What you need before you walk in
You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). That is the baseline. Banks will not open an account without these three things, though the specific documents they accept vary.
A photo ID means a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current street address on it—usually dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number) works at most banks, though some have restrictions on ITIN accounts.
Some banks also ask for an initial deposit before they open your account. This can range from zero dollars at some online banks to $25 or $100 at others. A few banks require a minimum balance to keep the account open without monthly fees. Check the specific bank's requirements before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open any bank account.
- In-person banks usually take 15 to 30 minutes to open an account, while online banks complete the process in minutes through video verification or document upload.
- Some banks charge monthly fees unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, so compare fee structures before choosing.
- If you have a history of overdrafts or unpaid accounts, you may be reported to ChexSystems, which can block you from opening accounts at most banks for up to five years.
Opening an account in person at a physical bank branch
Walk into any branch of the bank you choose during business hours with your ID, address proof, and Social Security number or ITIN. Tell a teller or banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask you questions about your employment, income, and how you plan to use the account—this is standard and takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
The banker will show you the account options available. Most banks offer a basic checking account, a savings account, or both. They will explain the monthly fee (if any), minimum balance requirements, and what you get with each account—things like how many free transfers per month, whether you can use ATMs outside their network, and whether they reimburse ATM fees.
Once you choose, you sign documents and provide your initial deposit if required. The bank gives you a debit card on the spot or mails it to you within 5 to 10 business days. You can start using your account when ready, even if your card has not arrived yet—the bank will give you your account number and routing number so you can set up direct deposit or transfer money electronically.
Opening an account online
Online banks complete the entire process on their website or mobile app without requiring you to visit a branch. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, and answer questions about your background. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Some online banks verify your identity through a video call with a representative instead of document upload. You hold your ID up to your camera, answer security questions, and they confirm your information in real time. This method is faster for some people and slower for others depending on how long you wait for a representative to be available.
After you finish, the bank reviews your information—usually within a few hours to one business day. Once approved, you can log into your account and see your account number and routing number when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Many online banks have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, which is why they are popular for people opening their first account.
Banks that work with people who have banking history problems
If you have unpaid overdrafts, bounced checks, or closed accounts in bad standing, you may be blocked from opening accounts at most banks. Banks check a system called ChexSystems, which reports negative banking history. If you are on ChexSystems, you will be denied at roughly 90 percent of traditional banks.
Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and do not use ChexSystems or use it less strictly. Chime, LendingClub, and Varo are online banks known for opening accounts for people with banking problems. Credit unions in your area may also offer accounts to people with ChexSystems records—call ahead and ask. The trade-off is usually higher fees or stricter overdraft policies, so read the terms carefully.
You can also request your own ChexSystems report to see what is listed against you. Visit www.chexsystems.com and follow their process to dispute inaccurate information. If the negative record is accurate, it stays on your report for five years, but you can still open accounts at banks that do not check ChexSystems.
What happens after your account opens
Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. You set up it by calling the number on the back or using the bank's app. Once activated, you can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs, make purchases at stores, and pay bills online.
Your account number and routing number are available when ready in your online banking portal or app, even before your card arrives. You can use these to set up direct deposit with your employer, transfer money from another bank, or receive payments from other people. If you need a physical check, you can order checks through your bank or a third-party printer—this takes 7 to 14 days and costs $10 to $30 for a box of 200.
Set up online banking and mobile app access as soon as your account opens. This lets you check your balance, see transactions, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills without visiting a branch. Most banks offer this for free.
Comparing account types and fees
| Account Type | What It Is For | Typical Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checking | Daily spending, direct deposit, bill pay | $0–$15 | $0–$500 |
| Savings | Setting money aside, earning interest | $0–$10 | $0–$300 |
| Money Market | Higher interest, limited withdrawals | $0–$25 | $2,500–$10,000 |
Most banks waive monthly fees if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or use their ATM network exclusively. Online banks usually have no monthly fees at all and no minimum balance, which makes them cheaper for people who do not have much money to keep in the account.
Interest rates on savings accounts vary widely. As of now, online banks typically offer 4 to 5 percent annual interest on savings, while traditional banks offer 0.01 to 0.5 percent. If you are saving money, this difference matters—$1,000 in a high-yield savings account earns $40 to $50 per year, while the same amount in a traditional bank earns less than $5. Check the current rates on the bank's website before you open.
What to do if you do not have a Social Security number
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You can use an ITIN to open a bank account at most banks, though some have restrictions—a few limit ITIN accounts to savings only, or require a higher minimum balance.
To get an ITIN, file a tax return with the IRS using Form W-7. You can do this yourself or through a tax preparer. The process takes 4 to 6 weeks. Once you have an ITIN, bring it to the bank along with your ID and address proof, just as you would with a Social Security number.
If you do not have an ITIN yet and need a bank account when ready, some banks will open a basic account with just your ID and address proof while you are waiting for your ITIN. Ask the bank directly whether they offer this option.
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 open accounts with just a passport and address proof while you are waiting for an ITIN. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm what they accept.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person: 15 to 30 minutes. Online: 10 to 20 minutes if you upload documents, or 20 to 45 minutes if you do a video call. Your account is usually active the same day or next business day, though your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 days.
Do I need an initial deposit to open an account?
It depends on the bank. Online banks and many credit unions require zero dollars. Traditional banks often require $25 to $100. Check the specific bank's website or call ahead to confirm before you go in.
What if I have been denied a bank account before?
You were likely reported to ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts. Online banks like Chime and Varo do not use ChexSystems. Credit unions in your area may also open accounts for people with banking problems. Call and ask directly.
Can I open multiple accounts at the same bank?
Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account at the same bank. Some people open multiple savings accounts to separate money for different goals. There is no limit, though each account counts separately toward any minimum balance requirement.