The core requirements: what every bank asks for

Most banks need three things before they open an account: proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). That is the baseline. Some banks stop there. Others ask for more depending on the account type or your banking history.

The identity document must be government-issued and current. A driver's license works. So does a passport, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. The address proof can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your name and current address on it—usually dated within the last 60 days, though banks vary on this.

Your Social Security number is how the bank reports interest income to the IRS and checks whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags in the banking system. 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 will not accept it.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and either a Social Security number or ITIN before any bank will open an account.
  • Banks check ChexSystems, a banking history database, so unpaid overdrafts or fraud from a previous account can block you from opening a new one.
  • Some banks ask for a minimum opening deposit—ranging from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the account type and the bank.
  • Online banks typically have lower or no minimum deposit requirements and fewer in-person document checks than brick-and-mortar branches.
  • If you have been denied before, second-chance banking programs exist specifically for people with negative banking history.

What banks check about your history

When you explore, the bank runs your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking behavior across institutions. ChexSystems records unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud, and repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. If you have a record there, the bank may deny you or require you to pay off the old debt first.

Banks also check Early Warning Services, another banking history database, though ChexSystems is more widely used. Some banks check both. Neither is a credit report—they do not look at your credit score or loan history. They look only at how you have handled deposit accounts.

If you were denied at another bank, ask which database they checked and request a copy of your report. You can dispute errors on ChexSystems reports the same way you dispute credit report errors—by contacting ChexSystems directly and providing documentation that the information is wrong.

Minimum deposit requirements and account type

The minimum opening deposit varies widely. Some banks require zero dollars—you can open the account and deposit money later. Others require $25, $100, or more. The amount often depends on the account type: a basic checking account usually has a lower minimum than a money market account or a savings account with higher interest rates.

Banks also distinguish between account tiers. A standard checking account has fewer restrictions. A premium checking account might require a higher opening deposit but offer better interest rates or fee waivers. A student or senior account might have different minimums and fee structures.

Online banks tend to have lower or no minimum opening deposits because they have fewer physical locations and lower overhead costs. Traditional brick-and-mortar banks often require more, though this varies by institution and by region.

Documents you will bring in person versus online

If you open an account at a physical branch, you bring your ID and address proof with you. The teller verifies them on the spot, makes copies, and you sign the account agreement. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you open an account online, the bank uses one of two methods: they either ask you to upload photos of your documents, or they use a third-party verification service that checks your identity against government databases. Some online banks ask you to verify your address by mailing you a postcard with a code you enter online, or by confirming recent transactions on an existing account.

A few banks require you to visit a branch in person even if you started the process online, especially if the verification service cannot confirm your identity remotely. This is less common but still happens at some regional banks.

What happens if you have been denied before

If you were denied because of ChexSystems records, you have options. Second-chance banking programs exist specifically for people with negative banking history. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions offer accounts designed for people who have been denied elsewhere. These accounts often have lower or no minimum deposits and do not check ChexSystems as strictly.

You can also try a credit union instead of a bank. Credit unions are member-owned and often have more flexible policies about banking history. Some will open an account for you even with ChexSystems records if you can explain the situation and show that you have resolved the old debt.

Before you explore anywhere else, pay off any outstanding overdrafts or fees from the account that got reported. Once you pay, ask the old bank to request that ChexSystems remove the record. It is not automatic—the bank has to ask. If they refuse, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems, but paying first makes the dispute stronger.

Special cases: no Social Security number, joint accounts, and minors

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN. Most banks accept ITINs, but not all—call ahead before you go in. Some banks that do accept ITINs require additional documentation, such as a passport or a letter from the IRS confirming your ITIN.

For a joint account, both account holders must provide ID, address proof, and their Social Security number or ITIN. Both people must be present in person at a branch, or both must verify their identity online if the bank allows remote opening. Some banks require both signers to sign the account agreement; others allow one person to sign on behalf of both.

If you are under 18, you typically cannot open an account alone. A parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account with you, provide their own ID and address proof, and sign the agreement. Once you turn 18, you can convert it to a standard account in your name alone, though some banks do this automatically.

What banks do not require (and why that matters)

Banks do not require a credit check, a credit score, or a credit card. They do not require employment verification or a pay stub. They do not require a minimum income. This means you can open a bank account even if you have bad credit, no job, or no income at all.

Banks also do not require you to maintain a minimum balance once the account is open, unless the account agreement specifically says so. Some accounts have a monthly fee if the balance drops below a certain amount; others do not. Read the fee schedule before you sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN. Most banks accept ITINs, but some do not—call the bank first. You will still need a government-issued ID and proof of address. A few banks may ask for additional documents like a passport or IRS letter confirming your ITIN.

What if I was denied because of ChexSystems?

Pay off any old overdrafts or fees from the account that was reported, then ask the old bank to request removal from ChexSystems. You can also explore to second-chance banking programs or credit unions, which often have more flexible policies. Before explore elsewhere, get a copy of your ChexSystems report to see exactly what is listed.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

It depends on the bank and account type. Some banks require zero dollars; others require $25 to $500 or more. Online banks typically have lower minimums than brick-and-mortar banks. Check the bank's website or call before you explore to know what to expect.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No, not for an adult. Each person must provide their own ID and sign the agreement themselves. For a minor, a parent or guardian opens a custodial account and signs on their behalf. For a joint account, both adults must provide ID and typically both must sign.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person at a branch, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on how the bank verifies your identity. Some banks mail you a confirmation code or postcard, which adds a few days to the process.