You can open a bank account at any age, but the rules change depending on whether you are a minor or an adult
If you are 18 or older, you can walk into a bank or credit union and open an account on your own. You will need a government-issued ID and proof of address — usually a utility bill, lease, or recent mail from a government agency. Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you are under 18, you cannot open an account by yourself. A parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account (also called a minor account) with you. The adult's name appears on the account alongside yours, and they can see all transactions and withdraw money. Once you turn 18, you can convert it to a regular account or open a separate one.
The timing matters. Banks can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to process an account opening, depending on whether you do it in person, online, or by mail. In-person applications are usually fastest — you walk out with a debit card the same day or within 24 hours. Online applications can take 1 to 5 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Adults (18 and older) can open an account with just an ID and proof of address; minors need a parent or legal guardian to open a custodial account.
- In-person applications typically complete within 24 hours, while online applications may take 1 to 5 business days.
- You do not need a credit history, employment, or a minimum deposit to open a basic checking or savings account at most banks.
- If you have been reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database), some banks will still open accounts for you, but options are more limited.
What you need to bring or provide
The core documents are the same whether you are opening in person or online. You need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID all work. You also need proof that you live where you say you do: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from a government agency dated within the last 60 days.
Banks also ask for a Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN. If you do not have either, some banks and credit unions will still open an account, but the process takes longer because they have to file extra paperwork with the IRS. Ask the bank directly whether they accept accounts without an SSN before you explore.
You do not need a job, a credit card, or a minimum opening deposit. Banks stopped requiring minimum deposits years ago, though some still offer higher interest rates if you maintain a certain balance. You also do not need to have borrowed money before — banks do not check your credit history for a basic checking or savings account.
Opening an account as a minor
A parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the paperwork. The adult's Social Security number and ID go on the account along with yours. Most banks allow the minor to have their own debit card, PIN, and online access, but the parent can see all transactions and withdraw money at any time.
The age at which you can convert a custodial account to a regular account varies by bank — some allow it at 16, others at 18. Call your bank to ask when you can take over the account yourself. Some banks automatically convert it on your 18th birthday; others require you to request the conversion.
If your parent or guardian will not open an account with you, or if you are in foster care or an unsafe living situation, some banks and nonprofits have programs for minors without parental involvement. The rules are stricter — you may not be able to get a debit card, and the account might have withdrawal limits — but you can still save money. Contact your local credit union or ask a school counselor for resources in your area.
If you have been denied or flagged by ChexSystems
ChexSystems is a database that banks use to check your history with other banks. If you have bounced checks, left accounts open with a negative balance, or committed fraud, you may be reported to ChexSystems. Being in the system does not automatically prevent you from opening an account, but it makes it harder.
Some banks will not open an account for anyone in ChexSystems. Others have second-chance programs specifically for people with banking history problems. Credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks. If you are denied, ask the bank whether they use ChexSystems and request a copy of your report — you have the right to see what is in it.
You can dispute errors in your ChexSystems report by contacting the company directly. Negative items stay on the report for five years, but you can still open accounts at banks that do not use ChexSystems or that have second-chance programs. Some online banks and credit unions specialize in accounts for people with banking history issues.
Online versus in-person account opening
Online accounts are faster to set up — you can complete the process in 10 minutes — but verification takes longer. The bank has to confirm your identity remotely, which usually means uploading photos of your ID and proof of address. This process can take 1 to 5 business days. You will not have a physical debit card when ready; it ships separately and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person accounts take longer to explore for (20 to 30 minutes) but move faster overall. You hand over your documents, the bank verifies them on the spot, and you often leave with a temporary debit card or a card that arrives the next day. If you need access to your account quickly, in-person is usually better.
Some banks offer a hybrid: you start the process online and finish it in a branch. This can be faster than either method alone because the bank has already collected your information and verified your identity remotely before you arrive.
Special situations: immigrants, people without a fixed address, and formerly incarcerated people
If you do not have a U.S. address, some banks will accept mail from a shelter, a friend's address, or a P.O. box as proof of address. Call ahead and ask what they accept — requirements vary. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, you can still open an account; the process just takes a few extra days.
If you are unhoused or living in a shelter, bring a letter from the shelter on their letterhead stating that you live there. Some banks also accept mail from a government agency (like a welfare office) or a nonprofit that serves you. A few banks have programs specifically for people experiencing homelessness and may waive the proof-of-address requirement.
If you have been incarcerated, you can open an account after release. You do not have to disclose your criminal history to the bank. However, if you owe restitution or have unpaid court fines, a bank may freeze your account if the court or a collection agency contacts them. This is rare, but it is worth knowing.
How long it actually takes from start to finish
The timeline depends on how you explore and whether the bank needs to verify anything unusual. Here is what to expect:
| Method | process Time | Verification Time | Card Arrival | Total Time to Use Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at a branch | 20–30 minutes | Same day | Same day (temporary) or next day | Same day to 24 hours |
| Online process | 10 minutes | 1–5 business days | 7–10 business days | 1–5 business days (for account access) |
| By mail | N/A (forms mailed) | 5–10 business days | 7–14 business days | 5–10 business days |
You can usually start using your account (transferring money, setting up direct deposit, paying bills online) as soon as the bank confirms your identity, even if your physical debit card has not arrived yet. Most banks let you access your account online or through their app within 24 hours of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes, but it takes longer. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Some banks accept accounts without either number, but they have to file extra IRS paperwork, which adds 5 to 10 business days to the process. Call the bank first to confirm they accept accounts without an SSN.
What happens if I do not have a permanent address?
You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, a P.O. box, or mail from a government agency as proof of address. Some banks have programs for people without fixed addresses and may waive the requirement entirely. Call ahead to ask what the bank accepts.
Can a minor open an account without a parent?
Not at most banks. However, some credit unions and nonprofits offer accounts for minors without parental involvement, usually with restrictions like no debit card or withdrawal limits. Contact your local credit union or school counselor to find programs in your area.
How do I know if I am in ChexSystems?
You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report by visiting their website or calling them. If you are in the system and want to dispute something, you have the right to file a dispute. You can also look for banks that do not use ChexSystems or that have second-chance programs.
Do I need a job or credit history to open a bank account?
No. Banks do not check your credit history or require employment to open a checking or savings account. You only need an ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN.