What do you need to open a bank account?

To open a bank account in the US you’ll usually be asked for a few documents for verification, your SSN and a minimum opening deposit.

The exact requirements for different accounts can vary — some have tighter eligibility restrictions than others, depending on the account type.

We’ll cover all you need to know about how to open a bank account in this handy guide. And because banks aren’t right for everyone, we’ll also introduce the Wise account — a more flexible, non-bank alternative.

Learn more about Wise

What do you need to open a bank account?

Let’s start with the requirements you’re likely to find when you choose to open a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union.

Financial institutions can all set their own processes and eligibility rules for their checking accounts and savings accounts — so it’s worth taking a look at the specifics before you get started.

However, the things you’ll need usually include¹:

A government issued photo ID document like a passport, ID card or driving license A second proof of ID — this could be your social security card, or a utility bill in your name for example Your social security number or ITIN Your minimum opening deposit amount

You’re asked to submit identity and address documents for verification purposes, more or less whenever you open a bank account or access other financial services.

That’s part of how banks, credit unions, and specialist providers keep customers safe and comply with legal requirements.

Before you choose your preferred bank and account, don’t forget you’ll also need to double-check the eligibility rules. Most banks and credit unions will offer basic checking accounts to customers aged 18 years or over — you may even be able to apply online.

⚠️ However, with more basic accounts, you may find that the products and services you can access are more limited. You can usually get a linked debit card and online banking service, but to get more advanced account functions like a linked credit card, you’re likely to need a credit score check and provide a higher initial deposit amount.

What do I need to open a bank account as a non-permanent US resident?

It’s helpful to know that the documents you need to open a bank account in the US may vary if you’re a non-permanent US resident or a non-resident alien.

Many major banks will still allow you to open an account if you’re a Green Card holder or a non-resident alien holding a US visa. However, the process may be different — including requiring a trip to a branch to make your application.

To give an example, here’s what’s needed to open a Bank of America® account as a non-permanent US resident:

Your permanent (foreign) and current local address ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) Proof of US residency, like a US government-issued photo ID or rental agreement showing your name and US address Primary photo ID like your passport Secondary ID, like a photo driving license or a Visa® or Mastercard® debit or credit card in your name

If you’re looking for an account you can open fully online, from more or less anywhere in the world, you might find you’re better off with a modern alternative, like Wise. More on that, next.

Check our full guide to opening a non-resident account with BoA

Need more from your account? Try Wise — a flexible non-bank alternative

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Traditional financial institutions offer a range of checking and savings accounts — but they aren’t right for everyone.

In particular, banks may not be your best bet if you need to send, spend or receive foreign currencies.

Check out the multi-currency Wise Account as a modern alternative:

Open your Wise account for free with no minimum balance No monthly fees, hidden costs or exchange rate markups Hold over 50 currencies and switch between them with the mid-market exchange rate Use your linked Wise card to spend in 170+ countries around the world Get your own bank details to get paid from 30 different countries Opt in to earn APY on your USD balance (subject to change, certain limitations apply — see  Program Agreement for more information) Send low-cost money transfers² online and in the Wise app, to 80+ countries

Open your Wise account online or through the app, using your regular ID document, and your proof of address*.

Once your account is verified you’re ready to start managing your money across currencies, right from your phone or laptop. Easy.

Get started with Wise

*Wise may request additional documents to verify a customer's identity

How to open a bank account in the US?

Let’s dive into how to open a bank account in the US.

The process for opening an account varies widely from one financial institution to another — so you’ll have to check the requirements for your preferred bank or credit union directly. However, the usual steps include:

Find out if you can open your bank account online — if not, you’ll need to visit a branch to get started Fill in the account application form online or in person, giving your personal details Show or submit your ID documents Pay in your minimum opening deposit If a credit check or any approval process is in place, it’ll likely be done now Once your account is approved you’ll get your checkbook and card, and all the details you need to make payments

Checking vs. savings accounts: Know the difference

Choosing the right type of bank account is important, to make sure you get the services you need without excessive fees.

While there are many specialist account types available, the most common accounts offered by banks and credit unions can be split into checking accounts and savings accounts. Let’s look at the difference.

Checking account	Savings account
Intended for day to day use and bill payments	Intended to build a rainy day fund or achieve mid — to long — term savings goals
Likely to come with a debit card and checkbook	May or may not come with linked cards and checks
Instant access — make withdrawals and payments any time without penalty	The highest yield savings accounts may not offer penalty free access to funds
Unlimited numbers of withdrawals usually available	Withdrawals may be limited to a fixed number per month or year
Usually pays low or no interest	Interest bearing
Minimum balance requirements and fees can vary	Minimum balance requirements and fees can vary

In short, if you want a spending account with easy access, low fees, and few limits, you probably want a checking account.

If your priority is saving towards a goal, and you want to earn interest, you’ll probably need a savings account product.

📖 Wondering if a different kind of account might be better for you? Read more here:
Learn more about Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Find out how to get a free checking account Get a guide to high-yield savings accounts Check out the best banks for students

What do you need to open a bank account: FAQ

What do you need to open a joint bank account?

You can usually open a joint account in the same way as you’d open a personal account product — except, of course, that you need to provide documents and details for all named signatories.

That will mean that each joint account holder will need to provide documents to prove their identity and address, plus a tax ID like a SSN or ITIN, to get started.

What do you need to open a bank account if you're under 18?

Some banks let you open an account if you’re under 18, often with a co-signatory, such as a parent or guardian.

In this case, you’ll probably need proof of identity for both signatories, including the documents laid out above.

Some accounts specify who can be a co-signatory for a minor — in this case you may also need to show proof of the relationship between the account holder and co-signatory to get started.

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Bottom line

Having low cost, simple ways to manage your money will make life easier. From online and mobile bill payments and free cash withdrawals, to great ways to build your savings, everyone’s priorities are different.

Choosing the right account for you will take a bit of research — but it’s well worth investing the time now to save money later.

Use this guide to start you off, and don’t forget to check out the Wise Account if you send and receive international payments, travel frequently or like to shop online with merchants based overseas. If you do, you may be able to start saving money on currency exchange with Wise today.

Learn more about Wise

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Sources:

1. Consumerfinance.gov — Checklist for opening a bank or credit union account
2. Bank of America — account opening FAQ
3. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Sources checked on 05.12.2023