What you need to open a bank account

You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). That is the baseline. Most banks will also ask for your phone number and email address. Some will run a soft credit check — this does not affect your credit score — to verify your identity.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A few banks will accept a bank statement from another institution. If you do not have a current address on file, some banks will let you use a PO box, though this is less common. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your documents will work.

If you do not have a photo ID, you have options. Some banks will open an account using a combination of documents — a birth certificate plus a utility bill, for example — though this takes longer and may require a manager's approval. Credit unions are often more flexible here than large national banks.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN; banks verify these before opening the account.
  • Most accounts open the same day you visit in person, though some banks offer online-only accounts that take one to three business days.
  • Monthly fees vary widely — some banks charge nothing, others charge $5 to $15 per month, often waived if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Your first deposit can be as small as $1 at many banks, though some require $25 or more; this is separate from any monthly maintenance fee.
  • Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail within five to ten business days, and you can start using your account number when ready for direct deposit or transfers.

In-person accounts versus online-only accounts

Opening in person at a bank branch takes about 15 to 30 minutes and your account is usually active the same day. You walk out with a temporary debit card or card number, and can start using the account when ready. This is the fastest route if you need access to your money right away.

Online-only banks have no physical branches. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, answer security questions, and the account opens in one to three business days. You do not get a physical debit card when ready — most online banks mail one, which takes five to ten business days — but you can use your account number for direct deposit or transfers as soon as the account is approved. Online banks typically charge no monthly fees and offer higher interest rates on savings accounts.

Credit unions are a third option. They are member-owned institutions, not for-profit, and often have lower fees and more flexible requirements for opening an account. You may need to join the credit union first (sometimes by making a small deposit into a savings account), then open a checking account. This adds a step but can be worth it if you live in an area where a credit union serves your employer, neighborhood, or family background.

What happens during the account opening process

The bank or credit union will verify your identity using the documents you bring. They check your Social Security number against government records and run that soft credit check. They will ask why you are opening the account — this is a federal requirement under anti-money-laundering rules, not a judgment call. Answer honestly: "I need a place to deposit my paycheck" or "I want to save money" is fine.

Next, you choose the type of account. A checking account is for regular deposits and withdrawals. A savings account earns interest but usually limits how many withdrawals you can make per month. Many people open both at once. The bank will explain the monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates for each.

You will sign documents — the account agreement and disclosures. These explain the bank's rules, fees, and your rights. You do not need to memorize them, but skim the fee section so you know what you are paying for. Ask questions if anything is unclear.

Once everything is signed, your account number is assigned. If you are opening in person, you may get a temporary debit card on the spot or a card number you can use when ready online. Your permanent card arrives by mail in five to ten business days.

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 per month, depending on the bank and account type. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically charge $12 to $15 per month for checking accounts, though they waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit.

Online banks and credit unions often charge no monthly fee at all. If you are choosing between banks, compare the fee structure against how much money you typically keep in the account. If you receive a paycheck via direct deposit, many banks will waive the fee automatically, which makes the choice simpler.

Minimum balance requirements are separate from monthly fees. Some banks require you to keep a certain amount in the account at all times — if your balance drops below it, you pay a fee. Others have no minimum. Read the account agreement carefully, because these rules vary even within the same bank.

Your first deposit and getting your debit card

Your first deposit can be as little as $1 at many banks. Some require $25 or $100. This is not a monthly fee — it is just the money you are putting into the account. You can deposit this in person at the branch, by mailing a check, or by transferring money from another account if you have one.

Your debit card arrives by mail in five to ten business days. While you wait, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit with your employer, or to receive transfers from other people. Your routing number is specific to your bank and branch; your account number is unique to you. Both are printed on the bottom left of any checks the bank sends you, or you can find them in your online banking portal.

Once your debit card arrives, you can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs and make purchases at stores. Most banks offer free withdrawals at their own ATMs. Withdrawals at other banks' ATMs usually cost $2 to $3 per transaction, though some accounts include a certain number of free out-of-network withdrawals per month.

What to do if you have no address or ID

If you are unhoused or do not have a current address, some banks will open an account using a shelter address, a PO box, or a trusted contact's address with your permission. Call ahead and ask — policies vary. Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks on this point.

If you have no photo ID, bring a birth certificate, passport card, or state ID process receipt along with proof of address. Some banks will open an account with these documents, though it may take longer and require manager approval. A few banks will also accept a letter from a social service agency or government office confirming your identity.

If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number — because you are not a U.S. citizen but are authorized to work — most banks will open an account with it. Some large national banks have restrictions; call first. Credit unions and online banks are generally more open to this.

How to use your account once it is open

Once your account is open, you can receive direct deposits from your employer. Give your employer your account number and routing number. Direct deposits usually arrive within one to two business days of payday.

You can also transfer money to other people using their account number and routing number, or using a service like Zelle (which most banks offer for free). You can pay bills online through your bank's website or app. You can write checks if the bank issued you a checkbook. You can withdraw cash at ATMs or over the counter at a branch.

Set up online banking as soon as your account opens. This lets you check your balance, see transactions, and spot fraud quickly. Most banks offer a mobile app and a website. Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, with numbers and symbols — and do not share your login with anyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I have been denied before?

Yes. Banks use ChexSystems, a reporting system that tracks closed accounts and fraud. If you were denied because of an old account you closed badly, you can still open an account elsewhere — not all banks use ChexSystems, and policies vary. Credit unions and online banks are often more willing to work with people who have had problems in the past. Ask the bank directly whether they use ChexSystems.

What is the difference between a checking and savings account?

A checking account is for regular deposits and withdrawals — you get a debit card and can write checks. A savings account earns interest but usually limits withdrawals to six per month. Most people use checking for daily spending and savings for money they want to keep. You can open both at the same bank.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

If you open in person at a branch, you may get a temporary card the same day or a card number you can use when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail in five to ten business days. Online banks mail cards, which also takes five to ten business days. You can use your account number for direct deposit or transfers while you wait.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?

It depends on the bank. Some require you to keep a certain amount in the account at all times — usually $500 to $1,500 — or you pay a fee. Others have no minimum. Read your account agreement or ask the bank before you open the account. Online banks and credit unions often have no minimum balance requirement.

What if I lose my debit card?

Call your bank when ready. They will cancel the card and mail you a new one, which takes five to ten business days. In the meantime, you can withdraw cash at a branch or use your account number to make online transfers. If someone used your card fraudulently, report it to the bank right away — federal law limits your liability to $50 if you report within two business days.