What you need before you walk in or go online

Most banks and credit unions will ask for a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The address proof is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement—something dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.

Some institutions also ask for an initial deposit to open the account. This amount varies widely: some banks have no minimum, others require $25 to $100, and a few require $500 or more. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. Ask about this when you call or visit, because it changes the cost of opening the account.

If you do not have a Social Security number, some credit unions and a small number of banks will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This is less common, so you may need to call ahead to find one that does.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open an account.
  • Many banks have no minimum deposit requirement, but some require $25 to $500 to start; ask before you go in.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online through the bank's website, and both take roughly the same amount of time.
  • The bank will run a check on your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which can delay approval by a day or two.
  • Once approved, you will receive a debit card by mail within 5 to 10 business days and can start using the account when ready with a temporary card or online transfers.

Opening in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank or credit union where you want to open an account. Tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking account. They will take you to a desk, ask for your ID and Social Security number, and have you fill out an process form. The form asks for your name, address, phone number, employment status, and sometimes your income. You do not have to answer every question, but leaving blanks may slow the process.

The bank will then run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking history and fraud. This check takes a few minutes to a few hours. If you have never had a bank account or had one a long time ago, the check usually clears right away. If you have had problems with a previous account—overdrafts you did not pay back, fraud, or closed accounts—the check may flag you, and the bank may deny the account or ask you questions about what happened.

If the check clears, you will sign the paperwork, make your initial deposit if required, and leave with a temporary debit card or a receipt. The permanent card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You can start using the account online or at an ATM the same day.

Opening online

Go to the bank's website and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer." You will fill out the same process form you would in person: name, address, Social Security number, employment, and income. The process is the same—the bank runs the ChexSystems or Early Warning check while you are filling out the form.

Some banks ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID and a recent address proof. Others use a video call where you show your ID to a person on screen. A few send you a code by text or email that you enter to confirm your phone number or address. This verification step usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

Once verified and approved, you can transfer money into the account from another bank account you own, or the bank will send you instructions for making your initial deposit by check or wire transfer. You will not receive a physical debit card for 5 to 10 business days, but most banks give you a temporary digital card number you can use to make online purchases or set up ATM access right away.

What happens if the bank says no

If ChexSystems or Early Warning flags your history, the bank will usually tell you why. Common reasons are unpaid overdrafts, a closed account with a negative balance, or fraud reported on an old account. You have the right to see what the database says about you and to dispute it if the information is wrong.

You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. You can request your Early Warning report at earlywarning.com or by calling 1-866-656-4444. If you find an error, you can file a dispute with the bureau, which usually takes 30 days to investigate.

If the information is correct but the bank still denies you, you have options. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will open an account for people with banking problems in their history. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks. You can also ask the bank that denied you whether you can reapply after a certain period—some will reconsider after 6 months or a year.

Choosing between a bank and a credit union

Banks are for-profit institutions owned by shareholders. Credit unions are nonprofit institutions owned by their members. The difference matters for fees and customer service, though not for safety—both are insured by the federal government up to $250,000 per account.

Banks usually have more branches and ATMs, which matters if you need to deposit cash or withdraw money in person often. Credit unions usually have lower fees and no minimum balance requirements, which matters if you keep a small balance or make frequent transactions. Some credit unions charge nothing for overdrafts if you link a savings account, while banks often charge $30 to $40 per overdraft.

If you do not have a Social Security number, credit unions are more likely to open an account with an ITIN. If you want to open an account quickly with no paperwork, a large bank's online process may be faster. If you want to talk to a person and have questions, a smaller local credit union or community bank may be easier to reach.

After your account opens

Once the account is open, set up online banking so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your computer or phone. The bank will give you a username and password, or you can create them yourself during the first login. Write down your account number and routing number—you will need them to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers.

If your employer offers direct deposit, give them your account number and routing number so your paycheck goes straight into the account. This usually takes one or two pay periods to set up. If you receive government benefits, you can also set up direct deposit for those through the relevant agency's website.

Keep your debit card safe. If it is lost or stolen, call the bank when ready—most banks will not charge you for fraudulent transactions if you report the card missing within two business days. Set up account alerts so the bank texts or emails you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If a bank denied you because of ChexSystems or Early Warning, you can check your report, dispute errors, and then reapply to the same bank or a different one. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will open one for people with banking problems. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes if the background check clears when ready. Online, it takes 10 to 20 minutes plus time for identity verification, which can be when ready or take a few hours. You can use the account the same day, but your physical debit card arrives in 5 to 10 business days.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?

Most banks and credit unions do not require a minimum balance to keep a checking account open. Some offer better interest rates or waive fees if you maintain a balance of $500 or more, but you are not forced to. Check the account terms before you open it.

What if I do not have a current address?

Banks require proof of a current address, usually a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days. If you are homeless or living temporarily, some credit unions and community banks will accept a letter from a shelter or social services agency as proof of address. Call ahead to ask.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present in person or on a video call to open the account yourself. The bank needs to verify your identity and confirm that you are authorizing the account. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor child, but the child must be listed as the account owner.