What You'll Need Before You Walk In
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 also ask for an initial deposit, though the amount varies—some require $25, others $300 or more. A few banks have no minimum. You do not need perfect credit or a banking history.
Bring originals, not copies. Banks verify these documents on the spot. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can use a passport, driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. If you have none of these, some banks will work with a combination of documents—a utility bill plus a birth certificate, for example—but call ahead to confirm what they accept.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any bank or credit union.
- The initial deposit required ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank, so compare before you go.
- Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—it must show your name and current street address.
- If you do not have a photo ID, call the bank first to learn what combination of documents they will accept instead.
Government-Issued Photo ID
This is the one document every bank requires. A driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all work. The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years—banks vary on how old they will accept. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway and ask; many banks will still take it if the photo is clearly you.
If you do not have any of these, you have options. Some banks accept a passport card (the wallet-sized version) or a tribal ID. A few will take a foreign passport. Call your bank's customer service line before you visit and describe what ID you have. They can tell you in one conversation whether it will work.
Proof of Your Current Address
Banks need to confirm where you live. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail works. "Recent" usually means from the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days old. The document must show your name and your current street address.
If you live with family or in a shared space and the bill is not in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus your ID. Some banks also accept a bank statement from another bank, a phone bill, or insurance paperwork. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, call ahead—many banks have workarounds and will use your ID plus a letter from a shelter or social services agency.
Social Security Number or ITIN
Banks are required by federal law to collect this number. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it—your tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. You do not have to memorize it; you can look it up when you arrive.
If you do not have a Social Security number but are authorized to work in the United States, you may have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring documentation of your ITIN the same way you would your Social Security number. If you have neither, some banks and credit unions will still open an account but may limit what you can do with it until you provide one. Ask the bank directly about their policy.
Initial Deposit Amount
The deposit required to open an account ranges widely. National banks like Chase or Bank of America often require $25 to $100 for a basic checking account. Credit unions may require $5 to $50. Some online banks have no minimum deposit at all. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
Bring cash, a check, or a debit card from another bank. Most banks can transfer money from another account if you have online access to it, though this takes a day or two to process. Ask what forms of payment the bank accepts before you go, especially if you plan to use a check or transfer.
Additional Information Banks May Request
Some banks ask for your phone number, email address, and employment information. These are optional in most cases—you can decline or say you are not currently employed. Banks also ask whether you want overdraft protection (a service that covers purchases when your balance is low, usually for a fee). You can say no.
If you have had banking problems in the past—a closed account due to unpaid fees, for example—the bank may check ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This is not a credit check. If you are flagged, you can still open an account at many banks, though some may require a larger deposit or deny you. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free once a year at www.chexsystems.com.
What to Bring: A Checklist
| Document | What counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID | Must be current or expired less than a few years. Bring the original. |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, government mail | Must show your name and current address, dated within 60 days. |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Card, tax return, W-2, 1099, or ITIN documentation | You do not have to memorize it. Bring proof or the number itself. |
| Initial deposit | Cash, check, or transfer from another account | Amount varies by bank. Confirm the minimum before you go. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account if I do not have a photo ID?
Some banks will work with you if you bring other documents—a utility bill, birth certificate, and passport card, for example. Call the bank first and describe what you have. They can tell you whether it is enough. Credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks on this.
What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?
Bring both your ID and a current proof of address document (utility bill, lease, etc.). The bank will use the proof of address as your current residence. You do not need to update your ID first.
Do I need a minimum deposit if I set up direct deposit?
Many banks waive or reduce the minimum deposit if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. Ask the bank about this when you call or visit. You may need to show a recent pay stub or offer letter to confirm you have direct deposit coming.
What happens if the bank finds me on ChexSystems?
Being on ChexSystems does not automatically disqualify you. Many banks will still open an account for you, though some may require a larger deposit or deny you. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com and dispute any errors before you explore.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You must be present and sign the account paperwork yourself. If you are unable to visit a branch, some banks offer online account opening, though you will still need to verify your identity—usually by uploading photos of your documents or answering security questions.