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Banking Center > Bank Accounts and Services > Choosing a Checking Account
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Identification Required for Opening an Account

Any financial institution is going to ask for some proof that you are who you say you are before opening an account. Expect to provide:

  • A photo ID such as a driver's license, passport or student ID.
  • Your Social Security number.

Tip: When should you give out your Social Security Number? Find out in our Banking Safely section.
  • Address verification. Have a utility bill with your current address handy.
  • Your signature on a card or form that will be kept on file by your bank.
Many banks will let you initiate an account over the phone and then run a check with a credit agency to verify the information. But expect to make a personal visit to your bank to provide a picture ID and signature to formally establish the account.

More from Bankrate.com Best checking account rates2002 quarterly checking study


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Bank information obtained from market surveys by Bankrate.com, based on non-promotional bank rates using published sources.
Copyright © 2009 Bankrate.com. All rights reserved.