance — often $500 or $1,000. Ask about this when you open so you know what to aim for.
What if I have had problems at another bank?
If you have unpaid overdrafts or were flagged for fraud at another bank, ChexSystems will show it. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will not. If you are declined, ask which bank reported the problem and whether you can fix it. Paying off old overdrafts sometimes helps you get approved elsewhere.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You must be present — in person, by phone, or online — and provide your own ID and signature. A parent or guardian cannot open an account in your name. If you are under 18, many banks require a parent or guardian to co-sign, but you still have to be there.
How long does it take to use my account after I open it?
If you open in person, you can use your account when ready — either with a temporary card number or a card issued on the spot. If you open online or by phone, your account is usually ready to use online within 24 hours, but your physical debit card takes five to ten business days to arrive by mail.
What if I make a mistake on my process?
Call the bank right away and tell them. Small mistakes — a typo in your address or phone number — are usually straightforward to fix. Larger mistakes, like entering the wrong Social Security number, may require you to close the account and open a new one, but the bank will help you do this.