What info do you need to open a checking account

Opening a checking account is simple once you've done your research. Find out what you need to know below.

A checking account is essential for your everyday banking activities. Without one, it's hard to do tasks like paying bills and making deposits.

Opening a checking account is straightforward. Just provide some basic information and fund it. The hard part is picking the right bank out of hundreds of options.

Read on to learn exactly what you need to open a checking account.

• Step by Step Guide
  
• Why Open a Checking Account
  
• Where to Open a Checking Account
  
• How Much Money Do I Need?
  
• What Credit Do I Need?
  
• Features to Look For
  
• Requirements for Special Types of Checking Accounts

How to Open a Checking Account

© CreditDonkey

Step-by-step guide

Most banks and credit unions allow new customers to open an account online or in-person (if they have physical locations). Usually, you just have to be over 18 and be a US citizen or legal resident.

Here's the step by step guide on how to open a checking account.

1. Gather your information
   Typically, banks will require the following:
   • Government issued ID, like a driver's license
     
   • Social Security Number
     
   • Proof of address (lease or utility bill)
     
   • Contact information (name, home address, email address, phone number)
     
   • Date of birth

   To open a checking account, banks will usually require two forms of identification. You will need to provide a photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. In addition, you may also need a secondary ID, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or credit card.
   

2. Have money for an opening deposit
   Take note if the bank requires a minimum deposit for the checking account. It can be as low as $25. A lot of online banks don't have a minimum.

Making an initial deposit at a credit union is slightly different. You'll usually be required to "buy a share" of the credit union. Shares can be as low as $5 each. Once you buy a share, the money will stay in your account as long as it's open.


3. Fill out an application
   You can do this online or in-person. Most financial institutions will run a credit check on you to see your past banking history and then approve or deny you for the account.
4. Sign paperwork
   You'll need to sign the final paperwork to activate the account. If you're applying online, you should be able to sign electronically. But some banks may want you to mail in or fax your signature.
5. Make opening deposit (if required)
   You can fund your account by electronic transfer, wire, or physical check. It may take a few days for the funds to be available.
6. Use your new checking account
   Now, just start using your account. Set up your online account and get the mobile app. You'll usually receive your debit card and checks in the mail a few days after opening. You can set up direct deposit, add bill pay, and link other bank accounts.

If you opened an account in-person, you may be able to get a temporary debit card to use in the meantime.

How much do you keep in your checking account?

Checking Account Promotions

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and set up direct deposit
• Access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
• Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
• Open your account online now
• Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Insufficient Funds Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.

Expires 1/25/2023

Member FDIC

Rewards Checking - Up to 1.25% APY

• Up to 1.25% APY
• Zero monthly maintenance fees
• Zero overdraft or NSF fees
• Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
• Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
• Online debit card management
• Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit
• Only $50 to open an account

Member FDIC

Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus

• New Chase checking customers enjoy $100 when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions.
• No minimum deposit to open an account and get started.
• No paper checks to track and no Chase fees on money orders or cashier's checks.
• Pay bills, cash checks and send money with Zelle® all for a $4.95 monthly service fee.
• No overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
• Bank from anywhere with access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase Online℠.
• Get more for your money. Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of $50 a month on fees after opening their account.
• Open an account online or in person at any Chase branch.

Expires 1/25/2023

Why Open a Checking Account

© CreditDonkey

You need a checking account for everyday transactions and banking activities. With a checking account, you can do things like:

• Deposit your income
  
• Pay bills online
  
• Make purchases with your debit card
  
• Withdraw cash from ATMs
  
• Write checks

You can freely use the money in your checking account at any time. You can make deposits, transfers, and withdrawals with no limits (as long as you have enough money in the account).

What's the difference between a checking account and a savings account?
Checking accounts are meant to be used often, so the money is easily accessible and there's no withdrawal limit. Savings accounts are meant as places to save money and let your funds grow, so they often offer higher interest rates. But you're limited to only 6 withdrawals each month.

Where to Open a Checking Account

The first step is to find the right financial institution to bank with. You have 3 main options. Each one has their pros and cons.

• Traditional bank
  Traditional banks have physical branches. These can be large nationwide banks (like Chase and Wells Fargo) or smaller regional banks. They can provide in-person service, but they tend to have more fees and balance requirements.

• Online bank
  Online banks don't have any branches. Because of the less overhead, they often eliminate many typical banking fees. But you have to be comfortable with banking entirely online.
• Credit union
  Credit unions often provide better personalized service and lower fees. They usually service a certain area, so the availability may not be as great. But many credit unions now also offer online accounts that anyone can open.

Think about your needs before settling on one. For example, if you often get paid in cash tips, you may want a physical bank to make cash deposits.

Where do you prefer to bank?

How Much Money Do I Need to Open a Checking Account

Many banks let you open a checking account with $0. Most online checking accounts don't require an opening deposit. Popular banks like Ally Bank, Discover, and Capital One all have no minimums.

