Article: To open any bank account, you'll usually need several documents and pieces of information to verify your identity. Make sure you have all of these before visiting an institution to avoid repeated visits. Government identification. A state-issued driver's license or passport is usually required. School or work ID's are not sufficient here. Your social security number. It is best to have this number memorized. If you don't know it by heart and have to write it down, be sure not to lose it and destroy it after you're done. Also don't put your name or any other information on the paper it's written on, just in case you do lose it. You should also check with the specific bank before you visit to see if they require any other proof or documentation. This will avoid repeated trips to open your account. Whichever account you decide to open, it will probably have a minimum account balance. If you don't meet that minimum you'll be charged a fee. You're often given a day or so to make a deposit and bring the account up to the minimum before you're charged. You can take care of this right when you open the account if you bring the minimum amount with you. When you have your documents together, visit the branch and speak to a representative. Usually tellers don't handle opening accounts, so you'll probably be referred to one of the bank managers or financial consultants. He or she will speak with you about the account you're opening and counsel you on what options are best. Plan to ask the representative any questions you might have. Explain your financial and banking situation to the representative. With this information at hand, the representative can assess your needs and may be able to recommend options you didn't think of before. If you've investigated the kinds of checking accounts the institution offers, mention them. The representative will be able to talk you through the pros and cons of each account. Ask about any fees associated with the account, as well as the minimum balance required. Ask if you can manage your banking online or over the phone. Most banks offer these services. They are much more convenient than having to visit the branch every time you need to handle your account. After speaking with the representative and gathering all the information you can, it's time to decide which account you want. When you decide on an account, then you'll have to deposit the minimum balance and usually submit an electronic signature that will show how you'll sign checks. After this, you can order personalized checks if you want them. Remember that if you plan on using a debit card, it usually takes a few days for these to come in the mail. Have cash on hand to make purchases until then.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Gather the necessary documents. Bring cash or some other form of payment. Speak with a representative at the institution. Decide on an account and open it.