What to Bring to Open a Bank Account

The IDs, numbers and paperwork to bring when you open a personal checking account.

A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.

  • What to Bring to Open a Bank Account
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Second form of ID
  • Social Security number or ITIN
  • Proof of address
  • Recent utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Mortgage document
  • Opening deposit, cash or check
  • Your own mobile phone number
  • Physical U.S. address
  • Co-owner's ID and address proof
  • Parent or guardian, for minors
  • Birth certificate for a minor
  • Business documents, if applicable
  • List of direct deposits and autopays
  • Branch appointment
  • Confirm age and eligibility rules
  • Your bank's accepted-ID list
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Start with identification. Banterra asks for a current, unexpired government-issued photo ID, plus your Social Security or taxpayer ID number and proof of address. Some banks or accounts also require an opening deposit. Requirements differ by bank, so check yours before you go. Wells Fargo, for one, asks for two forms of ID at a branch, while opening online needs your number, a U.S. address and your own mobile number. This list covers a personal checking account, with extras for joint accounts and minors. It leaves out business formation beyond the basics.

Why these items are on the list

  1. Government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport or state ID. Make sure it is current and not expired.
  2. Second form of ID. Wells Fargo asks for a primary and a secondary ID when you open at a branch.
  3. Social Security number or ITIN. Bring the number or card, then return the card to a safe place afterward.
  4. Proof of address. It should show your name and current residence address clearly.
  5. Recent utility bill. A bill with your name and address printed on it can serve as proof of address.
  6. Lease agreement. A lease with your name and address on it is listed as acceptable proof.
  7. Mortgage document. It can serve as proof of address when it shows your name and residence address.
  8. Opening deposit, cash or check. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit when you apply. Ask first.
  9. Your own mobile phone number. Wells Fargo requires it to open an account online.
  10. Physical U.S. address. Wells Fargo's online opening also requires a physical U.S. address.
  11. Co-owner's ID and address proof. For a joint account, both parties provide identification and proof of address.
  12. Parent or guardian, for minors. Wells Fargo requires teens 17 and under to open at a branch; some banks want a guardian present.
  13. Birth certificate for a minor. Listed for minors only, alongside other ID such as a Social Security card.
  14. Business documents, if applicable. For a business account, bring a license, partnership agreement or articles of incorporation.
  15. List of direct deposits and autopays. If you are switching banks, you will move these and close the old account.
  16. Branch appointment. Ask whether your bank takes appointments for branch account openings.
  17. Confirm age and eligibility rules. You usually need to be 18 for a checking account. Confirm with your bank.
  18. Your bank's accepted-ID list. Requirements differ by institution, so confirm what yours accepts before you leave.

Tick each document off on your phone as it goes in the folder, then glance at the list again at the bank counter.

When to use it

Use it before your first branch visit or before starting an application online.

Sources

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