What to take to open a bank account

  • Bank accounts
  • Checking accounts
  • How to open a checking account online

You can apply online for a checking account if you’re 18 years or older and a legal U.S. resident. You’ll need the following information:

  • Your Social Security number.
  • A valid, government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license, passport or state or military ID.
  • A minimum opening deposit of $25 to activate your account (once you’ve been approved). This can be paid with a credit, debit or prepaid card, a transfer from another U.S. Bank account or a transfer from another financial institution.

Checking account resources

U.S. Bank Smartly™ Checking account

An interest-bearing checking account that’s eligible for Smart Rewards™

Monthly maintenance fee

$6.95 or $0

There are multiple ways to get the monthly maintenance fee waived.1

Safe Debit account2

A bank account minus the checks with no overdraft fees

Monthly maintenance fee

$4.95

Monthly maintenance fee can’t be waived

Want to open a checking account in person?

You can visit any U.S. Bank branch to open a checking account. You’ll still need identification and personal details, such as your Social Security number and a valid government-issued ID. You can also call a U.S. Bank representative at 800-398-0371 to ensure you have everything you need to open a checking account or other bank account.

Ready to apply?

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Disclosures

  1. Members of the military (requires self disclosure) and customers ages 24 and under and those 65 and over pay no monthly maintenance fee. All others can have it waived by meeting any one of the following criteria: Have combined monthly direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more; or keep a minimum average account balance of $1,500 or more; or hold an eligible U.S. Bank credit card; or qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards™ tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium or Pinnacle).

    The average account balance is calculated by adding the balance at the end of each calendar day in the statement period and dividing that sum by the total number of calendar days within the statement period. Other fees may apply.

    Please refer to the Consumer Pricing Information disclosure for more details.

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Mobile device access fees – The U.S. Bank Mobile app is free to download. Your mobile carrier may charge access fees depending upon your individual plan. Web access is needed to use the Mobile app. Check with your carrier for specific fees and charges. Some mobile features may require additional online setup. Any fees for optional transactions will be identified during registration for these services and during their use.

Text messaging fees – For text alerts, standard messaging charges apply through your mobile carrier and message frequency depends on account settings. Check with your carrier for specific fees and charges.

Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.

When opening a bank account, typically documentation and proof of identity are needed to get the application and review process started.

What to take to open a bank account

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. 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
  • Birth certificate

Financial institutions that require two forms of ID may want at least one of the IDs to be a photo ID. 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 a no minimum deposit requirement to open. However, in two of our checking accounts, you will need to keep a certain balance threshold, so maintenance fees can be waived 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 documents do I need to open 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..
Birth certificate..

Can I open a bank account without 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.

How much money do you need to open a bank account?

You might decide that a checking or savings account is the right product for you. If you do, opening an account at a bank or credit union is straightforward. The interest they pay for savings accounts You usually need to make an initial deposit between $25 and $100 to open a savings or checking account.

Do you need a Social Security card to open a bank account?

You are not required to have a social security number to open a checking or savings 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.