How to Open a Bank Account: What You'll Need and What Happens Next

What you need before you walk in

You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a cell phone bill; others do not, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank will use this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This is standard practice and does not affect your credit score.

If you are opening an account for a child under 18, bring the child and your ID. You will become the account owner or co-owner depending on the bank's rules. Some banks require both parents or guardians to be present; others do not. Call your chosen bank first to ask what they require.

Key Takeaways

• Bring a photo ID, proof of address dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN to any bank branch.
• The bank will check ChexSystems, a banking history database, which is routine and does not affect your credit.
• If you have been denied a bank account before, ask the bank to tell you why — you have the right to know.
• Opening an account takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, and you can start using a debit card the same day or within a few business days.
• If you cannot visit a branch, many banks now open accounts online, though you may still need to verify your identity by video call or mail.

The step-by-step process at the branch

Walk into any branch of the bank you have chosen and tell the teller or greeter that you want to open a checking or savings account. They will direct you to a banker or account representative. Bring all your documents with you.

The banker will ask you questions: your full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and employment status. They will ask whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. They will explain the monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and what you get with each account type — things like free ATM access, overdraft protection, or interest on savings.

The banker will run your ID through a scanner and check ChexSystems. If you have never had a bank account or had one years ago, this check will come back clear. If you have been denied an account or had one closed for overdrafts or fraud in the past five to seven years, ChexSystems will flag it. Ask the banker to explain what they see. You have the right to know why you are being denied, and you have the right to dispute inaccurate information.

Once approved, you will sign paperwork — usually a signature card and account agreement. The banker will give you a temporary debit card or tell you when your permanent card will arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary account number and routing number so you can set up direct deposit or bill pay immediately if you need to.

If you have been denied before

If a bank has turned you down, it is usually because of ChexSystems. You can order a free report from ChexSystems by visiting their website or calling 1-800-428-9623. The report will show what banks reported about you — typically overdrafts, bounced checks, or closed accounts.

If the information is wrong, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If it is accurate, you have options. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and do not use ChexSystems, or they use it but overlook older marks. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large banks. Call ahead and ask whether they work with people who have ChexSystems records.

You can also open an account at a bank that does not require ChexSystems verification — though these accounts may have higher fees or lower ATM access. Ask the banker directly: "Do you use ChexSystems?" If they say no, you may still be turned down for other reasons, but at least you will know that particular barrier is not in play.

Opening an account online

Many banks now let you open a checking or savings account entirely online. You will upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number, and answer the same questions a banker would ask. The bank will verify your identity using a third-party service — sometimes by video call, sometimes by asking you security questions based on your credit history, sometimes by mailing you a code to enter.

Online accounts usually open within one to three business days. Your debit card will arrive by mail within five to ten business days. You can start using the account and setting up direct deposit before the card arrives, using your account and routing number.

Online accounts work well if you do not need cash immediately or do not have a branch near you. They do not work if you need to dispute something in person or if you have been denied before — you will still need to call the bank and explain your ChexSystems history, and they may still turn you down.

What happens after you open the account

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within five to ten business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit before the card arrives. If your employer needs these numbers, ask your bank for them immediately after opening the account.

You will receive online banking access — a username and password to check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your computer or phone. Set this up the same day you open the account. You will also receive a PIN for your debit card, either in the mail or through the bank's app.

Some banks offer overdraft protection, which means if you spend more than you have, the bank covers the difference for a fee (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft). You can turn this off if you want the bank to simply decline the purchase instead. Ask the banker whether overdraft protection is on by default and how to turn it off if you prefer.

Choosing between checking and savings

A checking account is for money you use regularly. You get a debit card and checks. There are usually no limits on how many times you withdraw or spend money. Most checking accounts have a monthly fee ($5 to $15) unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and grow. You earn interest — a small percentage the bank pays you for letting them use your money. Savings accounts have limits on how many times you can withdraw per month (usually six), and they may have higher minimum balances. Interest rates vary widely, from nearly zero at large banks to 4 to 5 percent at online banks.

Most people open both: a checking account for bills and everyday spending, and a savings account for emergencies or goals. Some banks bundle them together and let you transfer money between them instantly through their app.

Fees and costs to watch for

Monthly maintenance fees are the most common cost. Large banks typically charge $10 to $15 per month unless you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Credit unions and online banks often have no monthly fee at all.

Overdraft fees happen when you spend more than you have. Each overdraft costs $25 to $35. If you overdraft multiple times in one day, you may be charged multiple times. You can prevent this by turning off overdraft protection, which makes the bank decline purchases instead of covering them.

ATM fees apply if you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank. This usually costs $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Ask the banker how many ATMs your bank has in your area, or whether they reimburse out-of-network ATM fees.

Foreign transaction fees apply if you use your debit card outside the United States. These are usually 1 to 3 percent of the purchase. If you travel or send money abroad, ask about this upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), most banks will open an account for you. Some banks require an ITIN; others will open an account with just a passport and proof of address. Call ahead and ask what your chosen bank requires.

What if I do not have proof of address?

If you are homeless or do not have mail in your name, ask the banker what they will accept. Some banks accept a letter from a shelter, a utility bill in someone else's name with a note from that person, or a government document like a benefit letter. Bring whatever you have and ask — the rules vary by bank.

How long does it take to open an account?

In person, 15 to 30 minutes. Online, one to three business days. Your debit card arrives by mail in five to ten business days, but you can use your account immediately through the bank's app or website.

Do I need a minimum balance to open an account?

Not to open one. Some accounts require you to keep a minimum balance ($25 to $500) to avoid monthly fees, but you do not need that money upfront. You can open the account with $1 and build the balance over time.

What if the bank says I cannot open an account because of my ChexSystems record?

Ask the banker to explain exactly what ChexSystems shows. Get the details in writing if possible. Then call other banks and credit unions and ask whether they work with people who have ChexSystems records. Some do. You can also dispute inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems by ordering your free report and filing a dispute.