To open a checking account, you must provide government-issued identification with your photo, your Social Security card or Taxpayer Identification Number, and proof of your address. However, some special account types may require additional information. Learn what you’ll need to bring along to get your account up and running immediately.
Key Takeaways
- All banks and credit unions are required by federal law to collect information about people opening financial accounts to verify identity.
- Ensure you have a government-issued photo ID to prove your identity.
- U.S. citizens must bring their Social Security card or Taxpayer Identification Number, while non-U.S. citizens applying for an account may need to bring more identification.
- You should also bring something with your address, such as a rental agreement or utility bill.
Ensuring a Smooth Process
Federal law requires banks to collect information about account applicants, which is used to verify the applicant's identity and prevent fraud.
So, to ensure the process of opening your checking account goes smoothly and efficiently, you must bring the appropriate documents to the bank in person. You'll leave with a functioning account once you complete some paperwork. If you don't provide the proper documents, it can delay your ability to use the account and cause undue frustration.
The bank will typically request a report from a checking account screening company using your information. The bank may turn you down for an account if you have criminal convictions related to fraud or financial crimes, or if another bank closed your account due to mismanagement, such as unpaid overdrafts. If you're denied a bank account because of this, there are some second-chance banking alternatives to explore.
Fewer financial institutions exist in communities of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous people than in predominantly white areas. Check out our guides to Black-owned banks, Native American-owned banks, Hispanic American-owned banks, and Asian American-owned banks for help finding an institution that works for you.
Here's what you need to bring along to open a checking account.
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Government-Issued Photo Identification
Almost every bank requires you to present a valid government-issued photo ID when opening a checking account. This verifies that you are who you say you are and allows the bank to match your name and face.
The most common forms of government-issued photo ID are a driver’s license or a state-issued ID. Other forms of government-issued ID include valid passports and U.S. military identification cards. Tribal IDs are often considered a valid form of government-issued ID, but this may not be true at all banks.
You may also need to bring another secondary form of ID, such as a credit card, an employee or student identification card, or a different kind of identification issued by a government agency. Check with your bank for details.
Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Federal law requires banks to gather a valid Social Security number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from applicants opening a checking account. If you have an SSN, bring your Social Security card to the bank so the representative can verify your identity.
The bank needs your Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number to report any interest income you earn to the IRS.
If you're not a U.S. citizen, some banks and credit unions will still allow you to open an account, but you'll need to provide one or more of these documents:
- Passport, showing passport number and country of issuance
- Alien identification card
- Other government-issued documents with a photo, number, and issuing country; should offer proof of nationality or residence
Proof of Address
You also need to bring a document that verifies your current address. The best way to prove your address is by bringing in a current official document with your name and address. This could be a lease or mortgage document or bill. Your most recent utility bill, cable bill, credit card statement, or cell phone bill should suffice. If you’ve gone paperless, you can print a billing statement from your online account.
Bank account applicants without a residential address should speak with the bank about alternatives. Potential alternatives include:
- Fleet Post Office box number
- Army Post Office box number
- Next-of-kin or another contact's residential address or business address
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The number of unaddressed homes and businesses in the Navajo Nation, complicating proof of address for hundreds of thousands of people, including their ability to register to vote.
Money
If the bank or credit union requires an initial minimum deposit, you should also bring some money for the deposit. You can usually deposit money using cash you've brought, by performing an ACH transfer, or by using a debit card.
Special Considerations
Student Accounts
If you’re opening a student account, the bank may also require proof of enrollment at a qualified school. Student accounts come with low or no fees and may also have other perks, such as discounted rates for credit cards or the ability to turn your student ID card into a debit card. You may need to bring your student ID to access these benefits.
If you're under 18 and don't have any form of primary identification (such as a driver's or state license with your photo or a passport), you may need to bring an adult with primary ID.
Joint Accounts
When opening a joint account with a spouse or partner, you'll probably need to complete a joint application and provide documentation to validate both account holders' identification.
Checking accounts for teens from the ages of 13 to 18 are often set up as joint accounts. In this case, you and your child must show identification or be present in person, depending on the institution. You may need to bring your child's driver's license, state ID, or passport, or another form of photo identification.
Power of Attorney
For anyone who wants special signing authority on the account, it’s essential to bring a power of attorney (POA) document for the bank to keep on file. POAs are legal documents that give another person the authority to perform specific transactions on behalf of the original account holder. This is common for older adults and those who are ill or otherwise incapacitated.
Additional Services
If you’re a new customer, the bank may allow you to apply for credit immediately. You can speed up the process by providing additional information. Consider bringing your last two pay stubs from work or—in the case of certain loans or a mortgage—at least two years’ worth of tax returns. Providing the proper paperwork on the spot can help you get immediate access to the services you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Money Do You Need To Open a Checking Account?
The amount of money necessary to open a checking account varies by financial institution and your choice of checking account. Some checking accounts don't require any money to open, while others require a minimum deposit of at least $25 to $100. Other accounts may require a minimum balance to avoid fees or take advantage of perks such as higher interest rates.
Do I Need To Go to a Bank To Open a Checking Account?
In today's digital age, you often don't need to go to a bank to open a checking account. Many financial institutions allow you to open a checking account online, along with other account types. You can apply for a checking account online and submit the required documentation using your mobile phone's camera. In some cases you may need to visit a bank branch, such as when opening a minor's checking account.
What Do I Need To Bring To Open a Checking Account for a Teen?
Many banks and credit unions offer checking accounts for teens aged 13–14 and up, which could require a birth certificate, Social Security card, and driver's license. If your teen isn't yet old enough for a driver's license, alternatives could include other state or government-issued IDs or a U.S. passport. The parent may have to show similar documents to open a joint account with their teen. Call the bank or credit union to ask about requirements before visiting.
The Bottom Line
Opening a checking account at a bank is a fairly straightforward process requiring standard documentation. However, it's always better to be overprepared than underprepared so you can open your account on the spot and not experience delays in getting your ATM or debit card. Requirements by bank may vary, so call ahead or browse the website to ensure you have everything necessary before your appointment.
