What you need to bring to open a bank account
To open a bank account, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID and proof that you live at your current address. The photo ID is almost always a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, the bank will accept a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or government mail with your name and current address on it — usually from the last 60 days.
Some banks also ask for a second form of ID without a photo, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate. A few banks may ask for your Social Security number before you arrive, so calling ahead or checking their website can save you a trip back home. If you don't have a Social Security number yet, some banks have accounts for people without one, though the rules vary by bank and state.
If you are opening an account for someone else — such as a parent opening an account for a minor child — you will need to bring the child's birth certificate and your own ID as the account holder. Joint accounts (accounts with two owners) require both people to be present with their own IDs, though some banks allow one person to open the account and add the second person later.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID and a recent bill or lease showing your current address to any bank branch.
- You will need your Social Security number, though some banks have options for people without one.
- The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, and the account opens the same day.
- Online banks often let you open an account from home using a photo of your ID and a video call, though funding the account may take a few extra days.
- If you have had banking problems in the past, some banks will still work with you, but you may need to use a second-chance checking account.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of the bank you choose with your ID and proof of address. Tell the person at the desk or the teller that you want to open a checking or savings account — they will direct you to the right person. That person will ask you questions about what type of account you want, how you plan to use it, and whether you want online banking access.
They will then enter your information into their computer, show you the account agreement (a document that explains the bank's rules for that account), and ask you to sign it. You will choose a PIN (a four-digit number you use at ATMs) and set up online banking if you want it. The account opens when ready, and you can usually start using it the same day, though some banks wait until the next business day to set up the debit card.
Bring a checkbook or deposit slip if you have one, but the bank will provide these if you don't. If you want to put money in the account right away, you can do that before you leave — the teller will take a cash deposit or a check and give you a receipt.
Opening an account online
Many banks let you open an account from home using their website or app. You will upload a photo of your ID (usually by taking a picture with your phone), enter your personal information, and sometimes have a short video call with someone at the bank to confirm your identity. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes.
After you finish, the bank will tell you how to fund the account — usually by transferring money from another bank account you already have, or by mailing a check. Some online banks let you deposit checks by taking a photo of them with your phone. The account opens right away, but you may not be able to use it until the money arrives, which can take one to three business days.
Online banks often have lower fees than branch banks because they don't have physical locations to maintain. However, you cannot walk into a branch to ask questions or deposit cash in person. If you need face-to-face help, a traditional bank with branches may be a better fit.
What happens after you open the account
The bank will mail you a debit card within one to two weeks. This card lets you withdraw money from ATMs and pay for things in stores without writing a check. You will also get online banking access, which lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from a computer or phone.
Some banks send you checks as well, though you have to order them separately and they may cost a small fee. Many people now use their debit card or online transfers instead of checks, so you may not need them right away.
The bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and other information you may need. Keep this somewhere safe. Your account number is what you give to an employer for direct deposit, and your routing number is what you need if someone wants to send you money electronically.
If you have had banking problems before
If you have closed accounts with unpaid fees, bounced checks, or fraud issues, some banks will turn you down. However, many banks offer second-chance checking accounts specifically for people in this situation. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits on how much you can spend, but they let you rebuild your banking history.
Before you go to a bank, you can ask on the phone whether they offer second-chance accounts and what the requirements are. Some banks check a system called ChexSystems, which tracks banking problems — you can request a copy of your ChexSystems report online to see what information is there. If there is an error, you can dispute it.
Credit unions (member-owned financial institutions similar to banks) are sometimes more flexible with people who have had problems. If a traditional bank turns you down, calling a local credit union is worth trying.
Choosing between checking and savings
A checking account is for money you use regularly — paying bills, getting your paycheck, buying groceries. You can write checks, use a debit card, and set up automatic payments. Most checking accounts come with a debit card and online banking.
A savings account is for money you want to keep and not touch often. Savings accounts earn interest (a small amount of money the bank pays you for letting them use your money). You cannot write checks from a savings account, and you have limits on how many times per month you can withdraw money — usually six times.
Many people open both at the same time. You use the checking account for everyday spending and the savings account to build up emergency money. Some banks let you link them so you can transfer money between them easily.
What to expect the first time you use your account
When you get your debit card, test it at an ATM before you rely on it for important purchases. Make sure you know your PIN and that the card works. If it does not work, call the bank's customer service number on the back of the card right away.
Set up online banking as soon as you can so you can check your balance and watch for fraud. If you see a charge you did not make, report it to the bank when ready — most banks have fraud protection that limits what you owe if someone uses your card without permission.
If your employer offers direct deposit, give them your account number and routing number so your paycheck goes straight into your account instead of you having to deposit a check. This is faster and safer than carrying a check around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?
Most banks require one, but some have accounts for people without a Social Security number — you may need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Call ahead to ask, because this varies by bank and by state.
Can I open an account if I don't have a permanent address?
Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a friend's address as long as you can show you receive mail there. Call the bank and explain your situation — they may have options you don't know about.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person, usually 15 to 30 minutes. Online, usually 10 to 20 minutes. The account opens right away, but your debit card arrives by mail in one to two weeks, and transfers from other banks take one to three business days.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
Most banks require one, but some will accept a combination of other documents like a birth certificate, utility bill, and passport card. Call ahead and ask what they will take — requirements vary.
Can I open a joint account with someone who is not related to me?
Yes. Both people need to be present with their own IDs, or one person can open the account and add the other person later. Both owners have full access to the money and can withdraw it all, so only do this with someone you trust completely.