The documents and information banks ask for

Most banks need four things before they will open an account: proof of who you are, proof of where you live, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The exact documents vary by bank and by account type, but the pattern is the same across institutions. You walk in or go online with a government ID, a recent utility bill or lease, and money to put in the account.

The reason banks ask for these is federal law, not bank policy. The Bank Secrecy Act requires institutions to verify your identity and address before accepting deposits. Your Social Security number goes into their system so they can report interest income to the IRS and flag suspicious activity. None of this is negotiable—a bank that skips these steps is breaking the law.

What counts as proof varies slightly. For identity, banks accept a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. For address, they take a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 to 90 days. Some banks will also accept a bank statement from another institution. The initial deposit can be as small as $1 at some banks, or $25 to $100 at others—check the specific bank's requirements before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and money for an opening deposit.
  • Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
  • The opening deposit ranges from $1 to $100 depending on the bank and account type.
  • Banks verify this information because federal law requires them to, not because of internal rules.
  • Online accounts usually ask for the same documents but let you upload photos or answer security questions instead of visiting a branch.

What happens if you don't have a government ID

If you have no driver's license or passport, you have options, though they narrow your choices. Some banks will accept a state ID card, which is easier to get than a driver's license and costs less. Others will take a tribal ID if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe. A few banks will accept a passport card instead of a full passport.

If none of those work for you, some banks and credit unions will open an account using alternative documents. They may ask for a combination of things like a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and a reference from someone who already banks there. This process takes longer and requires you to visit a branch in person—you cannot do it online. Call ahead to ask whether the specific bank near you offers this option, because not all do.

Community banks and credit unions are more likely to work with you on this than large national chains. If the bank you want to use will not budge, a local credit union may be willing to open an account with alternative documents.

What to bring if you open an account in person

Bring the original documents, not copies. Banks need to see the actual ID and address proof so they can verify the security features and confirm the information matches. Bring your Social Security number written down or memorized—you will need to provide it. Bring the money for your opening deposit in cash, a check, or a debit card you already have.

Bring a phone number where the bank can reach you and an email address if you want online access set up the same day. Some banks will also ask for your employment information or annual income, though this is not always required for a basic checking or savings account. If you are opening a joint account, both account holders need to be present with their own IDs and proof of address.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch. Online, it can take 5 to 10 minutes, though you may need to wait a few business days for the account to be fully active.

How opening an account online differs from in-person

Online accounts skip the branch visit but add verification steps. You upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of showing originals. The bank's system scans these images and checks them against databases. Some banks also ask you to answer security questions about your past addresses or financial history—these are automated checks to confirm you are who you say you are.

A few banks require a video call where you hold up your ID to the camera and answer questions. This is more common for accounts that come with higher limits or special features. The video call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens when ready after you start the process.

Online accounts are usually active within one to three business days. You get a temporary debit card number you can use right away, and a physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days. Some banks let you set up transfers and bill pay before the physical card arrives.

What you need for a joint account

A joint account requires both account holders to provide their own ID, address proof, and Social Security number. Both people need to be present in the branch, or both need to complete the online process separately and verify their identity. The bank will ask how you want the account set up—whether both people can withdraw money independently, or whether both signatures are required for withdrawals.

Most joint accounts are set up so either person can withdraw without the other's permission. This is called "joint with survivorship" or "joint tenants with rights of survivorship." If one account holder dies, the account automatically passes to the surviving account holder. If you want a different arrangement—such as requiring both signatures for large withdrawals—tell the bank when you open the account, though not all banks offer this option.

Special situations: minors, non-citizens, and people without a Social Security number

A minor can open an account, but a parent or guardian must be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number. The account is usually in the minor's name with the parent listed as a custodian. The minor gets a debit card and can use the account independently, though the parent can see all transactions and set spending limits.

Non-citizens with a valid visa or passport can open an account. Banks accept foreign passports as ID. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number if you do not have one. You can get an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7. Some banks ask for this before opening the account; others will open the account and ask you to provide it later.

People without a Social Security number or ITIN can sometimes open an account at credit unions or community banks, though this is less common. Call ahead to ask whether the institution near you will work with you. You may need to provide additional documentation or a reference from someone who already banks there.

What banks do with the information you provide

Banks run your information through several databases when you open an account. They check ChexSystems, which is a banking history report similar to a credit report. If you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud, or other banking problems, ChexSystems will flag it. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will decline. You can request your ChexSystems report for free once a year at www.chexsystems.com.

Banks also check your Social Security number against the Social Security Administration to confirm it is valid and matches your name. They may run a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. They report your account opening to the IRS and to FinCEN (the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) as part of anti-money-laundering compliance.

None of this information is shared with third parties for marketing purposes. Banks keep it in your account file and use it to manage your account and comply with federal law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account without a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. Some credit unions and community banks will open an account without one if you provide additional documents like a passport, birth certificate, and proof of address. Call the bank directly to ask whether they offer this option.

What if I have been flagged in ChexSystems?

You can still open an account at many banks even with a ChexSystems flag. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues. Credit unions are often more flexible than national chains. Request your ChexSystems report to see what is listed, and bring documentation showing the issue has been resolved if possible.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open an account?

Physical debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Most banks give you a temporary card number you can use online or add to a digital wallet when ready. Some banks let you order a card from an ATM or branch the same day.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to open an account?

No. You only need to provide your Social Security number—you do not need to show the card itself. Bringing your Social Security card is actually not recommended for security reasons. A government photo ID is what banks need to see.

Can someone open an account on my behalf?

No. You must be present in person or complete the online process yourself. Banks cannot open accounts for someone else, even with a power of attorney, because they need to verify your identity directly.