Bring these documents to open a checking account

Most banks need two things from you: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or government mail—something dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it. Some banks will accept a bank statement or credit card statement instead.

You'll also need to bring money to fund the account. The minimum opening deposit varies by bank and account type—some have no minimum, others ask for $25 to $300. Ask the bank before you go in, because showing up without enough cash to open the account wastes a trip.

If you're opening an account for a minor (under 18), bring the child's birth certificate and Social Security card along with your own ID and proof of address. One parent or legal guardian must be present.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Have your Social Security number ready—banks ask for it to check your banking history and prevent fraud.
  • Bring the opening deposit amount in cash, check, or debit card; minimums range from zero to a few hundred dollars depending on the bank.
  • If you're opening a joint account, both account holders must be present with their own ID and proof of address.
  • For a minor's account, bring the child's birth certificate and Social Security card along with a parent or guardian's ID and address proof.

Your Social Security number and what banks do with it

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number when you open an account. They use it to verify your identity, check your banking history through ChexSystems (a database that tracks account closures and fraud), and report account activity to the IRS for tax purposes.

You don't need to bring a physical Social Security card—you can tell the banker your number from memory. If you don't have a Social Security number yet, you'll need to get one from the Social Security Administration before opening an account. Some banks will not open accounts for people without one.

What counts as proof of address

A document must show your name, your current address, and a recent date—usually within 60 days of opening the account. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, and government mail all work. Some banks also accept bank statements, credit card statements, or insurance documents.

If you've recently moved and your ID still shows an old address, bring both the old ID and a new address document. The bank will update your file with the current address. If you're homeless or living with someone else and don't have mail in your name, ask the bank what alternatives they accept—some will take a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a government office confirming your current location.

Joint accounts and what both account holders need

If you're opening an account with another person, both of you must show up in person with your own ID and proof of address. Some banks allow one person to open the account and add the other person later, but most require both signers to be present at the time of opening.

Each person will need to provide their own Social Security number. The bank will run a ChexSystems check on both of you. If either person has a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks, the bank may deny the joint account or ask questions about it.

Opening an account for a minor

A parent or legal guardian must open the account with the child. Bring the child's birth certificate, Social Security card, and the adult's ID and proof of address. Some banks offer youth accounts with limited features—no overdraft, parental controls, or restrictions on withdrawals—so ask what type of account is available for minors.

The adult on the account is responsible for all activity, including overdrafts. Once the child turns 18, they can usually convert to a standard adult account or open their own account without the parent's involvement.

If you don't have traditional ID

A driver's license or passport is easiest, but not required. You can use a state ID card, tribal ID, military ID, or passport card. Some banks accept a consular ID (issued by a foreign government's embassy or consulate in the U.S.) if you're not a U.S. citizen.

If you have no government-issued ID at all, call the bank before you go in. Some will work with you using alternative documents—a combination of a Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of address—though this is less common. Others will turn you away. It's worth asking, because policies vary by bank and by branch.

What to bring if you're opening an account online

Many banks let you start the process online and finish in a branch, or complete the entire opening remotely using video verification. If you're doing it online, you'll photograph your ID and proof of address using your phone or computer. The bank's system will read the documents and verify the information.

For video verification, a bank employee will watch you hold up your ID to confirm it matches your face. You'll still need to fund the account—usually by linking an existing bank account, sending a wire transfer, or mailing a check. Some banks mail a debit card to your address before the account is fully active, so you may not be able to use it when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account without a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number by federal law. If you don't have one, you'll need to get one from the Social Security Administration first. A few banks may work with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you're not a U.S. citizen, but this is uncommon—call ahead to ask.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Bring it anyway along with something more recent if you have it. The bank may accept it, especially if you've just moved and haven't received new mail yet. If you have nothing recent, ask the bank what alternatives they accept—some will take a letter from your employer or landlord confirming your address.

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

Bring the originals. The bank needs to see them in person to verify they're real and match your face. They'll make copies for their file, but they won't accept photocopies you bring yourself.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. You must be present in person with your own ID. The only exception is a parent or guardian opening an account for a minor, where the child may not need to be present depending on the bank's policy.

What if I lost my ID and don't have a replacement yet?

You'll need to get a replacement ID before opening an account. Call the bank to confirm they won't accept any alternative documents—some may work with you using a combination of other documents, but most will not. Getting a replacement ID usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.