What identification do i need to open a bank account

Having a bank account is a necessary step for the vast majority of people in the U.S. It is essential to receive your salary and other payments, as well as making purchases and covering other daily expenses. It is also often necessary to prove sufficient funds to rent or buy a house, get a loan, and often to obtain a visa for your holidays abroad.

So what documents do you need to open a bank account in the United States? What forms of ID are necessary and do you have to provide your birth certificate? Keep reading to find all the information you need.

Who Can Open a Bank Account in the U.S.?

It is important to understand that there are several types of accounts available to accommodate the different needs of bank customers in America.

Normally, the most basic type of account opened for daily use in the U.S. is called checking account. However, you may want to consider other kinds of accounts according to your specific needs and circumstances.

The requirements to open a checking account are quite simple: account holders must be 18 years of age and legal U.S. residents. Some banks may have stricter requirements so you should always check with the provider of your choice.

Please note that minors under the age of 18 may be allowed to be listed as a joint account holder with their parent or legal guardian.

Necessary Documents to Open an Account

Again, each bank will have their own requirements and necessary documentation. However, as a rule of thumb, you must prove your age, identity, and nationality/residency status.

Here is a list of necessary documents that you may be asked when opening a bank account:

  • Government-issued ID: this may be, for example, your passport, driver’s license, military identification card, or birth certificate
  • Social security number or individual taxpayer identification number. This is necessary for the bank to report any interest income you may earn to the IRS
  • Proof of address: nowadays, very few banks allow you to open an account with just a post office box. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of your current physical address with, for example, a recent utility bill, or rental agreement

It is important that you check with the bank what documents are accepted as proof.

Can I open a bank account without a REAL ID-compliant document?

After 9/11, REAL ID compliance was created for better identification checks and security. Without a REAL ID-compliant document, you cannot access federal facilities, board commercial aircraft and nuclear power plants in the U.S.

REAL ID-compliant documents can be easily identified by the gold star they are marked with. If you do not have one, do not worry: REAL ID compliance is not necessary to open a bank account in the United States. You just need an eligible regular ID document.

Minimum Deposit to Open a Bank Account

Many wonder whether they need money to open a checking account. In this case, the money you leave in the bank when you sign your papers is called minimum deposit.

Many banks require a minimum deposit for all or some of their accounts so you should always check before you go. However, keep in mind that minimum deposits are usually very small sums, especially for checking accounts. Typically, you may be asked to deposit between $15 and $50. Some banks do not ask this at all.

How to Open an Account without a Passport

If you do not have a U.S. passport, you may still be able to open a bank account in the U.S. If you are an American citizen, there are other ways to prove your identity — ask the bank what documents you can take to your appointment instead.

If you have lost your passport or your document has expired, it is a good idea to get it replaced. Make sure to have your birth certificate and other passport requirements ready.

If you are a foreign citizen, there are accounts available to you. It is likely that, on top of your valid foreign passport, you may have to bring more documents to prove your identity and residency status. These include, for example, a valid visa and/or other immigration documents.

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Applying for Bank Accounts FAQs

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How can I open an account?

You can apply online for a checking account, savings account, CD or IRA. Simply select an account, enter your personal information, verify your information and choose features & funding options. You will receive an email once your application is received and a follow-up email telling you whether it has been approved, plus any next steps.

What do I need to apply?

For a faster application process, please have the following information on hand when you begin your application:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your current residential address
  • Your email address
  • Your account number or debit card number to make your opening deposit into your new Bank of America account
  • Co-applicant's personal information (if applicable)

If you're missing one of these pieces of information, you can also schedule an appointment with an associate at your local financial center for a day and time that works best for you.

What information do I need to open a joint account?

You'll need the same information that's needed when opening an individual account, but you'll need it for both applicants. For details, please see the preceding question and answer. Please note that each co-applicant has to sign the signature form.

How do I make an initial deposit for an account that I just opened?

To make your initial deposit, you can transfer money from your account at another bank. If you are already a Bank of America customer, you can transfer money from your existing account. You can also use a debit card, check or money order for your initial deposit.

The transfer will not take place until your account is approved. Please ensure that you have sufficient funds available to be transferred.

Is my online application secure?

We use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology to ensure your online information is passed to us securely. This technology allows users to establish sessions with internet sites that are secure, meaning they have minimal risk of external violation. Once inside the Online Banking site, you are secure through our use of SSL technology.

How long will it take to open an account when I apply?

Your application will be processed in 1 to 2 business days. We'll send you either an email or letter letting you know if you are approved for your account. You will receive your account documents via U.S. Mail within 7-10 business days.

Processing times may be slower due to high volume of applications

What's an offer code?

An offer code is a series of numbers and letters that you may have received from Bank of America in conjunction with a promotion or offer. Your offer code is indicated on the communication material you may have received from us. Examples of communications are a brochure that you received in the mail or from a web page ad. You can provide this offer code with your application.

How do I get my account opening documents?

As part of your online application, you will be asked to give consent to receive certain account opening documents and notices from us electronically. Other account opening documents will be sent through U.S. Mail within 7-10 days of account opening. If you do not wish to consent to receiving documents electronically, you may visit any Bank of America banking center to apply in person.

What's a signature form? Why do I need to send it back to you?

A signature form allows Bank of America to service your account. It is important to sign and mail your signature form to us as soon as possible (and have any co-applicants sign the signature form too) so that we can service your account, which includes verifying your identity and reporting tax information.

Can I save my application and complete it later?

Yes, if you need more time, you can save what you've already entered for up to 30 days and complete the application later.

To save your application, you'll need to provide some personal information such as your date of birth and Social Security number so we can identify you when you return.

When you're ready to complete your application, either follow the link in the confirmation email or access your saved application now.

Can I open a U.S. bank account if I'm a nonpermanent resident?

Yes. U.S. visa holders currently living in the U.S. may open an account in person at one of our financial centers. You must be able to provide both your permanent (foreign) and local address, as well as your ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number).

What to bring to your appointment:
1. Proof of U.S. residency
For example: U.S. government-issued photo ID, student/employer photo ID, current utility bill or rental agreement (documents must show your name and U.S. physical address).

2. One primary photo ID
For example: Foreign passport (with or without passport visa), U.S. Non-Immigrant visa and Border Crossing Card-DSP-150, Canadian Citizenship card (with photo), Mexican, Guatemalan, Dominican or Colombian Consular ID (with photo).

3. One secondary ID
For example: Foreign or U.S. driver's license (with photo), student/employer ID (with photo), major debit or credit card with Visa® or Mastercard® logo, major retail credit card from a nationally well-known company, U.S. Department of State Diplomat ID.

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Can I open a bank account without an ID?

Banks and credit unions are required to verify your identity when you apply to open an account. If you don't have a driver's license, ask what other types of identification will be accepted. The most common way to verify your identity is with a driver's license.

What can be used as an ID for a bank account?

Valid Forms of ID.
Valid Driver's License..
Birth Certificate..
State-issued Identification Card..
Student Identification Card..
Social Security Card..
Military Identification Card..
Passport or Passport Card..