The documents and information you'll bring

To open a savings account, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number (or ITIN if you don't have one). That's the core. Most banks also ask for your phone number and email, which they use to contact you and set up online access.

The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID — anything with your photo and signature. The address proof is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address on it. If you've moved recently and don't have a bill in your new name yet, some banks accept a lease or a piece of mail from a government agency.

You don't need to bring much money to open the account. Some banks ask for an opening deposit (often $25 to $100), but many have dropped this requirement entirely. A few banks still require a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees, but that's different from what you need to open it — you can meet that requirement after you've opened the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any bank branch.
  • Most banks no longer require an opening deposit, though some still ask for one between $25 and $100.
  • You can open an account online or in person, and online often takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready.
  • If you don't have a traditional address or photo ID, ask the bank about their options — many have programs for people in this situation.
  • Once your account is open, the bank will set up online and mobile access so you can check your balance and move money without visiting a branch.

Opening in person versus online

Opening in person at a bank branch means talking to someone who can answer questions on the spot and help you set up online access right there. You bring your documents, the banker verifies them, and you walk out with an account number and a debit card (though the card usually arrives by mail a few days later). This takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Opening online is faster — usually 10 to 15 minutes — and you can do it from home. You'll upload photos of your ID and address proof, answer questions about yourself, and create a username and password. The bank verifies your information electronically, and you get access to your account when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail within a week or two.

The trade-off is that online opening works best if you already have a bank account somewhere (because they may ask you to verify your identity by making small deposits to another account you control). If this is your first account, opening in person is often simpler because the banker can see your documents directly.

What happens if you don't have a photo ID

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you have options. Some banks accept a state ID card, tribal ID, or passport card. If you don't have any of these, call ahead to the branch you plan to visit — many banks have procedures for customers without traditional photo ID.

What they usually do is ask for additional documents instead: a birth certificate, Social Security card, and sometimes two pieces of mail showing your address. They may also ask you questions about your history to verify who you are. This takes longer than a standard opening, but it's a normal process that banks handle regularly.

If you're working toward getting a photo ID, some states offer ID cards specifically for people who can't get a driver's license. Your local DMV or state ID office can tell you what's available in your state.

What happens if you don't have a permanent address

Banks need an address for their records, but it doesn't have to be a home you own or rent. If you're staying with family or friends, you can use their address with their permission. If you're in a shelter or transitional housing, you can use that address. Some people use a PO box, though not all banks accept this as a primary address.

If you're unhoused and don't have access to any address, call the bank ahead of time. Some banks in areas with large unhoused populations have worked with nonprofits to create accounts using a shelter address, a nonprofit's address, or even a general delivery address at the post office. These arrangements vary by location and by bank, so asking directly is the fastest way to find out what's possible.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Banks ask for a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) because federal law requires them to verify your identity and report certain account activity to the IRS. If you have a Social Security number, bring it. If you don't have one but you're authorized to work in the US, you may have an ITIN, which works the same way for banking purposes.

If you don't have either, you have limited options. Some banks have accounts for people without an SSN or ITIN, but they're less common. Community banks and credit unions are more likely to offer them than large national banks. Call ahead and ask whether they have accounts for people without an SSN or ITIN — this is a specific question that gets a yes or no answer.

Fees and what to watch for

Before you open an account, ask about monthly maintenance fees. Many banks charge nothing. Others charge $5 to $15 per month but waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,000) or set up direct deposit. Some banks waive fees for students or seniors.

Ask also about overdraft fees — what happens if you spend more than you have in the account. Some banks charge $30 to $35 per overdraft. Others offer overdraft protection, which means they'll either decline the transaction or transfer money from another account you have with them. Knowing this ahead of time helps you avoid surprises.

The bank will give you a fee schedule in writing (or electronically) before you open the account. Read it or ask the banker to walk you through the parts that matter to you. This is normal and expected.

After your account opens

Once your account is open, the bank will set up online banking so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from a computer or phone. You'll get a debit card by mail, which you can use to withdraw cash from ATMs or pay for things in stores. Your first statements may come by mail or email, depending on what you choose.

If anything is unclear about how to use your account, go back to the branch or call the customer service number on your debit card. Banks expect new customers to have questions, and answering them is part of their job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a savings account if I'm under 18?

Yes, but usually with a parent or guardian. Most banks require a minor's account to have an adult co-owner who is responsible for it. Some banks have teen accounts designed for this. A few banks let you open an account at 16 or 17 without a co-owner, so ask your bank directly.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Banks need to see the original documents to verify they're real. If you're opening online, you'll upload photos of the documents, which is fine. In person, bring the originals — the banker will look at them and hand them back to you.

What if I don't have a current utility bill for my address proof?

A lease, mortgage statement, or recent mail from a government agency works too. If you've just moved and nothing is in your new name yet, ask the bank what they accept — some take a signed lease or a letter from your landlord confirming your address.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Usually 7 to 10 business days by mail. You can use your account online or at ATMs before the card arrives. If you need cash when ready, you can withdraw it at the branch where you opened the account.

Can I open more than one savings account?

Yes. Some people open multiple accounts to separate money for different goals — one for emergencies, one for a specific purchase. There's no limit, though each account may have its own fees and minimum balance requirements.