What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

Often the hub of a person’s financial life, bank accounts can be quick and simple to open with the right materials in hand, including a valid government-issued photo ID, personal information such as your Social Security number (SSN), and perhaps an opening deposit.

Here, learn the details on what you need to open a bank account and how to navigate the process itself.

What You Need to Open a Bank Account

Here’s a list of what you are likely to need when opening a bank account. Gathering these materials before you actually begin the process of starting a new account can help you save time and frustration.

1. Qualifying information: First, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible to open a bank account. If you’re under 18, many (but not all) banks may require a parent or legal guardian to open the account with you.

2. Identification: You’ll also need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, non-driver state ID card, or passport.

3. Personal information: Be prepared to provide basic information such as your birthdate and SSN. You’ll also need to give contact information such as your address, phone number, and email. You might be required to submit proof of residency, such as a utility bill.

◦  If you’re opening a joint account: You’ll need the identifying and personal information listed above for all the account owners. If you are doing this in person at a bank branch, you may not need the other person present.

4. Initial deposit: In many instances, you’ll need an initial deposit when opening a bank account. The minimum amount required to open an account varies from bank to bank but is often between $25 and $100. In some cases, it can be absolutely zero. If you’re transferring the minimum deposit from another bank, you will likely need the routing and account numbers.

5. Username and password: If you’re applying online or opening a checking or savings account at an online-only bank, you’ll need to establish a username and password.

6. Signatures: If you are applying for an account in person at a branch, you’ll likely be able to sign all documents there. If you’re applying online, you may be able to use an e-signature, or, depending on the bank, you may have to wait and sign documents that are sent to you via the mail in order to access full privileges.

How to Open a Bank Account

With these materials in hand, it can be quite simple to open a bank account. Here are the typical steps involved.

Decide What Kind of Account and Which Bank Is Best for You

First, determine if you want to open a checking or savings account (learn more about the differences below) or both; most people have at least one of each.

Then, you can review various bank options. For instance:

•   You might decide to go with an online bank because of the convenience and the higher interest rates they may offer.

•   You might prefer a traditional bank, with a nearby branch, where you can regularly meet with the team in person.

•   You might like to bank at a credit union that you can become a member of based on, say, your profession.

Shop around a bit, and compare features to find the best fit.

Gather Your Documentation

As noted above, whether you are applying online or in person, you will need to have a few documents on hand, including government-issued photo ID and your SSN.

Fill out the Application

Whether in person or online, you will want to make sure to fill this out carefully, double-checking the information to make sure it’s accurate.

Pay an Opening Deposit if Required

You may or may not need to pay a deposit to get your account up and running. (If you are opening an account online and an opening deposit is required, you can typically do an electronic funds transfer.)

Many banks look for $25 to $100 as an opening deposit, but some — especially for checking accounts — may allow you to open an account without any cash.

Start Using Your Account

Depending on the kind of bank account you are opening (checking vs. savings; at a traditional or an online bank), you may need to wait to get a debit card, checks, and other materials. However, you should be able to use your account right away for at least some functions, such as setting up direct deposit and making electronic payments.

Bank Account Types to Choose From

There are two main types of basic bank accounts: checking and savings accounts. Many people choose to open multiple types of bank accounts at the same time.

In a nutshell:

•   If you’re looking for a bank account to use primarily for paying expenses, a checking account with no or low fees is probably best. You can get to your money using checks, ATMs, electronic debits, and debit cards tied to the account. You can deposit using ATMs, direct deposit, electronic transactions, and over-the-counter deposits.

•   If you are trying to save for short-term financial goals such as a car, vacation, or down payment on a home, a savings account may fit your needs. Savings account interest rates vary, with the amount of interest paid often being quite modest at traditional banks and potentially higher at online banks. There may be limits on how many transactions you can make in a given time period.

A couple of notes regarding bank accounts:

•   Any interest earned on a savings or checking account is considered taxable income and will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

•   It’s wise to check with banks to see what the minimum deposit and balance requirements are and what kinds of fees are applied to accounts to make sure there aren’t hidden costs lurking.

Using Your New Bank Account

Now that you know what you need to open a bank account and how to start one, here’s some advice on how to use your new savings or checking account. (Remember to keep an eye out for anything coming to you in the mail, such as a debit card or paper checks.)

•   Utilize online features: You’ll likely want to sign up for any electronic features associated with your account that may help you manage your money. This includes online bill pay, which allows you to pay bills electronically, eliminate paper checks, and take advantage of remote check deposits. Account alerts are another benefit of electronic bank accounts, as they can warn you about unusual activity in your account and if your balance is getting low.

•   Track activity: It’s a wise move to keep close track of the activity in your checking account to make sure you don’t overdraw. Most banks charge hefty overdraft fees for purchases that put the account in the red. Those fees can add up fast.

•   Consider linking accounts: If you’ve opened both a savings and checking account, you may want to consider linking the two. This way, you may be able to avoid overdraft charges and have a place to put any extra money from your checking account into a more lucrative, interest-bearing account.

As you see, starting to use a bank account takes just a little bit of time and effort. Getting up and running can be an important step towards putting your money to work for you and optimizing your financial life.

The Takeaway

Opening a bank account is usually quite simple. Typically, you’ll need personal information, government-issued photo ID, and an opening deposit to open a bank account. You might choose to open a checking or savings account or, if you’re like most Americans, both kinds of accounts. Once your bank account or accounts are established, you can enjoy a variety of conveniences and features that can help you manage your money better.

Looking for one-stop banking? See what SoFi offers.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

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

You will often need an initial deposit to open your checking account or your savings account. For checking and savings accounts, this can be as low as $25 or $100, depending on the bank and the account services you’ve signed up for. In some cases, though, a bank (usually an online bank) may let you open a checking account with no money until your first paycheck or other amount of money is deposited.

Are the requirements to open a bank account online any different?

The requirements for opening a bank account online vs. in person are similar if not the same, generally requiring personal information and ID documents. Worth noting: You might open a bank account in person with cash. However, with an online bank account, you would probably need to make an electronic transfer or set up direct deposit.

What ID do you need to open a bank account?

You will typically need a government-issued photo ID to open a bank account. Usually, this means a driver’s license, a non-driver’s ID card, or a valid passport.

Photo credit: iStock/atakan

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