What banks actually ask for when you walk in
To open a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Most banks also ask for your phone number and email address. That is the core list — the things that almost every institution requires before they will let you deposit money.
The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but the pattern is consistent: one thing that proves who you are, one thing that proves where you live, and your nine-digit Social Security number. Some banks will accept a passport or driver's license for ID; others accept tribal IDs or military IDs. Some will take a utility bill or lease as proof of address; others accept a mortgage statement or government mail. The bank's website or a phone call to the branch will tell you what they take, but you do not need to guess — bring what you have and ask.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to open an account at most banks and credit unions.
- Acceptable documents vary by institution, so call your bank or check their website before you go in to avoid a wasted trip.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
- Banks run a background check called ChexSystems when you explore; a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud can block you from opening an account elsewhere.
- If one bank turns you down, community banks and credit unions often have looser requirements than large national chains.
Proof of identity: what counts and what does not
A government-issued photo ID is the standard. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works at nearly every bank. Some banks also take a military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. The ID needs to be current — expired IDs are usually rejected, though some banks will accept them if they expired recently.
If you do not have a photo ID, ask the bank whether they will accept a combination of documents instead: a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a Social Security card plus a lease. Some banks will do this; others will not. If your bank will not, you can get a state ID card from your Department of Motor Vehicles without a driver's license — you do not need to drive to get one.
Proof of address: documents the bank will take
The bank needs to know where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or recent government mail with your name and address will work. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept older statements if they are the most recent one you have.
If you do not have mail in your name at your current address — because you just moved, or because mail goes to someone else — tell the bank. Some will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease. Others will take a bank statement from another account, a paycheck stub, or a government benefits letter. Call ahead and ask what they will take rather than showing up with the wrong papers.
Your Social Security number and why banks need it
Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number. They use it to verify your identity, check your credit history, and report your account activity to the IRS. You cannot open a standard checking or savings account without one.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States. Not all banks offer ITIN accounts — credit unions and community banks are more likely to than large national chains. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use will open an account with an ITIN.
ChexSystems: the background check banks run on you
When you explore for an account, the bank runs a check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. ChexSystems records unpaid overdrafts, fraud, and accounts closed due to misuse. If you have a negative mark in ChexSystems, some banks will turn you down.
You have the right to see what is in your ChexSystems report. You can request it free once a year at www.chexsystems.com, or you can dispute inaccurate information. If a bank turns you down because of ChexSystems, they must tell you that is the reason and give you contact information for ChexSystems so you can check your report.
If you have been turned down before, do not assume you will be turned down again. Community banks and credit unions often do not use ChexSystems, or they use it differently than large banks do. Some will open an account for you even if you have a negative mark, especially if the issue was years ago or if you can explain what happened.
What to bring if you are opening an account online
Online banks usually ask for the same information — ID, address, Social Security number — but they ask you to upload photos or documents instead of showing them in person. You will need a camera or phone that can take clear pictures of both sides of your ID and of your proof of address.
Some online banks also use video verification: they ask you to hold your ID up to your camera while you are on a video call, so they can see your face and confirm it matches the ID. This takes a few minutes but is usually faster than going to a branch. If you do not have the technology to upload documents or do a video call, you can usually go to a branch of the bank in person instead, even if it is primarily an online bank.
If a bank turns you down
If one bank will not open an account for you, try another. Large national banks have stricter rules than community banks and credit unions. If you have been turned down, ask the bank why — they are required to tell you. If it is because of ChexSystems, check your report and dispute any errors. If it is because you do not have an ID or address, work on getting those documents first.
Some banks offer second-chance accounts specifically for people who have been turned down elsewhere. These accounts may have higher fees or lower initial deposit requirements. Credit unions are often more willing to work with people who have had banking problems in the past. If you are a member of a credit union through your employer, school, or community, start there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account without a Social Security number?
You can if you have an ITIN and the bank accepts it. Not all banks do, so call ahead. If you do not have either, you will need to get a Social Security number first — you can explore through the Social Security Administration website or at a local Social Security office.
What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?
Bring both your ID and a separate document that shows your current address, like a utility bill or lease. Tell the bank you recently moved. Most will open the account as long as you can prove where you live now, even if your ID has not been updated yet.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?
Banks usually want to see the original documents in person so they can verify they are real. If you are opening an account online, you will upload photos or scans. Do not send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.
What happens if I was turned down because of ChexSystems?
Request your free ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com and look for errors. If something is wrong, dispute it. If the information is correct but old, try a credit union or community bank — they may overlook older issues. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems marks.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You need to be present with your own ID and documents. If you cannot go to a branch, most banks offer online account opening with video verification, which you can do from home.