How to Open a Personal Banking Account

Personal banking accounts are extremely convenient. Luckily, they are also very easy to open. To open a personal banking account either visit a local bank branch in person, open your account on the Internet or open your account over the phone.

What You Will Need:

• A computer


• Your Social Security card


• Your driver's license or another form of photo identification.

• Visit a bank branch in person. If you want to make your opening deposit in cash or prefer a more personal touch, this is an excellent option. Make sure to bring your Social Security card and a form of photo identification with you to open the account. Also, if the account is going to be a joint account, both people should be present. Ask to speak to a representative and let them know you are interested in opening a new account. They will be able to go over all of their products with you and help you choose an account.


• Open a bank account online. If you want to make your opening deposit using another bank account, you can open a new personal banking account over the Internet. Simply navigate to the banks website and take a look at their products. You will probably see a link that says "open an account" somewhere on their webpage. Simply follow the steps on their webpage to open a new account. 


• Call the bank's 1-800 number to open an account. If you are unable to get to a bank branch, but feel more comfortable talking to a live person, you can open a bank account over the phone. Opening a bank account over the phone is similar to opening an account online in that you can not fund your bank account with cash.