What you need before you walk in

You need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. A driver's license or passport covers the ID requirement. For the address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — something dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution instead.

You will also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank will use this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This check looks for unpaid overdrafts or fraud at other banks, not your credit score. If you have never had a bank account, this check will come back clear.

Bring a small amount of money to make your opening deposit. Most banks require a minimum — this ranges from zero to $300 depending on the account type and the bank. Ask what the minimum is for the specific account you want before you go in, because some banks waive it for direct deposit or online accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN before you can open an account.
  • The bank will check ChexSystems, which tracks overdrafts and fraud at other banks but not your credit history.
  • Minimum opening deposits range from zero to $300 depending on the account type; online accounts often have lower minimums than in-person ones.
  • The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch, or 10 to 15 minutes online if you have a camera to verify your ID.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you have chosen and tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking or savings account. They will take you to a desk or a private area and ask you to fill out an account process form. This form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, employment status, and annual income. You do not need to be employed to open an account — unemployed and self-employed people open accounts regularly.

Hand over your ID and address proof. The banker will look at both, sometimes scan them, and enter the information into the system. They will run the ChexSystems check, which takes a few minutes. If it comes back clear, they will ask you to sign the account agreement and deposit cards agreement. Read these before you sign — they explain the fees, overdraft rules, and what happens if you do not keep a minimum balance.

You will then make your opening deposit. You can use cash, a check, or a transfer from another account. The banker will give you a temporary debit card on the spot or tell you one will arrive by mail in 5 to 7 business days. You will also get online banking login information so you can check your balance and move money before the card arrives.

Opening an account online

Many banks let you open an account entirely on their website or mobile app. You will fill out the same process form, but you will upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of handing them over. The bank will ask you to take a selfie or video to verify you are the person in the ID photo — this is called identity verification and usually takes less than a minute.

The ChexSystems check still happens, and you will still need to agree to the account terms. Once approved, you can transfer money from another account to fund the new one, or the bank will send you a debit card by mail. Some online banks have no physical branches, so you cannot deposit cash at a teller window — you will need to use ATMs, mobile check deposit, or transfers from other accounts.

Online accounts often have lower or no minimum opening deposits, and they typically have lower monthly fees than branch accounts. The trade-off is that you cannot walk in and talk to someone if something goes wrong — you will use phone support, email, or chat.

What happens if ChexSystems rejects you

If the ChexSystems check finds unpaid overdrafts or fraud, the bank will tell you the account is denied. You have the right to know why. Ask the banker or the bank's customer service line for the specific reason. You can also request a copy of your ChexSystems report directly from ChexSystems to see what they have on file.

If the report is wrong — for example, it lists an overdraft you already paid — you can dispute it with ChexSystems in writing. Send a letter explaining the error and include proof that you paid the overdraft, such as a bank statement or receipt. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate and correct the report if the error is real.

While you wait for the dispute, you can open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or uses it less strictly. Some smaller banks and credit unions have their own approval process and may overlook old overdrafts. Second-chance checking accounts exist specifically for people with ChexSystems issues, though they often come with higher fees and lower ATM access.

Choosing between checking and savings

A checking account is for money you use regularly. You get a debit card and checks, you can set up automatic bill payments, and you can make unlimited deposits and withdrawals. Most checking accounts have a monthly fee of $5 to $15, though many banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and grow. You earn interest on the balance, but you can only make a limited number of withdrawals per month — usually six, though this rule has loosened since 2020. Savings accounts have lower or no monthly fees. Some banks require you to open a checking account first before you can open a savings account.

Many people open both at the same time. The checking account handles daily spending and bills, and the savings account holds an emergency fund or money toward a goal. You can transfer money between them when ready online.

Fees and rules that matter

Read the fee schedule before you open the account. The main fees are: monthly maintenance fee (usually $5 to $15), overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft), ATM fee if you use another bank's ATM (usually $2 to $3), and minimum balance fee if your balance drops below a threshold. Some banks charge a fee to close an account within a certain period, usually 90 days.

Overdraft protection is a feature where the bank covers a purchase even if you do not have enough money, then charges you a fee. You can turn this off when you open the account if you want the bank to decline the purchase instead. Some banks offer overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit card, which costs less than an overdraft fee.

Direct deposit is when your employer or a government program sends your paycheck straight to your account. Many banks waive the monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, so ask about this when you open the account. It usually takes one pay period to set up.

After your account opens

Your debit card will arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You will need to set up it by calling the number on the back or using the bank's app before you can use it. Some banks set up it automatically when it arrives.

Set up online banking right away so you can monitor your account. Most banks let you set up alerts that text or email you when your balance drops below a certain amount, when a large purchase happens, or when a check clears. These alerts help you catch fraud or mistakes early.

If you have direct deposit, give your employer or benefits administrator your account number and routing number. You can find both on a check, in your online banking portal, or by calling the bank. The routing number is the same for all customers at that bank; the account number is unique to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. Some banks also accept a passport number or other government ID number. Call the bank before you go in to confirm they will accept your form of ID.

What if I do not have a recent utility bill for proof of address?

A lease, mortgage statement, government mail, or bank statement from another institution all work. If you have none of these, some banks will accept a letter from a government agency, a school, or an employer on official letterhead with your name and address. Call ahead to ask what they accept.

How long does it take to open an account?

In a branch, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, 10 to 15 minutes if you have a camera to verify your ID. The ChexSystems check is when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online or at ATMs before it arrives.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the account. Some accounts have no minimum. Others require $100 to $500 to avoid a monthly fee. Ask the banker what the minimum is for the specific account you are opening, and whether direct deposit or online banking waives it.

Can I open more than one account at the same bank?

Yes. Many people open a checking account and a savings account at the same time. You can also open multiple savings accounts for different goals. Each account gets its own account number, but they all use the same login.