Documents
Open a bank account and handle taxes
Somewhere your wages can land that does not charge you to hold them.
What it is
A checking account at a bank or credit union, plus the tax paperwork that comes with working.
Why it matters
Most employers pay by direct deposit. Cheque-cashing shops take a cut of every payslip, and that adds up faster than it looks.
What to have with you
- Photo ID
- Your Social Security number
- An address for statements, which can be a shelter or an agency address
Cost and how long
Look for accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Some banks and credit unions run certified accounts designed for people who have been refused before.
Ask about second-chance accounts
If you have been turned down before, or owe a bank money, ask specifically for a second-chance or Bank On certified account. Being refused once does not mean being refused forever.
Money resourcesCredit unions are often easier
Community credit unions tend to have lower minimums and fewer fees than large banks, and several in Cleveland will open an account for a young adult with limited history.
File a tax return even on a small income
You may be owed money back, and some credits are only paid if you file. Free tax help exists and you should not pay for it.
This is information, not legal or financial advice, and rules and fees change. Bridge explains how to get these things and never holds, uploads or stores a document for you. If you get stuck, dial 211 and a person will help you work out the next step.