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 can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—usually dated within the last 60 days, though banks differ on this. Your SSN or ITIN goes into the bank's system so they can report interest earned and comply with federal tax law.

Beyond those three things, banks may ask for additional information: your employment status, your income, whether you have had accounts closed for negative reasons in the past, and sometimes a phone number and email address. Not all banks ask all of these. Some will open an account with just the three core documents; others use a more detailed process.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a current government photo ID, proof of your address dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open most bank accounts.
  • Address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail—the specific document matters less than the date on it.
  • Banks check ChexSystems, a record of closed accounts and overdraft history, so prior account closures may affect whether a bank will open one for you.
  • Some banks have lower documentation requirements or offer second-chance accounts if you have been denied elsewhere.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of documents; banks will not accept photos or digital scans for the initial opening, though some allow online verification after that.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN instead of an SSN—because you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident—most banks will accept it in place of an SSN. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN. Bring the IRS letter that assigned your ITIN, or bring your tax return showing the number.

Some banks are more cautious with ITINs and may ask additional questions about your immigration status or require more documentation. If one bank declines, try another—policies vary. Credit unions sometimes have different rules than large banks and may be more flexible on this point.

Address proof and why banks are strict about it

Banks use address proof to verify you are who you say you are and to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. The document must show your name and current address, and most banks want it dated within 60 days of when you open the account. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. Government mail—a tax notice, voter registration card, or benefits letter—also counts.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, some banks will accept a shelter address or a care-of address (c/o someone else's home). Call ahead and ask; policies differ. A few banks have programs specifically for people without stable housing and may waive the address requirement or accept an alternative.

If your address has recently changed and you have not yet received mail at the new place, bring the lease or deed showing the new address plus a recent utility bill from your old address. Banks understand that mail takes time to arrive.

ChexSystems and prior account closures

Before opening an account, most banks check ChexSystems, a database that records closed bank accounts, overdrafts, and fraud reports. If you had an account closed because of repeated overdrafts, unpaid fees, or suspicious activity, that closure shows up in ChexSystems and can prevent you from opening a new account at another bank.

The record stays in ChexSystems for five years. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error—a closure you did not authorize, or a record from a joint account where the other person caused the problem—you can dispute it with ChexSystems directly.

If you have been denied because of ChexSystems, some banks offer second-chance accounts. These accounts often come with higher fees, lower initial deposit requirements, and restrictions on overdrafts, but they are designed for people rebuilding their banking history. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to offer them than national chains.

What to bring in person versus what you can do online

If you open an account in a branch, bring originals of your ID and address proof. Banks will not accept photocopies or digital images for the initial opening. They need to see the physical documents to verify they are real and match your face (for the ID).

Many banks now offer online account opening. If you open online, the bank may use video verification—you hold your ID up to your camera and they confirm it matches your face—or they may mail you a verification code that arrives at your address proof location. Once you receive and enter that code, the account is confirmed. Online opening is faster but requires you to have a working camera and a mailing address where you can receive mail.

Some banks require an in-person visit to complete the opening even if you start online. Check the bank's website or call before you begin the process so you know what to expect.

Minimum deposit and initial funding

Most banks require an opening deposit, though the amount varies. Large national banks often require $25 to $100. Some require nothing. Online banks frequently have no minimum. If you do not have cash on hand, ask whether the bank will let you fund the account by transfer from another bank account or by direct deposit once your account is open.

A few banks will open an account with zero dollars and let you fund it later, though this is less common. If you are short on cash, look for banks that advertise no minimum deposit—they exist, but you have to search for them specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a photo ID?

Most banks require a photo ID and will not open an account without one. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your DMV. Some banks may accept alternative IDs like a tribal ID or military ID, so call ahead and ask before you visit.

What if my address proof is older than 60 days?

Banks have different cutoffs—some accept documents up to 90 days old. Call the bank first and ask. If your document is too old, get a new utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. These usually arrive monthly and are dated when issued.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself?

No. You only need to provide your SSN or ITIN number. You do not have to show the physical card. If you do not know your number, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm it.

What if I was denied because of ChexSystems?

Request your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com to see what is listed. If there is an error, dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If the record is accurate, look for banks that offer second-chance accounts—credit unions and smaller banks are more likely to have them than national chains.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. Banks require the person whose name is on the account to be present and to verify their identity. You cannot send someone else to open an account for you, even with a power of attorney.