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What you need to open a checking account

A checking account allows you to deposit, hold, withdraw and transfer money.

It can also give you access to secure banking apps and online banking, which make it easier to manage your money. In certain regions and countries, a checking account is also known as a transaction account.

Check if you're eligible

You need to be 18 or older to open an individual checking account with most banks. Some will accept applications from minors, but these require a parent or guardian to act as a joint account holder.

You can apply for an HSBC individual checking account as long as you:

What do you need?

To complete an application online, you'll need to provide certain information and documentation. Some of the things we may ask for include:

  • your personal, employment, income and tax details
  • proof of identity, such as a passport which is valid for at least 6 months
  • proof of permanent address, such as a bank statement or utility bill
  • if you're a student, proof of your enrollment

You may need to provide additional information for certain accounts.

Check your consumer deposit credit report

Most banks will check your consumer deposit history when you apply for a checking account. They use information from specialty consumer reporting agencies, such as:

You can check the information these agencies hold on you before you apply to make sure it’s up to date. You can find out how to obtain a copy of your consumer deposit report from their websites.

Explore more

Check if you’re eligible to apply for a joint account and ensure you have all the correct documents.
Find out how a digital wallet could help you.
Find out all the potential benefits of opening a checking account.