What To Bring to a Bank To Open a Checking Account

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.

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.

Here's what you need to bring along to open a checking account.

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.

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

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)

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.