What Do You Need To Open A Bank Account? (2024)

First, you will need to select a bank, which can seem intimidating given the number of options out there.

Second, whether you apply online or in person, you will need to provide documentation to confirm your identity (see Acceptable Forms of ID for Banks below). And third, you may be required to make an initial deposit into the bank account depending on the requirements of the bank and that specific account (see Requirements to Open a Bank Account below).

With a parent or guardian co-signer or joint account holder, minors and teenagers can also have access to a Huntington checking or savings account. Be sure to check with your financial institution to verify the documentation that will be needed to open an account. Additional documentation may be required if you’re looking to open a business account or certain types of investment accounts.

Acceptable Forms of ID for Banks

Most banks request two forms of government issued ID. Financial institutions that require two forms of ID may want at least one of the IDs to be a photo ID. This can include photos on a Passport or Driver’s license.

Generally, the phrase “government issued ID” covers the following types of ID:

  • Driver’s license
  • REAL ID card
  • DoD ID card (also known as Department of Defense ID Card)
  • Passport/Passport card
  • Social security card

If you don’t have two of these documents, contact your bank and ask them what you need. There may be alternatives.

Requirements to Open a Bank Account

In addition to having two forms of ID and money for the initial deposit, there may be other requirements to open a bank account.

  • If you’re worried about your credit score, ask the bank whether or not they will pull your credit history to open a checking account. This can vary from bank to bank.
  • If you’re under 18 years old, you will need a parent or guardian over 18 to open the account with you.
  • If you’re a parent and want to open a bank account for your child or teenager, your qualifications may need to be approved to open the account. You should be aware that banks may review your prior banking history, looking for overdrawn accounts, fraud, and other behaviors that indicate negative financial history.
  • If you’re opening a joint account, you will need to provide documentation to confirm the identity of each person listed as an account holder and a signature from each of them. It’s best to get everybody together in one place to complete the application.

Every bank has different application requirements to open an account. As a tip, it’s important to monitor your credit score, pay your bills on time, and not overextend your or your family’s budget to help maintain healthy finances.

How Much Money Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?

The simple answer: it can vary from bank to bank. It can also depend on the bank account type.

At Huntington, all three of our checking accounts have no minimum deposit required to open. However, in two of our checking accounts, you will need to keep a certain balance threshold to avoid maintenance fees and to become eligible to receive more competitive rates.

Savings and investment accounts have different application and balance requirements. To learn more, check out our different types of savings accounts to get specific information. Huntington offers a variety of accounts to help everyone reach their financial goals.

If you open an account with Huntington, you can take advantage of The Hub, our digital banking tools that can help you manage your finances.

Open a Huntington Checking Account

If you want a basic checking account with no monthly maintenance fee, or an interest-earning checking account, we've got the options that are right for you.

Learn More

If you’re looking to open a checking or savings account or need help finding what account is best for you, talk to a Huntington banker today. We’re ready to help. Are you ready to open a Huntington bank account? Apply online or visit your local Huntington branch today!

Sarita Harbour, “Why Banks Run a Credit Check when You Open a Checking Account.” Go Banking Rates. August 30, 2016.

What Do You Need To Open A Bank Account? (2024)

FAQs

What Do You Need To Open A Bank Account? ›

i) Passport ii) Driving license iii) Credit Card Statement- not more than 3 months old iv) Salary slip v) Income/Wealth Tax Assessment Order vi) Electricity Bill- not more than 6 months old vii) Landline Telephone Bill - not more than 3 months old viii) Bank account statement ix) Letter from reputed employer x) Letter ...

What things are needed to open a bank account? ›

Documents Required for Opening Saving Account
  • Valid Passport.
  • Aadhaar.
  • Valid Permanent Driving License.
  • Voter ID Card.
  • NREGA Job Card.
  • Letter from the National Population Register.

