The documents you'll bring and why

To open a bank account, you need two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. Most banks call these your identity document and your address verification. You don't need perfect credit, a job offer, or a minimum amount of money to start — just those two pieces of paper and a way to fund the account.

The identity document is almost always a government-issued ID with your photo on it. A driver's license works. So does a passport, a state ID card, or a tribal ID. Some banks also take a military ID or a permanent resident card. The point is straightforward: the bank needs to confirm you are who you say you are, and a photo ID does that.

The address verification is any recent document showing your name and current address. A utility bill (electric, water, gas) works best because it's recent and official. So does a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government letter with your name and address on it. Most banks want this document to be from the last 30 to 60 days, though some are flexible. If you don't have utilities in your name, a lease or a letter from a government agency will do.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, or government letter).
  • Most banks want your address document to be from the last 30 to 60 days, so check before you go in.
  • You do not need a job, a minimum deposit amount, or good credit to open a basic checking or savings account.
  • If you don't have a photo ID, some banks and credit unions will work with you using other documents — call ahead to ask what they accept.
  • Bring a small amount of money to fund the account on the day you open it, though some banks let you do this online afterward.

What happens if you don't have a photo ID

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you have options. Some banks and credit unions will open an account using other documents — a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or even a combination of documents that together prove who you are. The catch is that not every bank does this, so you need to call first and ask.

Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks on this point. If you belong to a credit union through your employer, your union, or your community, call them and describe what ID you have. They may be able to work with you. If you don't have a credit union, look for a community bank or a credit union in your area — they tend to have more room to work with people in your situation than national chains do.

If you're working toward getting a photo ID, bring whatever documents you do have when you visit. The bank staff can tell you on the spot whether they can open an account for you or what additional documents would help.

Address verification when you're unhoused or recently moved

If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, you have other options. A government letter counts — this could be a letter from a social services agency, a tax document, a voter registration card, or a letter from a court or government office. Some banks also accept mail from a homeless services provider or a shelter if it shows your name and their address.

If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill yet, bring your lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your name and the address. If you're staying with someone else temporarily, some banks will accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utilities, saying you live there. Call the bank first to ask what they'll take — requirements vary.

If you're unhoused, some banks and credit unions have worked with people in this situation. Bring whatever mail you do have, and ask the bank directly what documents they can work with. If one bank says no, try a credit union or a different bank — policies differ.

How much money you need to bring

Most banks require an opening deposit, but the amount is usually small — often $25 to $100. Some banks have no minimum at all. A few banks let you open the account online and fund it later, though you'll still need to verify your identity and address first.

The opening deposit goes into your new account. It's your money, not a fee. If you open a checking account with a $50 deposit, you have $50 in that account to use. You can withdraw it anytime, though some banks ask you to keep a small balance to avoid monthly fees.

Call the bank or credit union before you go in and ask what their opening deposit is. If you're short on cash, ask whether they have accounts with no minimum, or whether you can open the account online and fund it from another account you already have.

Documents you might need but probably won't

Some banks ask for a Social Security number or a tax ID number. If you have a Social Security number, bring it or be ready to say it aloud — the bank will look it up. If you don't have one, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Others will open an account without either, though this is less common.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport or permanent resident card along with your other documents. Some banks have different rules for non-citizens, so call ahead and ask what you need.

You do not need a job letter, a reference, proof of income, or a credit report. Banks don't check your credit to open a basic account. They do check a system called ChexSystems, which tracks banking history — but this is automatic and you don't need to bring anything for it.

What to do before you go to the bank

Call or visit the bank's website and confirm three things: what ID they take, what address documents they accept, and what the opening deposit is. This takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Gather your documents and make sure they're current. If your address document is older than 60 days, bring two documents instead — a utility bill and a lease, for example. Bring the originals, not copies, unless the bank tells you copies are fine.

Bring the opening deposit in cash, a check, or be ready to transfer it from another account if you have one. If you're opening the account online, you can fund it after you've verified your identity.

What happens after you open the account

The bank will give you a debit card, usually within a week or two. You'll get online banking access right away so you can check your balance and move money. You may also get a checkbook if you opened a checking account, though this takes longer to arrive.

Some banks charge monthly fees, and some don't. Ask about this when you call. If there's a monthly fee, ask whether you can avoid it by keeping a minimum balance or by setting up direct deposit. Many banks waive fees if you have direct deposit from your employer.

Once your account is open, you can use it to receive paychecks, pay bills, and save money. You're part of the formal banking system now, which opens doors to other products like loans and credit cards later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account online instead of going to the bank in person?

Some banks let you open an account entirely online, but you'll still need to verify your identity and address. You may need to upload photos of your documents, or the bank may use a video call to confirm who you are. Call the bank and ask whether they offer online account opening — if they do, they'll walk you through the steps.

What if the bank says my address document is too old?

Bring a second document. A lease plus a government letter, or two utility bills from different months, usually works. If you only have one old document, ask the bank whether they'll accept it anyway — some are flexible, especially if your ID is current.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?

It depends on the bank and the type of account. Some accounts have no minimum. Others ask you to keep $500 or $1,000 to avoid a monthly fee. Ask the bank about this when you open the account, and ask whether direct deposit or online banking waives the fee.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Many banks will open an account using an ITIN or no tax ID at all. Some require a Social Security number. Call ahead and ask — if the first bank says no, try a credit union or a community bank in your area.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people need to bring their ID and address verification. Both will have access to the account and can withdraw money. Make sure you trust the other person, because they can take all the money out without asking your permission.