The minimum documents you need to bring

You need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. That's the baseline. Most banks will not open an account without both.

For the photo ID, a driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. If you don't have one of those, some banks will accept a tribal ID, military ID, or passport card. Call ahead and ask—policies vary by bank and by state.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address on it. The document usually needs to be from the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days old. A cell phone bill counts at most banks; a credit card statement does not.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID and a document showing your current address dated within the last 60 to 90 days.
  • If you don't have a traditional address, a PO box, shelter address, or care-of address may work depending on the bank.
  • Your Social Security number will be requested; if you don't have one, some banks and credit unions have accounts for people without SSNs.
  • Bring your initial deposit in cash, check, or debit card—most banks require a minimum opening deposit that ranges from zero to $300.
  • The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person; online accounts can be opened in minutes but may require verification steps afterward.

What happens if you don't have a permanent address

Banks are required to verify your address, but the address does not have to be a house or apartment. If you're living in a shelter, transitional housing, or with someone else, you can use that address. Bring a lease, shelter residency letter, or a utility bill in the other person's name with a note from them saying you live there.

A PO box alone will not work as your address on file, but you can use a PO box as a mailing address while listing a shelter or care-of address as your residence. Some banks and credit unions also accept a business address or a relative's address if you can document that you receive mail there.

If you have no address at all, call ahead. Some credit unions and community banks have worked with homeless services organizations and may have workarounds. The bank's compliance officer can tell you what documentation they'll accept.

Your Social Security number and alternatives

Banks will ask for your Social Security number during account opening. They use it to check your banking history and run fraud checks. If you have an SSN, bring it or be ready to recite it.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you have options. Some banks and credit unions will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Credit unions in particular are more likely to do this than large national banks. You'll need to call and confirm before you go in.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, a few banks will open basic accounts, but you'll face limits on what you can do—some won't allow online banking, and some require higher minimum deposits. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) are more likely to work with you. Search for CDFIs in your state through the CDFI Fund database on the Treasury Department website.

The opening deposit and minimum balance requirements

Most banks require you to deposit money when you open the account. This is called the opening deposit. The amount varies widely: some banks have no minimum, some require $25, and some require $300 or more. Bring cash, a check, or a debit card you can use to transfer money.

After the account is open, some banks require you to maintain a minimum balance—often $500 or $1,500—or you'll be charged a monthly fee. Others have no minimum balance at all. Online banks and credit unions tend to have lower or no minimums. Ask the bank directly what the minimum balance is and what happens if you fall below it.

If you can't afford the opening deposit, ask whether the bank waives it for people receiving certain benefits or living in certain zip codes. Some do. If not, look for a bank or credit union with a zero-dollar opening deposit.

What to bring for joint accounts or accounts for someone else

If you're opening an account with another person, both of you need to be present with your own photo ID and proof of address. Some banks allow one person to open an account on behalf of a minor or dependent adult, but the rules differ. Bring the dependent's birth certificate or Social Security card, and be ready to show your relationship to them.

If you're opening an account as a guardian or power of attorney for someone else, bring the legal document that gives you that authority—a guardianship order, power of attorney, or conservatorship papers. The bank will need to see the original or a certified copy.

Documents you don't need but might help

You don't need a credit card, employment letter, or bank statements from another bank. The bank will not ask for these. However, if you've had trouble with banks before—if you're on ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are banking history databases—bringing a letter of explanation can help. It won't change whether you're turned down, but it shows you're aware of the issue.

If you're opening an account at a credit union, you may need to become a member first. Membership usually requires living or working in a certain area, belonging to a certain group, or having a family member who is already a member. Bring whatever document proves you meet that requirement—a pay stub, lease, or membership card from a related organization.

What happens after you hand over your documents

In person, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will verify your ID, check your address, run your Social Security number through fraud and banking history databases, and have you sign paperwork. You'll choose a PIN for your debit card and set up online banking if you want it. You'll leave with a debit card or a temporary card number, and the permanent card arrives in the mail in 7 to 10 days.

If you open an account online, you can finish in 10 to 15 minutes, but the bank may ask you to verify your identity afterward—usually by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions. This verification can take a few hours to a few days. Your account may be restricted until verification is complete.

If the bank turns you down, ask why. Common reasons are a negative banking history (too many overdrafts or fraud), being on ChexSystems, or not meeting the address requirement. Some of these can be fixed; some cannot. If you're on ChexSystems, you can dispute the record or wait—records fall off after five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but your options are narrower. Credit unions and some community banks will open accounts using an ITIN or sometimes no tax ID at all. Call ahead to confirm. Large national banks rarely do this. If you have neither SSN nor ITIN, look for a CDFI in your area—they specialize in serving people in this situation.

What if I've been turned down by banks before?

Ask the bank why you were turned down. If it's because you're on ChexSystems, you can request your report from ChexSystems for free and dispute errors. If it's because of a negative banking history, some banks have "second chance" accounts with higher fees but fewer restrictions. Credit unions are often more flexible than big banks.

Do I need to bring my debit card or checkbook to open an account?

No. The bank will issue these after you open the account. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 days. Checks take longer and cost extra. You don't need either one to use your account—you can transfer money online or at the ATM.

Can someone else open an account for me if I can't go to the bank?

Not usually. Most banks require you to be present with your own ID. Some banks allow a power of attorney to open an account on your behalf, but you'll need to set up the power of attorney first, which requires a lawyer or notary. Call the bank and ask whether they make exceptions.

What's the difference between a bank and a credit union?

Credit unions are nonprofit and member-owned; banks are for-profit. Credit unions often have lower fees, lower minimum balances, and are more willing to work with people who don't have traditional credit or banking history. The tradeoff is fewer branches and ATMs. Both are insured by the federal government up to $250,000 per account.