To open a bank account, you need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number (or an alternative tax identification number), and proof of your address. Most banks also require an initial deposit, though the amount varies widely. Here’s a closer look at each requirement so you can walk into a branch or start an online application with everything ready.
Government-Issued Photo ID
Every bank needs to verify your identity before opening an account. The most common forms of acceptable photo ID are a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. A valid U.S. passport or U.S. military identification card also works. Tribal IDs are accepted at many banks, though not universally.
Some banks ask for a second form of identification on top of the photo ID. This secondary ID can be a credit card, an employee or student ID card, or another document issued by a government agency. If you’re applying online, you’ll typically upload a photo or scan of your ID rather than presenting it in person.
Social Security Number or ITIN
Federal law requires banks to collect a valid Social Security number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from every person opening an account. This is part of the bank’s obligation to verify customer identities and report interest income to the IRS.
If you don’t have an SSN, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. ITINs are available to noncitizens in the U.S. who aren’t eligible for a Social Security number, as well as their spouses and dependents. It is possible to open a bank account without an SSN as long as you have an ITIN and acceptable identification. Requirements vary between institutions, so calling ahead to confirm what a specific bank accepts is a good idea.
Proof of Address
Banks and credit unions typically require proof of a physical street address. Acceptable documents include a current lease agreement, a recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), or a billing statement from a credit card or loan. The document generally needs to show your name and your current address, and it should be recent, usually within the last 30 to 60 days.
An Opening Deposit
Most banks require some amount of money to fund the account when you open it. The range is wide. Many online banks and basic checking accounts have no minimum deposit at all. Traditional banks often ask for $25 to $100 for a standard checking or savings account, while premium accounts with extra features can require $1,000 or more. Before you apply, check the account’s terms so you know exactly how much you need to bring or transfer.
You can usually fund a new account with cash (if opening in person), a debit card from another bank, an electronic transfer from an existing account, or a check. Online banks typically let you link an existing account and pull money over electronically, which can take one to three business days to clear.
What Non-Citizens Need
Non-U.S. citizens can open bank accounts, but the identification requirements are a bit different. A foreign passport is the most widely accepted form of ID. Some banks also accept a consular ID card issued by your home country’s consulate, a foreign driver’s license, or a birth certificate. Certain cities issue municipal ID cards that some local banks and credit unions recognize.
You’ll still need proof of a U.S. street address and either an SSN or ITIN. If language is a barrier, ask the bank whether a representative who speaks your language is available. Because policies differ from one institution to the next, checking with a specific bank before you visit can save you a wasted trip.
Opening an Account for a Minor
Many banks offer accounts for teens, often starting around age 13 or 14, though the exact age varies by institution. Minors can’t typically open an account on their own. A parent or legal guardian needs to serve as a joint account holder.
For the minor, you’ll usually need a birth certificate, a Social Security card, and a school ID or driver’s license if available. The parent or guardian needs to bring their own standard identification: a government-issued photo ID, their SSN, and proof of address. If you’re opening the account in person, bring documents for both of you. Online applications will ask for digital copies of the same paperwork.
When Your Banking History Causes Problems
Banks don’t just check your ID. Many also check your banking history through a reporting service called ChexSystems, which tracks past problems like unpaid overdraft balances, bounced checks, accounts closed involuntarily by a bank, or suspected fraud. If any of these appear on your report, a bank may deny your application.
You’re entitled to a free copy of your ChexSystems report once every 12 months. If you find errors, you can dispute them directly with ChexSystems. If the negative marks are accurate, look for a “second chance” checking account. These are accounts specifically designed for people with a troubled banking history. They may come with monthly fees or limits on features like check-writing, but they give you a path back into the banking system. After a period of responsible use, typically a year, you can often upgrade to a standard account.
Online vs. In-Person Applications
The documents you need are the same whether you apply online or walk into a branch. The difference is how you provide them. In person, you’ll hand over your physical ID and any supporting documents for the banker to copy. Online, you’ll type in your SSN, upload photos of your ID, and enter your address for verification. Online applications are usually faster, sometimes taking under 10 minutes, but in-person visits let you ask questions and resolve any issues on the spot.
If your situation is straightforward, a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, a document showing your address, and a small deposit are all you need to walk out with a working account the same day.