The documents banks ask for most often

Most banks will ask for a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a utility bill to confirm your address. The exact list depends on the bank and the type of account you are opening — a basic checking account usually needs less than a savings account or investment account.

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and address before opening an account. This is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) rule, which all banks follow. If you cannot provide what they ask for, they can refuse to open the account, but they must tell you why.

Some banks will let you start the process online and finish it in a branch, or vice versa. Others require you to come in person. A few banks that operate only online have different requirements — they may accept a video call instead of an in-person visit, or they may not ask for proof of address if they can verify it another way.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 to 90 days — the timeframe varies by bank.
  • Some banks ask for a second form of ID or additional documents if you cannot provide a standard photo ID.
  • Online-only banks may have different requirements and may let you verify your identity through video call instead of in person.
  • Banks must tell you in writing if they refuse to open an account and why, under federal consumer protection rules.

What counts as proof of address

A utility bill in your name is the most common proof of address. Banks also accept lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, insurance statements, or recent bank statements — usually from the last 60 to 90 days. Some banks will accept a government letter, such as a tax return or Social Security statement, if it shows your current address.

The document must show your full name and current street address. A PO box does not count as a residential address for this purpose. If you recently moved and your documents have not caught up, bring the newest document you have plus a signed letter from your landlord or a lease showing your new address. Some banks will accept this combination even if the documents are not yet in your name.

If you do not have a permanent address, some banks have programs for people experiencing homelessness. They may accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a trusted community organization on letterhead, signed and dated. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use has this option.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to report interest earned and to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks account closures and fraud. If you do not have an SSN, an ITIN — issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for an SSN — will work at most banks.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some banks will open an account without one, but this is rare. You would need to ask the bank directly. If you are in the process of getting an ITIN, bring the process receipt (Form W-7) and ask whether the bank will hold the account open while you wait for the number to arrive.

Do not give your SSN or ITIN to anyone except the bank employee opening your account. Banks will never ask for it by email, phone, or text.

Secondary forms of ID and when banks ask for them

If your photo ID is expired, damaged, or from a country outside the United States, many banks will ask for a second form of ID to confirm your identity. This can be a passport, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a school ID, or even a credit card in your name. Some banks accept a utility bill or lease as a second form of ID if you do not have a second photo ID.

Banks also ask for a second form of ID if the name on your photo ID does not match the name you are using to open the account — for example, if you recently married or changed your name legally. In this case, bring the photo ID plus a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you do not have a standard photo ID at all, some banks will work with you using a combination of documents: a passport, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a letter from a government agency. Call the bank before you come in to ask what combination they will accept.

Information the bank will ask you to provide verbally

Beyond documents, the bank will ask you questions during the account opening process. They will ask your date of birth, your phone number, your email address, and your employment status. Some banks ask whether you work and what industry, though they do not always require you to be employed to open an account.

The bank may also ask about the source of funds you plan to deposit — for example, whether the money comes from your paycheck, a business, a gift, or savings. This is part of anti-money-laundering rules that all banks follow. You do not need to provide exact amounts, just a general description.

If you have had accounts closed by other banks in the past, the bank may ask about this. Be honest. Banks can see this information in ChexSystems, and lying about it can result in the bank refusing to open the account or closing it later.

What you do not need and what banks cannot ask for

Banks cannot ask for your mother's maiden name, your PIN or password for other accounts, or copies of your tax returns unless you are opening a business account. They also cannot ask you to prove your immigration status, though they can ask whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for tax reporting purposes.

You do not need to have a job, a credit history, or a minimum amount of money to open most bank accounts. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a valid ID and either an SSN or ITIN. Some banks ask for a minimum opening deposit, but many do not — this varies by bank and account type.

If a bank asks for something that seems unusual or personal, you can ask why they need it. If they cannot explain it clearly, you can take your business to another bank. You are not required to open an account at any particular bank.

What happens after you provide your information

Once you submit your documents and information, the bank will verify your identity and address. This usually takes a few minutes if you are in a branch, or a few hours to a few days if you are opening the account online. The bank will check your information against government databases and against ChexSystems.

If everything matches, the bank will open your account and give you a debit card, a checkbook (if you requested one), and online banking access. If there is a problem — for example, your address cannot be verified or your name does not match your ID — the bank will contact you and ask for more information or documents.

Keep copies of the documents you brought to the bank. If there is ever a dispute about what you provided, you will have proof. The bank is required to keep copies of your ID and proof of address in their records for at least five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a photo ID?

Most banks require a photo ID, but some will work with alternative documents such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. A few banks may accept a combination of non-photo documents if you explain why you do not have a photo ID. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what they will accept.

What if my address on my ID is old?

Bring your ID plus a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. Most banks will accept this combination. If your ID is more than a few years old, some banks may ask for a second form of ID as well.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Banks usually want to see the original documents so they can verify they are real. They will make copies for their records. Do not send originals by mail unless the bank specifically asks you to — use in-person visits or find online upload when possible.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) works at most banks. If you are explore for an ITIN, bring the process receipt and ask the bank whether they will open the account while you wait for the number. A few banks will open accounts without an SSN or ITIN, but you will need to ask directly.

Can the bank refuse to open an account?

Yes. Banks can refuse for reasons such as a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts at other banks, or inability to verify your identity. If a bank refuses, they must tell you in writing and explain why. You have the right to dispute the information in ChexSystems if you believe it is wrong.