The documents and information banks require

Most banks need four things to open a checking or savings account: a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (though some accounts have no minimum). The ID and address proof are non-negotiable. The Social Security number is required by federal law for tax reporting. The deposit amount varies—some banks ask for $25, others for $500 or more, and some have no minimum at all.

What counts as proof of address depends on the bank, but typically includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license covers both ID and address if it is current. If you do not have a driver's license, a passport works for ID, but you will still need a separate address document.

Banks pull your information into ChexSystems, a banking history database, to check whether you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other institutions. This is not a credit check—it does not affect your credit score. If you have a ChexSystems record, some banks will still open an account for you, but others will not. A few banks, often called second-chance banking programs, specialize in opening accounts for people with ChexSystems records.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number; most banks also require an opening deposit, though the amount varies widely.
  • Banks check ChexSystems, a database of banking history, not your credit score, so a past overdraft or closed account may affect whether you can open an account.
  • If you have a ChexSystems record, second-chance banking programs exist specifically to serve people in that situation.
  • The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or online, and your account can be active the same day.

What happens if you do not have a Social Security number

If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can still open a bank account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is issued by the IRS and serves the same tax-reporting purpose as a Social Security number for banking purposes. You will need to bring the ITIN documentation to the bank along with your ID and address proof.

Some banks make this straightforward; others require you to call ahead or visit a specific branch. If you do not yet have an ITIN, you can explore through the IRS, though the process takes several weeks. In the meantime, a few banks and credit unions will open accounts for non-citizens using a passport and ITIN process receipt, but this is less common.

Opening an account online versus in person

Online banks typically require the same documents but ask you to upload photos of your ID and address proof through their website or app. You will also need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history or by confirming recent transactions on accounts in your name. The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your account is usually active within hours.

In-person accounts at a branch take longer to complete but give you when ready access to a banker who can answer questions and help you set up online banking on the spot. You will hand over your documents, sign paperwork, and sometimes receive a debit card the same day. Some banks mail the debit card instead, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Online banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts because they have no physical branches. In-person banks offer the option to deposit cash and speak to someone directly, which matters if you do not have a debit card yet or prefer not to bank digitally.

Minimum deposit amounts and account types

The opening deposit varies by bank and account type. Many checking accounts have no minimum deposit at all—you can open the account with $1 or even $0. Savings accounts sometimes have a $25 or $100 minimum. Money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) often require $500 to $2,500 to open.

The deposit is your own money—it goes into your account when ready and is not a fee. If you close the account later, you get the deposit back. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck, which is a common incentive to encourage you to use the account actively.

ChexSystems records and second-chance accounts

ChexSystems is a private company that banks use to check your history. If you have unpaid overdrafts, wrote bad checks, or committed fraud at another bank, that information stays in ChexSystems for five years. When you explore for a new account, the bank queries ChexSystems. If a record appears, the bank may deny your process.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems record for free by visiting chexsystems.com and requesting a disclosure. If the record is wrong, you can dispute it. If the record is accurate but old, some banks will still open an account for you—it depends on the bank's policy.

Second-chance banking programs exist at credit unions and some regional banks specifically to serve people with ChexSystems records. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits on debit card transactions, but they allow you to rebuild your banking history. After 12 to 24 months of good standing, you can often move to a standard account at the same institution or switch to another bank.

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 under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account, which they control until you reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on the state and the bank).

Custodial accounts require the same documents from the parent—ID, address proof, and Social Security number—plus your Social Security number and birth certificate. Some banks allow the minor to have a debit card linked to the account; others do not. The parent can see all transactions and set spending limits.

What to bring and what to expect on the day

Bring your government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a document showing your current address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are opening an account in person, bring a checkbook or debit card process if you want one, though the bank can usually order these for you. Bring the amount you plan to deposit in cash, check, or be ready to transfer it from another account.

The banker will ask you to verify your information, explain the account features and fees, and have you sign documents. They will ask whether you want online banking and a debit card. Some banks offer a small cash bonus for opening an account—usually $50 to $200—if you meet conditions like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance for a set period. Ask whether the bank you are visiting has a current offer.

After you sign, your account is open. If you opened online, you can log in and start using your account when ready. If you opened in person, you may receive a temporary debit card or be told one will arrive by mail. You can transfer money into the account right away and set up bill pay or direct deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring the ITIN documentation, your passport or other government ID, and proof of address. Some banks process this routinely; others require you to call ahead or visit in person. If you do not yet have an ITIN, a few banks will accept an ITIN process receipt while you wait for the actual number.

What if I have been denied a bank account before?

Check your ChexSystems record at chexsystems.com to see why you were denied. If the record is wrong, dispute it. If it is accurate, look for a second-chance banking program at a credit union or regional bank—these are designed for people with ChexSystems records. After 12 to 24 months of good standing, you can move to a standard account elsewhere.

Do I need a credit card to open a bank account?

No. A bank account and a credit card are separate products. You do not need a credit card to open a checking or savings account, and the bank does not check your credit score. Banks check ChexSystems instead, which is a banking history database, not a credit report.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online accounts usually take 10 to 20 minutes, and you can use the account within hours. In-person accounts take 20 to 30 minutes, and your account is active when ready, though your debit card may arrive by mail in 7 to 10 days. Some banks offer a temporary card or digital wallet access on the same day.

Can I open an account with no money?

Many banks allow you to open a checking account with no minimum deposit. Savings accounts and money market accounts often require $25 to $500. If you cannot meet a minimum, look for banks that advertise no-minimum accounts, or ask whether the bank will waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.