What you need before you walk in or go online

Most banks will ask for a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN before they open an account. Some banks also want to see a second form of ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you will need to get one from your state's DMV before most banks will open an account for you.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a bill in your new name yet, a lease or rental agreement usually works. A few banks will accept a bank statement from another institution if it shows your current address.

Have your Social Security number or ITIN written down before you start. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration or the IRS before opening an account — most banks will not proceed without it.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, proof of your address from the last 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at most banks.
  • Banks check ChexSystems, a record of past account closures and fraud, so previous problems with another bank may affect whether you are offered an account.
  • Opening online is usually faster than going to a branch, but some banks require you to verify your identity in person or by video call before the account becomes active.
  • Once your account is open, you can request a debit card and checks, though debit cards usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If a bank denies you, ask why — the reason determines whether you should try a different bank or address a specific problem first.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online accounts are faster to start. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your information, and the bank usually confirms your identity within a few hours to a few days. Some banks complete the whole process without you ever speaking to anyone. However, many banks still require you to verify your identity by video call or in person before the account is fully active and you can deposit money.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer on the day you go — plan for 20 to 45 minutes — but the account is usually active when ready. You walk out with a debit card order form and know exactly when your card will arrive. If you have questions about which account type fits your needs, a teller can walk you through the options in real time.

Some people use both: they start online to save time, then visit a branch to complete identity verification and ask questions about features they do not understand. This works if the bank has branches near you.

What banks check before they say yes

Banks run your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems, a database that tracks account closures, overdrafts you did not pay back, and fraud reports. If you closed an account with another bank because of unpaid overdrafts or because the bank closed it due to suspicious activity, ChexSystems will show that. Some banks deny accounts to anyone with a ChexSystems record. Others approve you but charge higher fees or limit how much you can deposit at first.

A few banks use Early Warning Services instead of or in addition to ChexSystems. It tracks similar information and works the same way. You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report once a year at www.chexsystems.com or your Early Warning Services report at www.earlywarning.com. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with the service.

Banks also check your credit report if you are opening a checking account, though a soft inquiry (which does not lower your credit score) is more common than a hard one. If you have been denied credit recently or have collections accounts, the bank may still open a basic checking account for you — the credit check is not always a dealbreaker.

The step-by-step process

Step 1: Choose a bank. Decide whether you want a large national bank, a credit union, or an online-only bank. National banks have more branches. Credit unions often have lower fees and better customer service but may have fewer ATMs. Online banks have the lowest fees but no physical locations. Visit the bank's website or call to confirm they are currently opening new accounts — some banks pause new account openings during system upgrades.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Have your photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number ready. If you are opening online, take clear photos of both sides of your ID and your proof of address. If you are going in person, bring the originals.

Step 3: Start the account. Go to the bank's website and click "Open an Account" or "New Customer" if you are doing it online. If you are going in person, walk up to the new accounts desk and tell the teller you want to open a checking account (or savings, or both). The teller will hand you forms or walk you through the process on their computer.

Step 4: Choose your account type. Most banks offer a basic checking account, a savings account, or both. Some have premium accounts with higher fees but better interest rates or rewards. Ask about monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft policies before you commit. If you do not know which one fits you, ask the bank to explain the difference — they are required to do this.

Step 5: Verify your identity and set up. If you opened online, the bank will contact you by email or phone to confirm your identity. Some use video calls; others ask you to visit a branch. Once verified, your account is active. If you opened in person, your account is usually active the same day.

When a bank says no

If a bank denies you, ask them why. The reason matters because it tells you what to do next. If they say you have a ChexSystems record, ask what is on it and whether you can dispute it. If the issue is unpaid overdrafts from years ago, some banks will reconsider if you pay the overdraft now. If the reason is fraud or identity theft, you may need to file a police report or dispute with the credit bureaus before another bank will take you.

If one bank denies you, try a different one. Second-chance banking programs exist specifically for people with ChexSystems records. Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. Online banks sometimes have fewer restrictions. A bank that denies you today may approve you in six months if you keep your finances clean in the meantime.

If you have been denied multiple times and do not know why, you can request your ChexSystems and credit reports for free and look for errors. Dispute anything that is wrong. If everything is accurate but you still cannot open an account, a credit union or community bank in your area may have programs for people in your situation.

After your account opens

Your debit card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use your account number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before the card arrives. You can also withdraw cash at any ATM that your bank owns, or at ATMs in their network — ask the bank which ATMs you can use for free.

If you need checks, order them through the bank or a third-party printer. Bank-issued checks cost more but arrive faster. Third-party printers are cheaper but take longer. You do not need checks to use your account — most people pay bills online or with their debit card now.

Set up online banking and mobile banking as soon as your account is active. This lets you check your balance, transfer money, and report fraud without calling the bank. Most banks offer these services free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job or income to open a bank account?

No. Banks do not require proof of employment or income to open a checking or savings account. They may ask about your income on the process form, but you can leave it blank or write zero. The bank's main concern is whether you have a valid ID and Social Security number.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You obtain an ITIN from the IRS. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. Call the bank before you go in to confirm they will open an account with an ITIN.

Can I open an account if I have been banned from banking before?

It depends on why you were banned. If a bank closed your account for fraud or illegal activity, you may be flagged in ChexSystems and other banks will see it. If you were banned for unpaid overdrafts, you may be able to open an account elsewhere, especially at a credit union or second-chance banking program. Ask the bank that banned you whether you can appeal or whether they will remove the flag after a certain amount of time.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online accounts can be set up in minutes, but identity verification may take a few hours to a few days. In-person accounts are usually active the same day. Some banks require a video call for identity verification, which can add one to two business days.

What is the difference between a checking and savings account?

A checking account is for money you use regularly — you get a debit card and checks, and you can withdraw money as often as you want. A savings account is for money you want to keep and earn interest on — you usually cannot use a debit card, and some banks limit how many times you can withdraw per month. Most people open both.