The documents and information you'll need before you walk in

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Most banks will ask for all three. Some will open an account with just an ID and Social Security number if you're opening online, but they'll ask for the address proof later — usually within 30 days.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and account type, but the pattern is the same: the bank needs to verify who you are, where you live, and that you're not on a government watchlist for financial crimes. This process is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and it's required by federal law, not by the bank's choice.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. If you don't have either, some banks and credit unions will work with you using a passport or consular ID plus additional documentation, but your options narrow significantly. Call ahead before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN — this is federal law, not bank policy.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days; a bank statement from another institution usually works too.
  • Online accounts often skip the address proof at signup but require it within 30 days, so don't assume you can delay it indefinitely.
  • If you have no Social Security number and no ITIN, call the bank or credit union first — some will work with you, but not all.
  • Bring originals or certified copies; photos of documents on your phone usually don't count, though some banks are starting to accept them through their app.

What counts as proof of address

Proof of address means a document showing your name and current street address, dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common. A lease or mortgage statement works. Property tax bill, homeowner's insurance declaration, or a government letter (tax return, voter registration, court notice) all count.

A bank or credit union statement from another institution counts. A cell phone bill usually counts. A paystub with your address on it counts. What doesn't count: a credit card statement (the bank already knows your address from the card issuer), a library card, a gym membership, or anything with a PO box instead of a street address.

If you're homeless or living with someone else and don't have mail in your name, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or the person whose address you're using — but you have to ask first. Don't show up without calling, because policies vary and you may need the letter notarized or on official letterhead.

What happens if you don't have a government ID

If you have no driver's license, passport, or state ID, you have fewer options but not zero. Some credit unions and community banks will open an account using a consular ID (issued by your country's embassy or consulate), a tribal ID, or a passport. A few will use a combination of documents — for example, a Social Security card plus a birth certificate plus a utility bill — but this is rare and you have to ask.

The fastest path is to contact your state's DMV and get a state ID card, which is different from a driver's license and doesn't require you to pass a driving test. It costs money (usually $15 to $50 depending on the state) and takes one to three weeks. If you need a bank account before then, call ahead to credit unions in your area — they're more likely than large banks to work with alternative documents.

If you're undocumented and have an ITIN but no government ID, some banks and credit unions will open an account for you. Bring your ITIN letter (the IRS document that came with your ITIN), your consular ID if you have one, and proof of address. Call first. Large national banks are less likely to do this than local credit unions or community banks.

What you need to bring if you're opening an account for someone else

If you're opening an account for a minor, you'll need the child's birth certificate or Social Security card, your own government ID and proof of address, and usually the child's Social Security number. Some banks require both parents or guardians to be present; others allow one. Ask the bank before you go in.

If you're opening an account for an elderly person or someone with power of attorney, bring the person's ID and documents, your own ID, and the power of attorney document itself (the original or a certified copy). The bank will keep a copy. If the person is unable to sign, some banks will let you sign on their behalf if you have power of attorney, but others require the person to be present and sign themselves, even if they need help. Call ahead.

If you're opening a joint account with another adult, both people need to be present with their own ID and proof of address. Some banks allow one person to open it and add the other person later, but that creates a different account structure with different rights, so ask what the bank's process is.

Documents you might need for specific account types

A basic checking or savings account needs only the documents listed above. But if you're opening a business account, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, articles of incorporation or a business license, and usually a personal may provide from the owner. If you're opening a trust account, bring the trust document itself.

If you're opening an account with a high balance or moving a large sum of money, the bank may ask where the money came from. This is called source of funds verification. Bring documentation: a recent inheritance letter, a home sale closing statement, a loan document, or a letter from your employer confirming a bonus or severance. The bank isn't accusing you of anything — it's a federal requirement when large amounts move.

What to bring and what to expect at the appointment

Bring originals of everything, not photocopies. The bank will usually scan or photograph your documents and return them to you. If you're opening online, you'll upload photos of your documents through the bank's app or website — make sure the photos are clear, show the whole document, and aren't blurry or cut off at the edges.

The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll answer questions about your employment, income, and how you plan to use the account. These questions are part of anti-money-laundering compliance; they're not optional. You'll sign documents (in person or electronically) agreeing to the bank's terms. You may be offered a debit card, which the bank will either give you on the spot or mail to you within 5 to 10 business days.

After you leave, the bank will verify your information with the Social Security Administration and check you against government watchlists. This usually takes one to three business days. Your account will be fully active once verification is complete. If something doesn't match — your name spelled differently on different documents, an address that doesn't match your ID — the bank will call you to clarify before closing the account.

What to do if the bank says no

Banks can refuse to open an account for you. Common reasons: your Social Security number doesn't match their records, you have a history with ChexSystems (a banking history report system) showing unpaid overdrafts or fraud, or you're on a government watchlist. The bank doesn't have to tell you the specific reason, but you can ask.

If the reason is ChexSystems, you can request a copy of your report from ChexSystems directly (chexsystems.com) and dispute errors. If the reason is a past banking problem, some banks have second-chance accounts with lower limits and higher fees. Credit unions are often more willing to work with people who've had banking problems before. Ask if the bank has a second-chance product, or call credit unions in your area.

If you're on a government watchlist and that's the reason, you'll need to contact the relevant agency to get yourself removed. This is rare and usually involves identity theft or a name match with someone else. A lawyer who specializes in financial compliance can help, but this is not a quick fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online without going into a branch?

Yes. Most banks let you open a checking or savings account entirely online using your phone or computer. You'll upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their app. The bank will verify your information and your account will be active within one to three business days. You won't get a debit card when ready — it will be mailed to you.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match my current address?

Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, etc.). The bank will use the current address for the account. You don't need to update your ID first. If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it as long as it's a government-issued photo ID, but call ahead to confirm.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself, or just the number?

Just the number. You don't need to bring the card. If you don't have your number memorized, you can look it up on a tax return, W-2, or bank statement from another institution. If you've lost your Social Security card and don't know your number, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement.

Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have an ITIN or Social Security number. You'll need a government-issued ID (passport, consular ID, or tribal ID), proof of address, and your ITIN or Social Security number. Some banks are more willing to work with non-citizens than others — credit unions and community banks are usually more flexible than large national banks.

What if I don't have a permanent address right now?

Some banks will accept a shelter address, a transitional housing address, or a care of (c/o) address at someone else's house. Bring a letter from the shelter or housing program on official letterhead, or a signed letter from the person whose address you're using. Call the bank first to ask what they'll accept — policies vary widely.