The documents and information banks actually ask for

Most banks need two things from you to open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license covers both. If you don't have one, you'll bring a passport for identity and a utility bill or lease for your address. Banks are required by federal law to verify this information — it's called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance — so there's no way around it.

Beyond identity and address, what you bring depends on the type of account and the bank's own rules. A checking account at a large bank like Chase or Bank of America has different requirements than a savings account at a credit union, which differs again from an online-only bank. Some banks ask for nothing else. Others want your Social Security number, employment information, or an initial deposit before they'll open the account.

The fastest way to know what a specific bank needs is to call them or check their website before you go in. Most banks list their requirements online. If you're opening an account in person at a branch, bring everything listed here — you'll either use it or you won't, but you won't waste a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one form of government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
  • Banks will ask for your Social Security number to check your credit history and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules, though some banks offer accounts without an SSN if you bring an ITIN or passport.
  • Many banks require an initial deposit to open an account, ranging from zero dollars at some online banks to $25 or $100 at brick-and-mortar branches, though this varies by bank and account type.
  • If you're opening an account for a minor, you'll need to bring the child's birth certificate and your own ID, and the account will be a joint account with you as the custodian.
  • Bring a phone number and email address where the bank can reach you, as they'll use these to set up online banking and send account statements.

Government-issued ID: what counts and what doesn't

Banks accept a limited list of photo IDs issued by a government agency. A driver's license is the most common. A state ID card (the non-driver version) works the same way. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book all work. A military ID works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works.

What doesn't work: a school ID, a work badge, a library card, an expired ID, or a photocopy. The ID must be current and show your photograph, your full name, and your date of birth. If your ID is expired, most banks will still accept it as long as it's not more than a few years past expiration — call ahead to ask — but some won't. A few banks will accept a passport without a photo if you bring additional documents, but this is rare.

If you don't have a government-issued ID, you have options. Some banks will open an account with a passport card or a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill plus a letter from an employer. Online banks are sometimes more flexible than branch banks. Credit unions often have looser rules than large national banks. But you will need to call first and ask — don't show up without one.

Proof of address: documents the bank will accept

Banks need to confirm you actually live where you say you do. A utility bill in your name works — electric, gas, water, internet, or phone. A lease or rental agreement works. A mortgage statement works. A bank statement from another bank works. A government document like a tax return, W-2, or benefits letter works. Most banks want the document to be dated within the last 60 days, though some will accept older documents if nothing newer is available.

What doesn't work: a credit card statement, a cell phone bill (unless it shows a physical address), a PO box, or a document with only your initials instead of your full name. If you're homeless or living with someone else, some banks have workarounds — a letter from a shelter, a social service agency, or even a friend who can confirm your address in writing. Call the bank first to ask what they'll accept.

If your ID already shows your current address and it's current, you may not need a second document. Some banks will waive the address proof if your driver's license is recent. Ask when you call.

Social Security number and alternatives

Banks ask for your Social Security number (SSN) because federal law requires them to report account activity to the IRS and to check whether you're on a list of people who shouldn't have accounts — people with outstanding fraud cases, for example. They also use it to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks bounced checks and closed accounts.

If you don't have an SSN, you have two paths. The first is to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who aren't may be able to access for an SSN but need to file taxes. The second is to ask the bank whether they'll open an account without either one — some will, especially if you bring a passport and can prove your identity another way. Online banks are more likely to offer this option than branch banks.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport and ask. Some banks have accounts specifically for non-citizens. Others will open a standard account if you have an ITIN. A few require an SSN no matter what. There's no way to know without asking the specific bank.

Initial deposit requirements and minimum balances

Some banks require you to deposit money before they'll open the account. Others don't. The amount varies widely. Many online banks have zero minimum deposit. Some brick-and-mortar banks ask for $25 or $100. A few ask for $500 or more, especially for premium accounts. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.

Don't confuse the opening deposit with the minimum balance. An opening deposit is money you bring in on day one. A minimum balance is the lowest amount you must keep in the account at all times to avoid a monthly fee. Some accounts have both, some have one, some have neither. A bank might ask for a $100 opening deposit but have no minimum balance requirement. Another might have zero opening deposit but require you to keep $500 in the account or pay $12 a month.

Ask the bank about both before you open the account. If you can't meet the minimum balance, look for a different bank — many offer accounts with no minimum at all.

Information for minors and joint accounts

If you're opening an account for a child under 18, the bank will require a joint account with you as the custodian. You'll bring your own ID and proof of address, plus the child's birth certificate. Some banks also ask for the child's Social Security number. The account will be in both names, and you'll have full access to the money — the child cannot close the account or withdraw funds without your permission.

When the child turns 18, the account usually converts to a standard account in their name alone, though some banks require you to close it and open a new one. Ask the bank what happens at that point.

If you're opening a joint account with another adult — a spouse, a business partner, or anyone else — you'll each bring your own ID and proof of address. The bank will ask how you want the account structured: whether both people can withdraw money independently, whether both must sign off on withdrawals, or whether one person is the primary account holder and the other is an authorized user. This matters if the relationship ends or if one person dies, so ask the bank to explain the options.

Contact information and online banking setup

Bring a phone number and email address where the bank can reach you. They'll use these to set up online banking, send account alerts, and contact you if there's suspicious activity on your account. If you don't have an email address, most banks will set one up for you or will send statements by mail instead, though some charge a fee for paper statements.

When you open the account, the bank will give you temporary login credentials for online banking. You'll be asked to create a username and password. Some banks also set up two-factor authentication on the spot — a security step where you confirm your identity using a code sent to your phone or email. This takes a few minutes but protects your account from unauthorized access.

If you're opening the account online rather than in person, you'll upload photos of your ID and proof of address instead of showing them to a person. The bank will review these and contact you if anything is unclear. This usually takes one to three business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Some banks will, especially if you bring a passport and an ITIN. Others require an SSN no matter what. Online banks tend to be more flexible than branch banks. Call the bank you're interested in and ask directly — there's no universal rule.

What if my address on my ID doesn't match where I live now?

Bring your ID and a separate proof of your current address, like a utility bill or lease. The bank will use both. You don't need to update your ID first — the address proof is enough.

Do I need to bring a checkbook or debit card to open an account?

No. The bank will order these for you after the account is open. A debit card usually arrives in five to seven business days. Checks take longer — typically one to two weeks. You can use online banking and transfers when ready while you wait.

What happens if I don't have any of the documents the bank asks for?

Call the bank and explain your situation. Many have alternative processes for people without standard documents — they might accept a combination of documents you do have, or they might refer you to a credit union or community bank with more flexible rules. Some banks also work with social service agencies to help people without ID.

Can someone else open a bank account on my behalf?

No. You must be present in person or complete the process online yourself. The bank needs to verify your identity directly. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but not for an adult.