You need an ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number

To open a savings account, banks and credit unions ask for three things: a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport), proof that you live where you say you do, and your Social Security number. Some banks will also ask for your phone number and email. That is the core of what every institution needs. The reason they ask is legal — federal law requires them to verify who you are before they let you deposit money.

If you do not have all three of these yet, you have options. Some banks will work with you on a path forward, and some credit unions have programs specifically for people building their first account. The rest of this guide walks through what each document is, what counts as proof of address, and what to do if you are missing one.

Key Takeaways

  • Every bank needs a government ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number before opening an account.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement in your name — it just has to show your current street address and be recent (usually within the last 60 days).
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at some banks and credit unions.
  • If you lack an ID, some credit unions and community banks will open accounts using alternative documents like a passport, consulate ID, or school ID plus additional proof.
  • Bringing more documents than required does not hurt — it can actually speed up the process if your first choice does not work.

Government-issued ID: what counts and what does not

A government-issued ID is a document that a state or federal agency created to prove who you are. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common. A U.S. passport works. A passport card works. Some banks will also accept a consulate ID (an ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.) or a Tribal ID if you are a member of a federally recognized tribe.

What does not count: a school ID, a work badge, a library card, or a photo ID you made yourself. These are not issued by a government body, so banks cannot use them as your primary ID. However, if you bring one of these along with other documents (like a passport or consulate ID), some banks and credit unions will work with you. The key is that at least one document has to come from a government office.

If you do not have a driver's license or passport yet, you can get one. A state ID card costs money and takes time — usually a few weeks — but it is simpler than a driver's license if you do not drive. A passport takes longer (several weeks to several months depending on how you explore) but works at every bank. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a consulate ID from your country's embassy or consulate is often faster and costs less.

Proof of address: documents that show where you live

Banks need proof that you actually live at the address you give them. This is not about ownership — you do not have to own your home. A lease, a utility bill, or a bank statement all work, as long as your name and current street address are on the document and it is recent (usually dated within the last 60 days).

Common documents that work: an electric, gas, water, or internet bill in your name; a lease or rental agreement; a mortgage statement; a bank or credit card statement; a car insurance or renters insurance policy; a property tax bill; or a government letter addressed to you at that address. The document does not have to be fancy — a utility bill is the most straightforward choice because it is free and you probably have one already.

What does not work: a piece of mail with just your name and no address, a receipt from a store, a phone bill that only shows a phone number, or a document with someone else's name on it. If you live with family or roommates and the utilities are in their name, ask them for a letter on their letterhead saying you live there, or ask the utility company for a bill that shows both names. Some banks will accept this; others will not, so call ahead.

Your Social Security number or ITIN

Your Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number the federal government assigns to you for tax and work purposes. If you have one, bring it. Banks use it to check your banking history and to report interest you earn to the IRS.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number — this includes some immigrants and visa holders. Some banks and credit unions will open accounts using an ITIN instead of an SSN. Not all do, so if you have an ITIN, call ahead and ask whether the bank accepts it. Credit unions are often more flexible on this than large national banks.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, you have a harder path but not an impossible one. Some community banks and credit unions will open accounts for people without either, though they may ask for extra documents or put limits on what you can do with the account at first. This is worth asking about directly — do not assume you cannot open an account until you have called and asked.

Information you will provide by memory or on a form

Beyond the documents you bring, the bank will ask you to provide some information on a form or through their website. You will need your phone number, email address, and date of birth. You may also be asked about your employment (whether you work, and if so, where) and your income. These questions are part of federal anti-money-laundering rules — banks have to know roughly who their customers are and where money is coming from.

You do not have to have a job to open a savings account. If you are unemployed, retired, a student, or supported by family, you can say that. If you receive benefits, that counts as income. The bank is not judging you — they just need to fill out their form. Be honest, because lying on these forms can cause problems later.

What to bring when you go in person

If you are opening an account at a physical branch, bring the original documents, not copies. Bring your government ID, your proof of address, and write down your Social Security number or ITIN (or bring the card if you have it). Bring your phone number and email address written down if you are worried you will forget them. Bring more documents than you think you need — if your lease is not dated clearly enough, having a utility bill as backup saves you a trip.

Some banks let you open an account online instead. If you go this route, you will upload photos of your documents through their website or app. Make sure the photos are clear, show the whole document, and include both sides if there is text on the back. If the bank cannot read your document, they will ask you to resubmit it, which slows things down.

If you are missing a required document

If you do not have a government ID yet, start there. Getting a state ID card or passport takes time, but it is the document most banks will not work around. While you wait, you can research which banks or credit unions in your area will work with alternative documents — some will, especially if you bring multiple other proofs of who you are.

If your proof of address is old or in someone else's name, ask that person for a letter on their letterhead confirming you live there, or call your utility company and ask them to issue a bill in both names. If you have just moved and do not have a new utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement works just as well.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, call credit unions in your area first — they are often more willing to work with people on this than national banks are. Ask specifically whether they will open an account with an ITIN, a passport number, or just a government ID and proof of address. Some will; some will not. It is worth asking before you make the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a savings account online without going to a branch?

Yes. Many banks let you open an account entirely online by uploading photos of your ID and proof of address through their website or app. You will still need all three core documents (ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN), but you do not have to visit a branch. The process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

What if my ID is expired?

An expired ID is still a government-issued ID, and most banks will accept it. The bank is checking that the ID is real and that the photo looks like you — an expiration date does not change that. If a bank refuses an expired ID, ask to speak to a manager, or try a different bank or credit union.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card itself, or just the number?

Just the number. You do not need to bring the physical card. Write the number down or memorize it. If you do bring the card, keep it safe — do not leave it in the bank or hand it to someone to photocopy. The bank only needs the nine-digit number.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You have to be present and sign documents yourself. A parent can help a minor open an account, and a legal guardian can help someone who cannot sign on their own, but the account holder themselves has to be there. This is a legal requirement, not a bank choice.

What happens if I bring documents but the bank says they are not good enough?

Ask what is wrong with them. If your proof of address is too old, get a newer one. If your ID is not clear enough in the photo, take a better photo. If the bank will not budge, try a different bank or credit union — different institutions have different rules, and what one rejects another may accept.