The basic requirements to open an account

Most banks will open an account for you if you have a government-issued ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a current address. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. You do not need a credit history or a job. The bank's job at this stage is to verify who you are and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules — not to judge whether you are a good financial risk.

The specific documents vary slightly by bank and by account type. A checking account usually requires less documentation than a savings account. Some banks ask for two forms of ID; others ask for one. A few will open an account online with just your ID number and a video call. The point is: the barrier is lower than most people think, and it exists for compliance reasons, not because banks want to exclude you.

If you do not have a government ID yet, you can get one. A state ID card costs money and takes time, but it is the standard document banks ask for. A passport works too. Some banks will accept a tribal ID or a consular ID from your home country. Call the bank first and ask what they take — do not assume they will turn you away.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a current address to open most bank accounts.
  • You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, have a job, or have a credit history.
  • Banks that specialize in serving people without traditional documents — like immigrant-focused banks or credit unions — may have different requirements and can be worth calling first.
  • If you do not have an ID yet, a state ID card or passport is the fastest route, though some banks accept other forms like tribal IDs or consular documents.
  • Online banks often have simpler document requirements than brick-and-mortar branches, though they may not work if you need cash deposits or in-person help.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You explore for one by filing a tax return with Form W-7. It takes several weeks to arrive.

Some banks will open an account with just an ITIN. Others require both an ITIN and a state ID or passport. A few will not accept an ITIN at all and will ask you to come back once you have a Social Security number. This varies widely, so call ahead. Credit unions are often more flexible on this point than large national banks.

If you cannot get an ITIN yet and do not have a Social Security number, some banks offer second-chance accounts or accounts designed for people without traditional documentation. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they exist. Again, calling first saves you a trip.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

You must be at least 18 years old to open an account in your own name. If you are younger, a parent or legal guardian can open a custodial account — an account in your name that they control until you reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state and the bank).

Custodial accounts work differently at different banks. Some let the minor see the balance and make deposits but not withdrawals. Others give the parent complete control. Some automatically transfer the account to the minor's full control on a set date; others require a separate step. Ask the bank what happens when you turn 18 or 21 — you do not want to discover the answer by accident.

A few banks will let a minor open a teen account without a parent present, though a parent usually has to authorize it. These accounts often have lower limits on daily spending or transfers. If you are a minor looking to open an account, ask whether the bank offers a teen account or whether you need a parent to come in.

Non-citizens and people without a permanent address

Banks are required to verify your address as part of federal compliance rules. They usually accept a current utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you do not have any of those, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, a government agency, or a social service organization confirming your address. A few will accept a P.O. box, though this is less common.

If you are living in a shelter or transitional housing, bring documentation from that facility. If you are unhoused, some banks have programs specifically for people without a permanent address — they may accept a shelter address or a care-of address. Call ahead and explain your situation. Banks have seen this before, and many have a process for it.

Non-citizens can open accounts. You do not need to be a permanent resident or have a visa. You need an ID (passport, consular ID, or state ID), a Social Security number or ITIN, and an address. Some banks ask additional questions about immigration status, but this is usually for compliance purposes, not to deny you service. If one bank turns you away, another will not.

People with a history of overdrafts or closed accounts

Banks check a system called ChexSystems when you explore for an account. ChexSystems is a database of banking history — closed accounts, overdrafts, fraud reports, and other incidents. If you appear in ChexSystems with a negative history, some banks will deny you. Others will not.

Large national banks are more likely to use ChexSystems and to deny you based on it. Credit unions, online banks, and smaller regional banks often do not check it at all, or they check it but do not use it as a hard rule. If you have been denied before, try a different type of bank. You have options.

You can request your own ChexSystems report for free once a year at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it. If the information is correct but old, some banks will still open an account for you — they just want to know you are aware of the history. Being honest about it upfront is usually better than hoping they do not find out.

Incarcerated people and people with criminal records

If you are incarcerated, you can usually open an account through the prison's banking system or through a bank that works with correctional facilities. The process is different from opening an account on the outside — you will work through the prison's commissary or financial services office, not by walking into a branch. Ask your facility what banks they work with.

If you have a criminal record, banks do not have a legal right to deny you an account based on conviction alone. However, they do run background checks, and they may deny you if they believe you pose a financial crime risk. This is a judgment call, and it varies by bank. If you are denied, ask why. If the reason is your record, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I do not have a job?

Yes. Banks do not require proof of income or employment to open an account. They ask for ID, an address, and a Social Security number or ITIN. Employment status does not come into it. If a bank asks about your job, they are usually just making conversation, not deciding whether to let you open the account.

What if I was denied an account before?

Ask the bank why. If it was because of ChexSystems, you can check your report and dispute errors. If it was because you did not have the right documents, bring different documents next time. If one bank denies you, try another — credit unions and online banks often have different standards than large national banks.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account, though some do. Online banks almost never do. If a bank requires a minimum, they will tell you upfront. If cost is a concern, look for banks with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement — they exist, and they are common.

Can someone else open an account for me if I cannot go to the bank?

Not usually. You have to be present and sign documents yourself. However, many banks now let you open an account entirely online — you upload your ID, verify your address, and sign electronically. This works from home and takes about 15 minutes. If you cannot leave your house, online banking is your best option.

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks will accept an expired ID as long as it is not too old and the photo is still recognizable. Call the bank first and ask. Some banks are strict about expiration dates; others are not. If your ID is expired, renewing it is usually faster and cheaper than trying to find a bank that will accept it as-is.