The documents and information you'll bring
To open a checking account, you need two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. Most banks call these your identification and your proof of address. You also need to bring money to deposit — usually at least $25, though some banks ask for more.
For identification, a driver's license or state ID card works best because it has your photo and signature. A passport works too. If you don't have either, some banks will take a tribal ID, a military ID, or a foreign passport. A few banks in immigrant communities will accept a consular ID from your home country. Call ahead if you're not sure what you have will work.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. It usually needs to be from the last 60 days. A bank statement from another bank counts too. If you're homeless or living with someone else, ask the bank what they can accept — some have options for people without a permanent address.
You'll also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have either, some banks have accounts for people without these numbers, though they're less common. Call your local bank and ask directly.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
- Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready, or ask the bank in advance if they have accounts for people without one.
- Bring at least $25 to deposit, though some banks require more — ask when you call or visit.
- If you don't have standard documents, call ahead to ask what alternatives the bank will take for proof of address or ID.
- The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or you can start online and finish in the branch.
Why banks ask for these documents
Banks are required by federal law to verify who you are before opening an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. It's not the bank being difficult — it's a legal requirement that applies to every bank in the country.
The proof of address serves two purposes. First, it confirms you actually live where you say you do. Second, it helps the bank stay in touch with you if there's a problem with your account. If your address changes later, you'll update it with the bank, and they'll send statements and notices to the new one.
Your Social Security number or ITIN lets the bank report your account activity to the IRS and to credit bureaus. This protects you — it means your account history can build your credit record — and it protects the bank by creating an official record of who owns the account.
What happens if you don't have standard documents
Not everyone has a driver's license or a utility bill in their name. If that's your situation, you have options, but you'll need to do a little extra work.
If you have no ID at all, some banks will accept a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a birth certificate, or a work badge plus a passport. A few banks will let you bring a trusted person who already has an account with them to vouch for you, though this is becoming rarer. Call ahead and describe what you have.
If you have no proof of address, explain your situation to the bank. If you're staying with family, some banks will accept a letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, saying you live there. If you're in a shelter, the shelter can sometimes provide a letter. If you're unhoused, some banks have specific procedures — ask to speak with a manager rather than a teller.
If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN, call the bank before you visit. Some branches have accounts for people in this situation, but not all. If your local bank doesn't, they can usually tell you which one in your area does.
Opening an account in person versus online
You can open a checking account two ways: by visiting a branch in person, or by starting the process online and finishing it in the branch.
Opening in person is straightforward. You walk in with your documents and money, a banker helps you fill out a form, and you leave with a debit card (though it may take a few days to arrive by mail). You can ask questions as you go, and the banker can explain what each part of the account does.
Opening online is faster for paperwork, but you'll still need to visit a branch to verify your ID in person. Some banks call this "in-person verification." You can't complete a checking account entirely online — federal law requires the bank to see your ID and confirm it matches you. A few online-only banks use video verification instead, but they're less common and may have higher minimum deposits.
If you're new to banking, opening in person is usually easier. You get to ask questions, and the banker can walk you through how to use your debit card and online banking.
The minimum deposit and account fees
Most banks ask you to deposit between $25 and $100 to open a checking account. Some have no minimum at all. This money is yours — it goes into your account and you can use it or withdraw it whenever you want.
Ask the bank about monthly fees before you open the account. Some checking accounts are free. Others charge $5 to $15 per month, though many waive the fee if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit. Some banks charge extra fees for things like overdrafts (spending more than you have) or using an ATM outside their network. Understanding these fees upfront saves you money later.
If you're on a tight budget, look for a bank that offers a free checking account with no minimum balance requirement. Credit unions often have lower fees than big banks, and community banks sometimes offer accounts designed for people new to banking.
What to expect after you open the account
Once your account is open, you'll get a debit card, usually within 5 to 10 business days. You'll also get online banking access right away so you can check your balance and see your transactions.
The bank will give you a checkbook if you ask for one, though many people don't use checks anymore. You'll get a routing number and an account number — you'll need these if someone wants to send you money directly to your account, or if you want to set up automatic bill payments.
Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after you open the account. It will show every deposit and withdrawal, any fees, and your current balance. You can also see this information online anytime by logging into your account.
Documents to bring: a quick checklist
| What you need | Examples that work | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID | Must be current or recently expired |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, government mail, bank statement | Must be from the last 60 days |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Your SSN or ITIN (call ahead if you don't have one) | Have it ready to provide verbally |
| Money to deposit | Cash or a check | Usually $25 to $100 minimum |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account if I've been denied before?
Yes. Banks use a system called ChexSystems to track accounts that were closed due to unpaid fees or fraud. If you're on that list, some banks won't open an account for you. But many banks, especially credit unions and community banks, will still work with you. Call ahead and ask if they have accounts for people with ChexSystems records.
Do I need a permanent address to open an account?
Most banks prefer it, but it's not always required. If you're in a shelter, unhoused, or staying temporarily with someone, call the bank and explain. Some have procedures for people without a permanent address. A few will accept a shelter address or a mail forwarding address.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
Some banks will open accounts for people with an ITIN instead. Others have special accounts for people without either number, though these are less common. Call your local bank or credit union and ask directly — don't assume they'll say no.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person, the whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, the paperwork takes 10 to 15 minutes, but you'll still need to visit a branch for ID verification, which adds another 15 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You have to be present and sign the paperwork yourself. The bank needs to verify your identity in person. If you can't visit a branch, some banks offer video verification, but you'll need to be on the call yourself.