The documents and information banks require

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). That is the baseline. Most banks will not open an account without all three, though the specific documents that satisfy each requirement vary by bank and by state.

The ID must be current and show your photograph. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Some banks accept a tribal ID or military ID. The address proof is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 to 90 days — banks vary on how recent it needs to be. Your Social Security number or ITIN goes into the bank's system so they can report interest earned and comply with federal tax law.

Beyond those three, banks may ask for additional information: your employment status, your income, whether you have other accounts elsewhere, and sometimes your mother's maiden name for security purposes. None of this disqualifies you from opening an account. It is information the bank collects for their own records and for compliance with anti-money-laundering rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a current government photo ID, proof of your address from the last 60 to 90 days, and a Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
  • A driver's license, passport, or state ID satisfies the photo ID requirement; a utility bill or lease satisfies the address proof.
  • Banks may ask about employment and income, but having no income or being unemployed does not prevent you from opening an account.
  • Some banks check ChexSystems, a banking history database, and may decline if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks.
  • Credit unions and online banks sometimes have different document requirements than traditional brick-and-mortar banks, so it is worth checking before you go in.

What happens if you do not have a photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you have options. A state ID card (non-driver) works at most banks and is issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency. Some banks also accept a tribal ID, military ID, or passport card. A few will take a consular ID issued by a foreign government if you are not yet a U.S. citizen.

If you have none of these, the path is longer but not closed. Some banks and credit unions will open an account with alternative documents: a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (even if it has no photo), or a combination of documents like a Social Security card, utility bill, and letter from a government agency. Call ahead to ask what your specific bank accepts. Online banks sometimes have more flexibility here because they do not need to verify your face in person.

Address proof when you are unhoused or newly moved

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, banks have workarounds. A bank statement from another institution counts as address proof at many banks. So does a government document with your address: a tax return, benefit statement, court document, or letter from a government agency. Some banks accept mail from a homeless services organization or shelter if it shows your name and their address.

If you have just moved and your new address is not yet on any document, ask the bank whether they will accept a lease or rental agreement you have signed but not yet received a bill for. Some will. Others will let you use your old address temporarily and update it once you have a utility bill at the new place. This usually takes a phone call to ask — the policy is not always posted online.

Social Security number and ITIN alternatives

A Social Security number is the standard. If you do not have one, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS works at most banks. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number — typically non-citizens working in the United States.

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, some banks will open a basic savings account without one, though this is rare and becoming rarer. You would need to ask directly. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this point. The account would likely have restrictions: no online access, no debit card, or limits on how much you can deposit. Getting an ITIN through the IRS is the more reliable path if you are may be able to access.

ChexSystems and banking history checks

Many banks run your name through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, a closed account due to fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) incidents at other banks, ChexSystems will flag it. Some banks will decline your process based on this report. Others will open the account anyway but with restrictions: no overdraft protection, lower initial deposit limits, or a waiting period before you can use online banking.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. You can request it at chexsystems.com or by mail. If there is an error on your report — a closed account listed as fraud when it was not, for example — you can dispute it. Disputes usually take 30 days to resolve. If your report is accurate but you were declined, some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and will work with you despite the history.

What banks do not require

You do not need a minimum deposit to open most accounts, though some banks require you to deposit at least $25 or $100 on the day you open. You do not need a job or income. You do not need a credit card or credit history. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need an ITIN or Social Security number.

You do not need to open an account in person. Online banks let you upload photos of your documents and complete the entire process on your phone or computer. Some brick-and-mortar banks also offer online account opening, though they may require you to visit a branch later to verify your identity in person before the account becomes fully active.

Differences between banks, credit unions, and online banks

Traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) typically require all three documents and run ChexSystems checks. Credit unions often have more flexible document requirements and may waive ChexSystems checks if you are a new member. Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) usually have the fastest opening process and sometimes accept alternative documents because they verify identity through video call or document upload rather than in-person inspection.

Credit unions may also require you to join the credit union itself before opening an account, which sometimes means paying a small membership fee ($5 to $25) or meeting a membership criterion (working for a certain employer, living in a certain area, or belonging to a certain organization). This is separate from the account opening process. Ask about membership requirements when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

An ITIN works at most banks if you do not have a Social Security number. If you have neither, a very small number of banks will open a basic account, but this is uncommon. Getting an ITIN through the IRS is the more reliable path if you are may be able to access.

What if I was declined by one bank — can I try another?

Yes. Different banks have different policies on ChexSystems reports and document requirements. A bank that declined you may have been stricter than others. Credit unions and online banks often have more flexible policies than large national banks. Each bank pulls its own report, so explore elsewhere will not hurt your chances.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I send copies?

If you are opening an account in person, bring originals so the bank can verify they are real. If you are opening online, you will upload photos or scans of your documents. The bank will verify them digitally. Do not send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can take as little as 5 to 10 minutes, though some banks require you to wait 24 to 48 hours for verification before the account is fully active and you can deposit money.

What if my address changes right after I open the account?

You can update your address online, by phone, or in person at any time. Most banks let you do this when ready. There is no waiting period. Updating your address does not require you to bring documents again — you just tell the bank the new address and they update their system.