What you need before you start

Creating an account requires only a few pieces of information, but which pieces depends on what kind of account you are opening. Most financial accounts need a valid government-issued ID, a current address, and a way to verify you are who you say you are — usually a phone number or email address the institution can contact you at.

If you are opening a bank account, have your Social Security number ready. If you are opening a payment app account, you may only need an email address and a phone number at first, though the institution will ask for more information later if you want to send or receive larger amounts. Some accounts let you start with minimal information and add details gradually; others require everything upfront before you can use the account at all.

Check the institution's website or call their customer service line before you go in or sit down at your computer. Ask what documents they need and whether you can start the process online, by phone, or in person. This saves you a trip or a frustrating restart halfway through.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number (for bank accounts), and a current address to open most financial accounts.
  • Some institutions let you start online with just an email and phone number, then verify your identity later; others require full verification before the account is active.
  • The fastest route is usually online if the institution offers it, because you avoid waiting for an appointment or standing in line.
  • After you create the account, the institution will send you confirmation details — save these, because you will need them to log in and set up transfers or payments.

Opening an account online

Most banks and payment apps now let you start an account from your phone or computer. Go to the institution's official website or read their app directly from the app store — do not click a link from an email or search result, because scammers sometimes create fake versions that look identical.

Look for a button that says "Open an Account," "Sign Up," or "get your free guide." The institution will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. Have your Social Security number ready; they will ask for it next. Some institutions ask for a photo of your ID at this stage — use your phone camera and make sure the photo is clear and shows all four corners of the ID.

After you submit this information, the institution verifies your identity using databases they have access to. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. You will receive an email or text message when verification is complete. If verification fails, the institution will tell you why — usually because the information you entered does not match what is on file, or because you entered it in a format the system did not recognize. Call their customer service line and they will walk you through fixing it.

Opening an account in person

If you prefer to open an account face-to-face, go to a branch of the bank or credit union during business hours. Bring your government-issued ID, your Social Security number (written down or memorized), and a recent piece of mail showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement all work. Some institutions also accept a phone bill or insurance statement.

Tell the person at the desk you want to open an account. They will hand you forms to fill out or will ask you questions and fill out the forms themselves. The information they collect is the same as what an online form asks for: your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. They will make a copy of your ID and address proof and keep those in your file.

Once the forms are complete, the institution verifies your identity the same way they do online — through databases they have access to. This can happen while you wait or can take a few hours. If it happens while you wait, you will leave with your account number and can start using the account when ready. If it takes longer, they will call or email you when verification is complete.

What happens after you create the account

Once your account is verified and active, the institution will send you login credentials — usually a username and a temporary password, or a link to set your own password. Write these down or save them in a password manager. Do not share them with anyone, and do not use the same password you use for other accounts.

If you opened a bank account, the institution will mail you a debit card and checks (if you requested them). This usually takes five to ten business days. Until the card arrives, you can still use the account online to transfer money or set up automatic payments. If you opened a payment app account, you can usually start sending and receiving money when ready, though there may be limits on how much you can move in the first few days or weeks.

Log in to your new account and check that all your information is correct. If anything is wrong — a misspelled name, an incorrect address, a phone number with a digit missing — contact the institution and ask them to fix it. Errors in your account information can cause problems later when you try to transfer money or when the institution needs to contact you.

Verifying your identity during account creation

Most institutions use one of three methods to verify you are who you say you are: comparing the information you provide against databases they subscribe to, asking you questions only you would know the answers to, or asking you to upload a photo of your ID.

The database method is the fastest and most common. The institution sends your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number to a verification service, which checks them against credit reports, public records, and other sources. If everything matches, you are verified in minutes. If something does not match — you moved recently and the address on file is old, or you entered your middle initial when the database has your full middle name — verification fails and you will need to call and correct it.

Some institutions ask you security questions: "What was the name of your first pet?" or "In what year did you buy your house?" These questions come from your credit report and public records. Answer them correctly and you are verified. Answer them wrong and the institution will ask you to call and verify by phone instead.

A few institutions ask you to upload a photo of your ID and sometimes a selfie. They use software to check that the photo is a real ID, that it has not expired, and that the face in the photo matches the face in your selfie. This method is slower — it can take a few hours or a day — but it works even if your information does not match databases perfectly.

If verification fails or takes longer than expected

If the institution cannot verify your identity online, they will send you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the information you provided and what is in their databases, a name or address that the system could not parse correctly, or a Social Security number that did not match.

Call the institution's customer service line and tell them you are trying to open an account and verification failed. Have your ID ready. The representative will ask you the same questions the system asked, and they can often verify you over the phone even if the automated system could not. They may also ask you to mail in a copy of your ID or to visit a branch in person.

If you are opening an account and the institution says it will take longer than a few hours to verify you, that is normal — some institutions batch verification checks and run them once a day. Ask the representative when you should expect to hear back, and ask for a phone number you can call if you do not hear from them by that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you will need to obtain one before you can open a bank account. Payment apps and digital wallets sometimes allow you to start with just an email and phone number, but you will eventually need to provide a Social Security number or ITIN if you want to move larger amounts of money or link a bank account.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

A state driver's license or passport are the most common forms of ID institutions accept. If you do not have either, some institutions will accept a state ID card, a tribal ID, or a military ID. Call the institution and ask what forms of ID they accept. If you have none of these, you may need to obtain one before you can open an account.

How long does it take for an account to become active after I create it?

If you open an account online and verification happens when ready, your account can be active within minutes. If verification takes longer, it usually completes within a few hours to one business day. If you open an account in person, it can be active the same day or can take a few hours. Ask the institution for a specific timeline when you start the process.

Do I need to deposit money when I create an account?

Most banks and credit unions do not require an opening deposit, though some have a minimum balance you must maintain to avoid monthly fees. Payment apps usually do not require any deposit at all. Check the institution's fee schedule before you open the account so you know what to expect.

What should I do if I forget my password after I create an account?

Go to the login page and look for a link that says "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password." Click it and follow the instructions — usually the institution will send you a reset link to your email address or a code to your phone number. If you cannot access your email or phone, call the institution's customer service line and they will verify your identity and reset your password for you.