What you need to bring to the bank
To open a bank account, you will need to bring two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. The bank uses these to verify your identity and meet federal anti-money-laundering rules.
For proof of identity, bring a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you don't have a photo ID, some banks will accept other documents — ask the bank directly what they take, because this varies.
For proof of address, bring a recent document with your name and current address on it. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from another bank all count. The document usually needs to be from the last 60 days, though banks vary on this. If you're homeless or living with someone else, tell the bank — many have a process for this situation.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You'll need to provide it verbally or in writing. If you don't have either, ask the bank whether they can open an account without one — some can, though it may limit what you can do with the account.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID and a recent document showing your current address; the bank needs both to open your account.
- You will provide your Social Security number or ITIN, and the bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to verify you haven't had problems at other banks.
- The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or 10 to 20 minutes online if you're opening an account remotely.
- You can open an account with zero dollars; you don't need an opening deposit, though some banks offer better rates if you do.
- Once your account is open, you'll receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can start using your account when ready online or at the branch.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of the bank you've chosen and tell a staff member you want to open a checking or savings account. They will take you to a desk, ask you questions about what type of account you want, and explain the fees and rules for that account.
The staff member will ask for your ID and address proof, look at them, and hand them back — they don't keep copies unless you're opening a business account. They will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN and run a background check. This check takes a few minutes and looks at whether you've had accounts closed due to unpaid fees or fraud at other banks. Most people pass this check without any issue.
You'll sign paperwork — either on paper or on a tablet — that confirms you've read the account rules and agree to them. Then you're done. The bank will give you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away, and your permanent card will arrive in the mail.
Opening an account online
Many banks let you open an account entirely on their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process is similar but happens on your screen instead of at a desk.
You'll enter your personal information, upload photos of your ID and address proof using your phone camera, and provide your Social Security number or ITIN. The bank will run the same background check. Some banks verify your identity by asking you security questions based on your credit history; others use video verification, where you show your ID to a camera and answer questions.
Once you're verified, you'll sign the account agreement electronically and your account opens when ready. You can use it right away — many banks let you transfer money in or set up direct deposit before your physical debit card arrives. The card itself usually comes in 7 to 10 business days.
What the background check looks for
When you open an account, the bank checks your history with ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — companies that track banking problems. They look for accounts you closed with unpaid fees, fraud, or repeated overdrafts that you didn't pay back.
If the check finds a problem, the bank will tell you. Sometimes they'll still open your account. Sometimes they'll ask you to resolve the old problem first — for example, paying back fees you owe at another bank. In rare cases, they'll decline to open an account.
If you've been declined before, you can ask the bank what the reason was. You can also contact ChexSystems or Early Warning Services directly to see what's in your file and dispute information that's wrong.
Choosing between checking and savings accounts
Most people open a checking account because it's designed for regular spending. You get a debit card, you can write checks, and you can set up automatic bill payments. There are usually no limits on how many times you withdraw money or spend from it each month.
A savings account is designed to hold money you're not spending right now. It earns a small amount of interest — money the bank pays you for letting them use your money. Savings accounts usually limit how many times you can withdraw money per month, though this rule is less strict than it used to be.
Many people open both: a checking account for bills and daily spending, and a savings account for money they're setting aside. Some banks let you open both at the same time during the same visit.
Fees and minimum balances
Most banks charge a monthly fee for a checking account, but many waive it if you meet one condition — for example, if you keep a certain balance, or set up direct deposit, or use your debit card a certain number of times per month. Ask the bank what the fee is and what waives it before you open the account.
Some banks have no monthly fee at all. Online banks and credit unions often have lower fees than large national banks. If you're opening your first account and money is tight, look for a no-fee option.
Most banks don't require a minimum balance to open an account — you can open with zero dollars. Some banks do require a minimum to avoid a fee, or to earn interest on a savings account. The bank will tell you this before you sign.
What happens after you open your account
Your account is active when ready, even before your physical debit card arrives. You can log into the bank's website or app, see your account number, and start using it. You can transfer money in from another bank, set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight in, or ask someone to send you money.
Your debit card will arrive in the mail in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you may need to set up it by calling a number on the card or using the bank's app. After that, you can use it to buy things, withdraw cash from ATMs, and pay bills online.
The bank will send you a statement each month — either by mail or email, depending on what you choose — showing all the money that came in and went out. Keep these statements or save them digitally. They're proof of your account activity and you may need them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Some banks will open an account if you have an ITIN instead. Others require a Social Security number. Call the bank before you go in and ask directly — don't assume based on what you've heard. If you have neither, a few banks and most credit unions have workarounds, but you'll need to ask.
What if I've been declined at another bank before?
Contact ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to see what's in your file. If the information is wrong, you can dispute it. If it's correct, try a credit union or an online bank — they sometimes have different policies. You can also ask the bank that declined you what the specific reason was and whether you can fix it.
Do I need an opening deposit to open an account?
No. You can open a checking or savings account with zero dollars. Some banks offer better interest rates or waived fees if you deposit a certain amount, but it's not required to open the account itself.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person at a branch, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, 10 to 20 minutes. Your account is active when ready, but your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. You can log in online or through the app right away and transfer money in, set up direct deposit, or pay bills. You can also use your account number to receive money from someone else. You just can't use a physical card to buy things or withdraw cash until the card arrives and you set up it.