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What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?
Opening your own bank account is essential for financial independence. Although the requirements depend on the bank you choose, you generally need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identity number, proof of address and possibly a minimum opening deposit.
This article will explain what you need to open a bank account in 2026 and why institutions have these requirements.
Here’s what most banks will require from you:
Requirements to open a bank account are based on federal identity verification laws, though specific policies vary by institution. These are some additional details on the process:
When you open an account, most banks and credit unions will ask for:
Requirements may differ depending on whether you open the account online or in person, but every institution should be upfront about what they’ll need when you apply.
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Financial institutions collect this information to verify your identity under federal law, according to The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). These rules fall under the Customer Identification Program (CIP), which is part of the USA PATRIOT Act. This helps prevent fraud, identity theft and money laundering.
These rules apply whether you’re opening an account at a large national bank, a local credit union or an online-only bank. However, specific procedures may be a little different depending on where you go.
Here we will break down every document you need for opening a bank account and examples you can use.
You will need a valid ID to open a bank account. If you need help acquiring a valid ID, local government offices such as your local tax collection office can provide assistance.
Common examples include:
Make sure your ID isn’t expired before you try to open an account.
You usually need a Social Security number, but banks also accept an ITIN.
Your SSN helps the bank verify your identity and report interest earned to the IRS.
If you need help finding your SSN, you can usually find it on most tax documents the IRS sends you. You can also find out what your Social Security number is online, at ssa.gov.
You can also apply for an ITIN if you are ineligible for a SSN. You will need to go through the IRS, which provides a handy guide to applying for one.
Many banks allow non-citizens to open accounts using an ITIN along with a passport or other government-issued identification. Some institutions may require additional documentation.
Credit unions may offer more flexibility than large national banks, but it pays to research your options online. Requirements vary widely, so confirm policies before applying.
You may need proof of your current residential address to open a bank account if it isn’t clearly shown on your ID.
Usually, anything official mailed to you that clearly shows your address may be used as proof of address, but the most commonly accepted forms of proof include:
P.O. boxes are usually not accepted as a primary residential address.
Some banks require you to provide money upfront to open a bank account. This initial deposit can be as high as $100, but many allow you to open an account with $0.
The exact amount of an initial deposit — sometimes called a minimum deposit — will vary from bank to bank. There are many online banks that have no minimum deposit requirements as opposed to traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
Always check whether the minimum deposit is required to open the account or simply to avoid monthly maintenance fees, which can also vary from bank to bank.
The two main types of accounts you can open with a bank are checking and savings. A checking account is meant for day-to-day spending, as it offers unlimited transactions and is usually tied to a bank-issued debit card. Savings accounts are meant for long-term accumulation of money, and you usually have to transfer it to your checking account to spend it. Requirements are typically the same for both checking and savings accounts.
Banks often request the same identification documents, Social Security number or ITIN and proof of address regardless of account type. The main difference is usually the minimum deposit or balance requirement.
You can open a bank account online, and though it is generally more convenient than walking into a bank branch, you still need to verify your identity and provide proper documentation.
When opening an account online, you’ll typically:
Some banks use automated identity verification services to confirm your information instantly. Others may request additional documentation if something doesn’t match.
Approval may happen within minutes, though some applications are reviewed manually and can take one to three business days.
You can sometimes open a bank account without a SSN if you have an ITIN or other government-issued identification. Some institutions may require additional documentation.
Credit unions may offer more flexibility than large national banks. Requirements vary widely, so confirm policies before applying.
Opening a bank account without any form of ID is uncommon but may be possible at certain institutions.
Most banks will still require photo identification. If you don’t have any standard ID, some community banks or credit unions may accept alternative documents, but as always you should research your options before applying.
If you’re unable to qualify for a traditional account, consider:
Most banks do not run a traditional credit check when you open a checking or savings account. Instead, banks often review your banking history through ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency that tracks past issues like unpaid overdraft fees or account closures. This is different from your credit score, which is tied to any lines of credit or credit card accounts you may have and are separate from banking.
Opening a standard bank account usually does not impact your credit unless you apply for overdraft protection linked to a credit line.
If you want to see what banks may look up on your file, Federal law allows you to request a free copy of your ChexSystems report once every 12 months.
Terms like “credit score” and “credit history” can be a little daunting, but don’t worry if these phrases pop up. Our handy guide on credit scores can help with the terminology.
Opening a bank account for a minor typically requires a parent or legal guardian to be a joint account holder.
Banks usually require:
Some banks offer teen checking accounts starting around age 13, while others require teens to be at least 16. Custodial accounts (often called UTMA or UGMA accounts) may be another option for long-term savings.
Requirements and age limits vary by institution.
If you are looking to rebuild your finances, there are still a few ways to open an account even if you’ve previously been denied.
Common reasons for denial include negative ChexSystems history, unpaid overdraft fees or identity verification issues. Banks are legally required to tell you why you were denied, so you can address the problem.
If you are denied, you can:
You typically need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number (or ITIN), proof of address and sometimes an initial deposit. Requirements vary by institution.
Yes, many banks allow you to open an account with no initial deposit. Some accounts, however, require a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees.
Yes, most banks require proof of your residential address if it’s not clearly shown on your ID. Utility bills, lease agreements or official mail are commonly accepted.
Yes, employment is not typically required to open a bank account. Banks focus on verifying your identity rather than your job status.
Some banks allow non-citizens to open accounts using an ITIN and passport. Policies vary, so confirm requirements directly with the institution.
Many online bank accounts are approved within minutes, though some applications may take one to three business days if additional verification is required.
Yes, many banks can open an account the same day if your documentation is complete and your identity can be verified. Debit cards are typically mailed and may arrive within seven to 10 business days.
Opening a bank account is typically straightforward if you have a valid photo ID, your Social Security number or ITIN, proof of address and any required opening deposits.
Most people can complete the process quickly, especially online. If you’ve had banking issues before or don’t have some of the documentation, try second-chance accounts and credit unions.
Requirements can change, so always confirm details with the financial institution before applying.
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