How to Open a Bank Account

Opening a U.S. bank account is straightforward at almost every major bank if you have a government-issued ID, your Social Security Number or ITIN, proof of address, and an opening deposit. The whole process takes 5 to 15 minutes online at most online and large-bank platforms, or 20 to 45 minutes in person at a branch. You can typically use the new account immediately for online transfers, mobile check deposit, and debit card use, with a physical debit card mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

The single most common reason a U.S. bank rejects a new-account application is a ChexSystems red flag. ChexSystems is the major U.S. bank-customer reporting bureau (similar to a credit bureau but for checking and savings history rather than borrowing). If you had a previously closed account with an unpaid negative balance, bounced checks, or fraud activity, banks may decline you. The good news: a number of major U.S. banks do NOT use ChexSystems or offer “second chance” accounts specifically designed for customers with prior banking problems.

This page covers who can open a U.S. bank account, the documents you need, the step-by-step process for online and in-branch applications, the typical opening deposit by bank, what ChexSystems is and how to check your record, the no-ChexSystems and second-chance banks list, special cases (immigrants without SSN, minors, joint accounts, foreign customers), and what to set up after the account opens (direct deposit, debit card, online banking, mobile app).

Who can open a U.S. bank account

The general eligibility requirements at most U.S. banks:

• Age 18 or older (or younger with a parent or guardian co-signing for minor accounts; typical minor account age is 0 to 17)
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-resident with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• U.S. residential address (P.O. boxes generally not accepted as primary; some banks accept for mailing)
• Initial deposit to fund the account (varies $0 to $100)
• Not currently on the ChexSystems negative list (with exceptions discussed below)

Special cases covered in detail later: immigrants without SSN (use ITIN), minors under 18 (custodial UTMA / UGMA accounts), foreign students, deployed military, and customers with prior ChexSystems issues.

Documents you need to open a U.S. bank account

The standard documentation U.S. banks require under the federal Customer Identification Program (CIP) rules from the USA PATRIOT Act:

Primary ID (photo ID)

One of:

• U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID (active duty, dependent, or retired)
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551)
• Foreign passport with U.S. visa stamp (for ITIN holders and certain non-residents)
• Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe

Tax identification

One of:

• Social Security Number (SSN): 9-digit number assigned to U.S. citizens and most legal residents. Most U.S. banks require an SSN for citizens and green card holders.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to non-citizens who cannot get an SSN. Many U.S. banks accept ITIN for account opening, particularly those serving immigrant communities (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, plus most multicultural banks like East West Bank, Cathay Bank, Bank of Hope).

Proof of address

One or two of:

• Utility bill in your name dated within the last 30 to 90 days (electric, gas, water, internet, cable)
• Lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement or property tax bill
• Bank statement from another bank
• Pay stub with your home address printed on it
• Insurance policy (auto, renters, homeowners)
• Government correspondence (IRS, Social Security, state DMV)

Opening deposit

An amount of money to fund the new account. Required minimums vary widely:

• $0: Ally Bank, Discover Bank, SoFi Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, FNBO Direct, Capital One 360, Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking
• $25: Chase Total Checking, Bank of America Advantage
• $25 to $50: Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, PNC Virtual Wallet
• $50 to $100: Citibank Access Account, U.S. Bank, TD Bank, Truist
• $100+: some high-yield savings, money market, and CD products

Most banks accept the opening deposit by ACH transfer from another bank, by debit card from another bank, by wire transfer, or by check/cash at a branch. Online-only banks require an electronic transfer; you cannot deposit cash to fund an online-only account opening.

Online vs in-branch: which to choose

Online-only banks (Ally, Marcus, Discover, Synchrony, SoFi, FNBO Direct) only support online applications – they have no branches. Traditional banks (Chase, BofA, Wells Fargo, US Bank, Huntington, etc.) support both online and in-branch.

Map of banks near me

Find a nearby branch to open an account in person, or use the bank’s online application for instant approval.

Step-by-step: opening a U.S. bank account online

The typical online account-opening flow at major U.S. banks:

1. Choose your account type: checking, savings, money market, or CD. Most customers start with a basic checking account. For high yield on savings consider Marcus, Ally, Discover, Synchrony, or SoFi; for no-overdraft-fee checking consider Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking; for traditional bank with full branch access consider Chase, BofA, or Wells Fargo.
2. Provide personal information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number (or ITIN), email, phone number, U.S. mailing address, and citizenship status.
3. Upload ID: take a photo of your driver’s license, state ID, or passport using your phone or webcam. Many banks now use facial recognition to match the ID photo to a live selfie.
4. Answer security questions: questions verifying your identity from your credit file (previous addresses, mortgage lender, employer). This step uses your credit bureau data for verification but is NOT a credit check (no hard inquiry).
5. Fund the account: link an existing bank account by routing/account number and authorize an ACH transfer, link by debit card from another bank, or schedule a wire transfer. The opening deposit can be as low as $0 to $25 at most banks.
6. Review and sign disclosures: the bank presents Truth in Savings disclosures, fee schedule, electronic communications consent, and other regulatory documents. Read these. The bank cannot waive disclosure requirements.
7. Receive approval and account number: most banks approve and open the account within minutes. You receive your routing and account number immediately, can start using online banking and mobile app, and can begin direct deposit setup with your employer.
8. Wait for debit card and welcome kit: physical debit card and welcome materials arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use a “digital debit card” through Apple Pay or Google Pay before the physical card arrives.

Step-by-step: opening a U.S. bank account in branch

The typical in-branch account-opening flow at major U.S. banks:

1. Bring your documents: photo ID, Social Security Card or ITIN letter, proof of address, and opening deposit (cash, check, or money order).
2. Walk into the branch during banking hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM Monday-Friday at most banks; see Banks Open on Saturday Near Me for Saturday options).
3. Ask the receptionist or greeter to see a banker about opening a new account. Wait time is typically 5 to 30 minutes depending on branch traffic.
4. Sit down with a banker and explain what type of account you want. The banker may recommend specific account products based on your needs.
5. Provide your ID and tax ID: the banker visually verifies your ID, swipes or photographs the ID, and enters your information into the bank’s system.
6. Sign account opening documents: signature card, account agreement, Truth in Savings disclosures, electronic communications consent, optional features (overdraft protection, debit card, online banking).
7. Make your opening deposit: cash, check, or money order. The banker counts cash on a teller line if needed.
8. Receive your routing and account number immediately, often with a “void check” sample for direct deposit setup.
9. Get your debit card instantly: most major banks (Chase, BofA, Wells Fargo, US Bank, PNC, TD Bank, Truist) instant-issue your debit card at the branch. You can use the card immediately for purchases and ATM access.
10. Set up online banking: the banker walks you through setting up online banking and the mobile app, or you can do this at home later. Many branches have an iPad available for you to complete enrollment on the spot.

What is ChexSystems and why does it matter?

ChexSystems is the major U.S. bank-customer reporting bureau, similar to credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) but specifically tracking checking and savings account history. ChexSystems is owned by Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and is used by approximately 80% of U.S. banks and credit unions to screen new account applications.

What goes on your ChexSystems report

• Unpaid negative balances on closed accounts (the most common red flag)
• Bounced checks (NSF – non-sufficient funds)
• Account fraud or suspected fraud
• Identity theft markers (often false positives that can be disputed)
• Forced account closure by a bank
• Excessive overdrafts over a sustained period
• Customer-initiated account closures with unpaid balances

ChexSystems items typically stay on your report for 5 years. Unlike credit bureaus, ChexSystems is mostly a black-and-white system: a negative item on your report often leads to automatic denial at the 80% of banks that use ChexSystems, regardless of context or how long ago the issue occurred.

How to check your ChexSystems report (free, once per year)

Under federal law, you can get a free copy of your ChexSystems report once every 12 months at chexsystems.com. The free report shows everything in your file, including negative items, recent inquiries, and any consumer disputes. Request your report before applying for a new account to know what banks will see.

How to dispute or remove a ChexSystems item

If your ChexSystems report contains errors or items that should be removed (paid off, statute-of-limitations expired, or fraudulent identity theft), file a dispute through chexsystems.com. ChexSystems must investigate within 30 days and remove inaccurate items. You can also contact the bank that reported the item to negotiate a “pay for delete” arrangement (pay the unpaid balance and ask the bank to update the ChexSystems report).

Banks that do NOT use ChexSystems (or use it lightly)

If you have a ChexSystems red flag, several U.S. banks either do not use ChexSystems at all, use it less strictly, or offer a “second chance” account designed for customers with prior issues:

Banks that generally do not use ChexSystems

• Chime (a fintech, not technically a bank, with FDIC-insured deposits through partner banks) – widely accessible to ChexSystems-affected customers
• Varo Bank – one of the few full-charter online banks that does not use ChexSystems for most applications
• Current (fintech with partner bank) – accepts ChexSystems-affected customers
• GO2bank (Green Dot Bank brand) – second-chance-friendly
• Many local community credit unions – varies by credit union, but many smaller credit unions do not use ChexSystems strictly

Second-chance bank accounts at major banks

Several major U.S. banks offer a designated “second chance” or “fresh start” account specifically for customers with ChexSystems issues. These accounts typically have:

• Higher monthly maintenance fee ($10 to $20)
• Lower or no overdraft protection
• Restricted features (sometimes no checks, no debit card overdraft)
• A path to upgrade to a standard account after 12 months of good standing

Examples include:

• Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking
• BofA SafeBalance Banking
• Chase Secure Banking
• U.S. Bank Safe Debit
• PNC Foundation Checking
• Capital One 360 Checking

Many of these “no overdraft” accounts use ChexSystems less strictly because their design eliminates the overdraft risk that ChexSystems was meant to flag.

Special cases: immigrants, minors, joint accounts, foreign customers

Immigrants without an SSN (using ITIN)

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a 9-digit IRS-issued number for non-citizens who cannot get an SSN. Many U.S. banks accept ITIN for account opening, particularly:

• Major national banks with immigrant-friendly policies: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bank, TD Bank
• Multicultural community banks: East West Bank, Cathay Bank, Bank of Hope (Korean-American), IBC Bank (Texas-Mexico border)
• Indian-American banks at U.S. branches: HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Bank of Baroda

If you do not yet have an ITIN, apply through the IRS (Form W-7) before applying for an account. Some banks will let you apply for the bank account simultaneously with submitting Form W-7 through an IRS Acceptance Agent.

Minor (under 18) accounts

Minors generally cannot open accounts in their own name without a parent or guardian co-signing. Two main minor account types:

• Joint custodial account: parent and minor are both on the account; either can transact. Common for teens learning to manage money.
• UTMA / UGMA account (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act / Uniform Gifts to Minors Act): irrevocable custodial account where the custodian (parent) manages the account on behalf of the minor until age 18 or 21 (depending on state), at which point the account transfers to the minor outright. Common for inheritance, gifts from grandparents, and college savings.

Most major U.S. banks offer minor accounts: Chase High School Checking (13-17), BofA Advantage SafeBalance for Students, Wells Fargo Clear Access for students, Capital One 360 MONEY for teens.

Joint accounts

Joint accounts have two or more co-owners with equal withdrawal rights. Common for married couples, domestic partners, and family members. Both/all co-owners must be present at the branch (or submit identity verification online) to open a joint account. Both/all co-owners’ Social Security Numbers are reported to the bank and IRS for tax reporting.

Joint accounts are also a separate FDIC ownership category with $250,000 of coverage per co-owner. A two-person joint account has $500,000 of FDIC coverage. See our What is FDIC Insurance guide for full coverage details.

Foreign customers and non-residents

Non-U.S. residents can open U.S. bank accounts in limited circumstances, typically requiring:

• Foreign passport with valid U.S. visa
• ITIN (not SSN)
• U.S. mailing address (some banks require a permanent U.S. address; others accept a hotel or short-term address)
• In-person application at most banks (very few support fully-online non-resident applications)

Specific non-resident-friendly banks include the international banks with U.S. retail (HSBC with Premier global linking, Citibank with Citigold international, Santander) and U.S. branches of Indian banks (HDFC, ICICI).

What to set up after the account opens

Once your account is open, these are the next steps to make it fully functional:

Direct deposit

Provide your employer with a void check (or printable bank-provided void check from the mobile app) showing your routing number and account number. Direct deposit typically takes 1 to 2 pay cycles to activate. Many U.S. banks offer “Early Pay” features that post direct deposits up to 2 days early. See our What is a Routing Number guide for routing number details.

Activate your debit card

The physical debit card arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after online account opening (or is instant-issued at the branch if you opened in person). Activate the card via the bank’s mobile app or by calling the activation number on the sticker. Set up a 4-digit PIN. Many banks support adding the debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay before the physical card arrives.

Set up online and mobile banking

Create your online banking username and password through the bank’s website. Download the bank’s mobile app on iPhone or Android. Set up multi-factor authentication (SMS code, authenticator app, or biometric login). Enable balance alerts, transaction alerts, and fraud alerts.

Set up Zelle

Most major U.S. banks have Zelle built into the mobile app for instant U.S.-bank-to-U.S.-bank transfers. Register your phone number or email with Zelle to start sending and receiving money. Daily and monthly Zelle limits are set by your bank (typically $500 to $3,500 per day for new customers).

Order checks (optional)

Most U.S. banks include a small starter set of checks free, with subsequent check orders costing $15 to $40 per box of 100 to 200. Increasingly customers go without checks entirely, using Mobile Check Deposit for received checks and ACH bill pay or Zelle for sent payments.

Set up bill pay

Most U.S. banks include free online bill pay. Add your recurring bills (utilities, mortgage, credit cards, insurance) and schedule automatic payments to avoid late fees.

Link external bank accounts

Add other bank accounts (your old bank, savings at a separate bank, brokerage account) using the new bank’s link-an-external-account feature. This lets you transfer money between banks easily. Most external account links use micro-deposit verification (small test deposits like $0.13 and $0.27) to confirm you own the account.

Common reasons for account opening denial

If your application is denied, the most common reasons are:

• ChexSystems negative item (the #1 reason) – request your free ChexSystems report and dispute or resolve the item, or apply at a no-ChexSystems bank
• Identity verification failure – your ID photo did not match the live selfie, or the address on your ID does not match the address you provided. Try in-branch where a banker can manually verify
• Insufficient credit file for some banks – if you have a thin credit file (new to U.S. credit, young adult), the bank’s identity verification may not have enough data to confirm you. Try a bank that accepts ITIN or alternative verification
• Address verification failure – if your provided address does not match utility bills or postal service records, the bank may decline. Bring proof of address documents to the branch
• OFAC sanctions screening hit – your name matched (often falsely) someone on the U.S. Treasury OFAC sanctions list. Banks must resolve these manually before opening; visit a branch for human review
• Prior fraud at the bank – some banks deny former customers who had fraud issues. Other banks may approve
• Recent ChexSystems inquiries – too many recent ChexSystems inquiries (5+ in 12 months) can be a flag. Space out your applications

If denied, the bank must provide an “adverse action notice” within 30 days explaining the reason. Read it carefully and address the specific issue before reapplying.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to open a bank account?

Online account opening at most major U.S. banks takes 5 to 15 minutes and the account is typically approved instantly or within 1 business day. In-branch account opening takes 20 to 45 minutes including wait time and signing. Physical debit cards arrive by mail 7 to 10 business days after online opening or are instant-issued at most major bank branches.

What documents do I need to open a bank account?

You need: (1) a primary government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, green card, or foreign passport with U.S. visa); (2) your Social Security Number or ITIN; (3) proof of address (utility bill, lease, or other recent mail with your address); (4) an opening deposit ($0 to $100 depending on the bank and account type).

How much money do I need to open a bank account?

Opening deposit requirements vary by bank and account type. Online-only banks like Ally, Marcus, Discover, Synchrony, and SoFi require $0 to open. Major traditional banks typically require $25 to $100. Capital One 360 Checking and Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking require $0. High-yield savings, money market accounts, and CDs often require $100 to $1,000+ to open.

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Most major U.S. banks accept ITIN for account opening, particularly Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and multicultural community banks (East West Bank, Cathay Bank, Bank of Hope).

Can I open a bank account online?

Yes, every major U.S. bank supports online account opening. Online-only banks (Ally, Marcus, Discover, Synchrony, SoFi) only support online applications. Traditional banks (Chase, BofA, Wells Fargo, etc.) support both online and in-branch.

What is ChexSystems and how does it affect account opening?

ChexSystems is the major U.S. bank-customer reporting bureau, tracking checking and savings account history. Approximately 80% of U.S. banks use ChexSystems to screen new account applications. Negative items (unpaid balances, bounced checks, fraud) typically stay on your report for 5 years and can lead to denial. You can get a free ChexSystems report once every 12 months at chexsystems.com.

What if I have a ChexSystems negative item?

Three options: (1) dispute the item if it is inaccurate or has expired; (2) negotiate “pay for delete” with the original bank to resolve the unpaid balance; (3) apply at a no-ChexSystems bank or open a “second chance” account at Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking, BofA SafeBalance, Chase Secure Banking, U.S. Bank Safe Debit, or fintech alternatives like Chime, Varo, GO2bank, or Current.

Can a minor open a bank account?

Minors generally need a parent or guardian co-signing. Two main minor account types: joint custodial accounts (both parent and minor on the account) and UTMA/UGMA custodial accounts (parent manages until the minor reaches majority age 18 or 21 depending on state). Most major U.S. banks offer student or teen checking accounts.

Can I open a joint account?

Yes. Joint accounts have two or more co-owners with equal withdrawal rights. Both/all co-owners must verify identity (in person at the branch, or via online verification). Joint accounts are a separate FDIC ownership category with $250,000 of coverage per co-owner; a two-person joint account has $500,000 of FDIC coverage. See our What is FDIC Insurance guide for full coverage rules.

What is the best bank for a first-time account?

Depends on your priorities. For traditional bank with full branch and ATM access: Chase Bank (~4,700 branches), Bank of America (~3,700 branches), or Wells Fargo (~4,600 branches). For no-monthly-fee online checking: Ally Bank, Capital One 360, or Discover Cashback Debit. For no-overdraft-fee checking with friendly policies: Huntington Asterisk-Free Checking.

Can I open a bank account at any age?

You must be 18 or older to open an account in your own name at most banks. Minors (under 18) need a parent or guardian co-signing on a joint or custodial account. Some online banks (SoFi, Capital One 360) allow teens age 13-17 to have their own teen accounts linked to a parent account.

Can I open a U.S. bank account as a foreign citizen?

Yes, in limited circumstances. You typically need a foreign passport, U.S. visa, ITIN, U.S. mailing address, and in-person branch application. Non-resident-friendly banks include HSBC (Premier global linking), Citibank (Citigold international), Santander, and U.S. branches of Indian banks (HDFC, ICICI).

Do I need a credit check to open a bank account?

No. Opening a basic checking or savings account does NOT involve a hard credit inquiry and does not affect your credit score. Some banks may do a soft inquiry (no score impact) to verify identity. The bank screens through ChexSystems (not credit bureau) for new account applications.

For more banking guides

• How to Switch Banks, the 9-step switching process, re-routing direct deposit and bill pay, common mistakes (closing old account too soon), and bank-provided switching tools
• What is a Routing Number, the 9-digit ABA code that identifies your US bank and the routing number directory for major US banks
• What is FDIC Insurance, the $250K per depositor per insured bank per ownership category formula and how to maximize coverage
• Banks Open Now Near Me, the right-now lookup matrix by day-of-week and time-of-day
• Banks Open on Holidays Near Me, the 11 federal holiday schedule
• Banks Open on Saturday Near Me, Saturday hours by bank including drive-up vs lobby differences
• Banks Open on Christmas Day, Dec 25 closure and Christmas Eve early-close
• Banks Open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday Thanksgiving closure and Black Friday open status
• Drive Thru Banks Near Me, drive-up window vs drive-thru ATM
• ATM Near Me, find ATMs at any bank, surcharge-free options, and Envelope-Free Deposit ATMs
• Banks Near Me homepage, a directory of 80+ U.S., U.K., and international banks