How do you open a bank account answer? ›

How To Open A Bank Account In India Online?
  1. Step 1 - Choose a bank in which you want to open your account. ...
  2. Step 2 - Visit the bank branch or its website. ...
  3. Step 3 - Choose a suitable banking product. ...
  4. Step 4 - Provide relevant information and documents. ...
  5. Step 5 - Agree to the terms and conditions of the bank.

What are 3 questions you should ask when opening a bank account? ›

9 questions to ask before opening a bank account
  • What are the bank's fees? ...
  • Where are the bank's ATMs? ...
  • Is there a minimum balance required? ...
  • What's the accounts' interest rate? ...
  • Does the bank have good customer service? ...
  • Does the bank have online banking and a mobile app?

What are two forms of ID for a bank account? ›

Acceptable Forms of ID for Banks
  • Driver's license.
  • REAL ID card.
  • DoD ID card (also known as Department of Defense ID Card)
  • Passport/Passport card.
  • Social security card.

What is address proof for bank? ›

i) Passport ii) Driving license iii) Credit Card Statement- not more than 3 months old iv) Salary slip v) Income/Wealth Tax Assessment Order vi) Electricity Bill- not more than 6 months old vii) Landline Telephone Bill - not more than 3 months old viii) Bank account statement ix) Letter from reputed employer x) Letter ...

How much is required to open a bank account? ›

Banks usually require a checking or savings account be opened with between $25 and $100. You also need to think about how much money you want to put in the account. For a checking account, you need enough to comfortably cover any bills that may be coming due.

What is bank account answer? ›

A bank account is a financial account maintained by a bank or other financial institution in which the financial transactions between the bank and a customer are recorded.

What is a bank short answers? ›

A bank is a financial institution licensed to receive deposits and make loans. There are several types of banks including retail, commercial, and investment banks. In most countries, banks are regulated by the national government or central bank.

Why do I need to open a bank account? ›

Because putting your money in an FDIC-insured bank account can offer you financial safety, easy access to your funds, savings from check-cashing fees, and overall financial peace of mind. If you do not currently have a bank account, but have been thinking about opening one, here are some things you should consider.

Is opening a bank account easy? ›

Luckily, many banks now make it easier than ever to open a bank account. Most offer online applications, and many have mobile applications you can complete on your phone in minutes. In some cases, sending a selfie and a photo of your driver's license is enough to verify your identity.

What is the best bank account? ›

All six current providers below have all been shortlisted in the 2023 Times Money Mentor awards.
  • First Direct 1st Account. ...
  • Chase current account. ...
  • Starling personal current account. ...
  • Lloyds Bank Club Lloyds. ...
  • Co-operative Bank current account. ...
  • Nationwide FlexDirect. ...
  • Kroo current account. ...
  • Santander Edge current account.

Do I need SSN to open a bank account? ›

To open a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union will need to verify your name, date of birth, address, and ID number. An ID number can be a social security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

What is the proof of identity? ›

Driving License. PAN Card. Post Office ID card. Bank Account Passbook/statement containing the photograph and signed by an individual with attestation by the concerned Bank official.

Do I need a social security card to open a bank account? ›

You can open a U.S. bank account even if you don't have a Social Security number or card. While every bank has different criteria, some will accept an individual tax identification number (ITIN) instead.

Can I open a bank account without documents? ›

Can I Open A Bank Account Without Documents? By law, banks must verify your identity before opening a bank account. If you don't have a Social Security number, you may still be able to open a bank account.

Which bank is best for opening an account? ›

Best Savings Bank Accounts of 2024
Sr.No.Bank NameRates of Interest(p.a.)
1State Bank of India2.70% - 3.00%
2Union Bank of India2.75% - 3.55%
3HDFC Bank3.00% - 3.50%
4ICICI Bank3.00%
6 more rows
Mar 13, 2024

Can I open a Chase bank account without SSN? ›

Non-residents who don't have a Social Security number can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This may be used as a substitute for an SSN on your bank account application if one is required by the bank.

Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank? ›

You can apply for most checking accounts online if you're 18 or older by going to the bank's website and filling out the application. The application will ask for basic information about yourself as well as submitting some documents for verification.

References

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