What you need before you walk in

Most banks will open an account for you in one visit if you bring a government-issued ID, a proof of address, and money to deposit. The ID needs to be current and have your photo on it — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you don't have one, some banks will accept a combination of documents instead, though this varies by bank and by state.

Proof of address means something dated within the last 60 days with your name and current street address on it. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement will do. A cell phone bill counts at some banks but not others — call ahead if that's all you have. If you're homeless or living with someone else, some banks have workarounds; ask whether they accept a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a person who can vouch for your address.

The deposit amount varies. Some banks have no minimum. Others require $25 to $100 to open a checking account and may require more for savings. A few banks that market themselves to people with thin credit histories or no credit history often have no minimum deposit at all. If you're short on cash, call the bank's customer service line and ask what the actual minimum is for the account type you want — the website sometimes lists a higher number than what they'll actually accept.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address dated within 60 days, and a deposit amount that varies by bank but is often $25 to $100.
  • The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, and your account is active the same day or the next business day.
  • Online banks can open accounts entirely by video call or upload, though they may take longer to verify your identity and send you a debit card.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, banks that specialize in second-chance accounts exist but often charge higher fees.
  • You can bring someone with you if you're uncomfortable going alone, though the bank will still need your documents and your signature.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any branch during business hours with your ID, proof of address, and deposit. Tell the teller or ask for a new accounts representative. They will ask you which type of account you want — checking, savings, or both — and whether you want online banking and a debit card. Most people choose checking because it comes with a debit card and online access; savings accounts earn interest but have limits on how many times you can withdraw per month.

The representative will run a check on you through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This is not a credit check. It looks for whether you've had accounts closed for owing money, whether you've written bad checks, or whether you've had fraud reported on your accounts. If you've never had a bank account, you'll pass this check. If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, you may still be approved, but the bank may offer you a different account type with lower limits or higher fees.

You'll sign documents that explain the account terms, fees, and your rights. Read the fee schedule — it tells you what the bank charges for overdrafts, monthly maintenance, ATM use outside their network, and other services. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. Once you sign, your account is open and you can use it when ready, though a debit card usually arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online or by video

Online banks and some traditional banks let you open an account without visiting a branch. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your information on their website, and fund the account by transferring money from another bank account or by providing your employer's direct deposit information. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Identity verification takes longer online than in person. The bank will review your documents and may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history or public records. This step can take anywhere from a few minutes to several business days. Once you're verified, your account is active, but your debit card arrives by mail — usually within 7 to 14 business days. Until then, you can transfer money in and out but can't use a card to pay in stores.

Online banks often have no monthly fees and no minimum deposit, which makes them cheaper than traditional banks. The tradeoff is that you can't deposit cash or talk to someone in person. If you need to deposit checks, most online banks let you photograph them with your phone and upload them through their app.

What happens if the bank says no

A bank can refuse to open an account for you if ChexSystems shows you owe them or another bank money, if you have an active fraud case, or if you're on the OFAC list (a government list of people involved in financial crimes or sanctions). If this happens, ask the bank why. They are required to tell you. If it's a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute it — ChexSystems has a process similar to credit reporting disputes, and you can request your report for free at chexsystems.com.

If you've been turned down, second-chance banking accounts exist specifically for people with banking history problems. These accounts come from banks and credit unions that specialize in this market. They usually have higher fees, lower spending limits, and require a larger deposit, but they report to ChexSystems, so using one responsibly can help you move to a regular account later. Search for "second chance bank account" plus your state name to find options near you.

Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks about approving people with banking problems. If you belong to a credit union through your employer, school, or a community organization, ask whether they'll open an account for you. Their approval process is often faster and less strict than a bank's.

Funding your account and getting your debit card

Once your account is open, you can add money by depositing cash or checks at a branch, by transferring from another bank account, or by setting up direct deposit from your employer or benefits. If you're opening an account online and have no other bank account to transfer from, you can ask your employer or benefits administrator to deposit directly into your new account — you'll give them the routing number and account number, which the bank provides as soon as your account is created.

Your debit card arrives by mail. Until it does, you can still access your money through ATMs using your PIN, or by going to a branch and withdrawing cash. Some banks let you use your phone number or email as a temporary way to pay online before your physical card arrives. Ask your bank what options they offer.

Choosing between checking and savings

A checking account is for money you use regularly. It comes with a debit card, online bill pay, and the ability to write checks. You can withdraw money as many times as you want with no penalty. Most checking accounts have no interest, so the money just sits there. Monthly fees range from $0 to $15, depending on the bank and whether you meet requirements like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

A savings account is for money you're setting aside. It earns interest — the rate varies from nearly 0% at traditional banks to 4% to 5% at online banks, depending on the market. You can withdraw money only a limited number of times per month (usually six) without paying a fee. Savings accounts have lower or no monthly fees. Most people open both: a checking account for daily spending and a savings account for emergency money or goals.

Some banks offer money market accounts, which are a hybrid — they earn interest like savings accounts but come with a debit card and check-writing ability like checking accounts. They usually require a higher minimum balance and have withdrawal limits. Unless you have a specific reason to use one, a checking and savings account combination is simpler.

What to watch out for

Overdraft fees are the biggest cost for most people. If you spend more than you have in your account, the bank can charge you $25 to $35 per transaction that goes over. Some banks charge multiple overdraft fees in a single day. Ask the bank whether they offer overdraft protection — a link to a savings account or credit line that covers overdrafts automatically, usually with a smaller fee. Ask also whether they let you turn off overdraft coverage so transactions straightforward decline instead of charging you.

Monthly maintenance fees are common at traditional banks but rare at online banks. These fees range from $5 to $15 and are often waived if you keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or use online banking. Read the fee schedule before you open the account so you know what you're signing up for.

ATM fees add up if you use ATMs outside your bank's network. Some banks charge $2 to $3 per out-of-network withdrawal. Others reimburse these fees if you use their app to find in-network ATMs. If you travel or live far from a branch, choose a bank with a large ATM network or one that reimburses out-of-network fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Some banks and credit unions will open accounts for people without either, but they're rare. Call ahead and ask. If you're an immigrant without an ITIN yet, some banks will let you open an account with a passport and proof of address while you wait for your ITIN to be issued.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

If you open an account in person at a branch, your debit card arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you open online, it takes 7 to 14 business days. Some banks offer rush delivery for a fee. Until your card arrives, you can withdraw cash at ATMs or at the branch using your PIN.

What if I don't have a proof of address?

Call the bank and ask what documents they'll accept. Some will take a letter from a shelter, a social services agency, or a utility company that shows your name and address. Others will accept a lease or mortgage statement even if it's older than 60 days. A few banks will open accounts for homeless customers with a letter from a social worker or shelter director.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the bank and account type. Many online banks have no minimum. Traditional banks often waive monthly fees if you keep $500 to $1,500 in the account, or if you set up direct deposit. Ask the bank what the requirement is before you open the account so you know whether you can meet it.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. You must be present and sign the documents yourself. You can bring someone with you for support, but the bank will still need your ID, your signature, and your decision about which account type you want. If you're unable to visit a branch, open an account online by video call or upload instead.