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 Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks will ask for all three before you leave the branch or finish the online form. Some banks also ask for an initial deposit on the spot—usually $25 to $100, though some have no minimum.

The photo ID must be current and show your face. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you don't have one, some banks will accept a tribal ID or a military ID. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—anything dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and where you live.

If you're opening an account online, the bank will ask you to upload images of your ID and address proof, or you may be able to verify your identity through a video call with a bank employee. The process usually takes a few minutes, though the account itself may not be active until the next business day.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN—these three things are standard across nearly all banks.
  • Address proof must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, or government mail with your name on it.
  • Many banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, though some accounts have no minimum deposit requirement.
  • Online account opening usually takes minutes to complete, but the account may not be usable until the next business day.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, some banks will accept a tribal ID, military ID, or passport as an alternative.

What happens if you don't have a photo ID

If you don't have a government-issued photo ID, you have options, but they're narrower. Some banks will accept a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead. A few will accept a consular ID issued by a foreign government if you're not a U.S. citizen. Call the bank directly and ask what forms of ID they accept before you go in—policies vary by institution.

If you have no photo ID at all, some banks and credit unions will let you open an account with a combination of documents: a birth certificate plus a utility bill, for example, or a Social Security card plus a lease. This is less common, and you'll need to ask in advance. Community banks and credit unions are more likely to work with you on this than large national banks.

Opening an account without a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, most banks will accept it. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number—it's a nine-digit number that starts with 9. Bring the same documents you would for any other account: photo ID, address proof, and your ITIN.

Some banks ask specifically for a Social Security number and won't take an ITIN. If that happens, ask to speak to a manager or call the bank's main line and ask which branches or account types accept ITINs. Credit unions and community banks are often more flexible on this than national chains.

Initial deposit requirements and account minimums

The opening deposit is separate from any monthly minimum balance the bank requires. Some banks ask for $25 to $100 to open the account, then let you drop to zero after that. Others have no opening deposit but require you to keep a certain balance—often $500 or $1,000—to avoid a monthly fee. A few have no deposit requirement and no balance minimum at all.

Read the account terms before you hand over money. The fee schedule will tell you what happens if your balance drops below the minimum, whether you earn interest, and what you pay for overdrafts or out-of-network ATM use. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit, so ask about that option.

What to bring to a bank branch

Bring your photo ID, a recent utility bill or lease (dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN written down. If you're opening the account for a specific reason—direct deposit from an employer, for example—bring that paperwork too. The bank may need your employer's name and your account number to set it up.

If you're opening a joint account with someone else, both people need to be present with their own ID and address proof. Some banks allow one person to open a joint account online and add the other person later, but policies vary. Ask when you call or visit.

Timeline from start to usable account

If you open an account in person at a branch, you can usually start using your debit card and online banking within a few hours. The card itself may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need to use the account when ready, ask the bank for a temporary card or a card number you can use online while you wait for the physical card.

Online account opening is faster to complete—usually 10 to 15 minutes—but the account may not be active until the next business day. Some banks set up accounts when ready; others wait for verification. Check your email for confirmation and instructions on how to access your account once it's live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have money in the account before I open it?

Most banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, though some have no minimum. This is separate from any balance you need to keep in the account to avoid fees. Ask the bank what their opening deposit is before you go in.

Can I open a checking account online without going to a branch?

Yes. You'll upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, and complete the process. The account usually becomes active within 24 hours. You can order a debit card online, and it will arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days.

What if the bank says my address proof is too old?

Address proof must be dated within the last 60 days. If your utility bill or lease is older than that, get a recent one—call your utility company or landlord and ask them to send a current statement. A bank statement from another bank also works if it's recent and shows your name and address.

Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You'll need a valid passport or consular ID instead of a driver's license, and an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Some banks have stricter rules for non-citizens, so call ahead and ask what documents they need. Credit unions and community banks may be more flexible than national chains.

What happens if I don't have an opening deposit right now?

Some banks have no opening deposit requirement. Look for accounts labeled "no minimum deposit" or call banks in your area and ask which ones don't require money upfront. Online banks are more likely to have zero opening deposit requirements than brick-and-mortar branches.