What happens when you walk in or go online to open an account

Opening a bank account means you give the bank your personal information, they verify who you are, and then you get access to a checking or savings account where you can deposit money, write checks, or use a debit card. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person, or 10 to 20 minutes online. Most banks will ask you to bring documents and answer questions before they hand you a debit card and account number.

The bank's job is to confirm you are who you say you are and to check whether you have had problems with banks before. This is called identity verification and account history review. It protects both you and the bank. Once they confirm your identity, you choose what type of account you want, deposit your first money if you have it, and you are done.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease, to open an account in person.
  • The bank will check a system called ChexSystems to see if you have had problems with bank accounts in the past, which may affect whether they open an account for you.
  • You can open an account online with the same documents, but you will need to upload photos or verify your identity through a video call with the bank.
  • Most banks require a first deposit to open the account, though the amount varies — some ask for $25, others for $100 or more, and some have no minimum.
  • The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or 10 to 20 minutes online, and you will receive a debit card and account number the same day or within a few business days.

Documents you need to bring

You will need two things: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID. This means a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. A school ID or work badge does not count. If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents — ask the bank before you go in.

For proof of address, bring something with your name and current address on it. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement from another bank all work. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name on it is usually not enough by itself. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from them saying you live there, plus the bill.

If you are opening an account online, you will upload photos of these documents or hold them up to your camera during a video call. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of the document.

What the bank checks before opening your account

The bank will run your name and Social Security number through a system called ChexSystems. This is a database that tracks people who have had problems with bank accounts — things like writing bad checks, leaving accounts overdrawn, or closing accounts with money still owed. If you show up in ChexSystems, the bank may refuse to open an account for you, or they may ask you questions about what happened.

The bank also checks your identity to make sure you are not someone else using a fake ID. They may ask you questions only you would know the answer to, like the address of a place you lived five years ago. If you are opening an account online, you may be asked to verify your identity through a video call where a bank employee watches you hold up your ID.

Some banks also check your credit report, though this is less common for a basic checking account. If they do, it will show up on your credit report but will not hurt your credit score.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you want to use during business hours. Tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking or savings account. They will take you to a desk, ask for your ID and proof of address, and ask you questions about yourself — your full name, date of birth, phone number, email address, and Social Security number. Answer honestly and completely.

They will tell you about the different account types the bank offers and what the fees are. Listen carefully or ask them to write it down. Some accounts have monthly fees, some charge you if your balance drops below a certain amount, and some are free. Choose the one that fits how you plan to use it.

You will then make your first deposit. This can be cash, a check, or a transfer from another account. The amount varies by bank — some have no minimum, some ask for $25, and some ask for $100 or more. Ask what the minimum is before you commit. Once the deposit is made, you will get a debit card (usually on the spot or mailed to you within a few days) and your account number.

Opening an account online

Go to the bank's website and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You will fill out a form with your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. The bank will then ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address, or they will ask you to do a video call where you hold up the documents to your camera.

During the video call, a bank employee will look at your documents and may ask you questions to confirm who you are. Keep your documents in good lighting and make sure all corners are visible. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Once your identity is verified, you will choose your account type and make your first deposit. You can transfer money from another bank account, or some banks let you deposit a check by taking a photo of it with your phone. Your debit card will be mailed to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. You can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives.

What happens if the bank says no

If the bank refuses to open an account, they must tell you why. The most common reason is a ChexSystems record. If that is the case, you have the right to see what is in your ChexSystems file. You can order a free report from ChexSystems by going to their website or calling them. If there is a mistake in the report, you can dispute it.

If you have a ChexSystems record but want to open an account anyway, some banks specialize in second-chance accounts. These are accounts designed for people who have had problems with banks before. They may have higher fees or lower limits on how much you can withdraw, but they let you build a fresh start. Credit unions sometimes offer these accounts too, and they may be more willing to work with you than large banks.

If the bank says no for a different reason — such as not having enough documents or a problem with your identity verification — ask what you can do to fix it. Sometimes bringing an extra document or coming back with someone who can vouch for you will help.

After your account opens

Once your account is open, you will receive a welcome packet in the mail with your account number, routing number, and information about your account. Save this. You will need the routing number and account number to set up direct deposit at work or to receive payments from other people.

Your debit card will arrive separately, usually within 5 to 10 business days. When it arrives, call the number on the back to set up it before you use it. You will also be able to log into the bank's website or app to see your balance, transfer money, and pay bills.

If you have questions after your account opens, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. Banks have staff whose job is to help new account holders understand how to use their accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks require a Social Security number because they use it to check ChexSystems and verify your identity. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank before you go in to ask whether they accept ITINs.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

Some banks will open an account without a photo ID if you bring other documents, such as a passport card, a tribal ID, or a combination of documents like a utility bill plus a Social Security card. Call ahead and ask what documents the bank will accept. You may need to visit a branch in person rather than opening online.

Can I open an account if I am under 18?

Yes, but you will usually need a parent or guardian to co-sign. Some banks offer teen accounts that let a young person manage their own money with parental oversight. Ask the bank what options they have for minors.

How long does it take to use my account after I open it?

You can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers the same day you open the account. Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you need to withdraw cash before the card arrives, you can visit a branch and ask the teller to help you.

What if I made a mistake on my process?

Call the bank as soon as you notice the mistake. If it is something small like a phone number or email, they can usually fix it over the phone. If it is something that affects your identity verification, like your name or address, you may need to visit a branch or do another video call to correct it.