What you need before you walk in or go online
Most banks and credit unions want the same core documents: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Some will accept a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement as address proof. A few ask for a second form of ID if your first one has expired.
You will also need an opening deposit. This varies widely — some accounts have no minimum, others require $25 to $300 to open. Online banks tend to have lower or zero minimums. Ask before you go in or start the online process, because if you don't have the minimum on hand, you will waste time.
If you have had banking problems before — overdrafts you didn't pay back, accounts closed for fraud, or reports in ChexSystems (a banking history database) — some banks will turn you down. Others, including some credit unions and online banks, work with people in this situation. Call ahead if you think this applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- You need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number; most banks also require an opening deposit between $0 and $300.
- Opening in person takes 15 to 30 minutes and you walk out with a debit card and temporary checks; online opening takes 5 to 10 minutes but your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.
- The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems, which can take a few minutes in-branch or up to 24 hours online.
- Your account number and routing number are ready to use when ready for direct deposit or transfers, even if your physical card hasn't arrived yet.
- Some banks charge monthly fees ($5 to $15) unless you meet conditions like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
Opening in person at a branch
Walk in with your documents and ask to open a checking account. A banker will take you to a desk, verify your ID and address, ask for your Social Security number, and run a background check through ChexSystems. This check usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. They will also ask what you want the account for (direct deposit, bill pay, everyday spending) so they can suggest the right product.
You will choose a debit card design and set up online banking access — they will give you a username or let you create one on the spot. Some banks print temporary checks right there; others mail them later. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You leave with a debit card (temporary or permanent depending on the bank) and your account number, which you can use when ready for direct deposit or transfers.
Your account is live the same day. Deposits made before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending on the bank) post that day. Deposits after cutoff post the next business day.
Opening online
Go to the bank's website and click "Open an Account" or "New Customer". You will enter your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Upload or photograph your ID and proof of address. The bank's system will verify these documents — this can happen when ready or take up to 24 hours.
You will choose your account type, set a username and password for online banking, and arrange your opening deposit. Most online banks let you transfer money from another account or link your existing bank account to fund the new one. Some accept checks deposited by photo through their mobile app. A few still require you to mail a check or wire money.
Your account opens when ready after approval, and you get your account number and routing number right away. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number for direct deposit, bill pay, or transfers between accounts. Some online banks offer a temporary digital card you can use for online purchases while you wait.
What happens after you open the account
Your bank will send you a welcome packet by mail with your debit card, temporary checks (if applicable), and information about your account terms. Read the fee schedule carefully — this is where monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees are listed. Some banks waive the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Others charge nothing no matter what.
Set up online banking and mobile banking right away so you can monitor your account and catch fraud early. Most banks let you set up bill pay through their website or app, which means you can pay bills without writing checks. You can also set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or failed deposits.
If you need checks, you can order them through your bank's website (usually $10 to $25 per box) or through a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco. Bank checks take 7 to 10 days; third-party checks sometimes arrive faster and cost less.
Timing: when money actually moves
Your account is open and usable the moment the bank approves it. If you open in person, that is the same day. If you open online, that is usually within 24 hours. However, the timing of when money appears in your account depends on how you deposit it.
Direct deposit from your employer takes 1 to 2 business days after your employer sends it. A check you deposit in person at a branch posts the same day if you deposit before cutoff, or the next business day if you deposit after. A check you deposit by mobile app (photo) takes 1 to 2 business days. A wire transfer from another bank takes a few hours to same-day, depending on when you send it and the receiving bank's processing schedule.
Your opening deposit works the same way. If you transfer from another account at the same bank, it posts when ready. If you transfer from a different bank, it takes 1 to 3 business days. If you mail a check, it takes 5 to 7 business days.
Fees and account types
Most banks offer a basic checking account with no monthly fee, but some charge $5 to $15 per month. The fee is usually waived if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month. Read the fee schedule before you open so you know what you are signing up for.
Overdraft fees explore when you spend more than you have. Most banks charge $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some allow one free overdraft per year or offer overdraft protection (a link to savings or a credit line that covers the shortfall). A few banks have no overdraft fees at all — they straightforward decline the transaction instead.
ATM fees vary. If you use your bank's ATM network, there is no fee. If you use another bank's ATM, you may pay $2 to $3 per transaction. Some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees up to a certain amount per month. Online banks often reimburse all ATM fees nationwide, which is one reason people choose them.
What to do if the bank says no
If ChexSystems shows a problem — a closed account, unpaid overdrafts, or fraud — the bank may decline you. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Go to www.chexsystems.com and request your report. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.
If the report is accurate but old, some banks will still open an account for you, especially credit unions and online banks. Call and ask whether they work with people who have ChexSystems issues. Some specialize in this. You may pay higher fees or have lower limits on debit card spending, but you can still bank.
If you cannot open a traditional checking account, a prepaid debit card or a second-chance checking account (offered by some credit unions and online banks) are alternatives. These work similarly to a checking account but with different fee structures and fewer features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open an account online?
Most banks mail your debit card within 7 to 10 business days of account approval. Some offer a temporary digital card you can use for online purchases when ready. Your account number is ready to use right away for direct deposit and transfers, even if your physical card hasn't arrived.
Can I use my account number before my debit card arrives?
Yes. Your account number and routing number are active as soon as your account opens. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money between accounts, or pay bills online without waiting for your physical card. You cannot use the card itself until it arrives, but everything else is ready.
What is the difference between opening at a branch and opening online?
In-branch opening takes 15 to 30 minutes and you leave with a debit card the same day. Online opening takes 5 to 10 minutes but your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days. Both are equally find. Online banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, while branch banks offer in-person help.
Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?
It depends on the bank and account type. Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Others waive the monthly fee if you keep a certain amount (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Check the fee schedule before you open so you know what applies to your account.
What happens if I make a mistake on my process?
Contact the bank when ready. If you entered the wrong address or Social Security number, they can usually correct it before the account fully opens. If the account is already open, you may need to visit a branch or call customer service to update your information. The sooner you catch it, the easier it is to fix.