What Do I Need to Open a Checking Account? [Guide]

Your checking account is the hub of your financial system. It’s the place where you’ll receive money from your paycheck, redirect it to pay bills and utilities, and top up your savings or investment accounts. It’s also the place you’ll keep funds on hand to cover your much needed day-to-day spending - like Starbucks, In-N-Out, Amazon - you name it. 😘

What happens in your checking account matters, and it’s worth taking the time to make sure you find an account that meets your current and future needs. Fortunately, we offer full-service checking accounts that are easy to open and manage. 🙌 We've got you covered with the tools you’ll need for financial success!

Let’s look closer at the process of opening your first ever checking account, including:

✔️ All the documents you will need 

✔️ Which steps to take 

✔️ Each critical feature you should look for in a good checking account 

Required Documentation

So... you might be asking yourself. What documents do I need to open a checking account? 

While specific documentation requirements to open a checking account might vary slightly between institutions, the basic requirements are the same everywhere. Check 'em out:

• Proof of identity: You’ll need to provide a non-expired, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID card, passport or similar.
  
  
• Proof of age: Your identity documents will also need to confirm that you are over the age of 18 if you want to open an account on your own. 
  
  
• Proof of address: Sometimes, this requirement is fulfilled with the ID you provide. For example, all Arizona driver’s licenses include a home address. However, if your ID does not include an address or the address on the ID isn't current, you’ll need to provide a piece of mail with your name and address included, such as a utility bill, mortgage statement, property tax bill or employer pay stub.
  
  
• An ID number: Most banks and credit unions will ask for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you have one. Other valid ID number types include Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses. 

These items are essential to opening your bank account! Please bring them in person if you plan to open your account at a local branch. 💛

Other Requirements

Other potential requirements depend on the type of account you want to open, where you are opening it and how old you are.

• Joint accounts: If you are looking to open a joint account with another person, you’ll need to provide the above information for both people. 
  
  
• Accounts for minors: We have excellent accounts for minors under 18 as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. In this case, parents/guardians must prove the minor’s identity or age, usually with a birth certificate and/or social security card.
  
  
• Eligibility requirements: At Copper State Credit Union, we serve most of the counties in Arizona. So, you’re probably good to go if you live, work or worship in the state of AZ. Other credit unions may have fields of membership that are a little more restrictive. 
  
  

Steps to Open a Checking Account

With your required documents in hand, follow these steps to open your new checking account.

1. Decide Which Checking Account is Right For You

There are a lot of options out there! Different checking accounts come with unique requirements, including opening and minimum deposits, fees, and interest payments, as well as a wide range of features including debit card services and online banking access. Our helpful branch staff would love to answer any questions you have!

2. Complete an Application 

You can complete an application at Copper State Credit Union and other institutions either online or in person at a branch. 

3. Submit Paperwork

Provide the required paperwork to your institution, either online or in person. 

4. Make a Minimum Deposit

Most fully-featured checking accounts require an initial minimum deposit at opening (ours is $25).

5. Set Up Your Account

Once you have your account number and debit card, you’re ready to start using your account. After your initial deposit, your next task should be to arrange a direct deposit of your paycheck into your account, so your money will be available to save, pay bills, or spend. In your app, you'll also see other helpful tools such as your credit score, financial wellness resources and more.

Best Features to Look for in a Checking Account ⭐

Checking accounts vary widely between institutions. It’s worth shopping around for an account that meets your needs. Here are some of the most important things to look for.

Waived Monthly Maintenance Fees

Keep the cost of operating your checking account low by looking for an account that allows you to waive monthly maintenance fees by enrolling for e-statements rather than paper statements. We waive the monthly $2 fee on our CashBack Checking Account when you sign up for our secure eStatements. 🤩

Low Fees

Look for an account with little or no fees on things like ATM withdrawals, overdrafts, transfers, and card or check reissues. As not-for-profit cooperatives operated for the benefit of their members, credit unions offer measurably lower average fees than bigger commercial banks. 

Watch our Instagram reel for more key differences. 👇

Cash Back Perks

You can also earn money on your daily spending when you opt for a checking account with cash back perks such as Copper State’s CU’s CashBack Checking Account. When you open your account, you’re automatically enrolled in CardCash. You’ll be ready to earn up to 1% cash every month on everyday purchases. ✌️💰

Direct Deposit

Getting your hard-earned money as soon as possible is important, and direct deposit is what makes this happen. Our CashBack Checking Account offers early access to your paycheck funds.

❗❕ Overdraft Protection

Consider a checking account that offers overdraft protection options. This can help prevent costly fees if you accidentally spend more than your available balance by automatically transferring funds from an attached savings account or personal line of credit (or both!).

Mobile and Online Banking

Be sure the account you choose supports online and mobile banking so you can check balances, transfer funds and pay bills from wherever you are. We’re proud to offer Zelle and Free Credit Score Alerts & Monitoring within our online banking and mobile app. Download our app here! 

ATM Access

Ensure your checking account provides access to a wide network of in-network ATMs where you can utilize your debit card to access cash. Free ATM access can help you avoid extra charges wherever you are.

Fraud and Identity Theft Protection

Better checking accounts often offer built-in protection against fraud and identity theft. We offer no-cost ID Theft Protection™ for all Mastercard® debit card holders, including 24/7 identity theft detection and assistance.¹  

⚠️ Fraud is no joke! Scammers want your money and personal information. Visit our Fraud Help Center to learn more on keeping yourself safe.

Caring Service

Look for a checking account that backs up a good range of features with great customer support. In many cases, you’ll find credit unions take a more personal approach to member service with friendly local staff and faster decision-making. 🤝

Convenience + Rewards: The Copper State CU Difference

Get rewarded for keeping it local. As an account holder with CashBack Checking, you can have it all – comprehensive checking convenience with secure eStatements, plus up to 1% cash back on purchases and interest on balances over $5,000. 

In addition, you’ll also get:

• Early paycheck perks²
• Zelle® in Your Pocket
• Mastercard ID Theft Protection™¹ 
• Personalized member service

Not to mention... there are other insider perks that come with banking at a credit union. We often offer our members first dibs to Arizona down payment assistance programs, cash back when they refinance an auto loan and other special promotions. Who could say no to that? 😉

Ready to upgrade your everyday banking experience with a Copper State CU CashBack Checking Account? Get started, or click below to learn more.

This article is intended to be a general resource only and is not intended to be nor does it constitute legal advice. Any recommendations are based on opinion only. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on creditworthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions. All loans subject to approval.

¹Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Cardholders need to register for this service. This service is provided by Iris® Powered by Generali. Please see your Guide to Benefits for details or call 1-800-MASTERCARD. For more information, visit mastercardus.idprotectiononline.com.To learn more about Zero Liability, visit mastercard.com/zeroliability

²Access to direct deposit funds depends on the submission timing of the payment file from the payer.