What you need before you walk in

Opening a bank account requires you to prove who you are and where you live. Every bank will ask for a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks also want a second form of ID, which can be a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return showing your name and address.

You will also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account. This opening deposit varies by bank and account type — some accounts have no minimum, others require $25 to $500. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. Bring the money in cash, a check, or a debit card from another bank; most tellers can process any of these.

Have your Social Security number ready. The bank uses this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a system that tracks banking history. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank, this check may delay your account or result in denial. You can request your ChexSystems report before you explore if you want to know what the bank will see.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID, proof of address, your Social Security number, and your opening deposit amount in cash or check form.
  • The bank will run a ChexSystems check, which looks at your banking history with other institutions and can take a few minutes to a few hours.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, online through the bank's website, or by phone with some banks, though online is usually fastest.
  • Your account becomes active the same day or within one business day, but checks and transfers may take several business days to clear.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank during business hours with your ID, proof of address, Social Security number, and opening deposit. Tell the teller you want to open a new account. They will hand you a signature card or tablet to sign, ask you to choose a checking or savings account (or both), and walk you through the bank's policies on overdrafts, fees, and minimum balances.

The teller will run your Social Security number through ChexSystems while you wait. This check usually takes a few minutes. If you pass, the account opens when ready and you will receive a temporary debit card on the spot or within a few days. If the check flags something, the bank may ask you questions about old accounts or declined transactions, or they may deny the account and explain why.

Before you leave, ask the teller for your account number and routing number. Write these down — you will need them to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers. The bank will also give you a receipt showing your new account details.

Opening an account online

Many banks let you open an account entirely on their website without visiting a branch. Go to the bank's homepage, find the "Open an Account" button, and follow the steps. You will enter your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. The bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID using your phone or computer camera.

For proof of address, some banks accept a utility bill or lease uploaded the same way. Others verify your address automatically by checking public records or by asking you questions only you would know (like the previous address on your credit report). This verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Once approved, you can fund the account by linking another bank account and transferring money, or by providing a check to deposit. Your account opens the same day or the next business day. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until then, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or receive transfers.

Opening an account by phone

Some banks, particularly online-only banks and credit unions, let you open an account by calling customer service. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form: your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. They will verify your identity by asking for your ID number and may ask security questions.

You will need to fund the account by phone as well. The representative can walk you through linking another bank account for a transfer, or they can provide instructions for mailing a check. The account opens once the bank receives and clears your deposit, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

Phone applications are slower than in-person or online because everything is verbal and the bank cannot see your ID in real time. Ask the representative for your account number and routing number before you hang up, and request a confirmation email with your account details.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active the moment the bank approves it, but you cannot use it fully until your debit card arrives and you set up a PIN. If you need to move money when ready, use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or to receive a wire transfer from another bank. Both of these work before your debit card shows up.

If you deposited a check, it will clear within 1 to 3 business days depending on the bank and the check amount. Large checks may take longer. The bank will hold the funds during this time, so you cannot withdraw them until the check clears, even though the money shows in your account.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, call the number on the back or use the bank's app to set up it. You will set a PIN (personal identification number) that you use at ATMs and when you pay with the card in person. Once activated, you can use the card to withdraw cash, pay for purchases, and set up automatic bill payments.

If the bank denies your account

A bank can deny your account for several reasons: a ChexSystems flag, a Social Security number mismatch, an address that does not match public records, or an outstanding debt to another bank. The bank must tell you why they denied you, either in person or by mail within a few days.

If the reason is a ChexSystems flag, you can dispute it. Request your ChexSystems report from the bank or directly from ChexSystems (you can find the process on their website). If the report contains an error — a closed account listed as open, or a transaction you did not make — you can file a dispute and ask ChexSystems to correct it. This process takes 30 to 45 days.

While you wait, try a different bank. Not all banks use ChexSystems, and some specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large banks. If you cannot open a traditional account, a prepaid card or a secured account (which requires a cash deposit held as collateral) can serve the same purpose while you rebuild your banking history.

Choosing between checking and savings

Most people open both at the same time, but you can open just one. A checking account is for money you spend regularly — it comes with a debit card, checks, and unlimited deposits and withdrawals. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and grow; it earns interest but usually limits how many times you can withdraw per month.

Some banks charge monthly fees for checking accounts if you do not maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts rarely charge fees. Ask the teller or read the account terms online before you decide. Many banks waive checking fees if you keep $500 or more in the account, or if you receive at least one direct deposit per month.

You can always open a second account later, so do not worry about choosing wrong. Many people start with checking and add savings once they have money to set aside.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a Social Security number to run the ChexSystems check. If you do not have one, some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call ahead and ask; not all branches handle ITINs, but the bank can direct you to one that does.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes 10 to 20 minutes to fill out the form, but approval can take a few hours to the next business day. By phone, expect 20 to 40 minutes. Your account is usable the same day or next business day, but your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not have a proof of address?

Bring two forms of ID instead, or ask the bank if they can verify your address through public records or credit report. Some banks will also accept a recent bank statement, insurance policy, or government letter with your name and address. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what they accept.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The account holder must be present and sign the signature card themselves, or complete the online or phone process themselves. A parent can open a custodial account for a minor child, but the child's name and Social Security number must be on the account.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the account type and the bank. Some checking accounts have no minimum. Others require $500 or more to avoid a monthly fee. Savings accounts often have minimums of $25 to $100. The bank will tell you the minimum when you open the account, and you can usually waive it by setting up direct deposit.