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 ITIN. That is the baseline. Most banks will also ask for your phone number and email address during the process, and some will run a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and account type. A checking account at a large national bank like Chase or Bank of America typically requires less documentation than opening an investment account at the same institution. Some banks will open an account with just an ID and Social Security number if you explore online, while others require you to visit a branch in person and bring physical documents.

If you do not have a traditional government ID—a driver's license or passport—you can use a state ID card, tribal ID, or in some cases a military ID. The ID must be current and show your photograph and date of birth. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account, so they will not skip this step.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID with your current address, your Social Security number or ITIN, and a way to verify your phone number and email.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 to 90 days—the exact window depends on the bank.
  • Online applications often require less documentation than in-person applications, but some banks will ask for additional information before funding the account.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or fraud, some banks will check ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track banking problems across institutions.
  • You do not need a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts, though some banks require a small opening deposit or monthly minimum balance.

Proof of address and why banks ask for it

Banks need to confirm where you live because federal anti-money-laundering rules require them to know their customers' actual addresses. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail works. The document must show your name and current address and typically must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank.

If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or trusted community organization on official letterhead stating your current address. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept—policies differ, and some branches are more flexible than others.

If you recently moved and your ID still shows your old address, bring both the old ID and a new proof-of-address document. The bank will use the ID for identity verification and the newer document for your current address on file.

Social Security number, ITIN, and alternatives

Banks are required to collect a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for tax reporting purposes. If you have a Social Security number, you will need it. If you are not a U.S. citizen and 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—will work at most banks.

If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, your options narrow significantly. Some banks, particularly credit unions and community banks, will open an account using only a passport or consular ID and your date of birth, though this is uncommon. You would need to contact the bank directly to ask whether they offer this option. Larger national banks almost always require one of the two numbers.

Getting an ITIN takes time—you file Form W-7 with the IRS, and processing typically takes four to six weeks. If you need a bank account before then, a credit union in your area may be more willing to work with you on documentation.

What happens during the process process

When you explore online, the bank will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. You will upload or photograph your ID and proof of address. The bank then verifies this information against databases and may contact you by phone or email to confirm details before the account opens.

If you explore in person at a branch, the teller will photocopy or scan your ID and proof of address, enter your information into their system, and usually open the account on the spot. You will receive a debit card and online banking credentials either when ready or by mail within a few days.

Some banks run a check against ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are banking history databases. These checks flag accounts closed due to overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees at other banks. If you appear in one of these systems, the bank may deny the account or require you to pay outstanding balances first. You can request your ChexSystems report for free once per year at chexsystems.com.

Minimum deposits and account fees

Most banks no longer require a minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account. However, some accounts do require a minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee—this might be $500, $1,000, or higher depending on the account type and bank. If you cannot maintain that balance, the bank will charge you a fee each month, typically $10 to $15.

Read the fee schedule before you open the account. Banks are required to provide this information, usually called a "Schedule of Fees" or "Pricing Information," and it will tell you whether there is a monthly maintenance fee, what triggers overdraft fees, and what the cost is to use an out-of-network ATM.

Some banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. These are usually basic checking or savings accounts, sometimes called "starter" or "student" accounts. They may have limits on the number of transactions per month or offer lower interest rates, but they cost nothing to maintain.

Special situations: second chance accounts and joint accounts

If you have been denied a bank account because of a ChexSystems record, some banks offer "second chance" accounts designed for people with banking history problems. These accounts usually have higher fees, lower transaction limits, and require a larger deposit, but they allow you to rebuild your banking record. Credit unions are often more willing to work with people in this situation than large national banks.

If you want to open a joint account with another person—a spouse, family member, or business partner—both people must be present (in person or online, depending on the bank) and provide their own ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. The bank will verify both identities before opening the account. Both account holders will have equal access to the money and equal responsibility for overdrafts or fees.

What you do not need

You do not need a credit card, a credit history, or a good credit score to open a bank account. Banks do not use your credit score to decide whether to open a checking or savings account. You also do not need to have a job or income, though some banks may ask about your employment status as part of their customer information gathering.

You do not need to bring original documents if you are explore online—you can photograph or scan them. You do not need to open an account in person; most banks allow you to open online and fund the account by transferring money from another bank or by depositing a check through mobile deposit once the account is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most large banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. Some credit unions and community banks will open an account with a passport and consular ID instead, but you would need to call and ask first. If you are working toward an ITIN, the process takes four to six weeks through the IRS.

What if my ID address does not match my current address?

Bring both your ID and a recent document showing your current address—a utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 to 90 days. The bank will use the ID for identity verification and the newer document to update your address in their system.

What is ChexSystems and why do banks check it?

ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking problems like overdrafts, fraud, and closed accounts. Banks check it to assess risk. If you appear in the system, the bank may deny your account or require you to settle old debts first. You can request your report free once per year at chexsystems.com.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most banks no longer require a minimum deposit to open. However, some accounts require a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees—often $500 to $1,000. Read the fee schedule before opening to understand what balance you need to maintain.

How long does it take to open a bank account?

Online applications usually open within minutes to a few hours. In-person applications at a branch typically open on the spot. You may receive your debit card and online access when ready or by mail within a few days, depending on the bank.