The documents and information you'll need before you walk in

To open a bank account, you need proof of who you are, proof of where you live, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most banks also want to know your employment status and income, though they don't require you to be employed. Bring these things with you, and the process takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

The exact documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but the pattern is the same everywhere. A bank's job is to verify that you are who you say you are and that you actually live where you claim to live. This protects both you and the bank from fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
  • You need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready; the bank will ask for it to set up your account and report interest earned.
  • Bring information about your income and employment, though unemployment, retirement, or disability income all count.
  • Some banks ask for a small opening deposit on the spot, ranging from $0 to $100 depending on the account type.

Government-issued photo identification

This is the one document every bank requires. It must have your photograph, your name, and an expiration date. A driver's license is the most common choice. If you don't drive, a state ID card (issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles) works just as well and costs less than a driver's license.

A passport or passport card also works. If you are not a U.S. citizen, an unexpired visa paired with your country's national ID card is usually accepted. Some banks will take a military ID or a tribal ID if you have one.

The ID must not be expired. If yours has expired, renew it before you go to the bank — the bank cannot open an account with an expired ID, even if the photo is clearly you.

Proof of your current address

Banks need to know where you live right now. This is separate from your ID because your ID address may be old. Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current street address.

A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the easiest option. A lease agreement or rental agreement works if it shows your name and address. A recent bank or credit card statement counts. So does a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance bill.

If you don't have any of these, some banks will accept a letter from your landlord or a government agency on official letterhead confirming your address. Call the bank before you go and ask what they will take — policies vary.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to collect this number. Your Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS.

Have the number memorized or written down before you arrive. The bank will use it to report any interest your account earns to the IRS and to check your banking history. You don't need to bring a card or document — just the number itself.

If you don't have either number yet, you will need to get one before opening an account. The Social Security Administration can issue an SSN; the IRS issues ITINs. Both processes take time, so plan ahead.

Information about your income and employment

Banks ask this to understand your financial situation and to comply with anti-money-laundering rules. You don't have to be employed. If you receive unemployment benefits, Social Security, disability payments, pension income, or support from family members, that all counts as income.

Be ready to say roughly how much you earn per month or per year. You don't need to bring pay stubs or tax returns unless the bank asks — and most don't ask at the time you open the account. If you are unemployed or have no income, say so. Banks open accounts for people in every situation.

A small opening deposit (sometimes)

Some accounts require you to deposit money when you open them. The amount varies: some banks ask for $0, others ask for $25, $50, or $100. A few banks ask for more, depending on the account type.

Ask the bank what the minimum opening deposit is before you go. If you don't have that much cash on hand, call ahead and ask whether you can make the deposit by transfer from another account instead, or whether the bank will waive the deposit for you.

What you don't need to bring

You do not need a credit card, a credit history, or a good credit score. You do not need to have a job offer letter or proof of employment — saying you work somewhere is usually enough. You do not need to bring your birth certificate, though some banks ask for it and it doesn't hurt to have it with you.

You do not need to know how much money you will keep in the account or what you plan to use it for. You do not need to bring a second form of ID unless the bank specifically asks. If the bank asks for something you don't have, ask whether there is an alternative document they will take instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my address on my ID is old?

Bring your ID and a separate document showing your current address, dated within the last 60 days. The bank will use both. You don't need to update your ID first.

Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number yet?

No. You need either a Social Security number or an ITIN before the bank can open your account. If you don't have one, contact the Social Security Administration or the IRS first, depending on your situation. This can take several weeks.

What if I don't have any of the address documents the bank listed?

Call the bank and ask what alternatives they accept. Some will take a letter from a government agency, a landlord letter, or a recent bank statement from another bank. Policies differ by institution.

Do I need to bring cash for the opening deposit?

Not always. Ask the bank beforehand whether you can transfer money from another account instead, or whether they will waive the deposit. Some banks have no opening deposit requirement at all.

What happens if I bring the wrong documents?

The bank will tell you what's missing and what you need to bring back. You won't lose anything — you just won't open the account that day. Go home, gather the right documents, and come back.