What you need to bring and know before you start

Security Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number to open a savings account. The proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, so check with your local branch or the Security Bank website for the specific account you want.

You can open an account in person at any Security Bank branch, or online if you have a valid ID that can be verified digitally. The in-person route takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Online opening is faster but requires you to upload or photograph your documents, and Security Bank will contact you by phone to confirm your identity before the account is activated.

Know your Social Security number before you arrive or start the online process. If you do not have one, you cannot open the account — Security Bank is required by federal law to verify it. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to be the parent or legal guardian, and the child's Social Security number as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of address from the last 60 days, and your Social Security number to any Security Bank branch.
  • An initial deposit is required; the amount depends on which savings account type you choose, so confirm the minimum before you go.
  • In-person opening takes 15 to 20 minutes and the account is usually active the same day.
  • Online opening is faster but requires a phone call from Security Bank to verify your identity before the account works.
  • If you are opening an account for a child, you must be the parent or legal guardian and provide the child's Social Security number.

Opening an account in person at a Security Bank branch

Walk into any Security Bank branch during business hours with your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Tell the teller or the person at the desk that you want to open a savings account. They will direct you to the right person or give you a form to fill out.

The form asks for your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and Social Security number. It also asks how you want to be contacted about account updates and whether you want online banking set up. Answer honestly — the bank uses this information to verify your identity and set up your account correctly.

Once you have filled out the form, the bank employee will review it, confirm your ID matches the information you provided, and ask you to sign. They will then tell you the initial deposit amount and take your payment by cash, check, or debit card. Your account number and temporary debit card (if applicable) are usually given to you before you leave, though some branches mail the card separately.

Opening an account online

Go to the Security Bank website and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" section. Select the savings account type you want and click to start the online process. You will be asked to enter your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and Social Security number.

When prompted, upload or photograph both sides of your government ID and your proof of address. The photo must be clear enough to read — blurry or cut-off images will be rejected and you will have to resubmit. Security Bank's system will attempt to verify your documents automatically, but if it cannot, a person will review them manually.

After your documents are submitted, Security Bank will call you at the phone number you provided to confirm your identity. This call usually happens within one business day. During the call, they will ask you to verify information from your ID and may ask security questions. Once you pass this step, your account is activated and you can log in to online banking when ready. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Making your initial deposit

If you opened the account in person, you make the deposit right there at the branch. If you opened online, you will need to deposit money before the account is fully functional. Security Bank allows you to transfer money from another bank account, mail a check, or deposit cash at an ATM or branch once your account is activated.

The fastest way is a transfer from another bank account you own. You will need your routing number and account number from Security Bank, which you receive when the account opens. If you are transferring from another bank, use their online banking system to set up the transfer — it usually takes one to two business days to arrive.

If you prefer to mail a check, write it to Security Bank, include a note with your new account number, and mail it to the address Security Bank provides. Checks take 5 to 10 business days to clear. Depositing cash at a Security Bank ATM or branch is when ready, but you must do it in person.

Setting up online and mobile banking

Once your account is open, you can set up online banking to check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your computer or phone. If you opened in person, ask the employee to set it up before you leave, or do it yourself on the Security Bank website by entering your account number and creating a username and password.

If you opened online, online banking is usually already set up — you can log in using the username and password you created during the opening process. read the Security Bank mobile app from the App Store or Google Play to access your account from your phone. You will log in with the same username and password.

Set up account alerts if you want Security Bank to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs. These alerts help you catch fraud early and avoid overdrafts. You can turn alerts on or off anytime in your online banking settings.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready if you opened in person. If you opened online, it becomes active after the phone verification call. You can begin using your account right away — deposit money, set up transfers, and check your balance online.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you did not receive one in person. When it arrives, you will need to set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Security Bank app. Until you set up it, you cannot use it to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs outside Security Bank branches.

Review your account statements monthly, either online or by mail if you requested paper statements. Check for unauthorized transactions and report any errors to Security Bank within 60 days. Security Bank is required by law to investigate disputes, though the process can take up to 45 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Security Bank savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Federal law requires banks to verify your Social Security number before opening any account. If you do not have one, you cannot open a savings account at Security Bank or any other bank. You would need to obtain a Social Security number first through the Social Security Administration.

What if I do not have a government photo ID?

You will need one to open an account. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can obtain a state ID card through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Some branches may accept other forms of ID — call ahead to ask.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete and submit. After that, Security Bank reviews your documents, which can take a few hours to one business day. The phone verification call happens within one business day. Your account is active when ready after the call, so the total time is usually 24 to 48 hours from start to finish.

Can I open a joint savings account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or both must complete the online process separately. Each person needs their own ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Security Bank will ask how you want the account titled — usually "Person A and Person B" or "Person A or Person B" — which determines who can withdraw money without the other's permission.

What is the minimum initial deposit at Security Bank?

The minimum varies by account type and changes periodically. Check the Security Bank website or call your local branch to confirm the current minimum for the savings account you want to open. Some accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 to $100 or more.