What you need to bring and where to go

To open a bank account, you will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number. Most banks also ask for an initial deposit — sometimes as little as $25, sometimes more — though some accounts have no minimum. You can open an account at a bank branch in person, by phone, or online, depending on the bank.

Start by choosing between a traditional bank, a credit union, or an online bank. Traditional banks have physical branches where you can deposit cash and speak to someone face-to-face. Credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees, but you must live or work in their service area to join. Online banks have no branches but usually charge fewer fees and pay higher interest on savings. Each has trade-offs — decide what matters most to you before you walk in or click.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number to open any bank account.
  • An initial deposit is usually required but often as small as $25, and some accounts waive it entirely.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, over the phone, or online — the fastest route depends on which bank you choose.
  • After you open the account, the bank will give you a debit card and checks, and you can start using the account within days.

Documents you will need to bring

Your government-issued photo ID is the first thing the bank will ask for. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The ID must not be expired, though banks sometimes accept IDs that expired recently — ask before you go in.

Proof of your address comes next. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution, or a letter from a shelter or social service agency on official letterhead.

Your Social Security number is required so the bank can report your account to the IRS and check your banking history. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — call ahead to confirm.

What happens during the account opening process

When you arrive at the bank or call to open an account, a staff member will ask you questions about yourself: your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and employment. They will verify your ID and address documents. They will also ask whether you want a checking account, a savings account, or both. A checking account is for money you spend regularly; a savings account is for money you want to keep and earn interest on.

The bank will then tell you the account's fees and features. Ask about monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees (the charge if you spend more than you have), and ATM fees if you use machines outside the bank's network. Some accounts waive fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit from your paycheck. Write down the fees so you can compare before you decide.

Once you agree, you will sign documents. Read them or ask the staff member to explain anything you do not understand. You will then make your initial deposit — by cash, check, or transfer from another account — and the account opens when ready or within one business day.

Getting your debit card and starting to use the account

After you open the account, the bank will give you a debit card on the spot or mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days. A debit card lets you spend money directly from your checking account at stores, online, or at ATMs. You will also receive checks if you opened a checking account, though these arrive by mail and take longer.

Before you use your debit card, the bank will show you how to set a PIN — a four-digit code you enter at ATMs and some stores. Write this down somewhere safe, separate from your card. You can also set up online banking so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your computer or phone. The bank will give you a username and password or a link to create one.

Your account is ready to use as soon as the debit card arrives. Money deposited by check takes 1 to 3 business days to clear. Money transferred from another bank account at the same institution is usually available the same day or next day. Money transferred from a different bank takes 1 to 3 business days.

Opening an account online or by phone

If you choose an online bank or decide to open an account remotely, the process is similar but happens on a computer or phone. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address instead of showing them in person. You will answer the same questions about yourself and choose your account type. You will make your initial deposit by transferring money from another bank account or by mailing a check.

Online accounts usually open within 24 hours. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You will not be able to deposit cash at an ATM or branch because the bank has no physical location, so choose an online bank only if you can deposit by check or transfer. Some online banks partner with ATM networks so you can withdraw cash without fees at thousands of machines nationwide.

What to do if you do not have all the documents

If you do not have a photo ID, some banks and credit unions will open an account using other documents — a passport card, a tribal ID, or even a letter from a social service agency. Call the bank first and ask what they accept. If you do not have proof of address, explain your situation to the bank staff. Many will accept a shelter letter, a utility bill in someone else's name if you live there, or a statement from a government program you receive.

If you have never had a bank account and have no address history, bring whatever documents you have and be honest about your situation. Banks and credit unions are trained to work with people in this position. If one bank turns you down, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts — these are designed for people with no banking history or a difficult past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), most banks will accept it instead. Some credit unions and community banks also open accounts for people without either number, though this is less common. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use will work with you.

How much money do I have to put in when I open the account?

It varies by bank and account type. Some accounts require $25, others $100 or more, and some have no minimum at all. Ask the bank about the specific account you are interested in before you go in. You can deposit more than the minimum if you have it.

What if I make a mistake on the process?

Tell the bank staff right away. They can correct most errors before the account opens. If you notice a mistake after the account is open, call the bank and ask them to fix it. Banks are used to this and can usually correct your name, address, or phone number in a few minutes.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present in person or verify your identity online yourself. The bank needs to confirm you are who you say you are. If you cannot go to the bank, open an account online instead, or ask a family member to take you to a branch near your home.

How long does it take before I can use the account?

You can use your account the same day you open it if you are in a branch and receive a debit card on the spot. If the card is mailed to you, it arrives in 5 to 10 business days. You can write checks or transfer money before the card arrives if you set up online banking.