It's also possible to open checking accounts with physical banks for no (or very little) money. Chase Total Checking has a $0 opening deposit. Wells Fargo Everyday Checking only requires $25 to open.

Each bank will have different requirements for their checking accounts. Make sure you can meet them before applying.

You may be able to open a checking account with very little money, but be careful of minimum balance requirements. Many banks (especially physical banks) require that you maintain a certain balance or else there's a monthly service fee.

What Credit Do I Need

You don't need very good credit to open a checking account. However, if you have a poor credit history (such as not repaying debts), you may not be approved.

Most banks will conduct a soft credit pull when reviewing your application. This will not negatively impact your credit score.

What's more important is your ChexSystems report. This reports any previous negative banking activities, like overdrafts, bounced checks, unpaid fees, etc. If you have a poor ChexSystem report, you could be denied a new bank account.

Features to Look for in a Checking Account

Different banks will offer different features for their checking accounts. Think about what kind of services you will need. Here are some things to consider:

Minimum balance requirements
Some banks require that you maintain a certain balance or there will be a monthly service fee. Is the balance reasonable for you to maintain? If you don't want to be limited, look at banks with no balance requirements.

ATMs
Most people still need to withdraw cash. See if the bank has any free ATMs near you. Many online banks work with ATM networks (like Allpoint or MoneyPass) to provide free ATM access.

Not every bank has physical locations or gives its customers free access to ATMs for cash deposits. Depositing cash into an online-only account is possible, but can be complicated.

Banking fees
Some checking accounts waive a lot of banking fees. But some may charge for things like overdrafts, paper checks, insufficient funds, etc.

Be aware of all the potential costs and if there is any way to waive them.

Physical vs. online
Do you often need in-person banking services? Think about if you'd be okay just doing them online or over the phone.

Member FDIC

Rewards Checking - Up to 1.25% APY

• Up to 1.25% APY
• Zero monthly maintenance fees
• Zero overdraft or NSF fees
• Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
• Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
• Online debit card management
• Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit
• Only $50 to open an account

Other services
Do you want to open a savings account and/or credit card from the same bank? Or maybe you'd possibly need a loan in the future? If so, look for a full service bank.

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus

Expires 1/25/2023

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and set up direct deposit
• Access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
• Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
• Open your account online now
• Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Insufficient Funds Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.

Member FDIC

Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus

Expires 1/25/2023

• New Chase checking customers enjoy $100 when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions.
• No minimum deposit to open an account and get started.
• No paper checks to track and no Chase fees on money orders or cashier's checks.
• Pay bills, cash checks and send money with Zelle® all for a $4.95 monthly service fee.
• No overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
• Bank from anywhere with access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase Online℠.
• Get more for your money. Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of $50 a month on fees after opening their account.
• Open an account online or in person at any Chase branch.

Member FDIC

Chase College Checking℠ - $100 Bonus

Expires 1/25/2023

• Enjoy $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment.
• Access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
• No Monthly Service Fee for up to 5 years if you're a student between the ages of 17-24 at account opening with proof of student status.
• Manage your money, see your accounts, and pay your bills using the Chase Mobile® app
• Send and receive money in moments using Zelle®
• Students ages 18-24 can open an account online or at a Chase branch. 17-year-olds must open at a Chase branch.
• Start planning for your future by using the budget tool in the Chase Mobile® app to set, track, and adjust your spending to help you save more.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Insufficient Funds Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.

Availability
Do you travel often and need to use your bank while traveling? If so, you may want access to physical locations and ATMs nationwide or even globally.

Make sure to check if you can open a special, exclusive checking account for your specific group. Some accounts cater to seniors, members of the military and their families, students, public servants, and more.

Requirements for Special Types of Checking Accounts

If you're looking to open a special type of checking account, know these extra requirements.

Joint account
This is a checking account where 2 people are both owners. You will need to provide the information (ID, SSN, contact, etc.) for both people.

Teen account
These accounts are for teens under 18. A parent will need to be a joint owner until the teen turns 18.

College checking
A lot of banks offer special accounts with less fees for college students. You will also need to provide a valid student ID or proof of enrollment/acceptance.

Second chance checking
These accounts are for people with credit issues who have trouble getting a traditional bank account. There are no special requirements to open, however, some of these accounts have monthly fees and limited features.

What the Experts Say

A checking account can help you manage your money and keep it safe. But figuring out the right checking account and bank to use can be tricky.

As part of our series on banking and saving, CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer some of readers' most pressing questions:

• What should consumers look for in a checking account?
  
• Do you recommend opening a checking account at a physical bank, online bank or credit union?
  
• Are online banks as safe as physical banks?

Here's what they had to say:

Bottom Line

Opening a checking account is easy when you have all of your materials gathered. Before you commit to one, take a look at everything you'll need to do to maintain it and possibly avoid any extra fees.

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus

Expires 1/25/2023

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account and set up direct deposit
• Access to more than 16,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
• Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
• Open your account online now
• Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

*With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won't charge an Insufficient Funds Fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day OR if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.

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