What you need to bring and where to go

Opening a bank account requires you to visit a bank or credit union in person, or complete the process online if the institution offers it. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Most banks and credit unions let you start the process online and finish it in a branch, or complete everything online without visiting at all. The online route is faster — it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes — but some institutions still require you to show up with your ID before the account becomes fully active. Call or check the website of the bank you want to use to see which option they offer.

You do not need a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts, though some banks require $25 to $100 to set up the account. A few institutions waive this if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. If you have had accounts closed for unpaid fees or fraud in the past, you may find it harder to open a new account; some banks use ChexSystems, a reporting system that tracks banking history, and will deny you based on what is there.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at any bank or credit union.
  • Many banks let you open an account entirely online in 10 to 15 minutes, though some require you to show your ID in person before the account is active.
  • Most accounts have no minimum opening deposit, but some banks require $25 to $100 and waive it if you set up direct deposit.
  • If you have been denied a bank account before, ask the bank whether they use ChexSystems and request a copy of your report to see what is blocking you.

Choosing between a checking account and a savings account

A checking account is designed for money you spend regularly. It comes with a debit card and checks, lets you make unlimited deposits and withdrawals, and usually has no interest on your balance. A savings account is meant for money you keep and grow over time. It earns a small amount of interest, limits how many times per month you can withdraw money (usually six), and has no debit card.

Most people open both at the same institution. The checking account handles daily expenses and paychecks; the savings account holds an emergency fund or money toward a goal. Some banks bundle them together and charge one monthly fee for both, while others charge separate fees or charge nothing if you keep a minimum balance in each account.

If you are just starting out and do not have much money, look for a bank that charges no monthly fee and has no minimum balance requirement. Credit unions often have lower fees than large banks, and some community banks offer accounts specifically for people new to banking or rebuilding their credit.

What happens after you submit your information

Once you provide your ID and personal information, the bank runs a background check through ChexSystems and sometimes through Early Warning Services, another banking history database. This check takes a few minutes if you are doing it online, or a few hours if you are in a branch. The bank is looking for signs of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or closed accounts with outstanding balances.

If the check passes, your account opens when ready in most cases. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. If you opened online, you can log into the bank's app or website right away and set up direct deposit or transfer money in. If you opened in a branch, the bank will give you a temporary debit card on the spot, and a permanent one arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.

If the check does not pass, the bank will tell you why — usually within one business day. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free, and you can dispute anything on it that is wrong. Fixing errors on your report can take 30 to 60 days, after which you can reapply.

Setting up direct deposit and linking other accounts

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your checking account. Your employer will ask for your account number, routing number, and the account type (checking). The bank provides both numbers in your welcome email or in the app under account details. Direct deposit usually starts within one or two pay periods.

You can also link your new account to other accounts you own — at the same bank or elsewhere — to transfer money between them. This takes 1 to 3 business days the first time you do it, because the bank sends two small test deposits to the other account to verify you own it. You confirm the amounts in that account, and then the link is active.

Do not link your account to someone else's account unless you trust them completely. Once linked, they can transfer money out without asking you first. If you want to give someone access to your account for a specific reason, ask the bank about adding them as an authorized user instead, which gives you more control over what they can do.

Understanding fees and how to avoid them

Banks charge fees for different things: monthly maintenance fees (usually $5 to $15), overdraft fees (typically $25 to $35 per transaction), ATM fees if you use another bank's machine ($2 to $3), and wire transfer fees ($15 to $30). Some banks charge a fee if your balance drops below a certain amount, or if you do not make a deposit within a set period.

You can avoid most of these by choosing the right account. Look for accounts with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees. Many online banks and credit unions offer checking accounts that meet all three. If you want to use ATMs, pick a bank that has branches near you or belongs to a shared network of ATMs you can use for free.

Read the fee schedule before you open the account — the bank is required to give it to you, usually called a "schedule of fees" or "pricing guide." If a fee surprises you after you open the account, call the bank and ask them to reverse it once. Most banks will do this as a courtesy if it is your first time.

What to do if a bank denies you

If a bank turns you down, they must tell you why in writing. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report, too many overdrafts at other banks, or fraud on a previous account. You have the right to request a free copy of your ChexSystems report within 30 days of being denied, and you can dispute anything on it that is inaccurate.

While you are fixing your report, try a credit union instead of a bank. Credit unions are more flexible about past banking problems and often work with people who have been denied elsewhere. Some credit unions have no ChexSystems check at all. You can find credit unions in your area through the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union websites.

If you cannot open a traditional account, a second-chance checking account is designed for people in this situation. These accounts come with higher fees and lower limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw, but they report to ChexSystems, so using one responsibly for 6 to 12 months can help you move to a regular account later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks require a Social Security number, but if you do not have one, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks accept an ITIN without a Social Security number; others do not. Call ahead to confirm before you go in.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online accounts usually open in 10 to 15 minutes. If you open in a branch, it takes 20 to 30 minutes. Some banks require you to show your ID in person before the account is fully active, which means a second visit or a video call with a banker.

Can I open an account if I am under 18?

Yes, but you will need a parent or guardian to co-sign. They become a joint account holder and can see all transactions. Some banks let you move to a solo account at 18; others require you to stay as a joint account. Ask the bank about their policy before you open.

What if I do not have a proof of address?

If you do not have a utility bill or lease, bring a bank statement, government letter, or insurance document with your name and address on it. Some banks accept a cell phone bill or credit card statement. Call the bank first to ask what documents they will take.

Can I open a bank account online without visiting a branch?

Many banks let you open an account entirely online using your phone or computer. You will need to take a photo of your ID and sometimes verify your identity through a video call. The account opens when ready, though some banks hold transfers or large deposits for a few days until they confirm your identity in person.