What information is required to open a bank account?

When opening a bank account, the customer's name, birthday, address, phone number, email address and Social Security number are required, according to DepositAccounts.com. In addition, the bank may need some form of identification, such as a drivers license or passport.

One can open either a checking or a savings account or both. Checking accounts allow the customer to withdraw and use money from the account using a debit card, while savings accounts let money sit in the account and accumulate interest over time, as NerdWallet describes. Depending on the bank, a minimum balance in the account may be required to open the account or prevent fees.