The documents and information banks require

To open a checking account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. That is the baseline. Most banks will also ask for your phone number and email address, and some will run a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score). A few banks skip the address proof if you open online and they can verify your identity through other means.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by state. A driver's license or passport covers the ID requirement. For address proof, a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address works. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance document will do. Some banks accept a government benefits statement or a letter from a government agency with your address on it.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks will open an account with just an ITIN; others require both. Call ahead to ask, because this varies by institution.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open a checking account at most banks.
  • Address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or any government document showing your name and current address.
  • Banks will ask for your phone number and email, and many will run a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score.
  • Some banks open accounts online without requiring address proof if they can verify your identity through other methods.
  • If you lack a Social Security number, an ITIN works at many banks, but you should confirm with your chosen bank before you visit.

What happens if you do not have a photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you have options, but they are narrower. Some banks will accept a state ID card, tribal ID, or passport card. A few will take a military ID or a government employee ID. Call the bank directly and describe what ID you do have — do not assume you are turned away until you ask.

If you have no government photo ID at all, most mainstream banks will not open an account for you in person. Your route is to open online through a bank that does not require ID verification at signup, or to work with a credit union or community bank that may have different rules. Some credit unions will open an account with a non-photo ID plus additional documents, like a utility bill and a reference from an existing member.

What happens if you do not have proof of address

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you have several alternatives. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance document, or a recent bank statement all work. If none of those exist, a government benefits statement (Social Security, unemployment, SNAP, or housing information) with your address on it will do. Some banks also accept a letter from a government agency, a court document, or a lease agreement that has not yet been notarized.

If you are homeless or living with someone else and have no document in your name, some banks will skip address verification if you open the account online. Others will ask you to provide an address anyway — even if it is temporary — and may follow up by mail. A few community banks and credit unions will work with you on this; call and explain your situation rather than guessing what they will accept.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS works at many banks as a substitute for a Social Security number. You explore for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7, and the process takes four to six weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN process is pending if you can show the receipt notice (Form W-7-R) that the IRS sends you.

Not every bank accepts ITINs. Large national banks often do; smaller regional banks and credit unions vary. Before you gather documents, call the bank and ask whether they open accounts with an ITIN. If they do not, ask whether they have a partner bank or credit union that does, or search for banks in your area that specifically market accounts to people without Social Security numbers.

What to bring or have ready when you open the account

If you are opening in person, bring your original ID and original address proof. Do not bring copies; the bank needs to see the originals. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN written down, your phone number, and your email address. If you want to set up direct deposit right away, bring a recent pay stub or a letter from your employer with your employer's routing number and your account number at your current bank (if you have one).

If you are opening online, you will upload photos of your ID and address proof, or answer security questions to verify your identity. Have your documents nearby and make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of each document. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, though some banks take longer to verify the information.

What banks do not require

You do not need a minimum deposit to open most checking accounts, though some banks ask for one. You do not need an existing relationship with the bank — you can walk in as a new customer. You do not need a credit card or a savings account. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a valid ID and either a Social Security number or an ITIN.

You do not need to bring a parent or guardian even if you are under 18, though some banks require a parent to co-sign or be present. Call ahead if you are a minor to ask what the bank requires.

What happens after you open the account

Once the bank approves your account, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive your account number and routing number when ready — either in person, by email, or through the bank's app. You can start using your account right away through online banking or mobile app, even before the debit card arrives. If you need to withdraw cash or deposit a check before the card arrives, you can do that at a branch.

Some banks will issue a temporary debit card number that works online when ready, or they will let you use your account number to set up direct deposit before your physical card arrives. Ask the bank what is available while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Not all banks accept ITINs, so call ahead to confirm. If the bank does not, ask whether they can refer you to one that does.

What if my address proof is not in my name?

Most banks require the address document to show your name and current address. If you live with someone else and only they have utilities in their name, ask the bank whether they will accept a letter from that person on their utility bill, or whether a government benefits statement or lease in your name would work instead.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a checking account?

Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a checking account. Some do, but those minimums are usually small — often $25 or less. Ask the bank about their specific requirements before you visit.

How long does it take to open a checking account?

In person, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes 10 to 15 minutes, though the bank may take an additional day or two to verify your information before the account is fully active.

Can someone else open a checking account on my behalf?

No. You must be present and provide your own ID and signature. If you are unable to visit a branch, you can open an account online instead.