What questions do they ask when opening a bank account

Whether you apply for a bank account online or in person, you’ll need a government-issued ID and personal details, such as your Social Security number, on hand. You might also be asked to fund your account with an initial deposit.

Here are details on what you need to open a savings account or checking account and what to expect during the process.

What you need to open a bank account

You can open a bank account online or at a branch, if the bank offers brick-and-mortar locations. The information you'll be asked to provide will be much the same whether you’re opening a checking account, a savings account or both.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to open your new bank account:

1. A valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport. Nondrivers can get a state ID card at the Department of Motor Vehicles office.

2. Other basic information, such as your birthdate, Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number, or phone number.

Depending on your circumstances, you might need a few other items, too:

4. Identification details for other applicants, if you’re opening a joint account: Because the account will be owned by multiple people, the bank will want all owners’ identification and personal information.

5. A co-owner if you’re not yet 18. Ask a parent or legal guardian to sign legal documents with the bank.

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Decide what type of account you want: checking vs. savings

There are other options if you’ve had trouble with banking in the past, you have poor credit or you're not a U.S. citizen. If you’ve been denied a bank account, get a fresh start with a second chance checking account: See what's offered in your area.

Do you have room to budge?

Check out your spending breakdown on NerdWallet before you build your budget.

Find a bank that suits your needs

If you're willing to consider online-only banks, you'll likely find lower fees and higher interest rates. Brick-and-mortar institutions typically have more fees and lower rates, but often come with a wider array of services and, of course, in-person assistance.

What to expect when you open your new account

Applying for a new account usually doesn’t take very long, especially if you apply online. Some accounts don’t require you to make a deposit right away, but others ask that you have $25 to $100 on hand to open one. If you already have an account at a different bank or credit union, you can simply transfer money from that existing account into the new one. (Your original bank might charge for this transfer.) Otherwise, a check or cash will work.

Close your old account, if needed

Knowing how to properly switch banks can save you late fees and headaches. Address these items to make sure the transition is seamless:

Direct deposit: Give your employer your new account information.

Automatic bill payments: Cancel any old ones — whether in the bank’s own bill-pay platform or through, say, your streaming service provider’s website — and set up new ones with your new account information.

Recurring transfers and linked accounts: This could involve setting up a transfer between a new checking and an existing savings account, or making sure your PayPal, Venmo and other payment app information is up to date.

Smartphone apps, text banking and alerts: Download your new bank’s app, sign out of and delete your old one, and turn off any alerts you were receiving.

Paper checks: Destroy any leftover blank checks from the old account.

Safe-deposit boxes: If you’re cutting ties completely, collect your items in person and consult your rental agreement for specifics about closing out your box.

Get a written statement from your old bank confirming that your account is closed and ask about the bank’s account-reopening policies. Why? Some banks will reactivate closed accounts to honor automatic payments or receive deposits, putting you back on the hook for any fees.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to open a bank account?

Here’s what you’ll need to open a bank account online or in person: a government-issued ID, personal details such as your Social Security number, and a way to fund your new account with an initial deposit.

What banks allow you to open an account online?

You can open a bank account online with an online-only bank, a neobank, a credit union or any of the largest brick-and-mortar banks. In many instances you can open a new account completely online but in some cases, you might need to visit the financial institution to submit paperwork or other documents to the financial institution by mail or by making an in-person visit.

» Want answers to common online banking questions? Check out our online banking FAQ

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