What You Need to Open a Checking Account
4 Min Read | Published: June 24, 2026
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Learn what’s required to open a checking account, including documents, minimum deposits, and tips for choosing the right account.
At-A-Glance
- Opening a checking account is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to provide specific documents and information.
- Typical requirements include valid identification, proof of address, and an initial deposit.
- Understanding what’s required can help you open your account quickly and start managing your finances.
Checking accounts serve as the command center for many of your everyday financial tasks, from paying bills and buying groceries to withdrawing cash and receiving direct deposits. Whether you want to open a second account or open one for the first time, knowing what’s required for the process can save you time and hassle. Ready to start fresh? Let’s take a look at how to open a checking account, what documents you’ll need, and some tips for choosing the right account for you.
What Is Required to Open a Checking Account?
As you get ready to embark on a new checking account journey, you’ll want to get the necessary paperwork in order. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare beforehand:
- Valid Identification
Banks often require government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state I.D. card, to open an account.1 Applicants under 18 may need to provide a birth certificate.2 - Proof of Address
You may need to confirm your address, so make sure you have a document that shows it, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement.3 - Social Security Number (SSN) or Noncitizen Identification
If you’re a citizen, take your Social Security card with you to open your new account.4 If you’re a noncitizen, you may need to provide additional documents, like your country’s passport, a noncitizen identification card, or another government-issued ID.5 - Initial Deposit
Some accounts may require an initial deposit to open, but others may not.6 Ask the bank beforehand whether you need to fund your account, and if you don’t want to make an initial deposit, look specifically for checking accounts that don’t require one. - Contact Information
In addition to your mailing address, banks often ask for a phone number or email address to contact you.
Can You Open a Checking Account Online?
Many banks allow you to open your checking account online, and the process is fairly similar to how you’d open one in a branch, except you do a lot of the heavy lifting yourself. You’ll typically need the same documents, such as government-issued ID, proof of address, and SSN or noncitizen identification documents. You’ll just need to make sure you can upload digital copies of your documents and that you can fund it electronically if it requires an initial deposit.
Tips for Choosing the Right Checking Account
Before you open a new account, it can help to identify which banking features matter most to you. A few steps on your research journey might include:
- Compare Fees
You want to keep your funds in your checking account, not lose them to costly fees. Look for accounts that have low or no monthly maintenance fees. - Check Features
Make sure your checking account offers adequate online and mobile banking, as well as other perks like overdraft protection, cardless ATMs, and budgeting tools. - Read the Fine Print
You don’t want to open an account and discover that you’re being charged a fee or receiving payments later than expected. Make sure to ask questions about the ins and outs of your account before you commit. - Explore Rewards Checking
If you want to earn interest on your balance or earn cash back or points on your spending, you may want to consider opening a rewards checking account.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re an adult and able to provide the documents necessary to open a checking account, like a government-issued ID, proof of residence, SSN, or noncitizen documentation, then you should be able to open a checking account. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian may need to be present to open the account. However, if you’ve had a number of negative bank account actions or activities in the past, some banks may deny your application for a new checking account or direct you to a second-chance checking account.7
Many financial institutions do require a minimum deposit to open your account, but not all of them do. If you want to avoid making an initial deposit, look around for checking accounts that don’t require them. However, even if you don’t make an initial deposit, some accounts may have ongoing minimum balance requirements to avoid fees.
There are different types of checking accounts to fit various preferences and lifestyles. Some options include student checking accounts, joint checking accounts, rewards checking accounts, and business checking accounts.
The Takeaway
Opening a checking account can be as simple as gathering the required documents, finding an account that works for you, and applying for it online from your living room. However, before you proceed with an account, make sure that they offer the features you like, understand how they charge fees, and ask if they need anything in particular to get your account off and running. If you’re interested in earning rewards on your spending, check out rewards checking accounts that help you elevate your banking experience.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 “What Is Required When Opening a Checking Account?,” Experian
7 “What Is Second Chance Banking?,” Experian
Scott Drueding Hanson is a content writer and copywriter based in Brooklyn. His work focuses primarily on personal finance.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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