Where to open a checking account in Spokane

Spokane has branches of national banks, regional banks, and credit unions. The largest national chains with multiple Spokane locations are Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank. Regional options include Umpqua Bank, Banner Bank, and Timberland Bancorp. If you prefer a credit union, Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Numerica Credit Union both have multiple branches in the area and serve people who live or work in Spokane County.

Each institution has different account minimums, monthly fees, and features. Some waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Others charge fees regardless. The difference between a $0-fee account and one with a $12 monthly fee adds up to $144 a year, so comparing before you walk in matters.

You can open an account in person at any branch, or online from home. In-person opening takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online opening takes 5 to 10 minutes but requires you to verify your identity through the bank's app or website, usually by uploading a photo of your ID and sometimes by answering security questions tied to your credit history.

Key Takeaways

  • National banks, regional banks, and credit unions all operate in Spokane, and each has different fee structures and minimum balance requirements.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number to open an account, whether in person or online.
  • Online opening is faster but requires identity verification through the bank's app; in-person opening is when ready if you bring the right documents.
  • Monthly fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank and account type, and many banks waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or receive direct deposit.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after opening, but you can use your account number to set up transfers or direct deposit when ready.

Documents and information you need to bring

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your ID and proof of address have different names (for example, if you recently married), bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Have your Social Security number ready. The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check does not affect your credit score. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank, some institutions will deny you; others offer second-chance accounts with higher fees or lower limits.

If you are opening an account for a minor (under 18), bring the minor's birth certificate and Social Security card, plus your ID and proof of address. Most banks require a parent or legal guardian to be a joint owner on the account until the minor turns 18.

Opening an account in person at a Spokane branch

Walk into any branch during business hours. Tell the teller or greeter you want to open a checking account. They will direct you to a banker or account specialist, who will ask you which account type you want (basic checking, interest-bearing, student, senior, or other options the bank offers). They will explain the monthly fee, minimum balance, and features of each.

The banker will enter your information into their system: name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and employment status. They will scan or photograph your ID and proof of address. You will sign documents — usually a signature card and a deposit account agreement that outlines the bank's terms. This takes 15 to 30 minutes total.

You will receive a temporary debit card on the spot or be told it will arrive by mail. Your account number is active when ready. You can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day using your account and routing number. The permanent debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online from home

Go to the bank's website and click "Open an Account" or "New Checking Account." Fill in your name, address, phone, email, and Social Security number. Choose your account type and initial deposit amount (many banks require a minimum deposit, often $25 to $100, though some have no minimum).

The bank will ask you to verify your identity. Most use one of two methods: upload a photo of your ID and a selfie, or answer security questions based on your credit history (previous addresses, loan amounts, or accounts you have held). This step takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some banks approve you when ready; others take a few hours or up to one business day.

Once approved, your account is open and your account number is active. You can transfer money in, set up direct deposit, or pay bills when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number for transfers or direct deposit, or request a temporary digital card through the bank's app.

Minimum deposits and initial funding

Most Spokane banks and credit unions require an opening deposit of $25 to $100. Some have no minimum. The opening deposit goes into your new account and counts toward your balance. You can deposit by transferring money from another bank account, depositing a check through mobile deposit (if the bank offers it), or depositing cash at a branch.

If you are opening online and do not have another bank account to transfer from, you can mail a check to the address the bank provides, or wait until your debit card arrives and deposit cash at an ATM or branch. Some banks let you deposit a check through their mobile app before your card arrives.

A few banks offer no-minimum accounts specifically for people with limited funds or banking history. Numerica Credit Union and some community banks in the Spokane area have these options. Call ahead or check the website to confirm the minimum before you go in.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is live and usable when ready, even if your debit card has not arrived. You can set up direct deposit using your account number and routing number (Spokane-area banks use routing numbers specific to their institution; the bank will provide this). You can transfer money from another bank account using online banking. You can pay bills through the bank's bill pay service.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it — usually by calling a number on the card, using the bank's app, or visiting a branch. Some banks set up it automatically. Check your account online or call the bank if you are unsure whether set up is required.

Set up online banking and mobile banking as soon as your account opens. This lets you check your balance, transfer money, deposit checks by photo, and set up alerts for low balances or large transactions. Most banks offer these services free.

Choosing between a bank and a credit union in Spokane

Banks and credit unions both offer checking accounts, but they operate differently. Banks are for-profit institutions owned by shareholders. Credit unions are member-owned nonprofits. In practice, this means credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, but fewer branches and ATMs. Banks have more locations and ATMs, but often charge higher fees.

Spokane Teachers Credit Union serves people who work or worked in education, or their family members. Numerica Credit Union serves people who live or work in Spokane County, work for certain employers, or are related to members. If you are not sure whether you are a member, call and ask — membership rules vary and sometimes include people you would not expect.

If you travel frequently or need ATM access outside Spokane, a national bank or a credit union in a shared branching network may be more convenient. If you want lower fees and do not mind fewer locations, a credit union is often the better choice. Compare the specific account you want at each institution before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account if I have been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If you were flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, some banks will still open an account for you — they offer second-chance or basic checking accounts, often with higher fees or lower transaction limits. Call the bank and ask whether they offer second-chance accounts. Numerica Credit Union and some community banks in Spokane have these options.

Do I need an initial deposit to open an account?

Most banks and credit unions in Spokane require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100, though some have no minimum. A few institutions offer no-minimum accounts. Check the bank's website or call before you go in. The opening deposit counts toward your balance and can be as small as the minimum requires.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. Your account is usable when ready — you can set up direct deposit, transfer money, and pay bills using your account number before the card arrives. Some banks offer a temporary digital card through their app while you wait.

What is ChexSystems and will it hurt my credit?

ChexSystems is a banking history database that banks use to check whether you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud at other banks. A ChexSystems check does not affect your credit score. If you have a history of overdrafts or fraud, some banks will deny you; others offer second-chance accounts. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people need to be present in person, or both need to complete the online opening process. Both people's names go on the account, and both can withdraw money or close the account. Bring both IDs and proof of address. If you are opening online, the bank will send verification links to both email addresses.