You can open a bank account if you have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), are at least 18 years old, and can provide a form of identification

Most banks and credit unions will open an account for you if you meet these three basic requirements. The identification can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you don't have any of these yet, some banks will accept a combination of documents — like a birth certificate plus a utility bill or lease agreement — but you'll need to ask the specific bank what they accept.

Age matters because you need to be a legal adult to sign a contract. If you're under 18, you can still open an account, but it will be a joint account with a parent or guardian who takes legal responsibility for it. Some banks have special teen accounts designed for this.

The Social Security number or ITIN requirement exists because banks must report account activity to the IRS for tax purposes. If you don't have either yet, you can still research banks and gather other documents while you work on getting one — the process just can't finish until you have that number.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid ID, and have a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account on your own.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can open a joint account with you, and some banks offer teen accounts designed for younger customers.
  • Banks accept different forms of ID — driver's license, passport, state ID, or tribal ID — and some will take a combination of documents if you don't have one of those.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN yet, you can gather your other documents and information while you work on obtaining one.

What counts as valid identification

A government-issued photo ID is the easiest route. This means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The bank needs to see your name, date of birth, and photo to confirm you are who you say you are.

If you don't have any of those, some banks will accept a combination of non-photo documents. This might include a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill in your name, lease agreement, or recent bank statement from another institution. Each bank sets its own rules about which combinations work, so you'll need to call or visit and ask what they have on file as acceptable.

Bring the original documents, not copies. Banks need to see them in person to verify they're real. Some banks will make a copy for their records, but you keep the originals.

If you don't have a Social Security number yet

You can't finish opening an account without one, but you can start the process. Gather your other documents — your ID, proof of address, and any other paperwork the bank asks for — while you work on getting a Social Security number.

To get a Social Security number, you'll need to visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring your birth certificate, passport, or state ID, plus proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). The office will take your process and issue you a number, usually within two weeks. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

If you're not a U.S. citizen but have legal work authorization, you may be able to get an ITIN instead. This is a nine-digit number that works like a Social Security number for tax purposes. You explore for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7, and you can do this by mail or in person at an IRS office.

Opening an account if you're under 18

You'll need a parent or guardian to open a joint account with you. Both of you will need to be present, and both will need to provide identification and a Social Security number or ITIN. The parent or guardian becomes the legal account holder and is responsible for the account, though you can use the debit card and make deposits and withdrawals.

Some banks offer teen checking accounts specifically designed for younger customers. These often come with parental controls — the parent can set spending limits or see transactions — and lower or no monthly fees. Ask your bank whether they have a teen account option, because it may be simpler than a full joint account.

Once you turn 18, you can convert the account to your name alone, or you can keep it as a joint account if you want. The bank can walk you through the conversion process.

What happens after you meet the basic requirements

Once you have your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of address, you're ready to open the account. You can do this in person at a bank branch, over the phone, or online — it depends on the bank. In-person is often easiest if you're new to banking because a banker can answer questions as you go.

You'll fill out an process that asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and employment information. The bank will also ask what type of account you want — checking, savings, or both. This is also when you'll choose whether you want a debit card and set up online banking access.

The bank will run a background check using a system called ChexSystems. This checks whether you've had problems with bank accounts in the past — like overdrafts you didn't pay back or fraud. Most people pass this check with no problem. If you don't, the bank will tell you and you can ask what the issue is.

If a bank turns you down

Some banks have stricter policies than others. If one bank says no, try another. Credit unions often have more flexible rules than large national banks, and some banks specifically serve people who are new to the banking system or have had past account problems.

If you were turned down because of a ChexSystems report, you can request a copy of your report for free. Go to chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it. ChexSystems has to investigate within 30 days.

Second-chance banking accounts are designed for people who have had trouble with banks before. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they're a real way to rebuild your banking history. Ask whether your bank offers one.

Documents to bring when you open an account

Bring your government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, state ID, or tribal ID. If you don't have one of those, bring the combination of documents your bank said they would accept.

Bring proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement — something with your name and address on it, dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency works too.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. You don't need to bring the card itself, just know the number. If you're opening a joint account with a parent or guardian, they need to bring their ID and Social Security number or ITIN as well.

Some banks ask for an initial deposit to open the account. This might be $25, $100, or more — it varies by bank and account type. Ask before you go in so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

No, you need either a Social Security number or an ITIN to open an account. The bank must report the account to the IRS, and they need this number to do that. You can gather your other documents while you work on getting one.

What if I don't have a driver's license or passport?

Ask the bank what documents they will accept instead. Many banks will take a state ID card, tribal ID, or a combination of documents like a birth certificate and utility bill. Each bank has different rules, so call ahead and ask what they need.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No, you need to be present in person (or online, depending on the bank) to sign the account agreement. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with you, but you still need to be there.

What if I have a criminal record or bad credit?

A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from opening a bank account. Bad credit won't either — banks don't check your credit score for checking or savings accounts. ChexSystems checks your banking history, not your credit history, so those are different things.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can take a few minutes, though the bank may take a day or two to verify your information before the account is fully active. Over the phone, it typically takes 20 to 40 minutes.