What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

# What you need to have before you apply

Opening a bank account is normally straightforward, but a missing document can stop the process. Federal rules require banks to collect your name, date of birth, address, and an identification number, and they must verify your identity with documents or another approved method. Below is the practical list of what you should bring and what decisions to make before you apply.

Mandatory personal information

• Full legal name and date of birth. The bank uses both to confirm identity and to determine whether you can open the account on your own.

• Contact details: phone number and email address.
• Tax identification number: typically your Social Security number for U.S. citizens and residents. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another approved ID number.

Primary documents banks commonly accept

Bring original documents to a branch unless the bank has said copies are acceptable. Common primary photo IDs include:

• Driver's license (current, showing your legal name).
• State-issued ID card.
• Passport (U.S. or foreign, depending on the bank's policy).
• Military identification card.
• Permanent resident card for lawful permanent residents.

Banks may also request a separate document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance document, or a government letter. If your legal name changed recently, bring the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that proves the change.

Opening deposit and account choice

# Special applicant situations

Minors

Most minors cannot open a standard account on their own. Banks typically offer youth accounts or custodial accounts where a parent or guardian is a joint owner or custodian. Both the adult and the minor may need to provide identification and tax ID numbers. Check the bank's age limits and policies before you begin.

Joint accounts

Every owner of a joint account must complete identity verification. Each owner usually has the same ability to deposit, withdraw, and manage money unless the account agreement specifies limits. Read the ownership and access terms before opening a joint account.

Non-U.S. citizens and nonresidents

U.S. citizenship is not always required. Many banks accept non-U.S. applicants but have different document rules. A bank may accept an ITIN, a foreign passport, or another government-issued ID. Ask the bank which specific documents it accepts and whether you must visit a branch.

# How to choose whether to apply online or in person

You can open many accounts online in a few minutes. Choose a branch visit when your identification documents require extra review, when you expect questions, or when the application has problems. Check the bank's website for the exact list of acceptable documents for online versus in-branch applications.

# Practical next steps

1. 1Identify the type of account you need (checking, savings, youth, joint).
2. 2Gather primary photo ID and a document showing your current residential address.
3. 3Confirm your tax ID (SSN or ITIN) and any additional documents for name changes.
4. 4Check the bank's website for account-specific document lists and opening deposit requirements.
5. 5If you're a nonresident, call the bank ahead to confirm which foreign documents are accepted.