The documents and information banks require

To open a checking account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks will ask for all three before they hand you a debit card. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID — a passport works, or a state ID card if your driver's license is expired.

The address proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A few banks accept mail from government agencies instead. If you have moved recently and your ID still shows an old address, bring both the ID and a current utility bill or lease — the bank will use the newer document as your actual address.

You will also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account. Most banks have no minimum, but some require $25 to $100 on the first day. A handful of premium checking accounts ask for $500 or more. The bank will tell you the minimum before you hand over any money.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government photo ID, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement — it does not have to match your ID.
  • Most banks have no opening deposit requirement, but some ask for $25 to $500 depending on the account type.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online, and the process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Opening in person versus online

Opening at a branch takes about 15 minutes. You bring your documents, the bank employee verifies them, you sign paperwork, and you leave with a debit card or a temporary card number. Some branches print the card on-site; others mail it to you within 5 to 7 business days. You can start using the account when ready even if the physical card has not arrived.

Opening online is faster — usually 10 minutes — but you cannot hand documents to a person. Instead, you photograph or scan your ID and address proof and upload them through the bank's website or app. The bank's system reads the images automatically. If the system cannot read your documents clearly, a person will review them manually, which can add a day or two. You will receive your debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Some banks offer a hybrid: you start online and finish at a branch, or you start at a branch and finish online. This matters if you want a card when ready but do not have all your documents with you — you can complete the process at home and pick up the card later.

What happens if you do not have a standard ID

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card works just as well. If you do not have any government photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents instead — a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a Social Security card, for example. Call the bank before you go in; different banks have different rules for what counts as acceptable proof.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You will need the ITIN letter from the IRS, not just the number itself. A few banks also accept a passport number in place of an SSN or ITIN, though this is less common.

If you have no ID at all and cannot get one quickly, some credit unions and community banks will open an account with a combination of documents plus a reference from someone who already banks there. This is rare, but worth asking about if you are stuck.

The information the bank will ask you to provide verbally or in writing

Beyond documents, the bank will ask your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. They will ask whether you want statements by mail or email, and whether you want to set up online banking right away. They will ask if you want overdraft protection — a service that covers small overspending by linking to a savings account or credit line — and whether you want to receive alerts when your balance drops below a certain amount.

The bank will also ask about your employment and income. This is not to judge you; it is required by federal law. You do not have to be employed — you can say you are retired, a student, or unemployed — but you do have to answer. The bank will ask whether you have had accounts closed by other banks, and whether you have any outstanding debts to banks. These questions feed into ChexSystems, a checking account history database that banks use to decide whether to open your account.

If you have been reported to ChexSystems — usually because of unpaid overdrafts or fraud — some banks will still open an account for you, but others will not. You can request your ChexSystems report for free once a year at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error, you can dispute it.

Minimum balance requirements and monthly fees

Most checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement — you can open with $1 and keep $1 in the account forever. However, some accounts require you to maintain a certain balance to avoid a monthly fee. A typical requirement is $500 or $1,000. If your balance drops below that, the bank charges a fee, usually $10 to $15 per month.

Some banks waive the fee if you set up direct deposit, or if you make a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Others waive it if you maintain a linked savings account with a minimum balance. Read the fee schedule before you open — it is usually on the bank's website under "Checking Account Terms" or "Pricing Information."

A few banks offer checking accounts with no fees and no minimum balance at all. These are usually online banks or credit unions. The trade-off is that they may not have physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash in person.

What to bring if you are opening an account for someone else

If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, plus your own ID and proof of address. You become the account owner, and the child is an authorized user. The bank will set rules about who can withdraw money and who can make decisions about the account.

If you are opening an account for someone who cannot come to the bank — because they are elderly, disabled, or out of the country — you will need a power of attorney document signed by that person. This document must be notarized in most cases. Some banks have their own power of attorney form; others accept a general one. Call ahead to ask what the bank needs.

If you are opening a joint account with another adult, both of you need to be present with your IDs and proof of address. Some banks allow one person to start the account online and the other to sign later, but most require both signatures at the same time.

What happens after you open the account

Once the account is open, you will receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the account when ready through online banking or mobile app, even before the card arrives. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or deposit checks through mobile check deposit if the bank offers it.

The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking. You will also receive a PIN for the debit card, either in the mail or through the app. Some banks require you to set up the card by calling a number or using the app before you can use it; others set up it automatically.

If you have questions after opening, most banks offer phone support during business hours and chat support through their app or website. Some offer 24/7 support; others do not. Check the bank's website to see what hours they are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I have been reported to ChexSystems?

Yes, but not at every bank. Some banks specialize in second-chance checking and will open an account even if you have negative history. Others will not. You can request your ChexSystems report for free to see what is listed, and you can dispute any errors. Some banks will open an account if you pay a deposit or agree to limited features.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most banks have no minimum opening deposit. However, some require $25 to $500 to open, and others waive monthly fees only if you maintain a certain balance. Check the bank's website or call before you go in to confirm what they require.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Most banks will not accept it. If your utility bill or lease is older than 60 days, bring a more recent document — a bank statement, credit card statement, or government mail. If you have just moved and have no recent proof yet, ask the bank what they will accept; some will take a lease agreement even if it is dated before you moved in.

Can I open an account with just a passport?

A passport works as your photo ID, but you still need proof of your current address. The passport alone is not enough. Bring a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement along with the passport.

How long does it take to get my debit card after I open the account?

Most banks mail the card within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the account through online banking or mobile app when ready, even before the card arrives. Some branches print cards on-site, so you can leave with a card the same day if you open in person.