Bring government ID and proof of address on your first visit
Banks need two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are and proof of where you live. A government-issued ID covers the first part. For the second, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address on it. Both documents should be originals or certified copies—photos on your phone usually will not work.
If you do not have a government ID yet, some banks will open an account with a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID instead. A few will accept a state ID card even if it has expired within the last year, though this varies by bank and by state. Call ahead and ask what your specific branch accepts before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Bring an original government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- If you do not have a government ID, ask your bank whether it accepts passport cards, tribal IDs, or military IDs instead.
- Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) written down, since banks verify this during account opening.
- If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate and both parents' or guardians' IDs and proof of address.
- Some banks charge monthly fees or require a minimum opening deposit; ask about these costs before you sit down with the banker.
Your Social Security number or ITIN
Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) when you open an account. Write this down before you go, or bring a document that shows it—a tax return, W-2, or Social Security card itself. The bank will verify it against federal records to prevent fraud and money laundering.
If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot open a standard checking or savings account at most banks. Some banks and credit unions offer accounts for people without an SSN if you have an ITIN, but these are less common. Call your bank first to ask whether they have this option.
What to bring if you are opening an account for a minor
If you are opening an account for a child under 18, bring the child's birth certificate along with your own ID and proof of address. The bank will need to verify that you are the parent or legal guardian. Some banks require both parents to be present; others allow one parent to open the account alone. Call ahead to find out what your bank requires.
The child does not need their own ID or Social Security card present, but the bank will ask for the child's SSN. If the child does not have an SSN yet, you can still open the account in most cases—the bank will let you add it later once you receive it from Social Security.
Documents that help but are not required
Bring your checkbook if you have one from a previous account—it shows the bank you have banking history. Bring a recent pay stub or tax return if you have one; some banks ask about your income during the account-opening process, though they do not require proof. If you are moving from another bank, bring a recent statement from that account to help with transfers.
None of these documents are mandatory. The bank will open your account with just your ID, proof of address, and SSN. Everything else speeds up the process or answers questions the banker might ask, but the account will open without it.
What happens if you do not have proof of address
If you do not have a utility bill, lease, or government mail in your name, bring a bank statement from another account, a credit card statement, or a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead showing your address. Some banks will accept a notarized statement from someone else confirming your address, though this is less common.
If you are homeless or living in a shelter, tell the bank directly. Many banks have a process for this and will accept a shelter address or a letter from the shelter as proof. Some will open an account without proof of address if you bring additional ID or a reference from a social service agency. Do not assume you cannot open an account—ask the bank what options exist for your situation.
Fees and deposits to ask about before you go
Before you sit down with the banker, ask whether the account has a monthly maintenance fee and what the minimum opening deposit is. Some banks charge $5 to $15 per month if your balance falls below a certain amount. Others waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance. A few banks have no monthly fee at all.
The opening deposit varies widely. Some banks require $25 or $100 to start; others have no minimum. If you are short on cash, call ahead and ask what the lowest opening deposit is. Some banks will let you open the account with $1 if you set up direct deposit within a certain timeframe.
What to expect during the account-opening appointment
The banker will ask you to sign documents that explain the account terms, fee structure, and your rights. They will verify your ID and address by looking at your documents. They will ask for your SSN and may ask about your employment, income, and the reason you are opening the account. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
The banker will also ask whether you want a debit card and checks. You can say yes or no to either one. If you say yes to a debit card, it usually arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Checks take longer—usually 1 to 2 weeks. Your account is active when ready, even if your card and checks have not arrived yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account online instead of going to the bank in person?
Some banks let you open an account entirely online, but you still need to verify your identity. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their website or app. A few banks use video verification instead, where you show your documents to a banker on a video call. Check your bank's website to see whether they offer online account opening.
What if my ID is expired?
An expired ID is usually still acceptable as long as it expired within the last year or two, though this varies by bank and state. Call your bank and ask whether they will accept your specific ID. If they will not, you can renew your ID at your state's DMV or get a passport card from the post office.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself, or just the number?
You do not need to bring the physical card. Writing down your SSN or bringing any document that shows it—a tax return, W-2, or pay stub—is enough. Many people do not carry their Social Security card for security reasons, and banks understand this.
What if I do not have a current utility bill with my name on it?
A lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, credit card statement, or letter from your employer or school showing your address will work instead. If none of these are available, ask your bank what other documents they accept. Some will take a notarized letter from someone else confirming your address.
Can someone else open an account on my behalf?
No. Banks require the person whose name will be on the account to be present and to sign the documents themselves. This is a legal requirement to prevent fraud. If you cannot go to the bank in person, ask whether they offer online account opening with video verification instead.