Opening a checking account is easy. You just need to fill out an application, get your credit checked and wait for the bank’s approval. Some banks like SoFi offer incentives like a $300 checking account bonus to set up direct deposits. As per the professionals at SoFi, with this service, “you’ll automatically get your paycheck up to two days early every time you get paid.”
If you have been denied in any of the previous applications, you will likely be rejected by this one as well. Therefore, ensure that all of your information is correct on this form and that you don’t miss anything important such as previous credit history or employment information.
Step 1: Visit Your Bank
To open a checking account, the first thing you need to do is visit your bank. Then, go online to the bank’s website and look for the “Open an Account” section. You should see information about what documents you’ll need to bring when applying for an account in person at the branch or by mail. It’s important that these requirements are met before proceeding with opening your account so they can verify your identity and confirm that you meet their qualifications as well as prevent fraud in any way possible.
Step 2: Get the Necessary Documents Ready
Once you’ve found a bank that works for you, it’s time to prepare your application materials. To open a checking account at most financial institutions, you’ll need:
- A valid form of identification such as your driver’s license or passport (this will help prove your identity).
- Your social security number (this helps prove who you are).
- Proof of income (if applicable). Make sure it’s recent and shows that you make enough money to afford the minimum balance required by the bank. If not, the bank might ask for more income proof before approving your application.
Step 3: Determine What Type of Account You Want to Open
Decide what type of account you want to open. The most basic checking accounts will have a low or no minimum balance requirement, and they are often linked to debit cards that allow you to make purchases anywhere in the world where Visa is accepted. Savings accounts generally offer higher interest rates than checking accounts, but there may be restrictions on how much money can be deposited and withdrawn. If you plan on making a lot of monthly deposits or withdrawals, it might be worth choosing a different type of account that doesn’t charge for this convenience.
Step 4: Consider Any Overdraft Protection Services
If you don’t have enough money in your account to cover the transaction, overdraft protection allows you to make purchases or withdraw money from an ATM. Overdraft protection can be helpful for unexpected expenses, but it also comes with fees that vary by bank and similar costs. Overdrafts are a common way of bouncing checks when you don’t have enough money in your account.
Step 5: Fill Out the Application and Make an Initial Deposit
When filling out the application, make sure you have all the required documents with you. If a document is not available at this time, it’s okay to leave it blank; just be sure to bring in that document later.
Once you’ve completed your application and made an initial deposit, open your account! If there are any terms or conditions that don’t make sense to you, ask questions until they do.
Opening a checking account is easy. You just have to fill out the application and provide some documents. Please check with your bank or credit union if you are unsure what documents to bring.
