What you need to bring and where to go

Opening a bank account takes about 15 to 30 minutes and requires two things: a government-issued ID and proof of your address. You can do this in person at a bank branch, at a credit union, or online through a bank's website. Most people find the in-person route simpler the first time, because a staff member can answer questions as you go.

Your government-issued ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it — usually something from the last 60 days. If you don't have these documents yet, ask the bank what alternatives they accept; some will take a phone bill or government mail instead.

You do not need to have money in your account before you open it. Many banks let you open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later. Some accounts have a minimum opening deposit (often $25 to $100), so ask about this when you call or arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID and a recent bill or lease showing your current address to open an account in person.
  • You can open an account at a bank branch, credit union, or online, and the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Many accounts require no opening deposit, but some banks ask for $25 to $100, so confirm this before you start.
  • The bank will give you a debit card and account number on the same day or within a few business days.
  • If you have had banking problems in the past, tell the bank upfront — some offer second-chance accounts designed for this situation.

The step-by-step process at a bank branch

Walk in during business hours and tell the staff member at the desk that you want to open a new account. They will ask you what type of account you want — usually a checking account (for everyday spending and bill payments) or a savings account (for money you want to keep and earn interest on). Most people start with a checking account. If you are not sure, ask the staff member to explain the difference; that is what they are there for.

The staff member will ask for your ID and proof of address, then ask you questions about yourself: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and current address. They will also ask whether you have banked before and whether you have any outstanding debts to banks. Answer honestly — this information goes into a system called ChexSystems, which banks use to check your history. If you have had problems before, some banks offer accounts specifically for people in that situation, so mention it.

Next, you will choose how you want to manage your account. The staff member will show you options for online banking (accessing your account through a website or phone app), mobile banking (using a bank's phone app), and paper statements (getting a monthly mailed statement). You can choose all three, or just the ones you want. Online and mobile banking are free.

Finally, you will sign paperwork — usually a signature card and account agreement. The staff member will explain what you are signing. Read it or ask them to read it aloud; there is no rush. Once you sign, your account is open. You will get a debit card (a card you can use to spend money from your account) either that day or within 5 to 10 business days by mail.

Opening an account online

Many banks let you open a checking account entirely on their website without visiting a branch. You will need the same documents — ID and proof of address — but instead of showing them in person, you upload photos of them through the bank's website. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Start by going to the bank's website and looking for a button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer." You will fill in your personal information (name, date of birth, address, phone number, Social Security number), upload photos of your ID and address proof, and choose your account type and settings. The bank will review your documents and send you a confirmation email within a few hours to a few business days.

Once your account is open, the bank will mail you a debit card and information about how to set up online banking. You can start using your account as soon as you receive the debit card, or sometimes even before — the bank will give you instructions on how to deposit money in the meantime.

What happens after you open the account

Your account comes with an account number and a routing number. The account number is unique to you at that bank; the routing number identifies the bank itself. You will need both of these numbers if someone wants to send you money directly into your account (called a direct deposit) or if you want to set up automatic bill payments. The bank will give you these numbers on your account statement or through online banking.

You will also get a debit card, which works like a credit card but pulls money directly from your account. You can use it to buy things in stores, online, or at ATMs (machines that let you withdraw cash). The bank will send you a PIN (a four-digit code) separately in the mail; you will need this to use the card at ATMs or to enter a PIN at a store instead of signing.

Set up online banking as soon as you can. Go to the bank's website, click "Log In" or "Enroll," and create a username and password. Online banking lets you check your balance, see what money has come in and gone out, transfer money between accounts, and set up bill payments — all from your phone or computer, 24 hours a day.

If you have had banking problems before

If you have overdrawn an account, bounced checks, or had a bank close your account in the past, you may see a note in ChexSystems. This does not mean you cannot open a new account — it means some banks will say no, but others will say yes. Banks that say yes often offer second-chance accounts, which have stricter rules (like lower spending limits or monthly fees) but are designed for people rebuilding their banking history.

Before you go to a bank, call ahead and ask: "Do you offer accounts for people with ChexSystems records?" or "Do you have second-chance checking accounts?" This saves you a trip if that bank does not work with people in your situation. Credit unions are often more flexible than big banks on this issue, so if one bank says no, try a local credit union next.

Choosing between a bank and a credit union

A bank is a for-profit business owned by shareholders. A credit union is a nonprofit owned by its members (the people who have accounts there). Both let you open checking and savings accounts, and both are insured by the federal government up to $250,000 per account type, so your money is safe either way.

Credit unions often have lower fees, lower minimum balances, and more flexibility with people who have had banking problems. Banks often have more branches and ATMs, and more online features. If you live in a small town, a local credit union might be your only option. If you travel a lot or want lots of ATM locations, a big bank might be better. Visit a few places and ask about fees and features before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a account?

Most banks require a Social Security number. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks and credit unions do; others do not. You may need to call several places to find one that works for your situation.

Can I open an account if I do not have a permanent address?

This is harder but not impossible. Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address as long as you can prove you receive mail there. Call ahead and explain your situation — credit unions are often more willing to work with people in this position than large banks are.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open an account in person, the bank may give you a temporary card that day or a permanent card within 5 to 10 business days by mail. If you open online, expect 7 to 14 business days. Some banks let you use your account number to make online purchases before the card arrives.

What if I make a mistake on the paperwork?

Tell the staff member right away — they can correct it before you sign. If you notice a mistake after you leave, call the bank and ask them to fix it. Banks fix these things regularly and it is not a problem.

Can I open more than one account?

Yes. Many people open a checking account for everyday spending and a savings account for money they want to keep separate. You can open both at the same time, or open a second account later. Each account has its own number and balance.