You need an ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number — but the exact list depends on which bank you choose and what type of account you want

Banks are required by federal law to verify who you are before they open an account. That means every bank will ask for identification and your Social Security number. Most will also want proof that you live where you say you do. Beyond that, requirements shift. Some banks ask for less; some ask for more. A few banks have accounts designed for people without a Social Security number. Knowing what each bank actually requires before you walk in or click through their website saves you a trip or a rejected process.

Key Takeaways

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) is required at every bank, along with your Social Security number.
  • Proof of address — usually a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — is standard at most banks but not all.
  • Some banks ask for additional information like employment history, income level, or a second form of ID depending on the account type.
  • Banks without branches, online-only banks, and credit unions sometimes have different requirements than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions offer accounts for non-citizens or undocumented immigrants.

The three documents almost every bank requires

Government-issued photo ID is the foundation. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The bank needs to see your name, date of birth, and photograph to confirm you are who you say you are. If your ID is expired, some banks will still accept it; others will not. Call ahead if your ID expired more than a few years ago.

Your Social Security number is the second requirement. Banks use it to check your credit history and to report the account to the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore banks that work with non-citizens — this is covered in the FAQ section below.

Proof of address is the third piece most banks want. This is usually a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a recent bank statement. The document needs to show your name and current address, and most banks want it dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill sometimes works, but not always — call your bank first if that is all you have.

What changes depending on the bank and account type

Traditional banks with physical branches often ask for all three items above and sometimes a second form of ID. Credit unions typically follow the same pattern. Online-only banks and fintech companies often ask for less — sometimes just an ID and Social Security number, with address verification happening through a database check rather than a paper document.

The type of account matters too. A basic checking account usually requires the three core documents. A savings account may have the same requirements. A money market account or a high-yield savings account sometimes asks for proof of income or a minimum deposit amount. Business accounts require different paperwork entirely — typically a business license, EIN, and documents showing who owns the business.

Some banks also ask about employment status, annual income, or the source of your initial deposit. These questions are optional in most cases — you can decline to answer — but the bank may then require a higher minimum deposit or deny the account. A few banks ask whether you have been convicted of certain crimes; this is a compliance requirement under federal banking law.

What you bring if you are opening an account in person

Bring your government ID and your Social Security number (you can write it on a form or say it aloud). Bring your proof of address document in its original form — a photocopy usually does not work. Bring a debit card or checkbook from another bank if you want to set up a transfer to fund the new account, though the bank can also give you the routing and account number to use later.

If you are opening the account at a branch, bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address. The bank will use these to send you account information and security alerts. If you do not have an email address, most banks will set up an account without one, but you will miss digital statements and security notifications.

What you do if you are opening an account online

Online banks typically ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their website or app. Take clear photos — the bank needs to read the text and see your face on the ID. If the photo is blurry or cut off, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Some online banks also ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by confirming small deposits the bank makes to another account you own.

The process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some banks approve you when ready; others review your documents and send you an email within 24 hours. A few ask you to verify your identity in a video call with a bank employee — this is more common for accounts that come with higher limits or additional features.

If you do not have all three standard documents

If you do not have a proof of address document dated within 60 days, some banks will accept an alternative. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government letter (like a tax return or benefit notice) with your name and address works at many banks. If you are homeless or living with family and have no document in your name, call the bank and ask what they can accept — some will use a letter from a shelter, a social service agency, or a family member's utility bill with a signed statement from you.

If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, the path depends on your situation. A state ID card (non-driver) is easier to get than a driver's license and works just as well. If you are a non-citizen without a state ID, some banks will accept a passport or a consular ID from your country of origin. A few banks and credit unions have accounts specifically for undocumented immigrants and will accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number.

What happens after you submit your documents

The bank runs a background check using your Social Security number and ID. This check looks at your credit history and your banking history — whether you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud claims at other banks. The bank also checks you against government lists of people involved in money laundering or terrorism financing. This is federal law, not the bank's choice.

Most people are approved within hours or days. If the bank finds something that concerns them — a pattern of overdrafts, a fraud claim, or a name match with a government list — they will contact you to ask questions. You have the right to know what information they used to make their decision. If they deny the account, they must tell you why and give you a chance to dispute it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, but only at certain banks and credit unions. Some institutions offer accounts for non-citizens using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Others require a passport or consular ID. Call ahead — not all branches of the same bank have the same policy. Credit unions in your area are often more flexible than large national banks.

What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?

Bring both your ID and a current proof of address document. The bank will use the ID to verify who you are and the recent document to confirm where you live now. If your ID is very old, the bank may ask for a second form of ID or may ask you to update your state ID first.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most checking and savings accounts have no minimum deposit requirement. Some high-yield savings accounts or money market accounts do require an opening deposit, usually between $100 and $2,500 depending on the bank. The bank will tell you the requirement before you submit your documents.

How long does it take to open an account online?

Most online banks approve accounts within 24 hours. Some approve when ready. A few ask you to verify your identity through a video call or by confirming small deposits to another account, which can add one to three business days. The bank will tell you their timeline when you start the process.

What if the bank rejects my process?

The bank must tell you why in writing. Common reasons are unpaid overdrafts or fraud claims at other banks, or a name match with a government watchlist. You have the right to dispute the information. You can also try a different bank — requirements and decisions vary widely.