The core documents every bank will ask for
Every bank account requires two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. Most banks will not open an account without both. The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by state, but the pattern is consistent.
For identity, banks accept a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works at any bank. Some banks also accept a tribal ID or a military ID. For address, banks want a recent document showing your name and current street address — typically a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 to 90 days.
If you do not have a photo ID, some banks will work with you using alternative documents, but the process takes longer and you may need to visit a branch in person rather than opening the account online. A few banks accept a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a birth certificate plus a recent bill, but this is less common.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Address documents must usually be dated within 60 to 90 days, so an old bill will not work.
- If you lack a photo ID, some banks will open an account using alternative documents, but you may need to visit a branch in person.
- Your Social Security number is required, and the bank will verify it against IRS records during the account opening process.
- Some banks ask for employment information or initial deposit details, but these are not required documents — they are optional information the bank collects.
Why banks ask for these documents
The documents serve two legal purposes. First, banks must verify your identity under federal law — specifically, the Customer Identification Program (CIP) rule set by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is not the bank's choice; it is a requirement for any institution that holds deposits.
Second, banks must confirm your address to comply with anti-money-laundering rules and to know where to send statements and notices. The address also helps the bank verify you against public records and detect fraud.
When you provide these documents, the bank does not keep the originals. They photograph or scan them, record the document numbers and issue dates in their system, and store the images in their records. You keep the originals.
What happens if you do not have standard documents
If you have a photo ID but no recent address document, ask the bank whether they will accept an alternative. Some banks will use a lease, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or even a recent bank statement from another institution. A few will accept a letter from a government agency, a utility company, or an employer on official letterhead confirming your address.
If you have no photo ID at all, the path depends on the bank. Some large banks will refuse to open an account without one. Others, particularly community banks and credit unions, will sometimes open an account using a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate, a Social Security card, and a recent utility bill — but they will usually require you to come to a branch in person so a staff member can verify the documents face-to-face.
If you are undocumented or lack a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to ask the bank directly whether they accept ITIN accounts, because not all do.
Documents you do not need, but banks may ask about
Banks often ask for your employment information, income level, or the source of your initial deposit. These are not required documents — you can decline to answer or say you are not employed. The bank may ask because they are gathering information for their own risk assessment, but federal law does not require you to provide this information to open a basic checking or savings account.
Similarly, banks may ask whether you have accounts at other institutions or whether you have been denied a bank account before. Again, you are not required to answer. If you do answer and the bank denies your process, they must tell you why — usually because of a report from ChexSystems, a banking history database, or because of information in your credit report.
You do not need to bring a credit card, a pay stub, or tax returns. You do not need a minimum deposit amount in advance, though the bank will ask how much you plan to deposit initially.
The order of steps when you open an account
If you are opening the account online, the bank will ask you to enter your personal information first — name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Then they will ask you to upload images of your ID and address document. The bank's system will read the document images automatically and verify the information matches what you typed.
If the system cannot read the images clearly, or if the information does not match, a bank employee will review your documents manually. This can add a day or two to the process. Once the bank verifies your identity and address, they will send you a confirmation email and your account will be active, usually within 24 hours.
If you are opening the account in person at a branch, bring the original documents. The staff member will look at them, photocopy or scan them, and enter your information into the system while you are there. You will usually walk out with a debit card and account number the same day, though some banks mail the card separately.
What to bring if you are opening an account in person
Bring your government-issued photo ID and your address document in their original form. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized. If you have a phone number and email address, bring those too — the bank will need them.
If you are opening a joint account with another person, that person must come with you and bring their own ID and address document. The bank will verify both of you separately.
If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the minor's birth certificate and Social Security card, and bring your own ID and address document. Some banks require the minor to be present; others do not. Call ahead to ask what the bank requires.
Documents for specific account types
A basic checking or savings account requires only identity and address. If you are opening a business account, the bank will ask for additional documents — typically your business license, your Employer Identification Number (EIN), and proof that you are authorized to open the account on behalf of the business. Some banks ask for articles of incorporation or a partnership agreement.
If you are opening a joint account, both account holders must provide identity and address documents. If you are opening an account as a power of attorney for someone else, you will need to bring the power of attorney document itself, plus your own ID and address document, plus the other person's ID and address document.
If you are opening a trust account, bring the trust document. If you are opening a custodial account for a minor, bring the minor's birth certificate and Social Security card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account with just a passport?
Yes, a passport is a government-issued photo ID and every bank accepts it. You will still need an address document — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement. If your passport does not show your current address, bring a separate document that does.
What if my address document is older than 90 days?
Most banks will not accept it. Call the bank before you go in and ask whether they will make an exception, or ask whether they accept alternative documents like a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord. If you cannot get a recent document, some banks will let you update your address after opening the account, though this is less common.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the bank?
No. You only need to know your Social Security number and tell it to the bank. The bank will verify it against IRS records. You do not need to show the card itself.
What if I do not have a current address because I am homeless?
Some banks and credit unions will open an account for you using a shelter address, a mailing address, or a care-of address. Call ahead and explain your situation. Community banks and credit unions are more likely to work with you than large national banks.
Can someone else open a bank account for me?
No. You must open the account yourself, either in person or online. The bank must verify your identity directly. If you cannot go to the bank, you can open an account online if you have a government-issued photo ID and an address document to upload.