Opening a bank account takes about 15 to 30 minutes, whether you do it online or in person. You’ll need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your address. Many banks let you open an account with no money down, though some require a small initial deposit. Here’s what the full process looks like.
What You Need to Bring
Every bank will ask for the same core documents. Federal law requires banks to collect and verify your identity before opening any account, so having these ready will speed things up considerably.
Government-issued photo ID: A driver’s license or state-issued ID is the most common choice. A valid passport or U.S. military ID also works. Tribal IDs are accepted at many banks but not all.
Social Security number: Federal law requires banks to collect a valid Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from every applicant. Bring your Social Security card so the representative can verify it, or have the number ready if you’re applying online.
Proof of address: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or piece of official mail showing your current address will work. Some banks accept a current driver’s license as both your photo ID and proof of address if the address is up to date.
Secondary ID (sometimes): Some banks ask for a second form of identification, such as a credit card, employee badge, or student ID. This is more common at banks with stricter verification policies or when your primary ID raises questions.
Opening an Account Online
Most major banks and all online-only banks let you open a checking or savings account from your phone or computer. The application typically asks for your name, date of birth, address, SSN, and employment information. You’ll choose a username and password, then submit.
For identity verification, many banks ask you to upload a photo of your driver’s license or passport. Some use database checks instead, pulling information from public records to confirm your identity without requiring a document upload. Either way, approval often comes within minutes.
You’ll also need to fund the account or link an existing bank account. When you link an external account, the bank may use micro-deposits to verify it. This means the bank sends a tiny transfer (often a few cents) to your other account, typically arriving within one to two business days. You then confirm the amount to prove you own that account. Some banks offer instant verification that skips this waiting period, though it’s not available for every linked account.
Opening an Account in Person
Walk into any branch with your documents and tell the representative you’d like to open an account. They’ll photocopy your ID, look up your SSN, and have you fill out a short application. You can ask questions about account features, fee waivers, and overdraft settings while you’re there.
If you’re opening a joint account with a spouse or partner, both of you will need to provide identification and sign the application. For a student account, bring proof of enrollment or your student ID, since these accounts often come with perks like waived fees. If you’re under 18, most banks require a parent or guardian to be on the account and present with their own ID.
Costs and Fees to Expect
Many checking accounts, especially at online banks, require no opening deposit at all. Traditional banks with physical branches are more likely to ask for a small initial deposit, often between $25 and $100.
Monthly maintenance fees are the biggest ongoing cost to watch for. Interest-bearing checking accounts charged an average monthly fee of $15.65 in 2025, according to Bankrate, which adds up to nearly $188 a year. Most banks will waive this fee if you meet certain conditions: maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or making a certain number of transactions each month. If you want to avoid fees entirely, look for accounts marketed as “free checking,” which skip monthly charges and often waive overdraft fees too.
If You’ve Been Denied an Account Before
Banks screen applicants through reporting agencies like ChexSystems and Early Warning Services. These agencies track your banking history, including past overdrafts, bounced checks, and unpaid negative balances. If you closed an account while owing money to a previous bank, that mark can follow you for up to five years and lead to a denial at a new bank.
You’re entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report per year through their website, so you can check what’s on file before you apply. If negative information is more than five years old, it should be removed automatically.
Second-chance checking accounts exist specifically for people in this situation. These accounts skip the ChexSystems review or are more lenient about what they find. The tradeoff is that they tend to come with higher fees, fewer perks, and less free ATM access compared to standard accounts. The upside is real, though: manage the account responsibly for a set period, and many banks will upgrade you to a regular checking account. When comparing second-chance options, look for low or no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and confirmation that the bank reports your positive account history to help rebuild your standing.
Options for Non-U.S. Citizens
You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to open a bank account. If you don’t have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. To get an ITIN, you submit IRS Form W-7 along with identity documents. A foreign passport is the simplest option because it establishes both your identity and foreign status in a single document. Without a passport, you’ll need at least two other documents from the IRS’s accepted list, and at least one must include a photo.
At the bank itself, non-citizens may need to present a passport, visa, or alien identification card in addition to the standard requirements. Not every bank has the same policies for non-citizen applicants, so it’s worth calling ahead or checking the bank’s website to confirm what they accept before making a trip to a branch.
Choosing Between Checking and Savings
A checking account is designed for everyday spending. It comes with a debit card and usually unlimited transactions. A savings account is built for holding money you don’t plan to spend right away, and it typically earns a higher interest rate. Most people benefit from having both: checking for bills and daily purchases, savings for an emergency fund or a specific goal.
Many banks let you open both accounts at the same time and link them together, making it easy to transfer money between the two. If you’re starting from scratch, a no-fee checking account is the most practical first step. You can always add a savings account later once your banking is up and running.