Yes, you can open a bank account — but the requirements depend on your age, citizenship status, and what documents you have

Most people can open a bank account. Banks are required by law to take deposits from anyone who meets their basic criteria, which usually means being at least 18 years old, having a valid form of identification, and providing a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't meet those conditions, you still have options — they're just different.

The real barrier for most people isn't whether they're allowed to have an account. It's whether they have the documents banks ask for, or whether they've been reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database that tracks closed accounts and fraud). This guide walks through who can open an account, what you need to bring, and what to do if a bank says no.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to be at least 18 years old and have a government-issued ID to open an account at a traditional bank.
  • Banks will ask for either a Social Security number or an ITIN, which is available to non-citizens and undocumented immigrants.
  • If you've been denied before, ask the bank why — it may be a ChexSystems report you can dispute, or a policy you can work around at a different bank.
  • Credit unions and online banks sometimes have different requirements than large national banks, and may accept customers banks have turned down.
  • If you're under 18, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian, or wait until you turn 18 to open one on your own.

What banks require: the documents you'll need

When you walk into a bank or start an online process, you'll be asked for a government-issued ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. The bank needs to verify you are who you say you are — this is part of federal anti-money-laundering law, not the bank's choice.

You'll also need to provide either a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens and some non-citizens with work authorization. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN — this includes undocumented immigrants, visa holders, and others. Both numbers work equally for opening a bank account.

Some banks ask for a second form of ID, a utility bill or lease to confirm your address, or proof of income. Online banks are often more flexible here — they may only ask for an ID and SSN or ITIN. If a bank asks for something you don't have, ask whether it's required or optional. Many banks list their requirements on their website before you explore.

Age requirements and accounts for people under 18

You must be 18 years old to open an account in your own name. If you're younger, you have two paths: a joint account with a parent or guardian, or waiting until you turn 18.

A joint account is held in both names. The parent or guardian can make deposits and withdrawals, and so can you once you're old enough to use the account. Some banks allow joint accounts from birth; others set a minimum age of 13 or 16. The parent will need to bring their ID and Social Security number, and you'll need your ID (usually a school ID, passport, or state ID). Ask the bank what they accept for minors.

Once you turn 18, you can convert a joint account to an account in your name only, or open a separate account. Some banks make this automatic; others require you to come in and sign new paperwork.

If a bank has turned you down

Banks can refuse to open an account for several reasons. The most common is a ChexSystems report — a record that you closed an account with unpaid fees, wrote bad checks, or had fraud reported. ChexSystems is not a credit report. It's a separate database that banks check before opening new accounts. If you've been denied, the bank must tell you why, and they must give you the name and contact information of the company that reported you.

You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If there's an error — a closed account you didn't know about, or fraud you didn't commit — you can dispute it. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate. Once a dispute is resolved in your favor, you can go back to the bank that turned you down and try again.

If the report is accurate, you have options. Some banks have second-chance accounts designed for people with ChexSystems records. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large national banks. Online banks sometimes don't check ChexSystems at all, though this is becoming less common. Call ahead and ask whether they check ChexSystems before you explore — it saves you a hard inquiry on your record.

Opening an account as a non-citizen or undocumented immigrant

You can open a bank account without a Social Security number. Instead, you'll need an ITIN, which the IRS issues to anyone who files taxes. You don't need work authorization or legal status to get an ITIN. The process (Form W-7) goes to the IRS, and you can file it yourself or with help from a tax preparer or community organization. Processing takes about two weeks if you file in person at an IRS office, or four to six weeks by mail.

Once you have an ITIN, most banks will open an account for you. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS, a government-issued ID (passport, visa, or national ID from your country), and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some banks ask for additional documentation, but ITIN plus ID is the standard requirement.

A few large national banks have policies against opening accounts for people without an SSN, even with an ITIN. If one bank says no, try a different bank or a credit union — they're more likely to accept an ITIN. Community banks and credit unions in areas with large immigrant populations often have staff trained to handle ITIN accounts and may process them faster.

Credit unions and online banks as alternatives

If a traditional bank has turned you down, a credit union may accept you. Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions with different rules than banks. They often have more flexible policies on ChexSystems records, lower fees, and staff who work with people in their community. To join a credit union, you usually need to live or work in a certain area, or belong to a specific group (like employees of a company, members of a union, or alumni of a school). You can search for credit unions near you at www.co-opsharedbranch.org.

Online banks have fewer physical requirements and sometimes skip ChexSystems checks entirely. They still ask for an ID and SSN or ITIN, but they may not require proof of address or income. The trade-off is that you can't deposit cash in person — you'll need to use mobile check deposit, transfers from another account, or direct deposit. If you don't have another account to transfer from, this can be a problem at first.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank will issue you a debit card (usually within 7 to 10 business days) and set up online access. You can start depositing money when ready — through direct deposit, mobile check deposit, transfers from another bank, or in-person cash deposits if you opened at a branch bank.

Some banks put a hold on your first deposit while they verify the account is real. This is normal and usually lasts one to three business days. After that, your money is available to spend or transfer.

If you opened a joint account as a minor, check with the bank about when you can take over the account on your own. Some banks do this automatically on your 18th birthday; others require you to come in and sign new paperwork. It's worth asking about this before you turn 18 so there's no gap in your access.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. The IRS issues ITINs to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN, including non-citizens and undocumented immigrants. Bring your ITIN letter, a government-issued ID, and proof of address to the bank.

What if I've been reported to ChexSystems?

Request your report at www.chexsystems.com and check for errors. If there's a mistake, dispute it — ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate. If the report is accurate, try a credit union or online bank, which may have more flexible policies. Some banks also offer second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems records.

Can I open an account if I'm under 18?

Not in your own name. You can open a joint account with a parent or guardian. Once you turn 18, you can open an account on your own or convert the joint account to your name alone.

Do I need a physical address to open a bank account?

Most banks ask for proof of address, but some online banks don't require it. If you don't have a permanent address, ask the bank whether they accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address. Some banks are flexible here; others have strict policies.

What's the difference between a bank and a credit union?

Credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees and more flexible policies than banks. You usually need to meet membership requirements (living in an area, working for a company, or belonging to a group). Banks are for-profit and have standardized policies across all branches.