What to Bring When You Open a Bank Account
Nothing deflates a lunch-break errand like sitting down with a banker, getting halfway through the paperwork and hearing, “Do you happen to have a second form of ID?” Opening an account isn’t complicated, but banks are required by federal law to verify who you are, so showing up with the right documents is the difference between a 20-minute visit and a second trip.
Here’s the short version, then the details.
The checklist
- A government-issued photo ID that hasn’t expired
- Your Social Security number (or an ITIN)
- Your date of birth and current address, sometimes with proof of that address
- Money for the opening deposit, if the account requires one
- Contact details: phone number and email
That covers most people opening a basic checking or savings account. Now for the fine print.
Photo ID: the one thing you can’t skip
A driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or a U.S. passport is what most banks expect. A military ID usually works too. Make sure it’s current; an expired license is one of the most common reasons people get turned away.
Some banks ask for a second form of identification, especially if your primary ID is from another country or your address doesn’t match. A second ID can be something like a debit or credit card from another bank, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card. Requirements vary, so if you’re unsure, call ahead or check the bank’s website before you go.
Social Security number or ITIN
Banks need a taxpayer ID because interest you earn is reported to the IRS. You usually don’t need the physical Social Security card, just the number. If you don’t have an SSN, many banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and some will open accounts for non-residents with a passport and other documentation. Not every bank does this, which is one reason it pays to compare a few options or browse our roundup of banks near you.
Proof of address
If the address on your ID is current, that’s often enough. If you’ve moved recently, bring something showing where you live now. Common options:
| Document | Usually accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recent utility bill | Yes | Electric, gas, water or internet, typically from the last couple of months |
| Lease or mortgage statement | Yes | Should show your name and the property address |
| Pay stub or W-2 | Often | Works at many banks if it shows your home address |
| Voter registration card | Sometimes | Depends on the bank |
| Personal letter or package label | Rarely | Banks want something from an institution or employer |
A phone screenshot of a bill may or may not fly. A printed copy or the PDF ready on your phone is the safer route.
The opening deposit
Some accounts can be opened with nothing; others ask for an initial deposit that’s often modest, from a few dollars to a hundred or so. Premium checking or high-yield savings accounts may require more to avoid a monthly fee. You can usually fund the account with cash, a check made out to you, or a transfer from another bank, in which case bring that account and routing number. If you plan to keep feeding the account with cash later, our guide on depositing cash at an ATM covers how that works.
Before you go, ask what the minimum balance is to avoid the monthly maintenance fee. That number matters far more over a year than the opening deposit.
Special situations
Joint accounts
Both people typically need to provide their own ID and Social Security number. Many banks want both owners present to sign, though some let the second person finish online.
Accounts for kids and teens
Minors usually need a parent or guardian as a joint owner or custodian. Bring the adult’s ID and SSN plus the child’s SSN; some banks also ask for the child’s birth certificate or school ID.
Business accounts
Expect a longer list: your EIN, formation documents such as articles of organization, and sometimes a business license. Call ahead, because this varies a lot from one bank to another.
Branch or online?
Online applications ask for the same information; you just type it in and may be asked to upload a photo of your ID or take a selfie for verification. Online banks like Ally do the whole thing digitally, while a branch visit gets you a person to answer questions and, at some banks, a debit card the same day. If you’re weighing the two, our comparison of an online bank vs. a local branch walks through the trade-offs, and if you want to go in person, here’s how to find the closest branch and when it’s open.
Why a bank might still say no
Most banks run a check through a consumer reporting agency such as ChexSystems, which tracks things like unpaid overdrafts or accounts closed by a bank. A negative record can lead to a denial even when your documents are perfect. If that happens, you’re entitled to request a free copy of the report and dispute errors. Many banks also offer “second chance” or low-fee checking accounts designed for exactly this situation.
One more check worth doing on your end: make sure the bank is FDIC-insured. You can look up any institution on the FDIC’s BankFind tool in under a minute. Then grab your ID, your SSN, that utility bill, and go open the account in one visit.
