The documents and information you'll need before you walk in

Most banks want four things from you: proof of identity, proof of address, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The exact documents vary by bank, but the pattern is the same. You do not need perfect credit, a job offer letter, or a minimum income. You need to prove you are who you say you are, that you live where you say you live, and that you have money to put in the account.

Some banks will let you open an account online without stepping into a branch. Others require you to come in person. A few will do both. The documents you bring matter less if you are opening online, because the bank can verify some things through third-party databases. But you still need to have them ready before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) is required by every bank to prevent fraud and meet federal law.
  • Proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — is standard at most banks.
  • Your Social Security number is required for tax reporting and fraud prevention, though some banks offer accounts without it if you have an ITIN.
  • An opening deposit of $25 to $100 is typical, though some banks have no minimum and others require $500 or more depending on the account type.
  • If you do not have a photo ID or proof of address, ask the bank about alternative documents — some accept notarized letters or recent tax returns.

Government-issued photo ID

A driver's license, state ID card, or passport is what banks ask for first. The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years — banks vary on how old they will accept. The bank will scan or photocopy it and check that the name and date of birth match what you provide on the account form.

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card issued by your Department of Motor Vehicles works just as well. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your country of origin is acceptable. Some banks will also take a tribal ID or a military ID if that is what you have.

The ID does not have to match your current address. It just has to prove who you are. If your ID is expired by more than five years, call the bank before you go in — some will still take it, others will not.

Proof of your current address

Banks need to know where you live now. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, or a recent bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days will do. The document must have your name and full address printed on it. A cell phone bill usually does not work because banks treat it as a service bill, not proof of residence.

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the bank what else they will take. Some accept a notarized letter from a landlord or family member stating that you live there. Others will take a recent tax return, a mortgage statement, or a government benefits letter with your address on it. The bank's website usually lists what counts — call ahead if you are unsure.

If you are homeless or living with family and have no document in your name, tell the bank that directly. Some have programs for people in this situation. Others will ask you to come back once you have a document. Do not make up an address or use someone else's bill — banks verify these documents and will close the account if something does not match.

Your Social Security number

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number for tax reporting and to check you against fraud and sanctions lists. You will provide it on the account process form. The bank will verify it matches your name and date of birth through a third-party database.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Not all banks offer this, so call ahead. Some large banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo do. Many smaller regional banks and credit unions do as well. You will need to bring the ITIN letter from the IRS along with your other documents.

If you have a Social Security number but it is suspended or flagged in the system, the bank will tell you during the process process. This usually means you need to contact the Social Security Administration to resolve the issue before opening the account.

An opening deposit

Most banks require you to deposit money when you open the account. The amount varies widely. Some banks have no minimum at all. Others ask for $25 or $50. Premium accounts or accounts at larger banks may require $500 or $1,000. Check the bank's website or call and ask what the minimum is for the type of account you want.

You can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. If you are opening the account online, you will usually transfer money from an existing account. If you are opening in person at a branch, you can hand over cash or a check. The deposit does not have to come from you — someone else can give you the money to deposit, and it still counts.

The opening deposit is your money. It goes into your new account and stays there. It is not a fee.

What you do not need

You do not need a job, a job offer letter, or proof of income. Banks do not care whether you are employed. You do not need good credit or any credit history at all. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a valid ID from somewhere. You do not need to have a minimum balance after the opening deposit, unless the account agreement says otherwise.

You do not need to bring original documents to every bank. Some will take photocopies or scans. Some will verify documents through their own systems and hand them back to you. Ask the bank what they prefer before you go in.

What happens if you do not have one of these things

If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will turn you away. Others will ask you to bring a second form of ID plus a notarized letter confirming your identity. A notary public can verify your identity and sign a letter for a small fee — usually $5 to $15. You can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, and some libraries.

If you do not have proof of address, ask the bank what documents they will take instead. If nothing you have works, you have a few options: wait until you have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask a family member or landlord to let you use their address temporarily (with their permission), or look for a bank or credit union that has a program for people without traditional address proof.

If you do not have a Social Security number and the bank will not take an ITIN, try a different bank. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this point. Call several places before you assume you cannot open an account.

Online versus in-person accounts

Opening an account online is faster — usually 10 to 15 minutes — and you can do it from home. You will upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your information, and transfer your opening deposit. The bank verifies your documents through automated systems and usually approves you the same day or within 24 hours.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and see the bank's staff. You bring your documents, fill out a form, hand over your opening deposit, and walk out with a debit card or a card number. Approval is usually when ready, though the account may take a day to fully set up.

Some banks only offer online opening. Some only offer in-person. Many offer both. Check the bank's website to see which option is available, or call the branch and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if my ID is expired?

It depends on the bank and how long it has been expired. Most banks will take an ID that expired within the last one to three years. If yours is older than that, call the bank first. Some will still accept it, others will ask for a second form of ID or a notarized letter confirming your identity.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

That is fine. Your ID just has to prove who you are. Your proof of address document shows where you live now. They do not have to match. Bring both documents and the bank will accept them.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Ask the bank before you go in. Some will take copies or scans. Others want to see the original and will photocopy it themselves. If you are opening online, you will upload photos of your documents — originals are not needed.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease in my name?

Call the bank and ask what other documents they will take. Many accept tax returns, mortgage statements, government benefits letters, or notarized letters from a landlord or family member. Some have programs for people without traditional address proof. Do not assume you cannot open an account until you have asked.

Can someone else deposit the opening deposit for me?

Yes. The opening deposit does not have to be your own money. Someone else can give you cash or write a check in your name, and you can deposit it. The bank does not care where the money comes from, only that it goes into your new account.