What you need before you walk in
Most banks require two forms of identification and proof of your current address before they will open an account. One ID must be a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The second can be another photo ID, or a document showing your name and address, like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from another account.
Bring the originals, not copies. Banks will look at them in person and keep records of what they saw. If you do not have a current address — you are living with family, in temporary housing, or between places — some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a hotel receipt, or a statement from someone who can confirm you live there. Call ahead and ask what counts; different branches sometimes have different rules.
You will also need to decide what type of account you want. A checking account comes with a debit card and lets you write checks. A savings account is for money you are not spending right now and usually earns a small amount of interest. Many people open both at the same time. Some banks bundle them together; others charge separate monthly fees. Ask about the monthly cost before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement — to open an account in person.
- Banks will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to verify your identity and report interest earned.
- You can open an account online with some banks, but you will still need to verify your identity, usually by uploading photos of your ID or answering security questions.
- Monthly fees vary widely — some banks charge nothing, others charge $10 to $15 — so compare what you will actually pay before you choose.
- The account opens the same day you explore in person, but debit cards usually arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of the bank you want to use during business hours. Tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking or savings account. They will take you to a desk, ask you to show your ID and address proof, and hand you a form to fill out.
The form asks for your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN — many banks accept this. If you have neither and are not a U.S. citizen, ask the bank what they require; rules vary by state and by bank.
The banker will also ask how you plan to use the account — whether you will deposit checks, transfer money online, or mostly use the debit card. This helps them recommend features you might want. They will show you the monthly fee (if any), the minimum balance required to avoid fees, and what interest rate you will earn on savings. Read these numbers before you sign.
Once you sign, the account opens when ready. You can start using it the same day. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days. If you need cash right away, ask the banker for a temporary card or a withdrawal slip so you can get money from the teller.
Opening an account online
Many banks let you start the process on their website or mobile app without going to a branch. You fill out the same form — name, address, phone, email, Social Security number or ITIN — and upload photos of your ID and address proof.
The bank will then verify your identity, usually by asking security questions about your past (addresses you have lived at, previous employers, or accounts you have held) or by sending a code to your phone or email that you type back in. This takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Once you pass verification, the account opens. You can log in and see your account number right away. Your debit card ships within 5 to 10 business days. Some online-only banks (banks with no physical branches) offer slightly lower fees because they do not have to pay for buildings and staff, but you cannot deposit cash or talk to someone in person if something goes wrong.
What happens if you do not have an ID
If you have lost your ID or never had one, you have options. Some banks will open an account with a letter from a government agency (like a welfare office or housing authority) that shows your name and address. Others will accept a school ID plus a utility bill. A few will work with a passport card or a tribal ID if you are a Native American.
Call the bank before you go in and describe what documents you have. Be honest about what you are missing. Banks are required to verify your identity by law, but they have some flexibility in how they do it. If one bank turns you down, try another — different banks have different policies.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Some banks charge $0 per month. Others charge $10 to $15. The fee is usually waived if you keep a minimum balance in the account (often $500 to $1,500) or if you set up direct deposit from your employer.
Ask the banker to show you the fee schedule in writing before you open the account. Look for the line that says "monthly maintenance fee" or "account fee." If the fee is waived by direct deposit, make sure you understand what counts — some banks only waive it if your paycheck hits the account, not if you transfer money yourself.
If you cannot meet the minimum balance right now, look for a bank that charges no monthly fee at all. Many credit unions and online banks offer free checking with no minimum. You can always switch banks later if you find a better deal.
What to expect after you open the account
Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. When it arrives, call the number on the back or use the bank's app to set up it before you use it. You will be asked to set a PIN (personal identification number) that you use at ATMs and when you pay with your card in person.
The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and information about online banking. Write down your account number and routing number — you will need them if you want to set up direct deposit with your employer or transfer money from another bank.
Log into online banking as soon as you can and set up a strong password (at least 12 characters, with letters, numbers, and symbols). Turn on two-factor authentication if the bank offers it — this means you have to confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone every time you log in from a new device. This protects your account if someone gets your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I have been banned from banking before?
It depends on why you were banned. If you owe money to a bank or have unpaid overdraft fees, you may be listed in ChexSystems, a database that banks check. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will not. Call ahead and ask. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than big banks.
Do I need a job to open a bank account?
No. Banks do not require proof of employment. They ask for identification and proof of address. If you are unemployed, retired, or receive benefits, you can still open an account.
What if I want to add someone else to my account?
You can add a joint account holder at the time you open the account, or later by going to the bank with that person and both of your IDs. Both of you will have access to the money and can make withdrawals. Make sure you trust the person — they can take all the money without your permission.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person, it takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes 10 to 20 minutes to fill out the form, then a few minutes to a few hours for the bank to verify your identity. The account is usually ready to use the same day.
What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?
Both let you open checking and savings accounts. Credit unions are nonprofit and owned by their members, so they often charge lower fees and offer better interest rates. Banks are for-profit. Credit unions may have fewer branches and ATMs, but many are part of shared networks so you can use other credit union ATMs for free.