What you need before you walk in

To open a bank account in the US, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also ask for an initial deposit, though the amount varies—some require $25, others $300 or more. A few banks have no minimum, but they are less common.

Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and current street address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution, a pay stub, or a letter from your employer.

If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN works instead. You can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work in the US. The process takes several weeks, so if you are in a hurry, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN process in progress.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of your address dated within 60 days, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at most US banks.
  • Banks vary widely on minimum deposit amounts—some have none, others require $300 or more—so calling ahead saves a trip if you have little cash on hand.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, online through a bank's website, or by mail with some institutions, and each route has different timing and document requirements.
  • If you have no credit history or a poor one, credit unions and online banks often have fewer restrictions than large national banks.
  • The account is usually active the same day you open it in person, but online accounts may take one to three business days before you can use the debit card.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank where you want an account, bring your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN, and tell the teller or banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask you which type of account you want, whether you want overdraft protection, and how you plan to use the account. Be honest about your income and employment—banks use this to flag accounts for monitoring, not to turn you away, but lying on the form can cause problems later.

The banker will run a check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you have closed accounts with unpaid fees, bounced checks, or fraud reports, ChexSystems will flag it. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will not. If you are denied, ask which bank reported the issue and what it says—you have the right to see your ChexSystems report and dispute errors.

Once you sign the paperwork, your account is live. You can use it when ready if you opened a checking account and the bank issued you a temporary debit card on the spot. If they mailed the card, it usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Savings accounts do not come with debit cards, so you will need to set up online banking or visit a branch to move money.

Opening an account online

Many banks and most online-only banks let you open an account entirely through their website. You upload a photo of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, and choose your account type. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. The bank then verifies your documents—this usually takes one business day, sometimes longer if the photo is blurry or the address proof is unclear.

Once your documents are verified, the bank will ask you to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account using your routing and account numbers, or some banks let you link a debit card and transfer that way. The transfer usually clears within one to three business days. Until the money arrives, your account exists but you cannot use the debit card.

Online banks often have lower minimum deposits than brick-and-mortar banks—some have none at all. They also tend to have fewer restrictions on people with ChexSystems issues, though they still run the check. The trade-off is that you cannot walk into a branch to deposit cash or speak to someone in person about problems.

Opening an account by mail

Some banks and credit unions let you open an account by mail. You request an process form, fill it out, and mail it back with photocopies of your ID and proof of address. The bank then mails you a temporary account number and instructions for funding the account by wire transfer or check.

This route is slow—expect two to three weeks from the time you mail the process to the time your account is active. It is useful mainly if you cannot visit a branch and do not have internet access, or if you are opening an account from outside the US before you arrive. Most people find online opening faster and easier.

Choosing between checking and savings accounts

A checking account is designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals. It comes with a debit card and checks, and you can set up direct deposit for paychecks. Most checking accounts have monthly fees ($10 to $15 is common), though many banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a certain number of debit card transactions per month.

A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest. You can withdraw money, but the account is not meant for daily spending. Savings accounts have lower or no monthly fees, and they earn interest—though the rate varies widely, from nearly 0% at large banks to 4% or higher at online banks. You cannot get a debit card for a savings account, so moving money out requires a transfer or a visit to a branch.

Many people open both: a checking account for bills and daily spending, and a savings account for money they want to keep separate. Some banks offer a combined package with both accounts at a lower total fee.

What happens if you have no credit history or a poor one

Banks do not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. They check ChexSystems, which is different—it tracks bounced checks, unpaid fees, and fraud, not credit history. If you have never had a bank account before, ChexSystems will have no record of you, and most banks will open an account without hesitation.

If you have a poor ChexSystems record, large national banks often decline you. Credit unions and online banks are more flexible. Credit unions in particular tend to work with people who have been turned down elsewhere. To find a credit union near you, search the CO-OP Network or Allpoint locator on the Credit Union National Association website. Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Varo often have no ChexSystems requirement at all, though they may have other restrictions.

Setting up online banking and direct deposit

Once your account is open, log into the bank's website or app and set up online banking. You will create a username and password, and the bank will ask you to verify your identity—usually by answering security questions or entering a code sent to your phone. This takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If your employer offers direct deposit, ask your HR or payroll department for the bank's routing number and your account number. You give them both, and your paycheck deposits automatically on payday. Direct deposit usually takes one or two pay cycles to set up. Until then, you can deposit checks using your bank's mobile app (if it offers mobile check deposit) or by visiting a branch.

Set up online bill pay through your bank's website if you want to pay bills electronically. You enter the biller's name and address, and the bank mails a check or transfers money electronically. Bill pay is usually free and takes three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The IRS issues ITINs to people who are not authorized to work in the US but need a tax ID. Getting an ITIN takes several weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN process is in progress if you show them the receipt from the IRS.

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

Banks accept other documents: a pay stub, bank statement from another institution, mortgage statement, government letter, or insurance policy. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within 60 days. If you have none of these, ask the bank what else they will accept—policies vary.

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

If you open an account in person and the bank issues a card on the spot, you can use it when ready. If the bank mails the card, it usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Online accounts take one to three business days after your documents are verified before the debit card is active.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the bank and account type. Some banks charge a monthly fee unless you keep a certain balance—often $500 to $1,500. Others waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or make a certain number of debit card transactions. Some banks charge no monthly fee at all. Ask the bank about their fee structure before you open the account.

What is ChexSystems and why does the bank check it?

ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking history: bounced checks, unpaid overdraft fees, fraud, and closed accounts with problems. Banks use it to decide whether to open an account for you. If you are denied because of ChexSystems, you can request a free copy of your report from ChexSystems and dispute any errors.