# 🦮 How to Open a Bank Account Most banks require two forms of ID. In the USA you cannot open an account without a parent's identification and they will be a co-account owner. There are other ways to have money that isn't cash. ## Online Banks You can sign up for an Online Bank without leaving home. We need proper forms of identification, and (in the US) to be over 18. There are many options and some are better than others. Good information about online banks can be found at [Motley Fool](http://www.fool.com/Money/Banking/Banking10.htm) or [Nerd Wallet](http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/nerdwallets-top-online-checking-accounts/). ## Credit Unions and Banks Credit Unions usually have fewer fees, fewer confusing rules, and are in general friendlier. Banks are useful if you are well established and have a mortgage. You will need to be over 18, with identification, or under 18 with a parent to open one of these. ## Alternatives ### Visa gift cards Basically a credit card with a fixed limit on them. They can't be reloaded, but can be bought almost anywhere, and used online. ### VISA Prepaid cards They come with a sort of "bank account". Depending on the card, you may be able to direct deposit your paycheck to it. You can usually find them in the same places as VISA gift cards. Some vendors require ID to buy one, others don't. Read the information on the package before buying to see what's required to activate it. This may be a good choice if you only have one form of ID. However, depending on the seller, the card type, and the state, you may need more - but you may not need a parent or guardian to cosign. Some prepaid credit card companies have extra fees, and are somewhat predatory. Just because it says "VISA" on the card doesn't mean that the card is managed by VISA, only that the card works on the VISA network. [Research prepaid cards here](http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/help/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-prepaid-cards-6000.php).