What you need to bring and where to go

To open a bank account, you walk into a bank or credit union branch with two things: a government-issued photo ID and proof of your address. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — something dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it.

You can open an account at any bank or credit union that serves your area. Banks are for-profit institutions; credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees. Both work the same way from your perspective: you sit with someone called a banker or account representative, they ask you questions, and they set up your account on the spot. Many banks also let you start the process online, but you will still need to visit a branch or video call to finish it.

If you do not have a government ID yet, you can still open an account at some banks and credit unions, but the process takes longer and may require extra documents. Call ahead to ask what they accept — rules vary by institution and by state.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID and a recent bill or lease showing your current address to open an account in person.
  • The banker will ask for your Social Security number (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have one) and basic information like your job and income.
  • You choose what type of account you want — usually a checking account for everyday spending or a savings account for money you want to keep separate.
  • Your account opens the same day, and you can deposit money and use a debit card within a few days.
  • If you have had banking problems in the past, some banks will still work with you, but you may need to look for a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts.

The questions the banker will ask

When you sit down, the banker will ask for your Social Security number — a nine-digit number the government assigns to track your income and taxes. If you do not have one, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. The banker will also ask your date of birth, your job title, and roughly how much money you expect to deposit each month.

These questions are not a test. The banker is filling out a form required by federal law called Know Your Customer (KYC). The bank uses this information to prevent fraud and money laundering. They will also run a check on your banking history — not your credit score, but a separate database called ChexSystems that tracks whether you have had problems with banks before (like bouncing checks repeatedly or closing accounts with a negative balance).

If ChexSystems shows a problem, the bank may still open your account, but they might charge higher fees or require a larger opening deposit. If you are turned down, you have the right to see what ChexSystems says about you. You can request your report for free at www.chexsystems.com.

Choosing between checking and savings accounts

The banker will ask what type of account you want. A checking account is for money you use regularly — paying bills, buying groceries, getting paid from your job. It comes with a debit card and checks (if you want them), and you can withdraw money as many times as you need to. A savings account is for money you want to set aside and not touch often. It earns a small amount of interest (money the bank pays you for letting them use your money), but you can only withdraw a limited number of times per month without a fee.

Most people open a checking account first. Some people open both at the same time — a checking account for daily spending and a savings account to build an emergency fund. You do not have to decide right now; you can open a second account later.

The banker will also tell you about fees. Most banks charge a monthly fee (usually $5 to $15) unless you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit (when your employer puts your paycheck straight into your account). Some banks have no monthly fee at all. Ask what the fee is and what you need to do to avoid it.

What happens after you sign

Once you sign the paperwork, your account is open. The banker will give you a temporary debit card or tell you when your permanent one will arrive in the mail — usually within 5 to 10 business days. You will also get a routing number and an account number, which are the bank's address and your account's address on the banking system. Write these down or take a photo; you will need them to set up direct deposit or to have someone send you money electronically.

You can deposit money into your account the same day by handing cash or a check to the banker. If you deposit a check, it usually takes 1 to 3 business days to clear — meaning the money is actually in your account and you can spend it. Cash clears when ready.

You can also set up online banking right away, usually on the bank's website or app. This lets you check your balance, transfer money between your accounts, and pay bills without going to the branch. The banker can walk you through this before you leave.

If you have had banking problems before

If you have bounced checks, overdrafted your account repeatedly, or closed an account with a negative balance, ChexSystems will have a record. This does not mean you cannot open a new account — it means some banks will turn you down, but others will not. Banks that specialize in second-chance accounts are designed for people in this situation. They may charge higher fees or require a larger opening deposit, but they will work with you.

To find a second-chance bank in your area, search online for "second chance bank account" plus your state or city. You can also call your local credit union and ask if they work with people who have ChexSystems records. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks.

If you want to clear your ChexSystems record, negative items stay on it for five years. After that, they drop off automatically. You cannot remove them early, but you can dispute information you believe is wrong by contacting ChexSystems directly.

Opening an account without visiting a branch

Some banks let you open an account entirely online. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, answer the same questions the banker would ask, and sign electronically. This takes about 10 minutes. However, most online banks still require you to verify your identity by video call or by depositing a small amount of money and confirming the deposit amount they send back to you.

Online banks often have lower fees or no monthly fee because they do not have physical branches. However, you cannot deposit cash — you can only deposit checks by taking a photo of them with your phone, or by transferring money from another account. If you need to deposit cash regularly, an online bank may not work for you.

What to do if you are turned down

If a bank turns you down, ask why. They must tell you — it is usually because of ChexSystems, because you do not have an ID, or because you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN. Once you know the reason, you can fix it or find a bank that does not have that requirement.

If the reason is ChexSystems, look for a second-chance bank. If the reason is no ID, start the process of getting one — your state's DMV can tell you what you need. If the reason is no Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS, though this takes several weeks. In the meantime, some credit unions will open an account with just a passport or other ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which the IRS issues to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Some banks also accept a passport or other government ID without either number, though this is less common. Call ahead to ask what your local bank accepts.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most banks let you open an account with $0 — you do not need an opening deposit. However, some banks require a minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee, and second-chance banks sometimes require a larger opening deposit. Ask the banker what the minimum is before you open the account.

What if I do not have a government ID?

Some banks will open an account without a government ID if you have other documents, like a passport, tribal ID, or school ID. Others will not. Call your local bank or credit union and ask what they accept. If you do not have any ID, you can start the process of getting a state ID through your state's DMV.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present and sign the paperwork themselves. If you want to manage money for someone else, you can become an authorized user on their account, or they can give you power of attorney, but you cannot open an account in their name without them.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes about 10 minutes, but you may need to wait for a video call or for a verification deposit to clear. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days, but you can use your account when ready after opening it.