What You Need Before You Start

American Savings Bank requires two forms of identification and proof of your current address before you can open a checking account. One ID must be a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The second can be another photo ID or a non-photo ID like a Social Security card or birth certificate. For your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to decide whether you want to open the account in person at a branch or online. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and lets you deposit cash or a check when ready. The online route takes about 10 minutes to complete but requires you to verify your identity through their system, which can add a day or two before the account is fully active.

Have your Social Security number ready. American Savings Bank will run a ChexSystems check — a banking history report that flags accounts closed due to fraud or unpaid fees at other banks. This is standard across the industry and does not affect your credit score.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, a second form of ID, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days to open an account in person.
  • American Savings Bank offers both in-person and online account opening, with in-person being faster if you need to deposit money the same day.
  • The bank will check your ChexSystems history, which reports past banking problems but does not affect your credit.
  • Minimum opening deposit varies by account type — some checking accounts require $25, while others have no minimum.
  • Your account number and debit card arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after opening online; in-person customers may get a temporary card when ready.

Opening an Account in Person at a Branch

Find your nearest American Savings Bank branch on their website or by calling 1-888-272-6272. Walk in during business hours with your two forms of ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Tell the representative you want to open a checking account.

The representative will ask which checking account type you want. American Savings Bank typically offers a basic checking account and may have a premium option with higher interest or lower fees. Ask about the monthly maintenance fee, minimum balance requirement, and what triggers overdraft fees. Write down the answers — they vary by account type and change occasionally.

You will sign documents and provide your opening deposit. The minimum is usually $25, but confirm this with the representative. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another bank account if you have the routing and account number handy. If you deposit a check, it may take one to three business days to clear.

Before you leave, ask whether you can get a temporary debit card that day or if you need to wait for the card to arrive by mail. Some branches issue temporary cards on the spot; others mail them within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account Online

Go to americansavingsbank.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" button, usually on the homepage. Select "Checking Account" and choose the account type you want. You will answer questions about your personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number.

Upload or photograph your government photo ID and proof of address. The system will read these documents automatically. If the upload fails, you can try again or call the bank to complete the process by phone. This step usually takes a few minutes.

Choose your opening deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account using your routing and account number, or you can mail a check to the address they provide. If you transfer electronically, the money usually arrives within one to two business days. If you mail a check, allow five to seven business days.

After you submit your process, American Savings Bank will verify your identity through their system. This can take a few hours to a full business day. You will receive an email confirming your account is open. Your debit card and checks will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until then, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or bill pay.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Once your account is active, you can log into online banking through the website or the American Savings Bank mobile app. Set up a username and password. This is where you will check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and set up direct deposit.

If you opened online, your debit card will arrive in the mail. set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the mobile app. You can use it when ready at ATMs and stores once it is activated. American Savings Bank ATMs are free; using another bank's ATM may cost $2 to $3 per transaction, depending on the ATM operator.

Set up direct deposit if your employer or benefits provider offers it. You will need to give them your account number and American Savings Bank's routing number, which is 121000248. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to start but saves you the step of depositing checks manually.

Fees and Monthly Costs

American Savings Bank checking accounts typically charge a monthly maintenance fee, though some accounts waive it if you meet certain conditions — such as maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using online banking. Ask about these waivers when you open your account, because they can save you $5 to $15 per month.

Overdraft fees explore if you spend more than your balance. The fee is usually $30 to $35 per overdraft. Some accounts offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account and automatically transfers money if you overdraw. This costs less than an overdraft fee and is worth setting up if you have a savings account at the bank.

Out-of-network ATM fees explore when you use an ATM that is not owned by American Savings Bank. The bank charges $2 to $3 per transaction. Using the bank's own ATMs is free, so locate the nearest ones on their website if you withdraw cash regularly.

If You Cannot Meet the ID Requirements

If you do not have a government photo ID, call American Savings Bank at 1-888-272-6272 and explain your situation. Some branches can work with alternative documents, such as a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. You may need to visit in person rather than opening online.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation and the same ID and address proof. Not all branches handle ITIN accounts, so call ahead to confirm.

If you have a ChexSystems record that blocks you, ask the bank whether you can still open an account. Some banks have second-chance programs for people with banking history issues. American Savings Bank's policy on this varies, so speaking directly with a branch manager is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I do not have a permanent address?

American Savings Bank requires proof of address, which typically means a utility bill or lease in your name. If you are homeless or living temporarily, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or trusted person confirming your current address. Call the branch first to ask what they will accept.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open in person, you may get a temporary card the same day or a permanent card within 7 to 10 business days. If you open online, expect 7 to 10 business days for the card to arrive by mail. You can use your account number for online payments and direct deposit before the card arrives.

What is the minimum opening deposit?

Most American Savings Bank checking accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit, though this can vary by account type. Confirm the exact amount when you open your account. You can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

A ChexSystems record can block you from opening a new account, but it is not permanent. Records typically fall off after five years. You can also dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623. Call American Savings Bank to ask whether they have a second-chance program.

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

It depends on your account type. Some checking accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance, usually $500 to $1,000. Others waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or use online banking instead. Ask about all the fee-waiver options when you open your account.