You need an ID, a proof of address, and money to deposit—then the bank runs a background check
Opening a bank account takes between 15 minutes and a few days, depending on whether you do it in person or online. The bank will ask for a government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof that you live where you say you do, and usually a starting deposit. They will also check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services—databases that track whether you have overdrawn accounts or committed fraud at other banks. If you pass that check, the account opens when ready or within one business day.
The process is straightforward if you have the documents ready. The harder part is knowing which type of account fits your situation—checking, savings, or both—and whether you may have access to for accounts designed for people with no banking history or a damaged one.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and a starting deposit amount that varies by bank and account type.
- Banks check ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to see your banking history; a record of overdrafts or fraud can block you from opening an account at some institutions.
- Online accounts open faster than in-person ones, but you may need to verify your identity by uploading photos of your documents or answering security questions.
- Second-chance banking programs exist specifically for people who have been denied at traditional banks, though they often charge higher fees.
- Your account number and routing number are ready to use as soon as the account opens, even if your debit card arrives by mail days later.
What documents to bring or upload
A government-issued photo ID is non-negotiable. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or tribal ID. A school ID or work badge will not work. The ID must not be expired, though some banks accept IDs that expired within the last year.
Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. It usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill in your name, a lease or a letter from a landlord works. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution. If you are homeless or living with someone else, ask the bank whether they accept mail from a shelter, a social services agency, or a letter from the person whose address you are using.
The starting deposit amount depends on the account type and the bank. Some checking accounts require $25 to $100. Others have no minimum. Savings accounts often require $100 or more. A few banks let you open with $0 if you set up direct deposit, though the account may be limited until money arrives. Ask before you go in.
How the background check works and what can block you
When you explore, the bank submits your name, date of birth, and Social Security number to ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. These companies maintain records of closed accounts, overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid fees. The check takes minutes. If you have never had a bank account, you will pass. If you have one, the bank sees whether you left it in good standing or with a negative balance.
A single overdraft from years ago usually does not block you. What does block you: an account closed by the bank due to fraud, a pattern of overdrafts you never paid back, or an outstanding debt to the bank. Some banks deny accounts to anyone who appears in ChexSystems at all, while others only deny if the issue is recent or severe. This is why second-chance accounts exist—they either skip the ChexSystems check or accept applicants with a history.
If you are denied, ask the bank why. They are required to tell you. You can also request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what the bank saw. If there is an error—a closed account listed as fraud when it was not—you can dispute it.
Opening an account in person versus online
In-person accounts open on the spot. You hand over your documents, the teller verifies them, you sign paperwork, and you leave with a debit card or a card number to use when ready. This takes 15 to 30 minutes. You see the person handling your money and can ask questions face-to-face.
Online accounts open in minutes but require you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address. The bank's system reads the documents automatically, then may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions (your mother's maiden name, previous addresses) or by confirming a small deposit the bank makes to another account you own. Once verified, your account is active and you can transfer money in when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or set up bill pay before the card arrives.
Online accounts are faster if you have all your documents ready and a camera or scanner. In-person accounts are better if you want to ask questions or if you do not have straightforward access to a scanner.
Second-chance accounts if you have been denied elsewhere
If ChexSystems blocks you, or if you have never had a bank account and want to avoid the risk of overdraft fees, second-chance accounts are designed for you. These accounts either do not check ChexSystems, accept applicants with a history, or both. They usually charge higher monthly fees ($10 to $15 instead of $0 to $5) and may limit how much you can withdraw or transfer per day.
Credit unions often have more lenient policies than big banks. Some credit unions will open an account for anyone with an ID and proof of address, regardless of ChexSystems. You may need to join the credit union first (which costs $5 to $25 and is one-time) and meet a membership requirement—living in a certain county, working for a certain employer, or belonging to a certain organization.
Banks that specifically market second-chance accounts include Chime, LendingClub, and some regional banks. Online banks like Varo and Dave also accept people with banking history issues. These accounts are real bank accounts, not prepaid cards, so your money is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.
What happens after you open the account
Your account number and routing number are active when ready. You can use them to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or pay bills online. If you opened online, your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you opened in person, you may get a card on the spot or it may be mailed to you.
Your first statement arrives 30 days after opening. It shows all deposits and withdrawals. If you opened online, you can see transactions in the app or website as soon as they post—usually within one business day for deposits and two to three business days for withdrawals.
If you set up overdraft protection, the bank will cover small overdrafts by transferring money from a linked savings account or charging you a fee (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft). If you do not set it up, transactions that would overdraw your account are declined at the point of sale. Ask the bank what their overdraft policy is before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
No. Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you cannot open a traditional bank account. Some credit unions and community banks may offer alternatives—ask locally—but they are rare.
What if I do not have a proof of address?
Tell the bank before you explore. Some accept mail from a government agency, a shelter, or a letter from a social services organization. Others accept a statement from another bank or credit card company. A few will accept a letter from someone who can vouch that you live at their address. The rules vary by bank, so call first.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
If you open in person, you may get a card when ready or it may be mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days. If you open online, the card is always mailed and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to wait for the card to use your account—your account number and routing number work right away for direct deposit and bill pay.
What if I am denied because of ChexSystems?
Ask the bank for the specific reason. Request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com to see what they saw. If there is an error, dispute it with ChexSystems. If the information is correct but old, try a second-chance account or a credit union, which may have different standards.
Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?
It depends on the account and the bank. Some accounts require you to maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or pay a monthly fee. Others have no minimum. Read the account agreement before you open it, or ask the bank directly.