What you need to bring to American Savings Bank

American Savings Bank is a Hawaii-based bank with branches on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai, plus online banking. To open a checking account, you will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent document in your name, a letter from a government agency, employer, or school can work — ask the bank representative what they will accept before you visit.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to verify your identity and report interest earned on your account to the IRS.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open an account in person at any American Savings Bank branch or online through their website, and both routes take about 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Bring a photo ID, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • American Savings Bank offers different checking account types with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements — ask which one fits your situation.
  • Once your account opens, the bank will issue you a debit card and checks, though the card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any American Savings Bank branch during business hours with your ID, address proof, and Social Security number. Tell the representative you want to open a checking account. They will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account — whether you expect direct deposits, how many checks you write, and whether you want online banking.

The representative will show you the checking account options available and explain the monthly fee, minimum balance requirement, and what services come with each. Some accounts have no monthly fee if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit; others charge a flat fee. Ask specifically what happens if your balance drops below the minimum, because some accounts charge a penalty fee.

You will sign documents on paper or on a tablet, review your account details, and receive a temporary debit card or a card number you can use when ready. Your permanent debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Checks can take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive.

Opening an account online

Visit the American Savings Bank website and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" section. You will enter your personal information, Social Security number, and address. The bank will ask you to upload photos of your ID and address proof using your phone or computer camera.

Make sure the photos are clear and show the entire document — the bank will reject blurry images or photos that cut off corners. Once you upload the documents, the bank reviews them, which usually takes 1 to 2 business days. You will receive an email confirming whether your account opened.

If you open online, you will not receive a physical debit card when ready. Instead, the bank will give you a temporary card number you can use for online purchases or ATM withdrawals right away. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can also visit a branch later to pick up a card in person if you need one sooner.

Understanding American Savings Bank checking account types

American Savings Bank offers several checking account options, and the right one depends on how you plan to use it. Some accounts are designed for people who receive regular paychecks through direct deposit; others work better if you rarely write checks or prefer to bank mostly online.

Each account type has a different monthly maintenance fee — some charge nothing, while others charge between $5 and $15 per month. The fee is waived if you meet certain conditions, such as keeping a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,000), setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account. Ask the representative which account type waives fees based on your situation, because choosing the wrong one could cost you money each month.

All American Savings Bank checking accounts include online banking, a debit card, and the ability to write checks. Most also include access to their ATM network and fee-free withdrawals at other banks' ATMs through a shared network.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open, you can start using it when ready if you opened online or received a temporary card number at the branch. You can transfer money from another bank account, deposit checks using mobile check deposit (if you have the app), or visit a branch to deposit cash.

Your permanent debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it — the bank will send instructions by mail or email, or you can call the number on the back of the card. Checks take 1 to 2 weeks to arrive and can be ordered through online banking or by visiting a branch.

Set up online banking right away so you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills. You can also set up alerts that notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs — this helps you catch fraud or overdrafts early.

Avoiding common mistakes when opening your account

The most common mistake is not asking about fees upfront. Different account types have different costs, and the fee structure can change based on how you use the account. Before you sign anything, ask the representative to write down the monthly fee, the minimum balance requirement, and what happens if you fall below it.

Another mistake is not setting up direct deposit if your employer offers it. Many American Savings Bank accounts waive the monthly fee if you have direct deposit, so this can save you money every month. Ask your employer's payroll department how to set it up — you will need to provide your account number and routing number, which the bank gives you when your account opens.

Do not assume you know how to use online banking without asking for help. The bank offers tutorials and customer service representatives can walk you through the basics — it takes 10 minutes and prevents confusion later when you need to transfer money or pay a bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, American Savings Bank will accept that. Bring the same documents — photo ID, address proof, and your ITIN. If you do not have either, contact the bank directly to ask what alternatives they may accept.

What if I do not have a recent utility bill or lease for address proof?

You can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or government letter dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, ask the branch representative what other documents they will accept — some branches may take a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most American Savings Bank checking accounts do not require an opening deposit — you can open with zero dollars. However, some account types have a minimum balance requirement to avoid a monthly fee. Ask the representative which account type has no minimum balance requirement if you want to avoid this.

Can I use my account at ATMs outside American Savings Bank?

Yes. American Savings Bank checking accounts include access to a shared ATM network, so you can withdraw cash fee-free at many other banks' ATMs. The bank will provide a list of participating ATMs when your account opens, or you can search their website.

What if I lose my debit card before it arrives?

Contact American Savings Bank when ready by phone or through online banking to report it lost. The bank will cancel that card number and can issue a replacement. In the meantime, you can use your temporary card number or visit a branch to withdraw cash using your ID.