What you need before you walk in or click explore

Most banks will ask for two things: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. A driver's license or passport covers identity. For address, a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement works. Some banks also ask for a Social Security number or tax ID, though a few will open accounts without one if you bring an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.

Have these documents ready before you contact a bank. If you are opening an account online, you will upload photos of them. If you are going in person, bring the originals. Banks vary on what they accept, so if you are unsure whether your documents will work, call the bank's customer service line first—it takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.

You will also need to decide what type of account you want: checking, savings, or both. Checking accounts let you write checks and use a debit card. Savings accounts earn interest but usually limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. Most people open both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued ID and proof of address; a driver's license and recent utility bill are the most common documents banks accept.
  • Banks can open accounts in person at a branch or online through their website, and the process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour depending on the method.
  • You will choose between checking, savings, or both; checking accounts come with a debit card and let you write checks, while savings accounts earn interest.
  • Some banks charge monthly fees, while others waive fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit; compare fee structures before you choose.
  • Your account is usually active the same day or within one business day, though some online banks take up to five business days to fully process.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you have chosen and tell the teller or greeter you want to open a new account. They will direct you to a banker or account specialist, who will sit with you and walk through the process. Bring your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number or ITIN. The banker will ask basic questions: your name, date of birth, employment status, and how you plan to use the account.

The banker will then show you the account options the bank offers—different checking and savings products with different fees and features. Ask about monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and whether the bank waives fees for direct deposit or maintaining a certain balance. Write down the fee structure for each option before you decide, because switching later costs time.

Once you choose, the banker will have you sign documents and set up your initial deposit. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another account if you have one. Your account is usually active the same day. The banker will give you a temporary debit card or tell you when your permanent one will arrive in the mail—usually five to seven business days.

Opening an account online

Most banks now let you open an account entirely on their website. Go to the bank's homepage, find the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" section, and click it. The bank will ask you to enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. You will then upload photos of your ID and proof of address using your phone or computer camera.

The bank's system will verify your documents automatically or send them to a person who reviews them within one business day. Once approved, you will choose your account type and set an initial deposit. Most online banks let you transfer money from another account, deposit a check by taking a photo of it, or wire money in. Some require a minimum opening deposit—usually $25 to $100—while others do not.

Online accounts are usually active within one to five business days. You will receive a temporary debit card number when ready that you can use online, and your physical card will arrive in the mail within seven to ten business days. Some online banks are branches of larger institutions (like Ally, which is owned by Ally Financial), while others are entirely digital with no physical branches.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is active, the bank will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and initial debit card. Save these numbers—you will need the account and routing numbers to set up direct deposit at work or to receive wire transfers. The debit card works when ready at ATMs and stores, though some banks put a temporary hold on large purchases while they verify your identity.

Log into your online banking portal or read the bank's mobile app to see your balance, transfer money between your accounts, and pay bills. Most banks let you set up bill pay for free, which means you can pay any company or person directly from your account without writing a check. You can also set up alerts so the bank texts or emails you if your balance drops below a certain amount or if a large transaction occurs.

If you opened the account online and have questions, contact the bank's customer service through the app, website, or phone number on your debit card. Most banks offer customer service seven days a week, though wait times are usually shorter on weekday mornings.

Comparing banks before you choose

Different banks charge different fees and offer different features. Before you open an account, spend 15 minutes comparing at least two or three banks using their websites. Look at these specifics: monthly maintenance fee (or whether it is waived for direct deposit or a minimum balance), overdraft fees (what the bank charges if you spend more than you have), ATM fees (whether you can use other banks' ATMs for free), and whether the savings account earns interest.

If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will still open accounts with an ITIN or passport. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer accounts to ITIN holders, though requirements vary by state. If you have had banking problems in the past—like unpaid overdrafts or fraud—some banks will check ChexSystems, a banking history database, before opening your account. If you are denied, you can request your ChexSystems report for free and dispute errors.

Credit unions are another option. They are member-owned institutions that often charge lower fees than big banks and may be more flexible about documentation. To join a credit union, you usually need to live or work in a certain area or belong to a certain group. You can search for credit unions near you at CO-OP.org or Alliant Credit Union's locator tool.

If your process is denied

Banks can deny a new account for a few reasons: a ChexSystems report showing unpaid overdrafts or fraud, a Social Security number mismatch, or an address that does not verify. If you are denied, ask the bank why. They are required to tell you the reason and give you contact information for ChexSystems if that was the issue.

If the problem is a ChexSystems report, you can dispute it for free by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website. You have the right to see your report and correct errors. If the problem is a Social Security number mismatch, bring your Social Security card to a branch and ask them to correct it in their system, then reapply.

If you are denied by multiple banks, a second-chance checking account may work for you. These accounts are designed for people with banking history problems and usually come with higher fees but no ChexSystems check. Banks like Chime, LendingClub, and some local credit unions offer them. You can also try a credit union in your area, as they sometimes have more flexible approval standards than national banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a bank account?

In person, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. Online, it takes 10 to 15 minutes to enter your information and upload documents, but the bank may take one to five business days to verify everything and set up your account. Some online banks set up accounts the same day.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most big banks do not require a minimum opening deposit, though some online banks ask for $25 to $100. Check the bank's website before you start the process. If you do not have money to deposit, ask the banker or look for banks that waive the opening deposit requirement.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Some banks will open accounts with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer this option, though requirements vary by state. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they accept ITINs before you go in or explore online.

Can I open an account if I have had banking problems before?

It depends on what the problem was. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud on your ChexSystems report, some banks will deny you. Others, like credit unions or second-chance checking programs, may still open an account. Ask the bank whether they check ChexSystems before you explore.

When can I start using my debit card?

If you open an account in person, you usually get a temporary card or card number the same day. If you open online, you get a temporary card number when ready that works for online purchases, and your physical card arrives in seven to ten business days. Some banks put a hold on large purchases while they verify your identity.