Age and identification requirements for opening an account
You can open a bank account at age 18 in all U.S. states. Before 18, you need a parent or guardian to co-own the account with you—most banks call this a custodial account or minor account. Some banks let you open one as early as age 13 with a parent present; others require you to be 16. The exact age varies by bank, so call ahead.
To open any account, you'll need a government-issued ID. At 18 or older, a driver's license or passport works. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian brings their ID and you bring yours—usually a school ID, passport, or state ID card. Some banks also accept a birth certificate for minors.
You'll also need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't have one, you can still open an account at some banks, but they'll ask for it later for tax reporting. Bring proof of your current address—a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement, usually no more than 60 days old.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a bank account on your own at age 18; before that, a parent or guardian must co-own it with you.
- Bring a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any bank branch.
- Custodial accounts let minors learn to manage money while parents keep oversight, though rules on spending and withdrawals vary by bank.
- Some banks have minimum balance requirements or monthly fees; ask about accounts designed for students or young people, which often waive these.
- If you've been denied a bank account, you may still open one at a credit union or through a second-chance banking program.
What happens if you're under 18
A custodial account is jointly owned by you and your parent or guardian. The adult has full control—they can see all transactions, set spending limits, and withdraw money. You can usually make deposits and withdrawals at ATMs and in branches, but some banks restrict what you can do without the parent's permission.
When you turn 18, the account automatically converts to a regular account in your name alone. Some banks require you to visit a branch to sign new paperwork; others do it automatically. Check with your bank about what happens on your 18th birthday so you're not surprised by a change in access.
Custodial accounts are useful if you're learning to manage money or saving for something specific. They also help if you need to build a banking history before opening your own account later. However, the parent's control means they can see everything, so privacy is limited.
Reopening an account after a closure or denial
Banks close accounts for several reasons: unpaid overdrafts, repeated bounced checks, suspected fraud, or violations of the bank's terms. If your account was closed, the bank should tell you why. Some closures are permanent; others mean you're barred from that bank for a set period, often two to five years.
If you've been denied an account or closed out, you have options. Credit unions often have less strict policies than big banks and may open an account for you even if you have a banking history problem. Second-chance banking programs are accounts designed specifically for people who've had trouble with banks before. They usually come with higher fees and lower limits, but they let you rebuild.
Before you explore anywhere, check your ChexSystems report—a banking history database similar to a credit report. You can request a free copy at www.chexsystems.com. If there's an error, you can dispute it. Fixing inaccuracies sometimes makes it easier to open an account elsewhere.
Special situations: immigrants, students, and people without a fixed address
If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can still open a bank account. You'll need an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Bring your passport or travel documents as ID and proof of address. Some banks are more welcoming to non-citizens than others; call ahead to confirm they'll work with you.
Students often have access to accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fees. Many banks offer student checking accounts until you graduate or reach a certain age. You'll need your school ID and proof of enrollment. If you're studying abroad, ask your U.S. bank whether they'll keep your account open and how you'll access it from outside the country.
If you don't have a permanent address, opening an account is harder but not impossible. Some banks accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address as proof of residence. Call the bank first and explain your situation—some branches are more flexible than others. Credit unions and community banks are often more willing to work with people in unstable housing.
Documents you need to bring
| What you need | What counts |
|---|---|
| Government-issued ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, recent bank statement (within 60 days) |
| Tax ID number | Social Security number or ITIN |
| For minors opening with a parent | Parent's ID, minor's ID, birth certificate (sometimes) |
Bring originals or certified copies—banks usually won't accept photos or digital scans for the first visit, though some now let you upload documents through their app after you've opened the account. If you're opening an account online, the bank will tell you which documents to upload and in what format.
Online accounts versus in-person accounts
Many banks now let you open an account entirely online. You upload your ID and proof of address, answer security questions, and fund the account by transferring money from another bank or using a debit card. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes. However, some banks still require you to visit a branch in person, especially if you're under 18 or opening a custodial account.
Online banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings because they don't run physical branches. However, you can't deposit cash directly—you'll need to transfer money from another account or use a mobile check deposit. If you need to deposit cash regularly, a traditional bank or credit union with branches near you may be more practical.
If you're opening your first account and want to speak to someone, go to a branch. If you already have banking experience and want convenience, an online bank works well. Many people use both—a local bank for cash deposits and an online bank for savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I have bad credit?
Yes. Banks don't check your credit score when you open a checking or savings account. They check ChexSystems, which tracks banking history like overdrafts and closed accounts. Bad credit doesn't affect this. However, if you've had problems with banks before, you may be denied or directed to a second-chance account.
What if I don't have a Social Security number yet?
Some banks will open an account without one and ask for it later. Others require it upfront. Call your bank and ask. If you're explore for a Social Security number, the process takes about two weeks. You can open an account while you wait at banks that don't require it when ready.
Can a parent open an account for their child without the child being present?
Most banks require the child to be present and sign paperwork, even for a custodial account. Some banks let parents open accounts online for very young children, but the child usually has to come in to sign when they're old enough. Check with your specific bank about their policy.
What happens if I move to a different state?
Your account stays open and active. You don't need to close it or open a new one. If you want to switch banks, you can transfer your money and close the old account. If you need to deposit cash and your bank has no branches nearby, you can use ATMs, mobile deposit, or transfer money from another account.
Can I open a bank account if I'm homeless?
Yes, though it requires more flexibility. Some banks accept a shelter address or a trusted friend's address as proof of residence. Credit unions and community banks are often more willing to work with people without stable housing. Call ahead and explain your situation rather than showing up in person—the staff can tell you whether that branch will help.