Bring these documents to open an account

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). The specific documents vary slightly by bank and account type, but these three categories cover what nearly every institution will ask for. Bring originals, not copies — the bank needs to see and verify them in person.

A few banks will let you open an account online without visiting a branch, but they still need the same information. If you open online, you'll photograph or upload your documents through their app or website, and the bank verifies them electronically. Either way, you cannot skip these items.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) — this is non-negotiable at every bank.
  • Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address — it usually needs to be from the last 60 days.
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN is required for tax reporting; if you don't have either, some banks have alternative processes but they are slower and less common.
  • Bring your initial deposit in cash, check, or transfer information — the amount varies by bank and account type, and some accounts have no minimum.
  • If someone else is opening the account with you (a joint account holder or a parent opening an account for a minor), they need their own ID and proof of address.

Government-issued photo ID

The bank needs to confirm you are who you say you are. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some banks also accept a tribal ID or military ID. The ID must be current and not expired — an expired ID is usually rejected, even if the photo is clearly you.

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a passport is the most reliable alternative. If you have none of these, you'll need to get one before opening a bank account. The process varies by state, but your local DMV or Secretary of State office can tell you what's required and how long it takes.

Proof of your current address

The bank needs to confirm where you live. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address all work. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept up to 90 days. Call ahead if you're unsure whether your specific document will be accepted.

If you've recently moved and don't have a bill or lease in your new name yet, ask the bank what alternatives they accept. Some will take a signed lease, a rental agreement, or even a letter from your landlord on letterhead. If you're homeless or living with someone else, some banks have workarounds — call and ask before you go in.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks report interest earned and other account activity to the IRS, so they need a tax ID. If you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, that's your Social Security number. If you're not a citizen but have work authorization, you may have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring the document that shows your number — your Social Security card, a tax return, or an ITIN letter from the IRS.

If you don't have a Social Security number or ITIN, some banks will open an account without one, but the process is slower and the account may have restrictions. You'll need to contact the bank directly to ask whether they offer this option. Getting a Social Security number or ITIN takes weeks or months, so if you need an account sooner, ask about alternatives.

Your initial deposit

Most banks require a minimum deposit to open an account, though the amount varies widely. Some accounts have no minimum at all. Others require $25, $100, or more. Bring cash, a check, or be ready to transfer money from another account. Ask the bank what they accept and what the minimum is for the specific account type you want.

If you don't have the minimum on hand, ask whether the bank will waive it or let you deposit it later. Some will. If not, you may want to compare accounts at other banks — minimums and fees vary significantly, and a bank with no minimum might be a better fit for your situation.

Additional information to have ready

Bring your phone number and email address. The bank will use these to contact you about your account and to set up online banking. If you're opening a joint account, bring the other person's ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN as well. If a parent is opening an account for a minor, bring the child's birth certificate or Social Security card in addition to the parent's documents.

If you're self-employed or have income that doesn't come from a traditional employer, the bank may ask about your income source. You don't need to bring tax returns unless they specifically ask, but having them available can speed things up. Be honest about your income — the bank uses this information for fraud prevention and to comply with banking regulations, not to judge you.

What you don't need to bring

You don't need a credit score, a credit card, or a history with another bank. You don't need a job offer letter or pay stub, though some banks ask about employment. You don't need to bring references or a letter from anyone else. If the bank asks for something beyond the documents listed here, ask why — some requests are legitimate, but others may be unnecessary.

You also don't need to bring a large amount of cash. Bringing $25 or $100 to meet a minimum deposit is fine. Banks are used to small initial deposits, and there's no advantage to bringing more. If you're worried about carrying cash, bring a check instead or ask whether you can transfer money after you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my address on my ID doesn't match where I live now?

Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address. The bank will use the ID to verify your identity and the utility bill or lease to confirm where you live now. You don't need to update your ID first — the bank just needs both documents.

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

Some banks will open an account with an ITIN or other tax ID. A few will open an account without any tax ID, but the process is slower and the account may have limits on deposits or transfers. Call the bank and ask whether they offer this option before you visit.

Do I need to bring anything if I'm opening an account online?

You'll need the same documents, but you'll photograph or upload them instead of showing originals. Have your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN ready, and be prepared to take clear photos of both sides of your ID and your address document.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease?

Ask the bank what other documents they accept as proof of address. A mortgage statement, government mail, bank statement, or insurance bill often works. If you have none of these, some banks accept a signed lease, a letter from your landlord, or a statement from a social services agency.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present and provide your own ID and information. If you're a minor, a parent or guardian can open an account with you, but you'll both need to be there with your own documents. If you're unable to visit in person, some banks offer online account opening, which you can do from home.