The documents you'll need to bring

Most banks ask for two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. You do not need to have perfect credit, a job, or a lot of money. You need identification and an address.

For proof of identity, bring a government-issued ID. A driver's license works best. If you do not have a driver's license, a state ID card, passport, or tribal ID will work at most banks. Some banks also accept a passport card or a permanent resident card (green card). Call the bank before you go in if you are unsure whether your ID will be accepted.

For proof of address, bring a recent document with your name and current street address on it. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works well. So does a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government letter with your address on it. If you do not have any of these, ask the bank what they will accept — some take a bank statement from another bank, a pay stub, or a letter from a shelter or social services agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) and a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • If you do not have a traditional address, ask the bank whether they accept mail from a shelter, PO box, or social services agency as proof of address.
  • You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) so the bank can report interest you earn and follow federal rules.
  • Have a small amount of money ready to deposit — most banks require a minimum opening deposit, though some have no minimum at all.
  • Bring your phone number and email address so the bank can contact you and set up online access to your account.

Your Social Security number or tax ID

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This is not optional, and the bank cannot open an account without it.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you have a Social Security number. If you are not a citizen but work or pay taxes in the United States, you may have an ITIN. If you do not have either, you cannot open a traditional checking or savings account at a bank — though some credit unions and community banks have different rules, so it is worth calling ahead to ask.

The bank uses this number to report interest you earn on your savings, to check for fraud, and to follow federal anti-money-laundering rules. It is not shared with other banks or with government agencies unless the law requires it.

Contact information the bank will ask for

Have your phone number and email address ready. The bank uses these to contact you about your account, to send statements, and to help you set up online banking so you can check your balance and move money from home.

If your phone number or email changes after you open the account, you can update it in person at the bank, by phone, or through online banking. Do not wait to update it — the bank needs a working way to reach you if there is a problem with your account.

The opening deposit

Most banks require you to deposit some money when you open an account. This is called the opening deposit or minimum opening deposit. The amount varies widely — some banks ask for $25, others for $100 or more. Some banks have no minimum at all.

You can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another account. If you do not have money to deposit right now, call the bank and ask whether they have accounts with no opening deposit requirement. Community banks and credit unions are more likely than large national banks to have this option.

Information about your employment (sometimes)

Some banks ask whether you work and where. This is optional information — you can decline to answer, and the bank cannot refuse to open an account because you are unemployed, retired, or a student. If you do provide employment information, the bank uses it to contact you if there is a problem with your account, and to verify your identity.

If you are self-employed or have income from sources other than a job, you do not need to explain that in detail. straightforward tell the bank what you do — "I freelance," "I run a small business," "I receive disability payments" — and move on. The bank is not investigating your income; it is just filling in a form.

What you do not need

You do not need a credit card, a credit history, or good credit to open a bank account. You do not need to be employed. You do not need to have a certain amount of money in the account at all times. You do not need to set up direct deposit, though many banks offer it as an option.

You do not need to speak English fluently. Many banks have staff who speak other languages, and all banks are required to provide translation services if you ask. Call ahead and let them know what language you need.

What to do if you do not have standard documents

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, ask the bank what other IDs they accept. Many will take a passport, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. If you have none of these, some banks will accept a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a school ID plus a utility bill.

If you do not have a lease or utility bill, bring whatever address document you have. A letter from a homeless shelter, a social services agency, or a transitional housing program counts as proof of address at many banks. A PO box does not count as a residential address, but some banks will accept it if you also bring a letter from a government agency or shelter confirming where you actually live.

If you have been without a bank account for a long time, you may worry that the bank will check your history with other banks. Most banks do check a system called ChexSystems, which records closed accounts and unpaid fees. If you have a record there, be honest about it when you open your new account. Many banks will still open an account for you, especially if the problem was years ago or if you have since resolved it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bring originals. The bank needs to see the real document to verify it is genuine. They will not keep your documents — they will look at them, write down the information, and hand them back to you.

What if I do not have a permanent address right now?

Many banks will open an account using a shelter address, a PO box with a letter from a social services agency, or a friend's address where you are staying. Call the bank first and ask what they accept. Some banks are more flexible than others.

Can someone else open an account for me if I cannot go to the bank?

No. You must be present in person to open an account, and you must sign the paperwork yourself. Some banks offer video appointments if you cannot visit in person, but you still have to be the one signing.

What happens if I give the bank wrong information by mistake?

Tell the bank as soon as you notice. You can update your address, phone number, and email in person, by phone, or online. If you gave wrong information about your identity, go to the bank and bring the correct documents so they can fix the record.

Do I need to bring anything else, like a reference or a letter from my employer?

No. A government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN are all the bank needs. You do not need references, employment letters, or anything else.