What you need to bring and where to go

Opening a bank account requires two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. You bring these documents to a bank or credit union branch in person, hand them to a teller or new accounts representative, and they walk you through the rest on the spot. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

For proof of identity, bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID all work. If you don't have one of these, some banks will accept a combination of other documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill, but call ahead first because rules vary by bank.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address on it. The document usually needs to be from the last 30 to 60 days. A utility bill is the easiest option because almost everyone has one.

You do not need to bring money to open the account, though many banks require a small opening deposit — often $25 to $100 — that goes directly into your new account. Some banks waive this if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID and a recent utility bill or lease to any bank or credit union branch, and the teller can open an account while you wait.
  • Most banks require an opening deposit of $25 to $100, though some waive it if you arrange direct deposit of your paycheck.
  • You can open an account online or by mail if you have a state ID or passport, but you will need to verify your identity through video call or by mailing documents to the bank.
  • Credit unions often have lower fees and higher savings rates than big banks, but you must live or work in their service area to join.
  • If you have no ID, some banks will work with you using a combination of documents — call ahead to ask what they accept.

Choosing between a bank and a credit union

A bank is a for-profit business that makes money by lending out deposits and charging fees. A credit union is a nonprofit owned by its members, so profits go back to members through lower fees and higher interest on savings. Both are equally safe — both are insured by the federal government up to $250,000 per account.

Banks are easier to find. They have more branches and ATMs, longer hours, and more online tools. They are the right choice if you travel a lot, need to deposit checks at many locations, or want the most convenient access to your money.

Credit unions usually charge lower monthly fees, pay more interest on savings accounts, and charge less to borrow money. The tradeoff is that you can only join if you meet their membership requirement — usually living or working in a specific county, working for a specific employer, or belonging to a specific organization. If you meet the requirement, a credit union is often the better deal.

To find a credit union near you, visit the CO-OP Network website or search "credit unions near me" plus your city name. To find a bank, search "banks near me" or use Google Maps.

Opening an account online or by mail

Many banks let you start the process online without visiting a branch. You fill out a form with your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information, then upload photos of your ID and proof of address. The bank then verifies your identity, usually through a video call where you show your ID to a camera, or by mailing you a code to confirm your address.

Online opening is faster than going to a branch — you can finish in 10 to 15 minutes — but it requires a valid state ID or passport. If your ID is expired, most banks will not accept it online, though some will accept it in person at a branch.

A few banks still let you open an account entirely by mail. You print and sign the process, mail it with copies of your documents, and the bank mails you a debit card and PIN. This takes one to two weeks and is rarely the fastest option, but it works if you cannot visit a branch or do a video call.

Before you start online, check the bank's website to see what documents they accept and whether they require a video call. Requirements vary widely.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, the bank gives you a debit card — a card you can use to withdraw cash from ATMs or pay for things in stores. They also give you a routing number and account number, which you need if someone wants to send you money directly (like an employer setting up direct deposit of your paycheck).

The bank usually mails your debit card to you within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can withdraw cash at the branch or set up online banking to see your balance and transfer money between accounts.

You will receive a monthly statement — either by mail or email, depending on what you choose — showing every deposit, withdrawal, and fee. Keep these statements for at least a year in case you need to prove you had money in the account or dispute a charge.

If you set up direct deposit, your employer's payroll system will need your routing number and account number. You can get these from your online banking login, from the statement the bank mailed you, or by calling the bank's customer service line.

Accounts that do not require a Social Security number

Most banks require a Social Security number (SSN) to open an account. If you do not have one, you have two options: open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or find a bank that does not require either.

An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. If you have an ITIN, bring it when you open the account — the process is the same as with an SSN. To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS; the process takes about six weeks.

Some banks and credit unions will open accounts without an SSN or ITIN if you bring additional documents — usually a passport from your home country plus a letter from an employer or government agency confirming your identity. Call banks in your area and ask which ones offer this option, because it varies by location and by bank.

If you cannot find a bank that works for you, look for a second-chance banking program — some community banks and credit unions run these specifically for people new to the banking system or with limited documentation. Search "second chance bank account" plus your city name.

Common reasons a bank might say no

Banks check your history using a system called ChexSystems, which tracks whether you have had problems with bank accounts in the past — like bouncing checks repeatedly, leaving an account open with a negative balance, or committing fraud. If you have a negative mark on your ChexSystems record, some banks will refuse to open an account for you.

You can check your own ChexSystems record for free by visiting the ChexSystems website and requesting your report. If there is an error, you can dispute it. If the information is correct, you can wait — most negative marks fall off after five years, though some stay longer.

While you wait, look for banks that do not use ChexSystems or that are more lenient with people who have a history. Community banks and credit unions are often more willing to work with you than large national banks. Some banks specifically market themselves as "second chance" accounts and will open an account even with a ChexSystems record, though they may charge higher fees.

You can also be refused if you cannot prove your identity or address, if there is a warrant for your arrest, or if you are on a government list of people who cannot do business with banks (this is rare and usually involves sanctions or terrorism concerns).

Understanding account types and fees

Most people open a checking account, which is designed for everyday spending. You get a debit card, can write checks, and can withdraw money as often as you want. Some checking accounts charge a monthly fee ($5 to $15 is common), though many banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

A savings account is separate and designed for money you want to keep rather than spend. It earns interest — meaning the bank pays you a small percentage of your balance each month. Savings accounts usually have no monthly fee, but some limit how many times per month you can withdraw money.

Many people open both at the same time: a checking account for bills and daily spending, and a savings account for emergencies or goals. You can transfer money between them when ready online.

Before you open an account, ask about or look up the monthly fee, the minimum balance required to avoid the fee, the interest rate on savings, and any fees for using ATMs outside the bank's network. These vary widely and can add up over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I do not have a permanent address?

Most banks require proof of a current address. If you are homeless or living temporarily, ask the bank whether they accept mail from a shelter, a trusted friend's address, or a government agency. Some banks will work with you; others will not. Call ahead rather than showing up in person.

What if I have been banned from a bank before?

A bank can ban you from opening an account there, but that ban applies only to that bank. You can open an account at a different bank or credit union. If you were banned because of ChexSystems, check your report and look for a second-chance banking program or a bank that does not use ChexSystems.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. Bring a photo ID like a driver's license or passport. You will tell the bank your Social Security number verbally or type it into their form, but you do not need to show the card itself.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Most banks mail your debit card within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks can issue a temporary card at the branch while you wait. Ask when you open the account if you need cash access right away.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present and must show ID. If you want to help someone open an account, you can go with them to the bank, but they must sign the paperwork themselves.