Step-by-step guide

How to open a bank account with a record, a bad banking history or no credit

The short answer

Most banks check a checking account report from a company like ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, and some check your credit too. You can get these reports free once a year, and dispute anything that's wrong.1 9 10

The CFPB says people with criminal records may face barriers opening accounts, and that screening companies can use public records, including criminal records. Many banks and credit unions offer accounts designed to reduce risk, and Bank On certified accounts have no overdraft fees and cost $25 or less to open.7 1 12

Updated October 2026. Rules differ by state, so call your office before you go. Questions? We're here: call or text 888-860-RISE.

A hand holding a bank card over a laptop keyboard

Your steps, in order

1
Gather your ID
Banks must check your name, date of birth, address and an ID number. The number can be a Social Security number, an ITIN, a passport number and country, or an alien ID card number.5 6 4
Most banks want two forms of ID: a government photo ID, plus a Social Security card, birth certificate, or a bill with your name and address. Some accept consular IDs.4
Bring
- Government photo ID
- Social Security card, birth certificate or a bill with your name and address
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- The opening deposit, if the account has one
2
No street address? Ask about a contact address
Federal rules let a bank accept the home or business street address of next of kin or another contact person. Ask whether the bank will take a family member's, a shelter's or a caseworker's address.5
3
Get your reports before you apply
ChexSystems gives you your report free at least once every 12 months, online, by phone at 800-428-9623, or by mail. Early Warning Services gives you yours free too, by mail or fax.9 10 11
If a bank turns you down because of a report, it must tell you which company's report it used, and you can get that report free.3
4
Fix what's wrong
Dispute errors in writing with both the reporting company and the bank or credit union that reported them. If an error stays, you can add a statement explaining your side.2 3
If you owe a bank an old balance, some banks will want it paid before they open a new account.3
5
Ask for the right kind of account
Ask for a lower-risk account, sometimes called a second chance account, or pick a Bank On certified account from the list at joinbankon.org. Bank On accounts have no overdraft or non-sufficient-funds fees, $25 or less to open, and a monthly fee of $5 or less (or $10 or less if it can be waived).1 8 13 12
If one bank says no, try another. Policies differ from bank to bank.3
Tip:
Bank On also recommends, but doesn't require, that banks accept an ITIN and only turn people away for past fraud. Ask the bank what it does.12

What it costs

Item	Cost
Your ChexSystems and Early Warning reports	Free
Disputing an error	Free
Opening deposit, Bank On account	$25 or less
Opening deposit, typical account	$25 to $100
Monthly fee, Bank On account	$5 or less, or $10 or less if it can be waived
Overdraft fees, Bank On account	None
Cashing a paycheck without an account	You may have to pay a fee

If this is you

Situations that change what to do first.

Just released, with a prison release card

Release cards are fee-bearing prepaid debit cards. Register the card, which is also needed for FDIC or NCUA insurance, and move your money to a low-cost account when you can.8 15

Turned down over an old overdraft

Get your ChexSystems report, dispute anything that's wrong, pay or settle the old balance if the bank requires it, and ask about a Bank On account.3 13

Staying in a shelter

The bank can use the address of next of kin or another contact person. Bring a photo ID and a second ID.5 4

No Social Security number

An ITIN can work as your ID number. Without an SSN or ITIN, you may only be able to open an account that doesn't pay interest.4

Survivors of trafficking

Every consumer reporting company, including ChexSystems, must block debts and account problems caused by trafficking once you send documentation, within 4 business days.16

Survivors of financial abuse

Abusers sometimes open accounts in a survivor's name. Open an account in your own name, check your reports, and file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint or (855) 411-2372 if something's wrong.17

Stuck on a step? You don't have to do this alone.

Call or text, and we'll help you find the right office and what to bring. Someone on our team can step in whenever youwhat to bring, with a real person on our team whenever you need one.apos;d like. Or become a RISING MEMBER: a mentor who's been there helps you build a plan, step by step. You do the work; we walk with you.

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Questions people ask

Can I open a bank account with a criminal record?

Often, yes. The CFPB says people with records may face barriers and that screening companies can use criminal records, but many banks and credit unions offer accounts designed to reduce risk. Bring two forms of ID and ask about a Bank On or second chance account.

Do banks check my credit?

Some do. Most banks check a checking account report, and some use a traditional credit report in addition to it or instead of it.

How do I get my ChexSystems report?

Request it free from ChexSystems online, by phone at 800-428-9623, or by mail. You can get it at least once every 12 months.

Is a prepaid card as good as a bank account?

Not quite. A prepaid card may not have the same protections as a checking account unless you register it, and registering is also needed for FDIC or NCUA insurance.

What makes an account Bank On certified?

No overdraft fees, $25 or less to open, and a low monthly fee. Accepting ITINs and only turning people away for past fraud are recommended but not required.

Keep going: more first-step guides

Sources

Official pages, read in October 2026. Rules change. If something here looks out of date, please let us know at hello@riseaid.org and we'll fix it.

1.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Why was I denied a checking account?
2.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. How do I dispute an error on my checking account consumer report?
3.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Consumer guide to being denied a checking account
4.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Checklist for opening a bank or credit union account
5.Code of Federal Regulations, 31 CFR 1020.220. Customer identification programs for banks
6.Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (2024). Collecting identifying information required under the Customer Identification Program rule
7.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2021). Your Money, Your Goals: focus on reentry
8.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2022). Justice-involved individuals and the consumer financial marketplace
9.ChexSystems. Request your consumer disclosure
10.Early Warning Services. Your Early Warning file disclosure
11.Early Warning Services. FAQs: requesting your file disclosure
12.Bank On (Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund). Bank On National Account Standards, 2025 to 2026
13.Bank On. Find a Bank On certified account
14.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Ways to receive your money
15.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Choose the right prepaid card for your situation
16.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (June 2022). CFPB helps survivors mitigate the financial consequences of human trafficking
17.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (December 2024). Rulemaking on the financial consequences of domestic violence and elder abuse