What you need before you walk in

Most banks will open a checking account for you in one visit if you bring the right documents. You need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks also ask to see a second form of ID or a utility bill to confirm where you live.

If you don't have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account with an ITIN, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but aren't citizens. A few banks will open accounts without either one, but they're less common — call ahead if this is your situation.

Bring a small amount of money to deposit. Most banks require an opening deposit, though the amount varies widely — some ask for $25, others for $100 or more. A few banks have no minimum, but they're the exception. Check the bank's website or call before you go so you know what to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open an account in most banks.
  • The process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, and your account is usually ready to use the same day.
  • Different banks have different minimum opening deposits, so call or check online first to know what amount to bring.
  • You can open an account online with some banks, but you'll still need to verify your identity, usually by uploading photos of your documents or visiting a branch.
  • Once your account is open, the bank will give you a debit card and checks, though the card usually arrives within a week and checks take longer.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you've chosen during business hours. Tell the person at the desk or the teller that you want to open a checking account. They'll take you to a desk, usually in a quiet area, where you can talk without the whole lobby hearing your information.

The banker will ask you questions about yourself — your name, address, phone number, date of birth, and employment. They'll look at your ID and write down the number. They'll ask how much you want to deposit to open the account. Hand over your documents and your money, and they'll enter everything into the computer.

You'll be asked to sign some papers. These papers explain the bank's rules for the account — what fees they charge, what happens if you overdraw, and how they handle disputes. Read them or ask questions if something is unclear. The banker can explain anything that doesn't make sense.

Once you sign, your account exists. The banker will give you a temporary debit card (sometimes called a "starter card") that you can use right away, or they'll order one to your address. You'll also get a book of checks or the option to order checks online. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Opening an account online

Many banks let you start the process on their website without visiting a branch. You'll fill in your name, address, phone number, and Social Security number or ITIN on a form. You'll choose a username and password for online banking. You'll pick how much to deposit and how you want to fund it — usually by transferring money from another bank account you already have.

The bank will then ask you to prove who you are. Some banks do this by sending a code to your phone or email that you type back in. Others ask you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address — take clear pictures of both sides of your ID and a recent utility bill or lease. A few banks use video calls where you show your ID to a person on a screen.

Once the bank confirms your identity, your account opens and you can use it right away. Your debit card will arrive by mail within a week or two. If you need to deposit cash, you'll have to visit a branch or use an ATM that belongs to the bank's network.

What happens after you open the account

Your checking account is active as soon as the banker or the computer confirms it. You can use your debit card to buy things or withdraw cash from ATMs. You can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into the account. You can pay bills online through the bank's website or app.

Your debit card usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Checks take longer — usually 7 to 14 days — because they're printed with your name and account number. If you need checks sooner, some banks can print them faster for a small fee, or you can order them from a third-party printer.

The bank will send you a welcome packet with information about your account number, routing number, and how to use online banking. Your account number and routing number are what you need if someone wants to send you money directly to your account, or if you want to set up automatic payments.

Banks that work with people new to banking

If you've never had a bank account before, or if you had problems with a bank in the past, some banks are easier to work with than others. Community banks and credit unions often have staff who are used to helping people open their first account and can answer questions without rushing you. They may also have lower fees and lower minimum deposits than large national banks.

Second-chance banking programs exist at some banks specifically for people who had accounts closed or had trouble in the past. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits on how much you can spend, but they let you rebuild a banking history. Ask the bank directly whether they offer a second-chance program.

Some banks also offer accounts designed for people who don't have a traditional address or don't have a Social Security number yet. If you're in either situation, call a few banks in your area and ask what they can do for you.

Fees and costs to watch for

Most checking accounts are free to open and free to use, but some banks charge a monthly fee. This fee might be waived if you keep a certain amount of money in the account, or if you set up direct deposit. Ask the banker what the monthly fee is, if any, and what you need to do to avoid it.

Overdraft fees happen when you spend more money than you have in the account. The bank covers the purchase and then charges you a fee — usually $30 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks let you turn off overdraft protection so purchases are declined instead of charged a fee. Ask about this when you open the account.

ATM fees explore if you use an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank's network. Your bank's ATMs are free, but using another bank's ATM might cost $2 to $3. Many banks reimburse these fees if you use their ATM network, so ask what ATMs are free for you to use.

If you're turned down

Banks sometimes say no to opening an account. The most common reason is that you appear in ChexSystems, a database that banks use to check whether you've had problems with accounts in the past — like bouncing many checks or closing an account with a negative balance. You can ask the bank why you were turned down, and you have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free once a year at www.chexsystems.com.

If ChexSystems is the problem, you can dispute incorrect information or wait for old problems to age out of the system. In the meantime, some banks and credit unions will still open accounts for people in ChexSystems, especially if you explain what happened and show that you've been responsible since then.

If you were turned down for a different reason — like not having an ID or proof of address — ask what documents the bank will accept. Different banks have different rules, and another bank in your area might be able to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to open a checking account?

Most banks require you to be at least 18 years old. If you're younger, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian, or some banks offer teen accounts where a parent has some control. Ask your bank what options they have for minors.

Can I open an account if I don't have a permanent address?

Some banks will accept a temporary address, a shelter address, or a PO box. Call ahead and explain your situation — banks have different rules, and one may work with you when another won't. Community banks and credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks.

What's the difference between a checking account and a savings account?

A checking account is for money you use regularly — you get a debit card and checks to spend it. A savings account is for money you want to keep and earn interest on. Many people have both: they use checking for everyday expenses and savings for emergencies or goals.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance in my account?

Some banks require a minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee, but many don't. The minimum varies — it might be $500, $1,000, or nothing at all. Check the bank's fee schedule before you open the account so you know what's expected.

What if I lose my debit card or think someone used my account without permission?

Call your bank right away — the number is on the back of your card or on your statement. The bank can freeze your card so it can't be used, and they can investigate unauthorized charges. Federal law limits your liability, but you have to report the problem quickly.