The documents and information you'll bring
Most banks need two things before they'll open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement — something dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it.
You'll also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank will use this to check the ChexSystems database, which tracks banking history and fraud. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud in the past, some banks will see that record and may decline you.
Bring a small amount of money to open the account — usually $25 to $100, depending on the bank. Some banks waive this minimum if you set up direct deposit, but you'll still need the cash on hand when you walk in unless you're opening the account online.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address.
- The bank will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN and will check ChexSystems to see your banking history.
- Bring $25 to $100 in cash to fund the account, though some banks reduce or waive this if you set up direct deposit.
- If you don't have an ID, some banks and credit unions will open an account using an ITIN and a second form of identification like a passport card or consulate ID.
- Online accounts typically require the same documents but you'll upload photos of them instead of showing originals in person.
What happens if you don't have a government ID
Not having a driver's license or passport doesn't automatically disqualify you. Some banks and credit unions will open an account using an ITIN, a passport card, a consulate-issued ID, or a state ID card. Call ahead and ask — policies vary widely between institutions and even between branches of the same bank.
Credit unions are often more flexible here than large national banks. If your local credit union won't open an account without a traditional government ID, ask whether they accept an ITIN plus a second form of ID. Some will also accept a letter from a social service agency or a utility bill in your name as a substitute for a second address document.
The difference between in-person and online accounts
Opening in person means you bring your documents to a branch, show them to a teller, and walk out with a debit card and account number the same day. The bank verifies your identity on the spot.
Opening online means you upload photos of your ID and address document through the bank's website or app. The bank reviews these photos, usually within one business day. You'll get your account number when ready, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some online banks use video verification instead — you show your ID to a camera and answer questions to prove you're the person in the photo.
Online accounts are faster to start but slower to fully set up. In-person accounts take longer upfront but you leave with everything you need to use the account when ready.
What banks check before opening your account
The bank runs your information through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you've had an account closed for cause — unpaid overdrafts, repeated NSF fees, or suspected fraud — that record stays for five years. Some banks will still open an account for you; others won't.
The bank also checks your name, address, and Social Security number against Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) lists to may support you're not on a government sanctions list. This is routine and almost never a problem for ordinary people.
If you're flagged in ChexSystems, ask the bank which specific issue caused the decline. You can then contact ChexSystems directly to dispute the record if it's inaccurate. The process takes 30 to 45 days. Some banks will open an account while you're disputing the record; others won't.
Minimum balance and account fees
Many checking accounts require a minimum balance — often $500 to $1,500 — to avoid a monthly fee. Some banks waive the fee if you set up direct deposit, even if your balance drops below the minimum. Others waive it if you maintain a certain balance in a linked savings account.
Read the fee schedule before you open the account. Look for monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and whether the bank charges you to speak to a person. Some banks charge $35 per overdraft; others charge nothing. Some have no monthly fee at all if you meet one straightforward condition, like receiving direct deposit.
The fee structure matters more than the minimum balance, because you can control your balance but you can't always control whether you overdraft.
What to expect after you open the account
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll set up it by calling the number on the card or using the bank's app. Until you set up it, you can't use it to buy things, but you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or pay bills online.
Your account number and routing number appear in the bank's app or online portal when ready. You don't have to wait for the debit card to use them. If you need to transfer money in or out before the card arrives, you can do that right away using your account and routing numbers.
The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account agreement, fee schedule, and privacy notice. Read the fee schedule. The account agreement is long and mostly boilerplate, but it tells you what happens if you overdraft, how disputes are handled, and whether the bank charges for things like stopping payment on a check.
Opening an account if you've been declined before
If a bank has declined you, the reason is usually ChexSystems. You can order your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. The report shows what banks see when they check you. If the information is wrong — if it lists an account you never opened, or an overdraft you already paid — you can dispute it.
ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate your dispute. If they can't verify the information, they remove it from your report. If they can verify it, it stays for five years from the date the account was closed.
While you're disputing, look for banks that specialize in second-chance accounts. These are designed for people with ChexSystems records. They usually have higher fees and lower limits on debit card transactions, but they will open an account for you. Once you've kept that account clean for a year or two, you can move to a regular account at a bank with lower fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?
Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You'll still need a government-issued ID and proof of address. Not all banks accept ITINs, so call ahead. Credit unions are more likely to accept them than large national banks.
What if I don't have a recent utility bill for my address?
A lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. Some banks accept a letter from a government agency, a school, or a social service organization. Call the bank and ask what documents they accept before you come in.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person: 15 to 30 minutes. Online: your account number appears when ready, but your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. Video verification (some online banks) takes a few minutes, and you get your account number right away.
What happens if I don't have enough money for the opening deposit?
Some banks waive the opening deposit if you set up direct deposit. Others will let you open the account with $1 or $5. Call ahead and ask. If the bank requires a minimum and you don't have it, try a different bank or credit union — policies vary widely.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You have to be present and show your own ID. The bank needs to verify that you are the person opening the account. If you're unable to go to a branch, open an account online instead.