The documents and information you'll bring

To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. That's the core requirement at nearly every bank and credit union in the United States. Most banks will also ask for your phone number and email address during the process.

The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you don't have one of these yet, you'll need to get one before you can open an account — banks are required by federal law to verify who you are. Proof of address is usually a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or government mail with your name and current address on it. The document typically needs to be from the last 60 days, though this varies by bank.

Your Social Security number is required because banks report account activity to the IRS and use your number to check your banking history. If you don't have a Social Security number yet, some banks and credit unions have accounts designed for people without one, though these are less common. You can ask the bank directly whether they offer this option.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address from the last 60 days, and your Social Security number to open most accounts.
  • If you don't have a photo ID yet, you'll need to get one from your state's DMV or equivalent agency before any bank can open an account for you.
  • Some banks and credit unions accept alternative documents if you're new to the country or don't have traditional proof of address — call ahead to ask what they accept.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online depending on the bank, and the process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of documents; banks will not accept photos or scans for the initial opening, though some allow uploads during online applications.

What counts as proof of address

Proof of address means a document that shows your name and where you live right now. A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — is the most straightforward option. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and property tax bills also work. Government mail like a tax return or voter registration card counts too.

The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet in your new address, ask the bank what they can accept. Some will take a signed lease even if it's dated in the future, or a utility bill with your name and the address even if it hasn't been billed yet. A few banks accept a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency if you're currently unhoused.

If you live with family and your name isn't on any bills, ask whether the bank will accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. This varies by bank, so call ahead rather than showing up unprepared.

When you don't have standard documents

If you're new to the United States or don't have a driver's license yet, you still have options. A passport works as a photo ID at any bank. A state ID card — which you can get from your DMV without a driver's license — also works. Some banks accept a tribal ID, military ID, or consular ID from your home country if you're in the process of getting a U.S. ID.

For proof of address, if you don't have utilities in your name, a lease agreement is usually your best option. If you're staying with someone temporarily, ask the bank whether they accept a notarized letter or a bank statement from the person whose name is on the lease. Some credit unions and community banks are more flexible here than large national banks.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though not all banks offer this. Call ahead and ask specifically whether they have accounts for people with an ITIN. Credit unions in your area are often more likely to say yes than large national banks.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening in person at a bank branch means you bring your documents, a banker reviews them, and you sign paperwork on the spot. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The advantage is that you can ask questions as you go, and the banker can tell you when ready if there's a problem with your documents. The disadvantage is you have to travel to a branch during business hours.

Opening online means you upload photos of your documents, enter your information into a form, and the bank reviews everything remotely. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days depending on the bank. Some online banks complete the process when ready; others review applications during business hours and contact you if they need more information. The advantage is convenience. The disadvantage is that if something is wrong with your documents, you won't know until later.

Some banks offer a hybrid: you start online, but the bank asks you to come in person to verify your ID before the account is fully activated. This is common at banks that want to be thorough but also offer online convenience. Ask the bank which method they use before you start the process.

What happens after you provide your documents

Once the bank has your documents and information, they run a background check using your Social Security number. This is standard and required by federal law. They're checking whether you've had problems with a previous bank account — things like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or writing bad checks. This check usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

If the check comes back clear, your account is opened. You'll receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days, and you can usually start using your account when ready online or at ATMs. Some banks give you a temporary card number right away so you can use it before the physical card arrives.

If the background check finds something, the bank will contact you to discuss it. This doesn't always mean your account will be denied — it depends on what they found and how long ago it happened. If you've had problems with a bank before, be honest about it when you explore. Many banks have second-chance accounts specifically for people with banking history issues.

Minimum deposit and account fees

Some banks require a minimum deposit to open an account — often $25 to $100, though this varies widely. Other banks have no minimum. If you're opening an account with very little money, look for a bank that doesn't require a minimum deposit. Credit unions and online banks are often more flexible here than large national banks.

Ask about monthly maintenance fees before you open the account. Many banks waive the fee if you keep a certain balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Some banks charge no monthly fee at all. The fee is usually $5 to $15 per month, but knowing this upfront helps you choose an account that fits your situation.

Also ask about overdraft fees — what the bank charges if you spend more money than you have in your account. Some banks charge $30 to $35 per overdraft. Others offer overdraft protection, which links your account to a savings account or credit line so you don't overdraw. Understanding these fees before you open the account means you won't be surprised later.

Documents to bring: a quick checklist

Before you go to the bank or start an online process, gather these items:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or tribal ID)
  • Proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days (utility bill, lease, or government mail)
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN
  • Your phone number and email address
  • If opening online: clear photos of both sides of your ID and your proof of address

If you're opening in person, bring the original documents. If you're opening online, take clear photos with good lighting so the bank can read all the text. If any document is hard to read, take another photo. Banks reject uploads that are blurry or cut off at the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account without a Social Security number?

Some banks and credit unions will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but not all. Call your local credit union or community bank and ask directly — they're more likely to say yes than large national banks. You'll still need a photo ID and proof of address.

What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?

Ask the bank whether they'll accept it anyway. Many banks have some flexibility, especially if you've recently moved and don't have a newer document yet. If they won't accept it, a notarized letter from someone whose name is on a current bill, stating that you live there, sometimes works as a backup.

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

For in-person opening, bring originals or certified copies. For online opening, clear photos of both sides of your ID and your proof of address are standard. Banks will not accept photos for in-person opening because they need to verify the document is real.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it can be when ready or take a few days depending on the bank. Some banks complete the process in minutes; others review applications during business hours and contact you if they need more information.

What if the bank denies my account?

Banks must tell you why they denied your account. Common reasons are a previous banking problem, fraud, or an issue with your documents. You can ask the bank to reconsider, or you can try a different bank or credit union — different institutions have different standards.