The documents you need to bring
Most banks require two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. You do not need perfect documents — banks have lists of what they will accept, and there are usually several options for each.
For identity, bring a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Some banks will also accept a tribal ID or a military ID. If you do not have a photo ID, ask the bank whether they accept a combination of documents instead — a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, for example, or a utility bill plus a school ID.
For proof of address, bring something dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from them on their letterhead saying you live there, plus the bill itself. Some banks accept a government notice — a tax return, court document, or benefits letter — even if it is older.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide it verbally or in writing; the bank will verify it against government records. If you do not have either, some banks and credit unions will still open an account, but ask first — policies vary widely.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID and a document showing your current address dated within the last 60 days.
- If you do not have a photo ID, most banks will accept two non-photo documents instead, such as a utility bill and a school ID.
- Your Social Security number or ITIN is standard but not always required — call ahead if you do not have one.
- If you live with someone else, bring their utility bill plus a signed letter from them confirming your address.
- Banks keep lists of acceptable documents on their websites; call or visit in person to confirm what they will take before you gather papers.
What happens during the account opening process
When you arrive at the bank with your documents, a staff member will ask you questions about yourself — your full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, and employment status. They will look at your ID to confirm the name and address match. They will run a check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history; this is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.
The bank will ask what type of account you want. Most people start with a checking account, a savings account, or both. A checking account is for regular deposits and withdrawals; a savings account earns interest and is meant for money you keep longer. The staff member will explain the monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates for each option.
You will sign documents — usually a signature card and account agreement. Read these before you sign. The account agreement tells you the bank's rules: what happens if you overdraw, how they handle disputes, what fees they charge, and how they use your information. If something is unclear, ask the staff member to explain it.
Once you sign, the account opens when ready. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks will give you a temporary card number to use online right away. You will also receive a checkbook if you opened a checking account, though this may arrive separately.
Documents you may need if you have had banking problems before
If you have a history of overdrafts, fraud, or other issues flagged in ChexSystems, the bank may ask for additional information. This is not automatic rejection — it means the bank wants to understand what happened.
If you were flagged for fraud or identity theft, bring a police report or a letter from your previous bank explaining the situation. If you had repeated overdrafts, be ready to explain what caused them and what you have done differently since. If you closed an account with a negative balance, bring proof that you paid it off — a receipt, a bank statement, or a letter from the previous bank.
Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems records. These accounts often have higher fees and lower limits on how much you can withdraw, but they are designed to let you rebuild. If a mainstream bank turns you down, ask whether they offer a second-chance product, or ask for a referral to a bank that does.
Opening an account without a Social Security number
If you have an ITIN — a number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number — most banks will treat it the same way they treat a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS along with your other documents.
If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, your options narrow but do not disappear. Some credit unions and community banks will open accounts for people without either, especially if you have an ID and proof of address. Call ahead and ask specifically: "Do you open accounts for people without a Social Security number or ITIN?" Do not ask whether they can help you get one — they cannot. Just ask whether they will open an account.
If you are in this situation, expect the process to take longer. The bank may ask more questions about your identity and may require additional documents. Be patient and honest about your situation.
What to bring if you want to add another person to the account
If you want to open a joint account — where two people both own the account and can withdraw money — bring documents for both people. Each person needs a photo ID and proof of address. Each person will answer questions and sign the account agreement. Both names will appear on the debit card and checks.
A joint account means either person can withdraw all the money without permission from the other. If you want to give someone access to your account without giving them full ownership, ask about adding them as an authorized user instead. An authorized user gets a debit card but does not own the account, and you can set limits on what they can do.
What to do if you do not have proof of address
If you are homeless or living in a shelter, you may not have a utility bill or lease. Some banks will accept a shelter letter on official letterhead that confirms your name and the shelter's address. Others will accept mail from a government agency — a benefits letter, court document, or tax return — even if it is older than 60 days.
If you cannot get any of these, ask the bank whether they will accept a combination of documents instead. A bank statement from another institution, a school ID, an employment letter, and a letter from a social service agency can sometimes add up to proof of address. Each bank has different rules, so call first and ask what they will accept in your specific situation.
If a mainstream bank will not work with you, credit unions and community banks are often more flexible. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) specialize in banking for people in difficult situations and may have different document requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my original Social Security card?
No. You can bring the card, but most banks only need you to state your number. They will verify it against government records themselves. If you have lost your card, just tell the bank your number and bring another form of ID instead.
Can I open an account online instead of going to the bank in person?
Some banks let you start online, but most still require you to verify your identity in person or by video call before the account fully opens. Online banks and some large national banks offer video verification. Call the bank and ask whether they offer this option before you visit a branch.
What if the address on my ID does not match where I live now?
Bring both your ID and a separate document showing your current address. The bank will use the ID to confirm who you are and the newer document to confirm where you live now. You do not need to update your ID first.
Will opening a bank account hurt my credit score?
No. Banks check ChexSystems, not your credit report. Opening an account does not affect your credit score at all. Your credit score only changes when you borrow money or miss payments on existing debts.
What if I have been banned from banking before?
Some banks report customers to a list called Early Warning Services if they close an account due to fraud or repeated violations of the bank's rules. If you are on this list, mainstream banks may refuse to open an account. Credit unions, community banks, and CDFIs are more likely to work with you. Be honest about your history when you explore — banks can see it anyway, and honesty helps.