What you need before you walk in

Banks require two things before they will open an account: proof of who you are, and proof of where you live. You do not need to have money saved already, and you do not need a job. You do need a government-issued ID and a recent document showing your current address.

A government-issued ID is a photo ID issued by a federal, state, or local government. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you do not have one of these, you can get a state ID card from your local Department of Motor Vehicles — you do not need a driver's license to get one.

For proof of address, bring a recent document with your name and current street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water), lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work. The document usually needs to be from the last 30 to 60 days, though this varies by bank. If you do not have a document in your name, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or trusted person who can confirm your address.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID and a recent document showing your current address before any bank will open an account.
  • Banks run a background check called ChexSystems that looks at your banking history with other banks, not your credit score or criminal record.
  • The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, or you can start online and finish in the branch if the bank requires it.
  • If you have been denied before, ask the bank which specific reason blocked you — some reasons can be fixed, and some banks have second-chance accounts.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walking into a branch with your ID and address proof is the most straightforward route. Find a branch near you on the bank's website, go during business hours, and tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask you questions to fill out an process form — some banks still use paper, others use a tablet or computer at the desk.

The bank will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. They will also ask about your employment and income, though you can say "none" or "self-employed" if either is true. Be honest — the bank is not checking whether you are employed, only whether you are who you say you are.

Once the form is complete, the bank runs a check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This is not a credit check and does not look at your credit score. ChexSystems records things like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank. The check usually takes a few minutes. If it clears, you will have an account number and a debit card within the same visit or within a few days by mail.

Opening an account online

Many banks let you start the process on their website or mobile app. You upload a photo of your ID and a photo of your address proof, then answer the same questions you would answer in person. The bank runs the ChexSystems check while you wait, usually within minutes.

Some online banks finish the entire process without ever meeting you in person. Others require you to visit a branch or use an ATM to verify your identity before the account is fully active. Check the bank's website to see whether they require an in-person step — if they do, you can do it anytime after you start the online process.

Online banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts than traditional banks, but they have no physical branches. If you prefer to talk to someone in person or deposit cash, a traditional bank or credit union may suit you better.

What happens if the bank says no

If ChexSystems shows a problem, the bank will tell you why they cannot open an account. The most common reasons are an unpaid overdraft, a closed account with a negative balance, or fraud. Ask the bank for the specific reason — they are required to tell you.

Some problems can be fixed. If you owe money from an old overdraft, you can pay it and ask the bank to reopen your process. If the record is wrong, you can dispute it with ChexSystems directly — they have a process for correcting errors. If you were denied because of fraud you did not commit, you can file a police report and show it to the bank.

If you cannot fix the reason you were denied, look for a second-chance checking account. These are accounts designed for people with banking problems in their history. They usually have higher fees and lower spending limits, but they let you rebuild your banking record. Credit unions often have second-chance accounts, and some traditional banks do too.

Choosing between checking and savings

Most people open a checking account first. This is the account you use for everyday spending — you get a debit card, you can write checks, and you can set up automatic bill payments. Checking accounts usually have no interest, meaning the bank does not pay you to keep money there.

A savings account is separate and earns interest — the bank pays you a small percentage of your balance each month. You can open both at the same time, or open a checking account now and add a savings account later. Many people use checking for bills and daily spending, and savings for money they want to keep and grow.

Some banks require a minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee. Ask about this before you open the account. If you are starting with very little money, look for a bank with no minimum balance requirement.

After your account opens

Once your account is open, the bank will give you a debit card, usually within a few days. You can use this card to withdraw cash from ATMs and to pay for things in stores. The bank will also give you online banking access — a username and password that let you check your balance, transfer money, and set up bill payments from your computer or phone.

Set up a login password that is strong — use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and do not use your birthday or name. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager app. Never share your password with anyone, including bank employees.

If your bank offers it, turn on overdraft protection or link a savings account to your checking account. This prevents your debit card from being declined if you spend more than you have. Without it, a single mistake can cost you overdraft fees. Ask your bank what options they offer.

Banks, credit unions, and online banks: what is the difference

A bank is a for-profit company that takes deposits and makes loans. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase are banks. They have many branches, charge various fees, and usually pay low interest on savings.

A credit union is a nonprofit organization owned by its members — the people who have accounts there. Credit unions usually have lower fees, higher interest on savings, and friendlier terms for people rebuilding credit. You must live or work in a certain area or belong to a certain group to join. Search "credit unions near me" to find one you can join.

An online bank has no physical branches — you do everything on a website or app. Online banks usually have the lowest fees and highest interest rates because they have fewer costs. But you cannot deposit cash or talk to someone in person. Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover are online banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a bank account?

Most banks require a Social Security number. If you do not have one, ask the bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks do, though it varies by location and bank.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

If you are staying at a shelter, some banks will accept a letter from the shelter as proof of address. If you are living in your car or on the street, ask the bank directly — policies vary. A credit union or community bank is often more flexible than a large national bank.

Can I open an account if I have been in trouble with the law?

ChexSystems does not check criminal history. Banks care about banking history — unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts with negative balances. A criminal record will not stop you from opening an account, but banking problems will.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most banks let you open an account with zero dollars. Some require a small opening deposit, usually $25 to $100. Check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm. You can deposit money after the account opens if you do not have it ready.

What if I want to add someone else to my account later?

You can add an authorized user or joint owner after the account opens. Go to the branch with the other person and their ID, or call the bank to ask about doing it by phone or online. The rules and fees vary by bank.