The documents and information you'll need
To open a bank account, you need two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. Most banks will also ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). That's the core of it. Everything else depends on which bank you choose and what type of account you want.
Proof of identity means a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license works best because it has both your photo and address. A passport works too. Some banks will accept a state ID card if you don't drive. The ID needs to be current — expired IDs usually won't work, even if they're only expired by a few months.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement from another bank. It needs to show your name and current address, and it usually needs to be from the last 30 to 60 days. A piece of mail from your landlord or a government agency counts too. If you don't have a permanent address, some banks have workarounds — ask before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued photo ID and a recent document showing your current address to open an account at any bank.
- Your Social Security number or ITIN is required by federal law, but if you don't have either, some banks and credit unions offer accounts for people without one.
- Different account types have different requirements — a basic checking account has fewer requirements than a savings account linked to investments.
- If you don't have traditional documents, bring what you do have and ask the bank what alternatives they accept.
- Opening an account in person at a branch is slower but gives you a chance to ask questions; online accounts are faster but you'll need to upload documents yourself.
Your Social Security number or tax ID
Banks are required by federal law to collect either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is not optional on the bank's side — they have to report account activity to the IRS. If you have a Social Security number, bring it. If you don't, you'll need an ITIN, which you can get from the IRS if you're not a U.S. citizen but have a reason to file taxes or open a bank account.
If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some credit unions and a few banks will still open accounts for you, but they're the exception. Call ahead and ask specifically: "Do you have accounts for people without a Social Security number?" Don't assume the answer is no until you've asked. Some institutions have programs for immigrants or people rebuilding their financial history.
What happens if you don't have an ID
If you don't have a government-issued photo ID, the process gets harder but not impossible. Some banks will accept a combination of documents instead — a passport card, a tribal ID, a work ID with your photo, or even a letter from a government agency confirming your identity. Call the bank first and describe what documents you do have. They may tell you to come in and let a manager decide, rather than turning you away at the door.
Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks on this point. If you're a member of a credit union or can become one, ask whether they have alternative ways to verify identity. Some credit unions will accept a combination of documents that a bank won't.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening an account at a branch takes longer — usually 15 to 30 minutes — but the bank staff can tell you when ready if your documents are acceptable. You walk out with a debit card ordered, a temporary card number, or sometimes a card in hand. You can ask questions about fees, overdraft policies, and how the account works. If something is unclear, you have someone to explain it.
Opening online is faster — sometimes 10 minutes — but you have to upload photos of your documents yourself, and you won't know if they're acceptable until the bank reviews them, which can take a day or two. You also can't ask questions in real time. Online accounts are good if you know exactly what you want and your documents are in order. In-person is better if you're new to banking or unsure whether your documents will work.
What you'll need to know about yourself
Beyond documents, the bank will ask you standard questions: your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. They'll ask about your employment — whether you work, what you do, and roughly how much you earn. They're not verifying this; they're filling out a form required by federal banking law. Be honest, but you don't need to be exact. "I work part-time retail" is fine; you don't need to name the store.
They'll also ask whether you've had a bank account before and whether you've ever had problems with a bank — like an account closed for overdrafts or fraud. This information goes into a system called ChexSystems. If you've had problems, tell the bank. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems records. Lying about it won't help you.
Minimum deposit and account fees
Some banks require a minimum deposit to open an account — often $25 to $100. Some don't require any deposit at all. This varies by bank and by account type. Ask before you go in, or look it up on the bank's website. If you don't have the minimum, ask whether they waive it for certain circumstances — some do for students, seniors, or people receiving government benefits.
Monthly maintenance fees also vary. Some accounts are free. Others charge $5 to $15 per month, though many banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Ask about this too. A free account with no minimum balance exists — you just have to find it.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, the bank will give you a debit card, either when ready or within 7 to 10 business days. You'll get online banking access so you can check your balance and transfer money. You may get a checkbook if you asked for one, though many people don't use checks anymore. You'll receive a welcome packet with your account number and routing number — keep this somewhere safe.
The bank will also explain overdraft protection and what happens if you spend more than you have. Ask about this before you leave. Some banks automatically cover overdrafts for a fee; others decline the transaction. Knowing your bank's policy prevents surprises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account without a permanent address?
Some banks will work with you if you're unhoused or between addresses. Bring a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or even a trusted person who can confirm your identity. Call ahead and ask what the bank accepts. Credit unions are often more flexible on this than large banks.
What if my ID is expired?
Most banks won't accept an expired ID, even if it's only expired by a few months. However, some will if you bring a second document confirming your identity — like a recent utility bill or a letter from an employer. Ask the bank before you assume you can't open an account.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself?
No. You just need to know your Social Security number. The bank will write it down or you'll type it into their system. Don't carry your actual Social Security card around — it's safer to leave it at home. If you don't have the number memorized, write it down before you go to the bank.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You have to be present and sign documents yourself. A parent or guardian can help a minor open an account, but the minor still has to be there. If you can't go to the bank in person, some banks offer online accounts where you can complete everything from home.
What if I've been turned down by banks before?
Ask why. If it's because of ChexSystems, look for a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts — they exist specifically for people in this situation. If it's because of your documents, try a different bank or a credit union. If it's because you don't have an ID, ask about alternative verification. One bank's "no" doesn't mean every bank will say no.