The core documents banks ask for

Most banks need two things before they'll open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A government-issued photo ID covers the first part—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For the second, banks accept recent utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or official mail from a government agency with your name and current address. Both documents need to be current; utility bills older than 90 days usually don't count.

Some banks also ask for a Tax Identification Number, which is your Social Security number if you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you don't have one, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, though not all banks accept ITINs—you'll need to call ahead and ask. A few banks will open accounts without a Social Security number or ITIN, but they're the exception.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photos. Banks verify these documents before they process your account, and they need to see the actual document to confirm the security features are real.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address, both of which must be current and original documents.
  • Banks will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN; if you don't have either, call the bank first to confirm they'll open an account without one.
  • Some banks require an initial deposit to open the account, ranging from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the account type and the bank.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or fraud, you may be flagged in ChexSystems, a banking history database that some banks check before opening accounts.
  • Bring original documents to the bank in person or upload clear photos if you're opening an account online; banks will not accept screenshots or heavily cropped images.

Initial deposit requirements vary by bank and account type

Some banks open checking or savings accounts with zero dollars down. Others require a minimum deposit—$25, $100, or $500—before the account is active. This varies widely, so check the bank's website or call before you go in. If you're opening an account online, the bank will tell you the minimum during the signup process.

The initial deposit is money that goes into your account, not a fee. You own it and can spend it. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck, so if you have that option, mention it when you open the account—it may lower or eliminate the requirement.

What happens if you're in ChexSystems

ChexSystems is a database that banks use to check your banking history. If you've had overdrafts you didn't repay, wrote bad checks, or committed fraud, you may be flagged in the system. Banks aren't required to check ChexSystems, but many do, especially for checking accounts.

If you're flagged, some banks will still open an account for you—often a basic savings account with limited features. Others will deny you outright. A few banks, sometimes called "second-chance" banks, specialize in opening accounts for people with ChexSystems records. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free once a year at chexsystems.com. If there's an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.

Being in ChexSystems doesn't mean you can never bank again. It means some banks won't work with you, but others will. Call ahead and ask whether the bank checks ChexSystems and whether they have accounts for people with records.

Information you'll provide in person or online

Beyond documents, you'll answer questions about yourself: full legal name, date of birth, phone number, email address, and employment status. Banks ask this to verify your identity and to comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. Be consistent—use the same name spelling and format you used on your ID.

If you're opening an account online, you'll enter this information into a form. If you're in a branch, a banker will ask you these questions and enter them for you. Either way, the information goes into the bank's system and is cross-checked against your documents.

Some banks also ask whether you have other accounts at their institution or at other banks. This helps them detect fraud and understand your banking patterns. Answer honestly; lying on a bank process can be grounds for closing your account later.

Bringing someone else's documents won't work

You must open an account in your own name with your own documents. Banks verify that the person opening the account is the person on the ID. If you're opening a joint account with a spouse or family member, both people need to be present (in person or online) with their own IDs and proof of address.

If you can't get to a branch, many banks let you open accounts entirely online. You'll upload photos of your ID and proof of address, answer the security questions, and sign electronically. The process usually takes a few minutes, though the account may not be fully active until the bank verifies your documents—usually within one business day.

What to do if you don't have standard documents

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card works just as well. If you don't have any government-issued photo ID, some banks will accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. A few will accept a consular ID from your home country if you're not yet a U.S. citizen.

For proof of address, if you don't have a utility bill or lease, banks accept bank statements, credit card statements, insurance documents, or letters from government agencies like Social Security or unemployment. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.

If you're unhoused or don't have a permanent address, some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a care-of address (c/o someone else's home). Call the bank first and explain your situation—they may have a workaround, or they may direct you to a bank that specializes in accounts for people without stable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You'll need a valid passport or consular ID instead of a driver's license, and an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Not all banks accept ITINs, so call ahead. Some banks also require proof that you're in the country legally, such as a visa or work permit.

What if I don't have a permanent address?

Some banks accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a care-of address. Call the bank and explain your situation before you go in. A few banks specialize in accounts for people experiencing homelessness and may have fewer document requirements.

Do I need to bring anything else besides my ID and proof of address?

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN if you have one. If you're opening a joint account, bring the other person's ID and proof of address too. A checkbook or debit card order form isn't necessary—the bank will handle that after your account opens.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Online, it takes a few minutes to fill out the form, though the bank may take up to one business day to verify your documents before the account is fully active. You can usually start using the account the same day, even while verification is pending.

What if the bank says I'm in ChexSystems and won't open an account?

Ask whether they have a second-chance account or a basic savings account for people with records. If not, try a different bank—some don't check ChexSystems at all, and others have accounts specifically for people flagged in the system. You can also request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors.