You can open a bank account if you meet your bank's basic requirements, which usually include being at least 18 years old, having a valid ID, and providing a Social Security number or ITIN

Most banks will open an account for you on the spot if you walk in with a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You do not need perfect credit, a job, or a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and check you against a list of people with whom they cannot do business — this takes a few minutes and is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification.

The main barriers are age and identity. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to co-own the account with you. If you do not have a Social Security number, an ITIN (issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not citizens) works at most banks. If you have no ID at all, some banks will accept alternative documents like a passport from another country, a consular ID, or a combination of documents like a utility bill plus a birth certificate — but this varies widely by bank and location.

Key Takeaways

  • You need to be 18 or older, have a valid government-issued ID, and provide a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account at most banks.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must co-own the account, and some banks set a minimum age (often 13 or 16) for the minor.
  • If you have no ID, ask your bank what alternative documents they accept — options include passports, consular IDs, or combinations of utility bills and birth certificates.
  • Banks check your identity against federal lists as part of opening an account; this is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.
  • If you have been denied an account in the past, you can ask the bank why and may be able to open one elsewhere or with different documentation.

What happens if you are under 18

If you are a minor, you cannot open an account in your name alone. A parent, legal guardian, or sometimes a grandparent must open a joint account with you. The adult is responsible for the account and can see all transactions, though some banks offer teen accounts with spending limits or restrictions set by the parent.

Different banks have different minimum ages for minors. Some allow children as young as 13 to be added to an account; others require the minor to be at least 16. A few banks offer accounts for children under 13 but require the parent to be the sole owner until the child reaches a certain age. Call your bank or check their website to see what age they allow.

What to bring to open an account

Bring your government-issued ID and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Proof of your Social Security number can be the card itself, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration website or visit your local Social Security office.

Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. This is less common for opening a basic account but more common if you are opening a business account or applying for credit. Bring whatever documents you have; the bank will tell you if something is missing.

If you have been denied an account before

Banks sometimes deny account applications because of past banking problems. The most common reason is a history of overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud reported to ChexSystems, a banking history database that most banks check. If you were denied, ask the bank which reason they cited — they are required to tell you.

If the reason was ChexSystems, you can request your report from ChexSystems for free and dispute any errors. Even with a negative ChexSystems history, you may be able to open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or that specializes in second-chance banking. Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than large banks. If you were denied because of identity verification issues, try bringing additional documents or visiting a branch in person rather than applying online.

Opening an account online versus in person

You can open many accounts entirely online without visiting a branch. Online banks often have faster approval and lower fees, but they require you to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading photos of your ID and documents. If you have an unusual situation — no ID, alternative documents, or a past banking issue — opening in person at a branch is usually easier because a staff member can see your documents and make a judgment call.

In-person applications also let you ask questions and understand the account features before you sign anything. Online applications are faster if your documents are in order and you are comfortable with the process, but they can be frustrating if the system rejects your ID or asks for documents you do not have.

What banks check when you open an account

Banks verify your identity against federal lists of people they cannot do business with, including people under sanctions, people with certain criminal convictions, and people on terrorist watch lists. This is a legal requirement called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. It is not a credit check — it does not look at your credit score or payment history and does not affect your credit.

Banks also check ChexSystems, a private database of banking history. ChexSystems records overdrafts, bounced checks, closed accounts due to fraud, and other banking problems. This check is optional for the bank but most large banks do it. If you have a negative ChexSystems record, some banks will still open an account for you, but others will not.

Special situations: ITINs, no fixed address, and non-citizens

If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, most banks will open an account for you. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS along with your ID. Some banks ask for additional documents if you have an ITIN, such as a tax return or a letter from an employer, but many do not.

If you do not have a fixed address, bring a letter from a shelter, a friend, or a social service agency stating your name and that you receive mail there. Some banks accept a PO box; others do not. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport or consular ID plus your ITIN or Social Security number. Non-citizens can open accounts, but some banks have stricter documentation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job or income to open a bank account?

No. Banks do not check your employment or income when you open a checking or savings account. They only verify your identity and check banking history. You can open an account whether you are employed, retired, unemployed, or a student.

Will opening a bank account hurt my credit score?

No. Opening a bank account does not create a credit inquiry and does not affect your credit score. Banks check your identity and banking history, not your credit. Your credit score only changes when you apply for credit (loans, credit cards) or when creditors report payment information about you.

Can I open an account if I have been in trouble with the law?

Most people with criminal records can open bank accounts. Banks are required to deny accounts only to people on federal sanctions lists or with certain specific convictions related to financial crimes. If you are denied, ask the bank why — they must tell you. You may be able to open an account elsewhere.

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks accept expired IDs as long as the ID is still recognizable and the photo looks like you. Some banks have stricter rules and require a current ID. Call your bank before you go in, or bring a second form of ID (passport, consular ID, or military ID) as backup.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. You must be present and verify your identity in person or through a video call. A parent or guardian can open a joint account with a minor, but the minor must still be verified. You cannot have someone else open an account for you.