Yes, you can walk in and open an account the same day

You can walk into most banks during business hours, speak to someone at the desk, and leave with an open account. Many people do this every week. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead to ask about wait times is reasonable if you are going during lunch or on Friday afternoon.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. A bank employee will ask you questions, you will show documents, they will enter information into their computer, and you will sign papers. By the time you leave, your account exists and you can use it — though some banks put a hold on deposits for a day or two while they verify the money is real.

The main reason people do not walk in is that they are unsure what documents to bring or what will happen. Once you know both, the experience is straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Banks will ask for your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number so they can check your banking history and report to the IRS.
  • You can open an account with as little as $0 to $25 at most banks, though some require a larger opening deposit.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN or ask the bank whether they accept an alternative form of identification.
  • The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to see whether you have had problems with previous accounts.

What documents you need to bring

Bring one piece of government-issued photo identification. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, ask the bank what they accept — some will take a non-photo ID plus a second document, though this varies by bank and by state.

Bring proof that you live where you say you live. A recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement from another bank all count. "Recent" usually means from the last 60 days. If you are homeless or do not have a bill in your name, tell the bank — many have workarounds, such as accepting a letter from a shelter or a government agency.

Bring your Social Security number written down, or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number. The bank will ask for this. If you do not have either, tell the bank before you go in — some will open an account without one, though they may limit what you can do with it.

What the bank will ask you

The bank employee will ask your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. They will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN. They will ask what kind of account you want — usually a checking account, a savings account, or both. They will ask how you plan to use the account and roughly how much money you expect to deposit each month.

They will also ask whether you have banked before and, if so, where. This is not a trick question. Banks use this to check your history through a system called ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. These systems track whether you have had accounts closed for overdrafts, fraud, or other problems. If you have, the bank will tell you — and some banks will still open an account for you, while others will not.

If you have had problems with a previous bank, be honest about it. Lying will not help you, because the bank will find out anyway when they run the check. Many banks have "second chance" accounts designed for people with banking history problems, and they would rather know upfront than discover it later.

What happens after you sign the papers

Once you have signed everything, your account is open. The bank will give you a receipt with your account number. You can use this number to set up direct deposit, transfer money in, or start using the account right away.

You will not receive a debit card the same day — the bank will mail it to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can withdraw money by going to the bank with your ID and asking the teller, or you can transfer money out online if the bank has set up your online access.

Some banks will give you temporary checks to use while you wait for your debit card. Ask the employee whether this is available.

If you do not have a Social Security number

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), bring it. This is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not may have access to for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open financial accounts. You can use an ITIN the same way a bank uses a Social Security number.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, call the bank before you go in. Some banks will open an account using only your passport or another form of ID, though they may not let you do everything a regular account holder can do. Other banks will not open an account without a Social Security number or ITIN. Asking first saves you a trip.

If you need an ITIN, you can explore through the IRS. The process takes several weeks, so if you need a bank account urgently, ask the bank what they can do in the meantime.

What to do if the bank says no

If a bank turns you down, ask why. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report, a lack of ID, or a policy against opening accounts for people without a Social Security number or ITIN.

If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute the report. You have the right to see what ChexSystems says about you, and you can challenge anything that is wrong. Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website to request your report.

If it is an ID issue, ask what documents the bank will accept. Some banks are stricter than others. A credit union or a community bank in your area may have different rules than a large national bank.

If it is a Social Security number issue, look for banks that offer accounts to people with ITINs, or ask whether the bank has a "second chance" or "basic" account with different requirements.

Bringing someone with you

You can bring a friend or family member with you, but the bank will still need to speak with you directly. The employee will ask you questions and will need you to sign documents yourself — they cannot do this for you or through someone else.

If you are not comfortable speaking English, you can bring an interpreter. Tell the bank ahead of time if possible, so they can arrange for a staff member who speaks your language or have an interpreter ready. Many banks offer this at no cost.

If you have a disability that makes it hard to visit the bank in person, ask whether you can open an account by phone or online instead. Many banks offer this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to open an account?

No. You can walk in during business hours and open an account without calling ahead. However, if you are going during a busy time (lunch, Friday afternoon, or the first of the month), you may wait longer. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea if you want to avoid a long line.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Tell the bank. Many will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a letter from a government agency or nonprofit as proof of address. Some will open an account with just an ID and no address proof. Call ahead and ask what they accept.

Can I open an account with no money?

Most banks allow you to open a checking or savings account with $0. Some require a small opening deposit of $25 or more. Ask the bank what their minimum is before you go in, so you know whether to bring cash or a check.

What if I have a bad banking history?

Be honest with the bank. They will find out anyway through ChexSystems. Many banks offer "second chance" accounts for people with past problems. If one bank says no, try another — policies vary widely.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

Usually 5 to 10 business days. The bank will mail it to the address you provide. In the meantime, you can withdraw cash at the bank or use online transfer to move money out of your account.