What you need before you start

Most banks and credit unions will ask for the same core documents when you open a checking account. You will need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement with your name and address printed on it. Some institutions accept a government document like a tax return or benefits letter instead.

You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a system that tracks banking history and fraud. If you have had accounts closed for unpaid overdrafts or fraud in the past, this check may flag those incidents—but it does not automatically disqualify you. Some banks work with people who have ChexSystems records; others do not.

Have a small amount of money ready to deposit. Most checking accounts require an opening deposit, though the amount varies widely—some banks ask for $25, others for $100 or more. A few accounts have no minimum, but these are less common. Check the specific bank's requirements before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at any bank or credit union.
  • Most banks run a ChexSystems check, which reviews your banking history, but a past closure or fraud flag does not automatically prevent you from opening an account elsewhere.
  • Opening deposits range from zero to $100 or more depending on the institution, so compare requirements before you choose where to open your account.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online, and the process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on the method.
  • Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card and checks within one to two weeks, though you can use your account when ready with the temporary card or online access.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into a branch with your documents and opening deposit. Tell the representative you want to open a checking account. They will ask you to fill out an process form—this is usually one or two pages and asks for your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and employment information. The form also asks whether you want online banking and a debit card, and whether you want paper statements or electronic ones.

The representative will verify your identity by checking your photo ID against the process, then run the ChexSystems check. This takes a few minutes. If you pass, they will process your opening deposit and give you temporary access to your account—either a temporary debit card you can use when ready or a confirmation number to set up online banking. Your permanent debit card and checkbook will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If the bank finds an issue with your ChexSystems record or if your address cannot be verified, they may ask follow-up questions or tell you they cannot open the account. If that happens, ask whether they have a second-chance checking program—many larger banks do, though these accounts may have higher fees or lower spending limits.

Opening an account online

Many banks and most online-only banks let you open a checking account entirely through their website. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address using your phone or computer. You will enter your personal information, Social Security number, and employment details into an online form. The bank runs the ChexSystems check automatically.

If you are approved, you can usually start using your account the same day—you will receive a temporary debit card number to use online, or you can transfer money in from another account. Your physical debit card arrives by mail within five to ten business days. Some online banks also let you set up direct deposit or transfers before your card arrives, so you can begin using the account right away.

Online opening is fastest if you have clear photos of your documents and a stable internet connection. The main drawback is that if something goes wrong—a photo is blurry, your address does not match records, or your ChexSystems check flags something—you cannot resolve it when ready with a person. You will need to call customer service or wait for an email response.

Opening an account by phone

Some banks and credit unions let you open a checking account over the phone. Call the number on their website and tell the representative you want to open a checking account. They will ask you the same questions as an in-person process: name, address, Social Security number, employment, and the documents you have available.

You will need to mail or upload copies of your ID and proof of address after the call. The bank will process your process once they receive those documents, which usually takes three to five business days. During that time, they run the ChexSystems check. Once approved, you will receive your debit card and temporary access information by mail.

Phone opening is useful if you cannot visit a branch or do not want to open online, but it is slower than either of those methods because of the document mailing step. Ask the representative whether you can upload documents instead of mailing them—many banks now accept photos sent through their website or app.

What happens if you have a ChexSystems record

A ChexSystems record means the bank sees that you had a previous account closed for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other reasons. This does not mean you cannot open a new account. It means the bank knows about your history and will decide whether to work with you based on their own policies.

Large national banks often decline applicants with ChexSystems records. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to open accounts for people with records, though they may charge higher monthly fees, require a larger opening deposit, or limit how much you can spend per day. Some banks offer "second-chance checking" accounts specifically for people with banking history issues.

If a bank declines you, ask them to explain why. You can also request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what information they have on file. If there is an error—for example, an overdraft that was actually paid—you can dispute it with ChexSystems directly. Correcting errors can help you open an account at banks that would otherwise decline you.

Setting up online banking and bill pay

Once your account is open, you can set up online banking through the bank's website or app. You will create a username and password, then link any other accounts you want to transfer money from. Most banks let you set this up the same day your account opens, even before your debit card arrives.

Bill pay is usually a free feature that lets you pay bills directly from your checking account. You enter the biller's name and address, the amount, and the date you want the payment sent. The bank mails a check or transfers the money electronically, depending on the biller. Bill pay typically takes three to five business days to reach the biller, so plan ahead if you have a due date coming up.

Set up direct deposit if your employer or benefits provider offers it. This is the fastest and safest way to get money into your account—it usually arrives one or two business days before payday. You will need to give your employer your account number and routing number, which you can find on a check or in your online banking portal.

Monthly fees and account maintenance

Most checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee, though many waive it if you meet certain conditions. Common waivers include maintaining a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or using your debit card a certain number of times per month. Read the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.

Overdraft fees are charged when you spend more money than you have in your account. These fees typically range from $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks charge multiple overdraft fees in a single day if you make several transactions that overdraw your account. You can usually opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee—this is a good option if you want to avoid surprise charges.

Review your account statements monthly, either online or by mail. Check for unauthorized transactions, errors, or unexpected fees. If you spot something wrong, contact the bank within 60 days to dispute it. Banks are required to investigate disputes and refund unauthorized charges if you report them within this window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. ITINs are issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. Call ahead to confirm before you visit a branch.

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

Physical debit cards usually arrive within one to two weeks by mail. Most banks give you temporary access to your account when ready—either a temporary card number, online access, or both—so you can start using your account right away. Ask the representative what temporary access you will receive.

What if the bank says I cannot open an account because of my ChexSystems record?

Ask the bank whether they have a second-chance checking program. If not, try a credit union or smaller regional bank in your area—they are more likely to work with people who have banking history issues. You can also request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors, which may help you open an account elsewhere.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance in my checking account?

It depends on the account. Some accounts require a minimum balance to waive the monthly fee; others have no minimum at all. Check the fee schedule for the specific account you are opening. If you cannot maintain the minimum, look for an account with no minimum requirement or a lower one.

Can I open a joint checking account with someone else?

Yes. Both people will need to be present (in person or by phone, depending on the bank) and will need to provide ID and proof of address. Both names will appear on the account, and both people can access the money and make transactions. Decide in advance whether you want the account to require both signatures for large withdrawals, or whether either person can access the full balance.