What banks ask for when you walk in

To open a checking or savings account, you will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though the amount varies—some require $25, others $100 or more, and a few have no minimum at all.

The ID must be current and show your face. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. For address proof, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Banks verify these documents before opening the account, so bring originals or certified copies, not photos.

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not citizens) works instead. Some banks also accept an Individual Number for Identification Purposes (INIP) or will open an account with just your ID and address if you commit to providing a number later. Call ahead to ask what your specific bank accepts.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of address from the last 60 days, and a Social Security number or ITIN before you walk into a bank.
  • Most banks require an opening deposit that ranges from zero to $100 or more, depending on the bank and account type.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online—the documents you need are the same, but the process timeline differs.
  • If you have had banking problems in the past, check whether you are listed in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services before you explore, because some banks will deny you based on that history.
  • Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card and checks within one to two weeks, though you can use the account when ready.

Opening an account in person versus online

In-person opening takes 15 to 30 minutes. You bring your documents to a branch, a teller or new accounts representative verifies them, you sign paperwork, and you leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away. The account is active the same day.

Online opening takes longer but requires no trip. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your information, and the bank reviews it—this can take anywhere from a few minutes to several business days. Some banks use video verification, where you speak to a representative on camera to confirm your identity. Once approved, you receive login credentials when ready and can use the account, though your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.

Phone opening is less common but still available at some banks. You call a customer service number, provide your information verbally, and the bank mails you documents to sign and return. This route is slowest, typically taking one to two weeks before the account is fully active.

What happens if you have banking history problems

Banks check two databases before opening your account: ChexSystems and Early Warning Services. These record closed accounts, overdrafts you did not pay back, and fraud reports. If you appear in either database, some banks will deny you. Others have second-chance accounts designed for people with banking history issues, though these often come with higher fees or lower spending limits.

You can request your own ChexSystems and Early Warning Services reports for free before you explore. Visit chexsystems.com or earlywarning.com and follow the instructions to order your report by mail or online. The reports show what banks see about you and whether anything is inaccurate. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with the bureau.

If you are denied, ask the bank which database flagged you and why. Some issues, like old overdrafts, age out of the system after a few years. Others, like fraud, stay longer. Knowing the reason helps you decide whether to try a different bank or wait before explore again.

Documents to bring and how to prepare them

Bring originals or certified copies—banks will not accept photos or screenshots. Your ID must not be expired. Your address proof must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days; if you moved recently and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage statement instead, or ask the utility company for a letter confirming your new address.

If your name on your ID does not match your name on your address proof (for example, you recently married or changed your name), bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Without this, the bank will ask you to update one of the documents before opening the account.

Write down your Social Security number or ITIN before you go. Bring your initial deposit as a check, debit card, or cash—the bank will tell you which methods they accept. If you are opening the account online, you will transfer the deposit from another account or provide banking details for an electronic transfer.

Minimum deposits and account fees

Minimum opening deposits range from zero to $300 or more. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically require $25 to $100. Credit unions and online banks often have lower minimums or none at all. The minimum does not have to stay in the account—once the account is open, you can withdraw it when ready if you want.

Monthly maintenance fees also vary. Some accounts have no fee. Others charge $10 to $15 per month unless you meet conditions like keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using the debit card a certain number of times. Read the fee schedule before you open the account so you understand what you will pay.

If you are opening a savings account, the bank will also disclose the interest rate and how often interest is compounded. Rates change frequently and vary widely between banks, so comparing rates before you open is worth the time if you plan to keep money in savings.

What to expect after your account opens

Your account is usable when ready, even if you opened it online. You can transfer money in, set up direct deposit, and pay bills online the same day. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days. Checks, if you ordered them, take 1 to 3 weeks.

The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and temporary card information. Keep this safe—you will need the routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers. If you lose the packet, you can log into your online account or call the bank to get these numbers.

Your first statement arrives 30 days after opening. It shows all deposits, withdrawals, and fees. Review it carefully to make sure all transactions are yours and all fees match what the bank disclosed when you opened the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN or in some cases an INIP. Some banks will also open an account with just your ID and address and let you provide a number later. Call your bank first to ask what they accept, because policies vary.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Ask your utility company, landlord, or mortgage servicer for a recent letter on their letterhead confirming your address. Banks accept these as proof of address even if your utility bill is old. Alternatively, bring a recent bank or credit card statement if it shows your current address.

Do I have to make a deposit when I open the account?

Most banks require a minimum opening deposit, but the amount varies from zero to $300. Some online banks have no minimum. If you cannot afford the minimum at one bank, call others to find one with a lower requirement or none at all.

How long does it take to open an account online?

Approval can take anywhere from a few minutes to several business days, depending on the bank and whether they use video verification. Your account is usually active within 24 hours, but your physical debit card takes 7 to 14 days to arrive by mail.

What if a bank denies me because of my ChexSystems report?

Request your free report from chexsystems.com to see what is listed. If something is wrong, dispute it with ChexSystems. If everything is accurate, look for banks that offer second-chance accounts, which are designed for people with banking history issues, though they may have higher fees.