What you need to bring and where to go

You can open a checking account by visiting a bank branch in person, calling the bank's customer service line, or going through their website. Most banks let you do all three, though some online-only banks only offer the website route. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can still open an account at many banks — ask the branch what documents they accept instead. Some banks will also let you bring a second form of ID or a letter from an employer if your address proof is older than 90 days. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person, or a few minutes online if you already have all your documents ready.

You do not need to have money in the account to open it. Some banks ask for an opening deposit (often $25 to $100), but many have no minimum at all. Check the bank's website or call ahead to find out what that bank requires.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account in person.
  • You can open an account at a branch, over the phone, or online — the fastest route depends on whether you have your documents ready.
  • Many banks do not require an opening deposit, but some ask for $25 to $100, so check before you go.
  • The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or a few minutes online.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, ask the bank what other documents they will take instead.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you have chosen and tell the person at the desk that you want to open a checking account. They will take you to a banker or account representative who will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account — whether you expect direct deposits, how often you will write checks, and whether you want online banking turned on. These questions help the bank recommend the right account type for you, but your answers do not determine whether you can open the account.

The banker will then ask to see your ID and proof of address, and will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN. They will enter this information into the bank's system, which runs a background check through a service called ChexSystems. This check looks at your banking history — whether you have overdrawn accounts, unpaid fees, or fraud on record. Most people pass this check. If you do not, the banker will tell you that day.

Once the background check clears, you will sign paperwork that explains the account rules, fees, and how the bank handles your money. You will also choose a PIN (a four-digit number) for your debit card and decide whether to get a physical card mailed to you or a temporary digital card you can use right away. Then the account is open, and you can start using it.

Opening an account online or by phone

If you open an account on the bank's website, you will fill out a form with your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number or ITIN, and date of birth. You will upload a photo of your ID and a photo of your proof of address. The bank will then run the same background check as the in-person route.

Some banks ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions (things like "What was the name of your first pet?" based on information in your credit history), or by confirming small deposits the bank makes to another account you own. This can add a few days to the process. Once verification is done, you will sign the account agreement electronically and choose your PIN and card delivery method.

Opening by phone works much the same way — a representative will ask the same questions and take the same information, then mail you the paperwork to sign and return. This route usually takes longer because of the mailing time, so it is less common now that online opening is available.

What happens if the background check does not clear

If ChexSystems finds something on your record — an old unpaid overdraft fee, a closed account with a negative balance, or fraud — the bank may deny your account. This does not mean you can never have a checking account. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you, and you can dispute information that is wrong.

You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If you find an error, you can file a dispute with ChexSystems, which will investigate and correct the record if the information is inaccurate. If the information is accurate but old, some banks will still open an account for you after a certain amount of time has passed — usually two to five years, depending on the bank.

If one bank turns you down, try a different bank or a credit union. Different banks have different standards for what they will accept. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw, but they are a real way to get back into the banking system.

Choosing between in-person, online, and phone opening

Open in person if you do not have all your documents ready, if you want to ask questions face-to-face, or if you are not comfortable with online forms. You will get your account the same day and can ask the banker to explain anything you do not understand. This is also the best route if you have had banking problems before, because you can talk directly to someone about whether the bank will work with you.

Open online if you have your ID and address proof ready and want the fastest route. Online opening usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, depending on whether the bank needs to verify your identity through security questions or test deposits. You can do it from home at any time of day.

Open by phone if you prefer to talk to a person but cannot visit a branch. This takes longer because of mailing time, but it is a middle ground between in-person and online.

What to do after your account opens

Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail (usually within 5 to 10 business days) and a checkbook if you ordered one. You can also set up online banking right away so you can see your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your computer or phone. The bank will send you instructions on how to log in, usually by email or in the welcome packet that comes with your card.

Before you make your first deposit, ask the bank how to do it. You can usually deposit a check by taking a photo of it through the bank's app, or by mailing it, or by handing it to a teller at a branch. You can also set up direct deposit if your employer or a government program sends you money — the bank will give you the routing number and account number you need to give your employer.

Read through the account agreement the bank gave you so you understand the fees. Most checking accounts charge a monthly fee if you do not keep a minimum balance or do not have direct deposits coming in, though many banks have waived these fees in recent years. Knowing the rules ahead of time means you will not be surprised by charges later.

Banks versus credit unions

A bank is a for-profit company that takes deposits and makes loans. A credit union is a nonprofit organization owned by its members. Both offer checking accounts, and the process to open one is almost identical. The main differences are that credit unions often have lower fees, lower minimum balances, and more flexibility if you have had banking problems before. However, credit unions have fewer branches and ATMs, so if you need to visit in person often, a bank with many locations near you might be more convenient.

If you are new to banking or returning after a gap, a credit union can be a good choice because they often focus on education and are more willing to work with people who do not have perfect banking history. You can find a credit union near you by searching at www.co-opnetwork.org or asking at your workplace — many employers have a credit union partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, ask the bank whether they will open an account using a passport number or other ID instead. Some banks will, though it is less common. A few banks specialize in accounts for people without SSNs — search for "ITIN checking account" plus your state to find options near you.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a care-of address (like a friend's address where mail can reach you). Call the bank ahead of time and ask what they will take as proof of address. You may need to bring a letter from a shelter or social service agency along with your ID. Online banks sometimes have more flexibility with address requirements than branches do.

Can I open an account if I have been banned from banking before?

Yes. Being banned from one bank does not prevent you from opening at another. ChexSystems records stay on file for five years, but many banks will still open an account for you after two to three years have passed. Second-chance checking accounts exist specifically for this situation. Start by calling smaller banks or credit unions in your area and asking whether they work with people who have ChexSystems records.

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

A physical debit card usually arrives in 5 to 10 business days. Many banks now offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready through your phone, so you do not have to wait. Ask the banker or the online form whether this option is available.

What if I want to close the account later?

You can close a checking account at any time by visiting a branch, calling the bank, or sometimes through online banking. The bank will ask you to withdraw any remaining money or will send it to you. There is no penalty for closing an account, though some banks ask you to wait a certain number of days before closing if you just opened it.