The minimum you need to walk in with

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof that you live where you say you do, and money to put in the account. That is the core of it. Most banks will not let you open an account without at least one of these, and many require all three before they hand you a debit card.

The ID does not have to be a driver's license. A passport works. So does a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or in some cases a permanent resident card. The bank needs to see your face and confirm you are who you say you are — that is federal law, not the bank's choice.

Proof of address means a recent document showing your name and where you live. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 30 to 60 days usually works. Some banks accept a bank statement from another bank, or a letter from a government agency. A few will take a cell phone bill. Call ahead and ask what they accept — different banks have different rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, a recent document proving where you live, and an opening deposit — usually between $0 and $100 depending on the bank.
  • If you do not have a permanent address, some banks and credit unions will accept mail from a shelter, a PO box, or a letter from a social service agency instead of a utility bill.
  • If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a state ID card from your DMV without a driver's license, though the process takes a few weeks.
  • Some banks check your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — if you owe money from a closed account, tell the bank before you explore.
  • You do not need a credit card, a job, or a minimum income to open a checking or savings account.

The opening deposit and minimum balance

Most banks require you to put money in the account on the day you open it. This is called the opening deposit. The amount varies widely — some banks ask for $25, others for $100 or $500. A few banks have no minimum at all.

After you open the account, some banks require you to keep a minimum balance — a set amount that must stay in the account at all times. If your balance drops below that number, the bank charges a fee, usually $5 to $15 per month. Other banks have no minimum balance requirement. Before you choose a bank, ask whether they charge a fee if your balance goes too low, and how low it can go before the fee kicks in.

If you cannot afford an opening deposit right now, look for banks or credit unions that advertise "no opening deposit required." These exist, though they are less common than banks that ask for one. Community banks and credit unions in your area are more likely to have this option than large national banks.

What to bring if you do not have a permanent address

If you are living in a shelter, staying with family, or do not have a lease in your name, you still can open an account. You will need to show the bank a document that proves where you are living now. This might be a letter from the shelter on their letterhead, a letter from a family member who lives there, or a utility bill in someone else's name with a note from them saying you live there.

Some banks will accept a PO box as your address, though this is becoming less common. Others will accept a letter from a social service agency, a homeless services provider, or a government office confirming where you receive mail. Call the bank before you go in and ask what documents they will take — do not assume they will turn you away.

If the bank refuses to work with what you have, try a credit union instead. Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexibility on address requirements than banks do. You can find credit unions near you through the CO-OP network or Allpoint locator.

What to do if you do not have a photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your Department of Motor Vehicles. This is a photo ID that proves who you are but does not let you drive. The cost varies by state — usually between $10 and $30 — and the process takes two to four weeks.

To get a state ID, you will need to bring a birth certificate or passport to the DMV, plus proof of your address. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This also takes a few weeks and costs money, usually $15 to $30.

While you are waiting for your ID to arrive, some banks will let you open an account using a passport, a tribal ID, or a military ID instead. A few will accept a letter from a government agency confirming your identity. Call ahead and ask what they will take — do not assume you have to wait for the state ID.

Banking history checks and past problems

Many banks check your banking history before they open your account. They use a system called ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to see whether you have closed accounts with unpaid fees or overdrafts. If you do, the bank may refuse to open an account for you, or may ask you to pay the old debt first.

If you know you owe money from a closed account, tell the bank about it before you explore. Explain what happened and whether you have paid it back or plan to. Some banks will work with you if you are honest upfront. Others will not, but you are better off knowing that before you fill out the process.

You can check your own ChexSystems report for free once a year at chexsystems.com. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it. If you owe money and want to clear it, contact the bank that reported the debt and ask what it will take to get it removed from your record.

What you do not need

You do not need a credit card to open a bank account. You do not need a job or a pay stub. You do not need a minimum income. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you will need a valid ID — a passport or visa works.

You do not need to bring original documents. Most banks will accept a photocopy of your ID and address proof. Some will scan them on the spot. A few will let you upload them online if you are opening the account remotely.

You do not need to speak English fluently. Many banks offer forms and staff in other languages. If your bank does not, ask whether they can provide an interpreter or a translated form. Some are required by law to do this if you request it.

Opening an account online versus in person

Some banks let you open an account entirely online. You upload a photo of your ID and proof of address, answer questions about yourself, and fund the account by transferring money from another bank account or by mailing a check. You never have to visit a branch.

Other banks require you to come in person, at least for your first account. They want to see your ID and address proof with their own eyes. This takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and get help if something is unclear.

If you are opening an account online, make sure the bank is FDIC-insured or NCUA-insured. This means your money is protected by the federal government if the bank fails. The bank's website will say this clearly, usually at the bottom of the page. If it does not say so, do not open an account there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, ask whether the bank will open an account using your passport number or another form of ID instead. Some will, though it is less common. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible on this than banks are.

What if I have been banned from banking before?

If a bank has closed your account and reported you to ChexSystems, other banks may refuse to open an account for you. Look for banks that advertise "second chance banking" or "ChexSystems-free accounts." These banks do not check your history or have decided to work with people who have had problems before. You may pay higher fees, but you can still bank.

Do I need to bring anything else, like a utility bill in my name?

A utility bill in your name is one way to prove your address, but it is not the only way. A lease, mortgage statement, government mail, or a letter from a shelter or social service agency will work. Call the bank first and ask what they accept — do not assume you need a specific document.

How long does it take to open an account?

If you go in person with all your documents, you can open an account in 15 to 30 minutes. If you open online, it usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some banks mail you a debit card, which takes five to ten business days. Others let you use your account when ready with a temporary card or mobile wallet.

What happens after I open the account?

The bank will give you a debit card, a checkbook if you opened a checking account, and online banking access. You can start using your account right away. The bank will send you statements by mail or email, depending on what you choose. Keep your account active by using it regularly — some banks close accounts that sit unused for a long time.