The documents and information you'll need

To open a bank account, you will need to prove who you are and where you live. Most banks require a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and a document showing your current address, like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from another institution. Some banks will accept a second form of ID instead of an address document.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Banks use this to report account activity to the IRS and to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks overdrafts and fraud across banks. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN, which is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number.

Bring a small amount of money to make your opening deposit — often $25 to $100, though some banks have no minimum. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another account if you have one.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement.
  • Banks will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN to check your banking history and report account activity to the IRS.
  • An opening deposit of $25 to $100 is typical, though some banks allow you to open with no money down.
  • If you have been denied a bank account before, ask the bank to explain why — ChexSystems records can sometimes contain errors.

What counts as proof of address

A document showing your current address must be recent — usually from the last 30 to 90 days. A utility bill in your name (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement works if it shows your name and current address. A bank or credit card statement, mortgage statement, or government letter also count.

If you do not have any of these, some banks will accept a phone bill, insurance statement, or a letter from a government agency. A few banks will accept mail from a social service agency or homeless shelter if you are currently living there. Call the bank before you go in to ask what they will accept — policies vary by branch and by bank.

If you do not have a photo ID

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can use a state ID card, which most states issue through the DMV. Some banks will accept a passport card (the smaller version of a passport), a tribal ID, a military ID, or a school ID if it has your photo and signature.

If you have none of these, some banks will open an account using two non-photo documents — such as a Social Security card plus a birth certificate — though this is less common. A few banks specialize in serving people without traditional ID and may ask additional questions about your identity instead. Call ahead to ask whether the bank can work with the documents you have.

Understanding ChexSystems and banking history

ChexSystems is a database that banks use to check whether you have had problems with accounts at other banks. It records overdrafts you did not pay back, accounts you closed with a negative balance, and fraud reports. If you have been denied an account, it is often because of a ChexSystems record.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. You can request it online at chexsystems.com or by mail. If the report contains an error — for example, an overdraft you already paid back — you can dispute it. Errors can take 30 to 45 days to correct, but once they are fixed, you may be able to open an account at a bank that previously turned you down.

Some banks offer second-chance accounts specifically for people with negative ChexSystems records. These accounts may have higher fees or require a larger deposit, but they let you rebuild your banking history. Ask the bank whether they offer this option if you have been denied elsewhere.

What happens after you bring your documents

The bank will verify your identity by checking your photo ID and address document. They will ask you to sign forms — usually a signature card and account agreement — that confirm you understand the account rules and fees. They will also ask you to choose a PIN (personal identification number) for your debit card and set up online banking access if you want it.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will leave with a debit card (though it may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail), online banking login information, and a receipt showing your new account number. Some banks give you a temporary card to use when ready while you wait for the permanent one.

Special situations: accounts without a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, you can open an account at most banks. Bring your ITIN documentation (the IRS letter that assigned your ITIN), your photo ID, and proof of address. Some banks may ask additional questions about your immigration status, but they are not required to — federal law allows banks to serve people with ITINs.

If you are undocumented and do not have an ITIN, some community banks and credit unions will open accounts using a passport or consular ID from your home country plus proof of address. Call ahead to ask, as policies vary widely. A few cities and states have programs that help people without Social Security numbers open accounts.

Documents to bring: a checklist

Before you go to the bank, gather these items:

  • One government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
  • One document showing your current address from the last 30 to 90 days (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mortgage statement)
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN
  • Money for your opening deposit (typically $25 to $100, though some banks have no minimum)
  • A second form of ID or address document if the bank requests it

Call the bank before you go if you are unsure whether your documents will work. Banks have different policies, and a five-minute phone call can save you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some banks let you open an account online and verify your identity using your phone camera and a photo ID. You will still need to provide your address and Social Security number. However, if you have a ChexSystems record or no ID at all, you will likely need to visit a branch in person so the bank can ask follow-up questions.

What if I lost my Social Security card but remember my number?

You can open an account using your Social Security number from memory. The bank will verify it against IRS records. If you want an official card later, you can request one from the Social Security Administration, but you do not need it to open a bank account.

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

Banks require original documents so they can verify they are real. Bring your actual ID and address document. The bank will look at them and hand them back — they do not keep them unless you are opening a business account.

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

Bring both your ID and a separate document showing your current address. The bank will use the address document to update your account. You do not need to update your ID first.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. Banks require the account holder to be present and to sign the account agreement in person. If you cannot go to the bank yourself, some branches offer video verification, but you must still be the one signing the forms.