Opening a new bank account is not something you do every day. So, who do you talk to? What do you bring? What questions do you ask? Banking shouldn't be a scary process. At NebraskaLand Bank, we want to provide you with the answers you are looking for so the next time you think about opening a new bank account; you’ll walk in like a pro.
Who do I talk to?
If you’ve never opened an account before, looking to expand your account portfolio or are looking for further information, visit or call NLB and ask to talk with a Personal Banker. Personal Bankers are the specialists in charge of opening accounts and finding the account that best fits your personal needs. They are the best equipped to help you with your new account as they understand the unique account features and regulations.
What do I bring?
When opening an account for the first time at NebraskaLand Bank, you will need to provide personal information to meet the Bank’s Customer Identification Program (CIP) and provide forms of identification. Sounds intimidating, but you may just have all you need in your wallet. After your first account is opened, you will no longer need to do this to open additional accounts, as the Bank has your information on file. It’s always a good idea though to have your ID with you for verification. You will also need to bring funds for an opening deposit, which varies by account. (Note: you must be 19 years of age or older to open an account, otherwise you will need to have someone over the age of 19 on the account with you as an owner.)
The CIP form asks for the following information:
- Legal Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
- Date of Birth
- Citizenship Status
- Social Security Number
- Physical Address
- Mailing Address if different than physical
- Phone Number
- Email
- Occupation
- Employer
If you are looking to open an account at NebraskaLand Bank for the first time, we have a helpful sheet you can use. Click here to download.
The following items are accepted as forms of identification. You need to provide one Primary form of identification. The Secondary ID can be waived if all the following are met: you are a US Citizen and the address provided on the Primary ID matches the physical address provided for CIP.
With these items, the Bank can verify your identity and begin the account opening process. If you are going to have multiple owners/signers (Owner: a person with the legal authority to make changes on an account. Signer: a person who has the ability to write a check) on the account, they must also provide the CIP information and the necessary identifications listed above.
If you are opening a specific type of account, it may also require additional information.
- If you are submitting information to open a Health Savings Account (HSA) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you must also have the beneficiary’s name, address and SSN number.
- For HSAs, you need to know whether or not you have an individual or family insurance plan as well as your deductible amount, to ensure you are eligible.
- To open an account for a trust, you must have the trust documents.
- To open an account for an Estate, you must have PR papers and the EIN.
- Power of Attorney papers may also be necessary if applicable.
- Business accounts must provide the appropriate business documents: EIN, Articles of Organization or Incorporation, Operating Agreement or Bylaws. In addition the business entity has to be registered with Nebraska Secretary of State and be in Active status.
What questions do you ask?
When exploring new accounts, here are some questions you can ask to better understand your options. The Personal Banker will review many of these with you to help you find the best option for your finances.
- What types of fees will this account incur? Are there minimum balance requirements?
- Does this account earn interest? How do you qualify to earn interest on the account?
- How many transactions can I make with this account?
- Does this account include paper statements, or can I have electronic statements?
- Does this account come with a Debit Card or checks?
- Can I use your mobile app with this account?
- What additional features come with this account?
- What additional features does your Bank provide for my financial needs?
You can always ask more questions, but this will help you get a basic understanding of what the account entails and how it will help you.
Taking these steps can help make opening your new account a breeze. We would love to help you with any further questions you may have or new accounts you would like to open. If you are hesitant about the headache opening a new account may bring, NebraskaLand Bank has designated Account Transfer Specialists to make the transition easy. Contact a Personal Banker today!