What you need before you walk in or go online

You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent mail from a government agency. Some banks accept a phone bill; others do not, so call ahead if you are unsure.

If you have a Social Security number, bring it or be ready to provide it. If you do not have one, some banks will still open an account, but the process takes longer and the bank will file a different tax form. Ask the bank whether they work with people without a Social Security number before you go in.

Have a small amount of money ready to deposit — most banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the account type and the bank. Some online banks have no minimum. If you are opening an account to receive direct deposit (like a paycheck), many banks waive the minimum entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address, and usually a Social Security number to open an account in person or online.
  • Opening deposits range from $0 to $300, but many banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit.
  • In-person accounts take 10 to 15 minutes; online accounts are usually active within one business day.
  • Ask about monthly fees, overdraft policies, and ATM access before you choose a bank, because these vary widely and affect what you actually pay.
  • If you have been reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database), some banks will still work with you, but you need to know this before you explore.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you have chosen and tell the teller or a banker you want to open a new account. Bring your ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. The banker will ask you what type of account you want — usually a checking account, a savings account, or both. If you are not sure which one you need, ask them to explain the difference; most banks offer checking for everyday spending and savings for money you want to keep separate.

The banker will run a background check using ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This takes a few minutes. If you have closed accounts with unpaid fees or fraud flags, the bank may decline you or ask you to pay the old debt first. If you are declined, ask which bank reported you and what the issue was — you have the right to dispute inaccurate information.

Once approved, you will sign documents, make your opening deposit, and receive temporary debit card information. Your card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using your account the same day, even before the card arrives.

Opening an account online

Go to the bank's website and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." You will enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. Upload a photo of your ID and proof of address using your phone or computer — the bank will verify these electronically. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

The bank will run the same ChexSystems check as a branch would. If you pass, your account is usually active within one business day. You can transfer money in when ready using your bank routing number and account number, which appear in your online dashboard right away. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Online banks (those with no physical branches) are often faster and have lower fees than traditional banks, but you cannot deposit cash or speak to someone in person. If you need to deposit checks, most online banks let you photograph them with your phone and upload them through the app.

What happens if you have been reported to ChexSystems

ChexSystems is a private company that banks use to check your history. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, bounced checks, or fraud on old accounts, you may be flagged. This does not mean you cannot open a new account — it means some banks will decline you and others will not.

Banks that work with people who have ChexSystems records include Chime, LendingClub, Varo, and some credit unions and community banks. Call ahead and ask whether they work with people with ChexSystems records. If you are declined, ask the bank to tell you which company reported the issue and what it says. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com and dispute anything that is wrong.

If the issue is unpaid fees from an old account, some banks will open a new account if you pay the old debt first. Others will not. Your best option is usually a credit union or a smaller bank, which may have more flexibility than large national banks.

Fees and features to compare before you choose

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15, depending on the bank and account type. Some banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Ask whether the fee applies to you before you open the account.

Overdraft fees — the charge you pay if you spend more than you have — range from $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks charge multiple times per day; others cap overdrafts at one per day. Some banks offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account and automatically transfers money if you go negative. Ask about this if you are worried about overdrafts.

ATM access matters if you use cash regularly. Large national banks have thousands of ATMs; online banks often have fewer. Some online banks reimburse ATM fees charged by other banks, which can save you money if you travel or live far from their ATMs. Ask about this before you open the account.

What to do after your account is open

Set up direct deposit as soon as possible if your employer offers it. This usually waives monthly fees and gets your paycheck to you one or two days earlier than a paper check would. Your employer will need your bank routing number and account number, both of which are on the bottom left of your checks or in your online banking dashboard.

Link your new account to any other accounts you use — PayPal, Venmo, your employer's benefits portal, or bill payment services. This takes a few minutes and makes it easier to move money in and out. Do not share your account number or routing number with anyone except your employer or a service you trust.

Review your account settings and turn on alerts if the bank offers them. Many banks let you set up text or email notifications when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs. This helps you catch fraud or overdrafts early.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, 10 to 15 minutes. Online, 5 to 10 minutes to complete the process, then one business day for the bank to verify your information and set up the account. You can usually start using the account the same day it is approved, even if your debit card has not arrived yet.

Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, but the process is slower. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, and the bank will file Form W-8BEN with the IRS. Some banks do this routinely; others do not. Call ahead and ask whether the bank works with ITINs before you go in.

What if I am declined?

Ask the bank why. If it is a ChexSystems issue, request your report and dispute anything wrong. If it is because you do not have an ID or proof of address, ask what documents they will accept. If the bank straightforward will not work with you, try a credit union or a smaller community bank — they often have different standards than large national banks.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the bank and account type. Some accounts require $0; others require $500 or more. If you do not keep the minimum, you may be charged a monthly fee. Ask about this before you open the account, and ask whether direct deposit or a linked savings account can waive the requirement.

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

Yes. Many people open a checking account for everyday spending and a savings account for goals or emergencies. You can open both at the same time, and they will share the same login. Some banks charge a monthly fee for each account; others do not. Ask before you open the second account.