What banks actually ask for when you walk in

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). Some banks also ask for an initial deposit on the spot, though the amount varies—some have no minimum, others require $25 to $100. A few banks waive the deposit if you set up direct deposit.

The specific documents matter because banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address before they open an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. If you show up without the right paperwork, the bank will turn you away or ask you to come back. Knowing what to bring saves you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Banks need your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account; without one, most will not proceed.
  • Some banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, but many have zero-minimum accounts if you meet other conditions like setting up direct deposit.
  • If you do not have a traditional address, a bank statement, mail from a government agency, or a letter from a shelter can serve as proof of address.
  • Online banks often have lower documentation requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, though they still need identity verification.

Government-issued photo ID and what counts

A driver's license is the most common form of ID banks accept. A state-issued ID card (non-driver) works just as well. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also satisfy this requirement. Some banks accept a tribal ID if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe.

The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years—banks vary on how old they will accept. If your ID is expired by more than five years, call the bank ahead of time to ask whether they will take it. If your ID is lost or stolen, you can bring a temporary ID issued by your state's DMV, though not all banks accept these; again, a quick call first saves time.

If you do not have a photo ID at all, some banks will work with you using alternative documents—a combination of a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a second form of ID without a photo. This is less common and usually requires speaking to a manager, so expect the process to take longer.

Proof of your current address

Banks need to confirm where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the standard proof. A lease or mortgage statement works too. So does a bank statement from another bank, a credit card statement, or mail from a government agency like the IRS or Social Security Administration.

The document must show your name and full address. A PO box does not count as a residential address, though some online banks will accept it. If you live with family or in shared housing and the bill is in someone else's name, bring a letter from that person on their letterhead stating that you live there, plus a copy of their ID. Some banks accept this; others do not, so call ahead.

If you are experiencing homelessness or do not have a permanent address, bring a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency on their letterhead stating your name and the address where you are currently staying. Many banks have policies allowing this. If the first bank turns you down, try a credit union or a bank known for serving unbanked populations in your area.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required to collect a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before opening an account. This is part of federal anti-money-laundering rules. You do not need to bring a physical card—you can tell the bank your number verbally, and they will verify it against federal records.

If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot open a standard bank account at most institutions. However, some banks and credit unions offer accounts for people without an SSN if you have an ITIN (issued by the IRS to non-citizens for tax purposes). A few banks also offer accounts for undocumented immigrants using an ITIN and an alternative form of ID. These accounts are less common and may have higher fees or lower limits, so you may need to call several banks to find one.

Opening deposit and minimum balance requirements

Many banks require you to deposit money when you open an account. The amount ranges from zero to $100 or more, depending on the bank and the type of account. A basic checking account often has a lower opening deposit than a savings account. Online banks frequently have no opening deposit requirement at all.

Some banks waive the opening deposit if you set up direct deposit—meaning your paycheck or benefits payment goes straight into the account. This can take a few days to set up, so if you need the account when ready, ask whether the bank will let you open it without direct deposit set up yet and add it later.

Do not confuse an opening deposit with a minimum balance requirement. An opening deposit is what you put in on day one. A minimum balance is the amount you must keep in the account to avoid monthly fees. These are separate. A bank might have no opening deposit but require you to keep $500 in the account at all times, or vice versa. Ask about both before you open.

What to bring in person versus online

If you open an account at a physical branch, bring your ID, proof of address, and your SSN or ITIN. You can hand over the documents in person, and the bank will verify them on the spot.

If you open an account online, the bank will ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address using your phone or computer. You type in your SSN or ITIN yourself. The bank then verifies these documents electronically, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some online banks use video verification—they ask you to hold your ID up to your camera so they can confirm it matches your face.

Online accounts are often faster to open and have lower fees, but they come with a trade-off: you cannot deposit cash in person. You will need to transfer money from another account, set up direct deposit, or use a mobile check deposit feature (if the bank offers it). If you need to deposit cash when ready, a brick-and-mortar bank is your only option.

What happens after you hand over your documents

Once you provide your ID, address proof, and SSN or ITIN, the bank runs a background check. This is standard and does not affect your credit score. The bank checks whether you have unpaid debts to other banks (through a system called ChexSystems) and whether you have a history of fraud or abuse of banking services.

If you have been flagged in ChexSystems—for example, because you bounced checks or closed an account with a negative balance—some banks will deny you. Others will still open an account but with restrictions, like a lower initial deposit limit. If you are denied, ask the bank why and request a copy of your ChexSystems report so you can dispute any errors.

If everything clears, the bank will issue you a debit card (usually within 7 to 10 business days) and give you online banking access when ready. You can start using the account right away, even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most banks require an SSN or ITIN. If you have an ITIN (issued by the IRS), some banks and credit unions will open an account for you. If you have neither, call banks in your area and ask whether they serve customers without an SSN; a few do, but they are uncommon. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks.

Can I open an account without a photo ID?

It is difficult but sometimes possible. Some banks will accept a combination of documents—a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a non-photo ID like a school ID. You will likely need to speak to a manager and may be asked to come back with additional paperwork. Call ahead rather than showing up unprepared.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Most banks want documents dated within the last 60 days, but policies vary. A utility bill from 90 days ago might still work at some banks. Call the bank and ask, or bring a second document—like a recent bank statement or a letter from your landlord—to show you still live there.

Do I need to bring cash for the opening deposit?

No. You can bring a check, transfer money from another account, or ask the bank to waive the deposit if you set up direct deposit. If you bring cash, the bank will count it and deposit it into your new account when ready.

How long does it take to open an account?

At a physical branch, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on how quickly the bank verifies your documents. Some banks send you a confirmation email within minutes; others take until the next business day.