The documents and information banks actually ask for

To open a checking account, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for an initial deposit — the amount varies by bank, but many have no minimum. That is the core of it. Everything else depends on your specific situation and the specific bank.

The reason banks ask for these three things is straightforward: they need to know who you are, where you live, and your tax identification number for federal reporting. The photo ID confirms your identity. The address proof confirms where to send statements and where you actually live. The Social Security number or ITIN goes on file so the bank can report interest you earn and follow anti-money-laundering rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and a Social Security number or ITIN before any bank will open an account for you.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days.
  • Most banks ask for an opening deposit, but the amount varies widely; some have no minimum at all.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, and some banks have accounts specifically for people without either.

Government-issued photo ID: what counts

A valid driver's license or state ID card is what most banks prefer. A passport works too. A tribal ID, military ID, or permanent resident card (green card) will also be accepted at most institutions. The ID needs to be current — not expired — and it needs to have your photo, your name, and your date of birth on it.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This usually costs between $20 and $50 and takes a few weeks. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your home country works just as well as a U.S. passport. Some banks will also accept a consular ID — an ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States.

Proof of address: documents that work

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works. So does a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement from another account, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. Most banks want this document to be dated within the last 60 days, though some will accept older documents if you bring a second piece of mail.

If you are homeless or living with someone else and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask the bank what they will accept. Some will take a letter from a shelter, a government benefits statement, or a piece of mail from a government agency. Bring whatever official mail you have; banks are often more flexible than their written rules suggest, especially if you explain your situation.

Social Security number or ITIN

You will need to provide a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you open the account. The bank will ask for this in writing on the account process. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it — a tax return, a W-2 form, or a benefits statement will work.

If you do not have a Social Security number but are authorized to work in the United States, you can get an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you are not authorized to work but are a legal resident, you may still be able to get an ITIN. If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some banks have accounts for people in this situation, though they are less common. Call ahead and ask whether the bank you want to use has this option.

Opening deposit: how much and what form

Most banks ask for an opening deposit when you start a checking account. This money goes into your new account and becomes your first balance. The amount varies: some banks have no minimum at all, some ask for $25, and some ask for $100 or more. A few banks waive the opening deposit if you set up direct deposit — having your paycheck sent straight to the account.

You can bring cash, a check, or a debit card to make the opening deposit. If you bring cash, the bank will count it in front of you. If you bring a check, it will be deposited and you will see the funds in your account after the check clears, which usually takes one to three business days. Ask the bank what methods they accept before you arrive.

What to bring if you are opening an account for someone else

If you are opening an account for a minor or on behalf of someone who cannot be present, the rules change. For a child's account, you will need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, your own ID and proof of address, and often the child's Social Security number. For an account on behalf of an adult who cannot come in, you will need power of attorney documents or guardianship papers, plus ID for both yourself and the person whose account it is.

Different banks have different rules for these situations. Call the bank before you go and ask what documents they need. Bring originals, not copies, unless the bank tells you copies are fine.

What to expect when you arrive

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The bank employee will look at your ID to confirm it is valid and matches your face. They will check your address proof to make sure it is recent enough. They will ask you to sign the account process and will record your Social Security number or ITIN. They will ask how much you want to deposit and what form it is in. This whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

At the end, you will get a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away, and the bank will tell you when your permanent card will arrive. You will also get information about online banking and how to set up your account on your phone or computer. Ask questions about anything you do not understand — banks expect this, especially from people opening their first account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks will not accept an expired ID, even if it is only expired by a few days. If your ID is expired, renew it before you go to the bank. You can usually do this at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and many states now allow you to renew online or by mail.

Can I use a lease or rental agreement as proof of address if it does not have today's date on it?

Yes, as long as it shows your current address and was signed recently enough that it is still valid. A lease dated six months ago is fine. The bank is checking that you actually live where you say you do, not that the document was printed yesterday.

What if I do not have a Social Security number and cannot get an ITIN?

Some banks have accounts for people without a Social Security number or ITIN, though these are less common and may have higher fees or lower limits. Call several banks in your area and ask directly. You may also find options through credit unions or community banks rather than large national chains.

Do I need to bring my checkbook or anything else?

No. The bank will order checks for you after the account is open, or you can order them yourself online. You do not need to bring anything except the documents listed above and your opening deposit.

What happens if I make a mistake on the process?

Tell the bank employee right away. They can usually fix small mistakes on the spot or have you initial the correction. If you realize a mistake after you leave, call the bank and ask them to correct it.