The documents and information banks ask for

Most banks require two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. The first is almost always a government-issued photo ID. The second is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it. Some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution instead.

Beyond those two, you will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Banks use this to report account activity to the IRS and to check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags in the banking system. You will also need to bring money to deposit — the minimum opening deposit varies by bank and account type, from zero dollars at some online banks to $25 or $100 at others.

A few banks ask for additional information depending on your situation. If you are opening a business account, you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and documents showing the business exists — a business license, articles of incorporation, or a DBA certificate. If you have had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts, some banks will ask about that history.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Banks require your Social Security number or ITIN to report account activity and check for fraud or debt flags.
  • The minimum opening deposit ranges from zero to $100 depending on the bank and account type.
  • If you have been denied a bank account before, ask the bank which system flagged you — ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — so you can check your record for errors.
  • Online banks often have lower or no minimum deposits and may accept fewer documents than brick-and-mortar branches.

What happens if you do not have a photo ID

A few banks will open an account without a photo ID if you bring a combination of other documents — a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill, for example. Call ahead and ask whether the specific bank will accept this. Some will; many will not.

If you cannot get a photo ID quickly, an online bank may be faster. Some online banks do not require ID verification in the same way a branch does, though they will still verify your identity through other means — asking security questions, confirming your address, or checking your credit file. This process can take a few days.

What happens if you do not have proof of address

If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring whatever you have that shows your current address: a bank statement from another bank, a credit card statement, a government benefits letter, or a lease signed by someone else with your name added. Some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency on official letterhead stating your address.

If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, tell the bank that directly. Many banks have procedures for this situation and will accept a shelter address or a mailing address at a trusted contact's home. Ask to speak with a manager rather than a teller, because branch staff do not always know the exceptions.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

If you have an ITIN — issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number — most banks will accept it in place of an SSN. Bring the letter from the IRS that came with your ITIN.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some banks will still open an account, but they will report it differently to the IRS. This is less common and varies by bank. Call ahead and ask whether the bank offers accounts to people without an SSN or ITIN. Online banks are sometimes more flexible on this than branches.

What banks check before they open your account

Banks run your information through two main systems: ChexSystems and Early Warning Services. These are not credit bureaus. They track account closures, overdrafts, and fraud — not your credit score. If you were closed out of a bank account for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, that information stays in one of these systems for five years.

If ChexSystems or Early Warning Services flags you, the bank will usually tell you why they are denying the account. You have the right to request a copy of your report from whichever system flagged you and to dispute any errors. You can request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. For Early Warning Services, go to earlywarning.com or call 1-866-656-4444. Both will mail you a free copy.

Some banks specialize in accounts for people with ChexSystems records. These are sometimes called "second chance" accounts. They often come with higher fees and lower limits on how much you can deposit or withdraw, but they do exist.

What to bring to a bank branch

Bring your photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN written down. Bring a checkbook or debit card process if the bank requires it. Bring the minimum opening deposit in cash, a check, or a transfer from another account — the bank will tell you which forms they accept when you call or visit.

If you are opening an account online, you will upload photos of your ID and proof of address instead of bringing them in person. The bank will ask you to take a photo of yourself holding your ID to confirm you are the person in the document. This usually takes a few minutes.

How long it takes to open an account

At a branch, opening an account usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will verify your information while you wait, and you will walk out with a debit card and account number the same day. Some banks mail the debit card separately, which takes three to seven business days.

Online, the process is faster for the initial steps — you can submit your documents in minutes — but verification takes longer. Most online banks verify your identity within one to three business days. Some use when ready verification and will set up your account the same day. Check the bank's website to see which method they use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you have an ITIN, yes — most banks accept it. If you have neither, some banks will still open an account, but it is less common. Call the bank directly and ask. Online banks are sometimes more flexible than branches.

What if I was denied a bank account before?

Ask the bank which system flagged you — ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. Request your free report from that system and look for errors. If you find a mistake, dispute it in writing. Even if the information is correct, some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems records.

Do I need to bring cash to open an account?

Most banks require a minimum opening deposit, but it varies. Some online banks have zero minimum. Others ask for $25 to $100. You can usually deposit by check or transfer from another account instead of cash. Call ahead to confirm what the bank accepts.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

At a branch, you may walk out with a temporary card the same day. The permanent card usually arrives by mail in three to seven business days. Online banks mail the card after your account is verified, which can take one to three weeks total.

Can I open an account if I am homeless?

Yes. Many banks will accept a shelter address or a mailing address at a trusted contact's home as proof of address. Ask to speak with a manager, because branch staff do not always know the exceptions. Some online banks may be faster if you have access to a computer.